“Going, Sending, & Open Doors—the ANTIOCH Example”
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. –Acts 13:2-3
26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how HE had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. –Acts 14:26-28
Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas was incredible and we invite you to read in Acts 13 & 14 about all that God brought them through and did through them, including the toughest circumstances and the biggest triumphs. As the above verses show, isn’t it amazing what God accomplishes through his Churches in the world that pray, fast, send, and go?! Nothing beats an entire Church involved from beginning to end, with GOD in the middle!
We and CHILE MISSION so appreciate your prayers and your sending us off to complete God’s work marked out by His Holy Spirit. We also very much appreciate your coming to Chile to help! A team of eleven from First Christian Church of Wilmington, IL, were with us in April, and then two good friends, Donn & Rick (from our home Church when our family left for language school in Aug. 1992), came to install electric service to the platform structure that is being finished being built. Donn is also our CHILE MISSION teammate in the U.S. Nine volunteers from Dover First Christian Church in Ohio got us off to a great start when they came in January.
These photos help tell the story…. The first one shows the Wilmington Church team at the small “one-room school” not far from our camp property. It has one main professor and 10 students, first through sixth grade. We and Wilmington visited them on their English-teaching day of the week. We introduced ourselves, taught them games, shared, and even made S’mores over a fire—all in English. 🙂 What fun we had–with an open door to visit again in the future! We also planted a seed toward their helping look for another couple/individual to live on the camp property and help in its development, which would be a real answer to prayer. They finished laying the floor for the outside deck, in addition to many other chores, including delicious food from the garden and pumpkin pie from scratch!!
For their part, Donn & Rick were able to run pvc electrical tubes and connect all wires to have electric lights and sockets where needed on the platform, now taking final shape—all in just three days! Their parting photo with Abraham & family at the bus terminal is fantastic! Abraham is now finishing the roof, just in time before the winter season rains begin in the area. Regarding the construction of the two-story metal maintenance/storage/workshop building, Luís (with whom Abraham & Jack talked with in March) would like to visit our property to see the projected building’s exact location and soil composition, etc. before completing his design and bid.
Raquel, Abraham’s and Catalina’s special nearby friend, did pass away from cancer in April, and we attended her wake in their home and service at the cemetery. She and Pedro have many relatives, including other Chileans living in the area that have known them for years, and the number of neighbors and friends attending the ceremonies was well above 100 people. The best part, though, was that Raquel was a Christian and some local church choirs and the message delivered by her pastor were listened to by all! Chileans living in rural areas of the country do not show outward emotion, but God’s Spirit was clearly moving and working. We pray for Pedro, Raquel’s husband, as he embarks on his life without her help and presence.
Meanwhile, as we were preparing to travel back to the States after Donn’s & Rick’s departure, Esteban, youngest son of Julián & Carolina in Santiago, suddenly become sick with a very painful urinary tract infection and was hospitalized for over a week. His infection has been treated and his kidneys appear to be functioning without damage, and we are all thankful for God’s healing touch. The prognosis is for complete healing as we and others continue to pray for him and give God thanks. Julián took several days off of work and the private clinic was very expensive for them. He was obligated to sign papers promising to pay the daily hospital room bill in excess of $500—on top of the charges for doctors, medical tests, and medicine. Considering his low salary, they are waiting to see what payment arrangements can be made.
Our time in the States is off to an amazing start. So far in Florida we’ve been able to visit and stay with several special long-time friends and we also attended a new church, which we pray will lead to their sending a short-term mission team to Chile next year. Our contact with them, along with our visit to the “one room school” near the camp property in Chile are both examples of how GOD HIMSELF has always has been and always will be THE DOOR OPENER, just as He was with Paul & Barnabas!
Janine, in the meantime, finally was seen for her fractured fifth metatarsal bone in her left foot—it happened 10 weeks ago. She has not been in pain, but the foot has been swollen. She now sports a supportive sandal, along with a beautiful right foot counterpart. 🙂 We’re glad that’s she’s now “on the mend”!
We now just arrived in Houston, TX at the house of Julian & Devyn to meet our newest grandchild, Joah, born on March 22nd. What a super blessing, and Lyon is already showing to be a good big brother.
Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks to our “Holy Spirit-Powered, Door-Opening” One, True God,
Chile Mission 