We have returned to the U.S. following a three-month visit to Uruguay, which we began in late May. The primary reason for the trip was to oversee the ministry of Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha in the city of Pando while Don and Pat Garwood were in the U.S. for a short furlough. The Garwoods are Déborah’s father and stepmother and serve with Maranatha Bible Missions. Thank you for your part in sending us. We will continue to need your prayers.
The Garwoods have diligently worked for years on the side of railroad tracks that more or less form the boundary of a particularly difficult area of town. Some of these northern barrios tend to be known for crime and vice and are more economically challenged than are many other areas in Uruguay. Déborah’s brother (Daniel), and his wife (Viviana), faithfully help with morning Sunday school and the Sunday evening preaching service. For thirteen weeks we had opportunity to better acquaint ourselves with a group of people that came to one or more of the four regular weekly meetings. Don and Pat are eager for help in making disciples of these and other contacts.
The Garwoods have diligently worked for years on the side of railroad tracks that more or less form the boundary of a particularly difficult area of town. Some of these northern barrios tend to be known for crime and vice and are more economically challenged than are many other areas in Uruguay. Déborah’s brother (Daniel), and his wife (Viviana), faithfully help with morning Sunday school and the Sunday evening preaching service. For thirteen weeks we had opportunity to better acquaint ourselves with a group of people that came to one or more of the four regular weekly meetings. Don and Pat are eager for help in making disciples of these and other contacts.
Other towns across the Uruguayan pampas are in need of clear gospel testimony and sustained Bible teaching. In other nations the landscape is even bleaker. But we are encouraged by the condition of the Uruguayan churches, and we look forward to their being further strengthened and used by God to proclaim His glory in this region and elsewhere around the world. Our future ministry will focus on training laborers, as we work alongside these churches, national pastors, and faithful missionaries. The warm welcome we received from people—some connected to the EMU churches, others not—encourage us that there is a definite place for us here.
During these months John Mark attempted to emphasize certain themes (as did Déborah in a couple of encouraging, well-attended ladies’ meetings): understanding of the gospel, recognition of God’s control of everything (Dan. 4:35), and identification of God’s good purposes (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28-30). We encouraged memorization of these verses and reading through the gospel of John. On our final Sunday evening, we heard testimonies of the Lord’s work in people’s hearts, followed by a time of food and fellowship they had planned.
We were also able to have regular contact with some of the EMU ministries: JM attended a couple of morning prayer meetings with the Montevideo-area missionaries, visited Camp Emmanuel, and sat in on a Bible institute class. Many opportunities arose to see other pastors and friends. We’re thankful for friendships strengthened, and we’re hopeful that the Lord will use in the future what we experienced these months. The primary benefit of our time in Uruguay may have been our own learning and the further preparation that it provided for our upcoming return. Please pray that we, along with Matías and Kristine Espinel, will be able to move permanently within this next year. We have reached 43% of EMU’s goal for our financial support; the Espinels are receiving 54%.
During the fall we will again travel to the western U.S. and Canada, beginning with three weeks in Alaska, where JM plans to visit churches, preach and teach, see friends, talk with pastors, and share information about the work in Uruguay. Please pray for encouraging services and conversations in which the Lord will accomplish His purposes among His people through His Word. Thank you for the many ways you encourage and help us.
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