April 2014 Report

The first quarter of 2014 has evaporated. Most of January was taken up with camp (for JM) and school (for Elizabeth and Déborah). Campamento Emanuel is operated by the Misión Evangélica del Uruguay (EMU) and serves many of the churches in Uruguay. This year a group also came from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Gabriel Gómez, one of the Uruguayan missionary-pastors who counseled with JM, commented especially on the great number of unsaved young people—in many cases, teens who have grown up regularly attending an evangelical church, who have come to camp year after year, but who show no evidence of a real conversion. This is an ongoing concern: the genuine salvation of children and teens in the churches here.

 

 

On the other hand, we are repeatedly encouraged by many young people whose big thoughts about God and whose commitment to Christ make us feel dwarfed. In their efforts to follow His leading, they are pursuing fields of physical therapy, agronomy, computer science, and teaching. They will be—indeed, already are—essential parts in their local bodies, Uruguayan churches. They are taking the gospel to hospitals, public places in the city, and nursing homes. And some of them are pursuing further Bible training. We have to think that some of these young men should not only be lay leaders in their churches but also constrained ministers of the gospel. And we must pray that the Lord of the Harvest would make it clear to those whom He has called in this way.

 

 

Elizabeth (and Déborah) plowed through second grade work (homeschooling) until the end of February, when Elizabeth began third grade in a school operated by Tabernáculo Bíblico Bautista in Punta de Rieles, on the outskirts of Montevideo. She’s doing well, and we’re grateful. During the month JM helped prepare for the opening of FEBU (College of Biblical Studies of Uruguay) and translate material for upcoming pastors’ training.

 

 

We’re encouraged with the work in Pando (Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha)—with faithful attendance and with enthusiasm among the half-dozen teens who regularly come. Gonzalo and Sebastián have taken opportunities to involve themselves in ministry and are seeking baptism. Recently JM preached for a baptism service for three believers from Iglesia Evangélica Siloé (the EMU church in Colón). Nearly all of the teens from Maranatha attended to observe. Please pray that we would have well-grounded confidence that all are genuinely converted.

 

 

In March, sixteen students (eight of them taking a full load of classes) enrolled in the very first semester of FEBU. These men and women are from Montevideo and interior Uruguay, along with an Argentine and an American expat. Déborah is teaching Spanish Grammar & Composition. JM is assisting with Principles of Bible Study and is helping as interim director while the Espinels are in the U.S. One week later, Bible institute classes began on the same “campus.” All classes this year are held at Iglesia Templo Calvario. JM is teaching the Pentateuch in the Bible institute. Our living so close facilitates not only teaching but also informal opportunities to talk with students, eat together, help with a sermon, or give song-leading tips. We’re glad to be here. Thank you for your part in making it possible! Please pray for God’s working in us and our students.