October 2014 Report

End of the year. As in North America, Uruguay’s school schedule begins in the fall and ends in the spring. The timing of the seasons differs, though, which means that the academic year—approximately March through November—falls entirely within the calendar year. Next month, by God’s grace, we expect to finish the first year of classes in the FEBU Bible-college project. It has been a year of much learning—both for students and for teachers. God has given us a great group of students (17 this second semester, 8 of whom are taking a full load). They have been eager, motivated, and tolerant of mistakes and consequent adjustments in the program and schedule. We’re also thankful for the teachers who have cheerfully given of time and resources, sometimes traveling several hours from the interior of the country each week to spend an evening teaching.

 

 

Teachers. While teachers are indeed one of our greatest assets, they are also one of our biggest needs. The solution has several potential facets: First (though not necessarily first in importance), we would welcome the arrival of the right qualified teachers who would be willing to make themselves servants to the Uruguayan churches for the sake of Christ. Second, we want to encourage and provide resources for the teachers that the Lord has already given us (not only those teaching in FEBU but also those who continue to teach in the EMU Bible institute). Finding textbooks and materials is an ongoing challenge. Many good tools are available, but sometimes the logistics of putting them in people’s hands is complicated. Third, we recognize great potential in many of the current college and Bible-institute students and in others that have not yet received any formal training. Please pray that their hearts would remain warm toward God and His Word and that they would take full advantage of the opportunities being given to them. They are the next generation of teachers.

 

 

 

Pastors and Evangelists. The same three facets apply to the need for pastors and evangelists. There is room for more “pioneer-level” work in Uruguay: many towns and rural areas lack a clear gospel witness. If on Sundays you pass several other Bible churches on the way to yours, maybe you should look at a map of Uruguay (or France, or Cambodia, or Morrocco). The Garwoods (who returned to Uruguay on October 17, after 9 months of medical furlough) regularly ask for help in the church plant in Pando, with which we are involved on the weekends. In recent months we’ve enjoyed fellowship with a missionary family newly moved from the U.S. to San Jacinto, another town in need of a Bible-preaching church. However, we understand that the focus of the work for which we’ve been sent has to do with those other two facets: in short, equipping national pastors and training new ones. Who is sufficient for this? When we stop to think about it, it seems foolish that we should be in such a position. It is an undeserved privilege. We love this. But we do need wisdom and prayer.

 

 

July through September. At the end of July we traveled to Paysandú for the first week of the FEBU pastors’ program: classes designed to supplement the previous experience and training already received by Uruguayan pastors and leaders. Thank you for your prayers for this class. It was well attended, and the instruction set a high standard for future courses. The next block will be the week of November 10 at Camp Emmanuel in Guazuvirá, where Dr. Gary Reimers will teach expository preaching. Pastor Reimers is a professor at Bob Jones University Seminary and pastors Cornerstone Baptist Church. We hope to see another good group of pastors attend, representing many churches that will consequently benefit from the investment of these days. In August JM co-taught a series of classes on biblical principles of music at a men’s retreat in the department of Treinta y Tres, several hours from Montevideo. Once again, the pastors and other men there represent local churches that we’re privileged to serve throughout Uruguay. Please pray for the strengthening of these works.

 

September 2 marked an entire year since our final arrival. The process of settling in has been a two-step-forward, one-step-back affair. Our day-to-day activity has distilled into something resembling a schedule: Morning study and class preparation, afternoon home life, and evening teaching or other related activities. At any time of day visitors—students, for example—might stop by. Correspondence and Skype calls with many of you ought to fit somewhere in the paradigm; but we apologize for not keeping up with this better. Please know that we appreciate you. Thank you for your continued friendship!

 

National elections. On October 26 (and then probably for a run-off on November 30), every Uruguayan adult is required to cast a vote to help decide who will govern their country for the next 5 years. Judging from the last 10 years—and especially the last 5—there is much at stake. Please pray for God’s mercy to Uruguay, for the success of the gospel here, and for wisdom for Christian citizens. While believers might come to different conclusions as to how to vote (in any nation), there exists a heart issue of allowing Christ’s lordship to extend even to the level of which paper list one places in the ballot box. And as God sets up one government and takes down another, He might be even more concerned about the individual, eternally-secure sanctification of His children and about what’s going on in their hearts as they cast their vote.