Thank you for praying! We returned
to Montevideo on July 6 and are in the process of returning to the routine of
life here while preparing for a new semester that begins on Monday, July 30.
March through June.
During our four-month absence we visited almost all of our North American
supporting churches and most of our individual supporters. We regret not being
able to see a few of you. Though the trip was not especially restful on the
physical level, we are very thankful for the encouragement of the Lord’s people
and the gracious reception we were given in every place. Many of you opened
your homes or shared your time and resources, making yourselves vulnerable and
us very grateful for your love. We have indeed experienced Jesus’ generous
promise to those who follow Him: family, houses, and lands…not to mention
eternal life in the age to come! And we know that neither these beautiful
lands, nor the persecutions Jesus also foretold (not experienced in your
homes!), are worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed in us on that
great day.
During our travel
JM taught an online Homiletics (sermon preparation) course to 9 FEBU students
in Uruguay, following a regular weekend pattern of receiving student assignments
by email and sending them written and video material via internet. The
experience was positive; but we look forward to being in the classroom in
person!
Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha (Maranatha Bible Church). We are thankful for Matías and Bethany
Acevedo’s ministry with our church for 10 weeks during our absence. In addition
to his preaching and teaching, he and others in the church organized
evangelistic and service efforts in the neighborhood; and the timing of his
visit allowed him to baptize five believers in late May, an event we were able
to watch via Skype from Fairbanks, AK. In late June, following the Acevedos’
return to the U.S., we all met in Kentucky for two nights and a day, allowing
our families to get to know each other better and to glean from the experiences
of these months. Please pray for the Lord’s leading and provision, both for
the Acevedos and for this little church plant in Pando.
FEBU Block Course
(July 23-27). We look forward to a visit from our pastor, Dr.
Mark Minnick. While he is with us he will teach a block course on Romans
as part of the twice-yearly FEBU program for pastors. The class will be held at
Iglesia Templo Calvario in Montevideo. Please pray for a good group
of pastors, leaders, students, and laymen to attend. We’re very excited
about this opportunity and greatly appreciate our church’s generosity in
sending him. Translation and printing of the written material has been one of
our first main tasks upon arrival.
Thank you!
Once again, we appreciate all of you and the opportunity to spend the past four
months with many. We were refreshed by dear friends and committed churches in
the far north and west, by the unconditional support of our parents in SC and FL,
and by your kindness and fellowship everywhere in between. Our being able to
attend part of the Whetstone Conference in our home church was a special
blessing for us. Thank you!
The
Uruguay we returned to seems less safe than ever. Robberies and murder are
increasing in this place that for so long has been known for its tranquility.
More dangerous is the bent of our own hearts. We know the enemy and the flesh
are unrelenting in their warfare. Please pray for the Lord’s protection for us,
for our children, and for our students—in realms both seen and unseen.
“In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8).
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