As cold waters to a thirsty soul,
So is good news from a distant land.
Proverbs 25:25

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, . . . "Your God reigns!"
Isaiah 52:7
good news from a distant land (all posts)
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Thursday, July 19, 2018

July 2018 Report

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.

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