January 2019 Report

Facultad de Estudios Bíblicos del Uruguay (College of Biblical Studies of Uruguay). In November the FEBU Pastors’ Program and the UCB Camp in Paysandú hosted the first of two Systematic Theology classes. Several undergraduate students worked at camp during the week while another served in Chile. FEBU desires to provide abundant practical ministry experience, locally and beyond Uruguay. Please pray for those directly responsible for this Ministerio Práctico, especially now in preparation for the 2019 school year (beginning March 11).

The Instituto Bíblico F.V. Dabold is a three-year cycle of live classes (in Montevideo) and a four-year video-based program (in several churches in the interior). Our desire is to take full advantage of the particular strengths and reach of these structures to train and encourage Uruguayan church members, pastors, and potential pastors both in the capital and throughout Uruguay. Recently the Uruguayan leadership asked JM to direct the Bible Institute.

Campamento Emanuel. Between January 10 and 12 JM will teach counseling to summer staff in preparation for the camp season; he will work as counselor during the teen/young adult camp (Jan 21-26). Other camps include children’s (Jan 14-19), younger teens (Jan 28-Feb 2), EMU workers’ (Feb 25-28), and family camps (Mar 4-9).

Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha. In November Gonzalo’s and Sebastián’s grandmother passed away during a lung surgery. Ana had spent most of the year in fragile health, awaiting a heart-valve replacement and dealing with other physical issues both before and after that surgery. Earlier this year she professed faith in Christ in direct response to the twins’ testimony. Their extended family has been exposed to the ministry of the gospel for years, especially during the time the Garwoods worked in Pando; however, most of them are not Christians. The family reported a significant change in Ana’s attitude and outlook following her conversion, and the grandsons have given public testimony about the Lord’s work through this situation. We believe that God has been glorified, that the church has grown in unity, and that there is opportunity for future gospel influence in this family.

Both Gonzalo and Sebastián plan to serve at camp in January, along with another young lady from the church. Please pray that this experience will be one of growth for all three. By March as many as four of the teen and college-age group plan to be studying in the national university, some of them also considering Bible-institute classes. May the Lord continue leading and maturing these youth, part of the apparent future of this church.

In March, Elizabeth will begin the first year of liceo (seventh grade) in a neighborhood public school. Daniel James will begin second grade in a small community north of Montevideo, in a Christian elementary school where one of our students teaches. Déborah also expects opportunities for involvement. E and DJ have proven to be capable students (in both languages), but the new school year with multiple schedules will require a number of adjustments for our family. DJ turned 8 this past October, and E turns 13 this month. Thank you for praying for the Lord’s ongoing work in their (and our) hearts. Schooling affords ample opportunity to share the gospel.

During the Christmas holidays we enjoyed a visit from Déborah’s sister, Esther, and her family. Esteban, Esther’s husband, is a graduate of EMU’s Bible Institute and now pastors a bilingual church in SC.

JM’s father had heart difficulties in 2018, but otherwise he and Mom Steel are well; they are active in their church in SC. Don Garwood (D’s father) struggles with heart and lung issues. He and Pat are fondly remembered here and have frequent contact with many via internet media. Pat continues to teach Spanish in their church’s school.

Abu (“Gramma”) Julia, the retired housekeeper for the mission home and office, turns 93 in February. She lives with us, receiving regular help from several in her church. The Lord has not yet finished His work in her!