July 2019 Report

¡Saludos desde Montevideo, Uruguay!

Campamento Emanuel. Thank you for praying for the Winter Retreat at Camp Emmanuel. Approximately thirty-six teens came for three days, mostly from the Montevideo and Pando areas but several from interior Uruguay. The weather was chilly: Cold rain (and even some sleet) fell the first evening, and temps during the days hovered in the 40’s F, with usual high humidity. Please pray for the Spirit’s continued work in the hearts of those who heard the Word. Nico taught from the life of Joseph, highlighting God’s providential control of circumstances on behalf of His children. Robert and JM spoke on the effects of music, a general theme introduced this month with more extensive treatment planned for the Jan-Feb 2020 camps. Three teens attended from our church in Pando.

Training programs. In addition to the four Bible-institute locations in the interior (Rivera, Tacuarembó, Pando, and Treinta y Tres), churches in two other locations (Vergara and Durazno) have expressed interest in starting local classes as soon as possible. Please pray for the Lord’s clear direction in these two places—especially in Durazno as there appears to be potential for the development of future church leadership there. The second semester of classes begins on August 5 and runs through the end of November. In Montevideo JM will be teaching Bible-institute and FEBU classes, including Hermeneutics, General Epistles, and Church Music.

In another context, JM has the opportunity to participate, as a group of pastors evaluate and revise their joint doctrinal statement. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance of all those involved.

CCB Cristo Viene. This is DJ’s elementary school outside of Las Piedras, just north of Montevideo. The early-morning commute is long, but the combined benefits that address DJ’s needs and offer many ministry opportunities cause us to be thankful for this situation. Both of us have been able to clearly share the gospel with significant groups of students and their family members: D to the mothers and students, and JM to groups of grandparents, parents, and students. D has also been given the opportunity to teach elementary English two mornings a week. Apart from the impact on the students, her teaching is facilitating DJ’s attendance there. Much closer to home, E continues to do well in a local public middle school just two blocks from our house.

Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha in Pando. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s provision for this church. JM recently returned to a study in 1 Peter, and Jorge has taken several weeks of Sunday school to instruct about evangelism. Pat Garwood arrived in Uruguay on June 18 and is thankful to have seen many people from the church here (and elsewhere) where she and Don served for so many years. Please pray for her continued healing from a fall that she took on her second day here, a providential turn of events that significantly altered the nature of her trip.

The Lord’s dealings with us, in fact, over the last several months have been reminders of His providential control of everything. We do not always see His hand, but we are assured that He is guiding all. We do not ever need to say, “God must have some purpose for this,” because He has already revealed that at least one of His purposes is always our transformation into Christ-likeness (Romans 8). We are more fully convinced than ever of His keeping of His own and of the ultimately irresistible grace of God. Without sharing details, we want you to rejoice with us that God is keeping our current and former students. Though some have stumbled, most—and we hope all—are enduring. And we are watching God graciously rescue and restore in His own time and way. Our hearts are full! This month we are also celebrating His blessing and keeping us for 20 years of marriage. We are thankful! Please pray that we will be faithful with whatever more time the Lord may give us.