Post by Deborah: "Blessings!"

We’ve been blessed in extra special ways by our most recent visitors!

Gina shared her testimony at a multi-church ladies’ meeting, hosted by Templo Calvario here in Montevideo.

Jerry and Gina “remodeled” the hallways (downstairs and up) as well as the main stairwell and our master bedroom! In the words of E and DJ: “This is a different place now!”

We heartily agree! It is a different place!

We thoroughly enjoyed a very competitive soccer game on Tuesday night – probably the most competitive I’ve ever attended! The stadium was packed! (If you followed the events of this year’s Copa America, you’ll understand the background.)

These “extras” didn’t stay empty for long...

¡Viva URUGUAY!

We won 3 to 0!

We’re very thankful for these friends and their time with us.

And we’re going to miss them!

October 2015 Report

Please pray especially for the Lord’s provision of a pastor for Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha in Pando!

During the last couple days of Uruguay’s spring break (the week of September 21), FEBU (College of Biblical Studies of Uruguay) worked with a camp in Paysandú that annually hosts a retreat for college and career young people. This year the focus was twofold: to encourage consecration to Christ and to ask those present to consider whether the Lord would want them to come to FEBU to better prepare for service. We’re thankful for the opportunity to have contact with approximately fifty current and potential students.

Please pray for results from this two-day retreat: (1) that the Lord would continue to work His purposes in hearts as a result of the preaching of His Word; (2) that He would bring the students He has appointed to train in FEBU; and (3) that this network of local churches and like-minded mission agencies would continue to maintain a commitment to careful doctrine and practice, while exercising a willingness to give up personal rights for the sake of the gospel.

FEBU students gave testimonies during the retreat.

One of the efforts within this “network” is CenViAb (Abundant Life Center), which seeks to educate churches about the reality of abortion (recently legal and widely viewed in the culture as a “solution”). CenViAb also aims to provide help to mothers and to those suffering from the effects of the sin of abortion. A news article in late August highlighted a family that had chosen life and drew attention to the obstacles they faced for their choice. God has given us (especially D) ongoing contact now with this family; and we are encouraged to see the way in which individual Christians have shown initiative, taken leadership, and responded to the needs of this family.

Please pray that Uruguayan churches would take long-term gospel opportunity with this and many other families like them—not only with those families that have chosen life but also with individuals suffering the excruciating physical and emotional consequences of a legal “procedure” that never delivers the simple solution that it promises.

D has been asked to speak at the ladies’ retreat (October 14-17) at Camp Emmanuel. She plans to use the sessions to encourage their Bible study and interpretation. A gift of devotional booklets from one of our SC churches has provided not only study material but also a focused theme: “Meditaciones del evangelio para nosotras.” Please pray!

JM continues to teach Hermeneutics. Please pray for the students—some of them future pastors—to take seriously the responsibility of rightly interpreting the Bible. They all want this, but at times the investment is difficult— especially given the load of other classes and work schedules. Practically this requires a willingness to read much; patience to pause and observe details in the text; and humility to submit to the importance of tracing arguments, recognizing subordinate clauses, constructing diagrams, and considering such things as genre and background.

In June of 2013 we began the process of pursuing permanent residency. Several recent changes in immigration laws (and their interpretation) left us uncertain as to the wisest way to proceed, but in November of 2013 we submitted part of the needed information and received national ID cards. In late 2014 we learned of a new development that would allow D to receive permanent residency based on her having a direct family connection with an Uruguayan citizen. Earlier this year (2015) we officially submitted our applications and information—D through one government department and JM (with E and DJ) through another. In late September we received the welcome news that D had been granted permanent residency! Please continue to pray for the rest of this process.

Due to this and several other factors, it is too soon to fully assess our travel responsibilities next year. We’re sure of a couple things, though: We want to limit the length of travel as much as possible, and we want to stay in touch with you as well as possible. Some of your churches we haven’t visited for 4 or 5 years, and we value the chance to report personally what God is doing as you work together with us. Please let us know if you would like a visit; we can at least begin the conversation. Thank you for the many ways you continue to encourage us.

July 2015 Report

The month of July in Uruguay is always a change from routine, as students on all levels break for two weeks of vacation between semesters. FEBU students (College of Biblical Studies of Uruguay) are off for a month of welcome rest, though most continue working jobs in the capital city of Montevideo. This year, changes in BJU Seminary’s D.Min program (especially the new deadline for completing course work) prompted us to travel to SC for a late-June class and visits to churches in the southeastern U.S.

Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha. When Don and Pat Garwood returned to Uruguay last October, Don began his 43rd year of service in the country. In the months that followed, they remained very active while continuing to monitor Don’s health. During this time we were all encouraged by baptisms in December (Gonzalo and Sebastián) and June (Rocío, Florencia, and Agustina). Several of these teens’ friends have also begun to visit youth meetings or other services.

As the mid-year winter approached, however, it became evident that the wisest decision would be for the Garwoods to permanently relocate to the U.S. Thus on June 15 they flew with us from Montevideo to Miami. Please continue to pray for their stable health, for adequate rest, and for encouraging opportunities for them to serve, not only in their local church but also in the Spanish speaking community in Jacksonville, FL, where they are now living. They leave in Uruguay their hearts, many friends, and a sizable hole.

For many years the Garwoods have asked God to send full-time help for the church in Pando. It appears that God’s answer, for the time being, is that a small team of us continue to share the work of leading this group. Daniel and Viviana have for many years faithfully helped by teaching the children, leading music, preaching, and handling many of the financial affairs. (Daniel is Don’s son and Deborah’s brother; Viviana grew up in the neighborhood of the church and was saved as a teenager.) We will continue to rely greatly on their wisdom while JM takes a greater share of the preaching and teaching. Manuel, a second-year FEBU student, plans to continue helping as part of his practical ministry requirement. We would all appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we seek to make and mature disciples and for God’s provision of the right Uruguayan leadership in His time. 

During the week our focus continues to be the FEBU Bible-college project. Please continue to pray for qualified teachers and for those students who should dedicate themselves to study. Approximately 20 students take classes (and another 20 are enrolled in EMU’s Bible institute in various locations around the country). Second semester begins August 3. JM will be teaching Hermeneutics while preparing to teach (or re-teach) classes for next year (Pentateuch, Introduction to Music, and Homiletics I). Besides keeping up with Elizabeth (9), Daniel James (4), and Julia (89), Deborah has several projects in mind: preparing to teach (principles of Bible study) at a ladies’ retreat at Camp Emmanuel in October and editing memoirs of Ursula Thiessen, a long-time servant of the churches in Uruguay.

Thank you for your prayers for Uruguay and for us. Without the Spirit’s conviction, blind men and women will never come to Jesus. And without the grace of God at work in the lives of Christians, growth in love for Christ and ability to interpret and apply the Bible will remain stunted. We are all in constant need of God’s continued work in our hearts.

Post by Deborah: "Recent Travels"

We’re thankful for God’s gracious provision!

The day after Christmas found us on the way to Miami with Esteban and Esther and Marcos on a whirlwind two-week trip to Uruguay for Julia’s and Dilney’s wedding. We spent ten wonderful (summer!) days there and four more days (two on each side) driving to Miami and back.

We’re thankful for the time with extended family.

On December 31, Esteban and Esther reminded us that the last time we three Garwood siblings were together for “the holidays” was twenty-three years ago.

We celebrated Dosila’s birthday on Dec. 31.

The cousins enjoyed some good times together.

DJM reached the 14-month milestone while there. It was fun to take his picture by Tia Viviana’s Christmas tree – in summer! (Christmas in Uruguay isn’t over until after January 6.)

JM preached on New Year’s Day at Iglesia Biblica Maranatha on the outskirts of Pando, and Esteban preached that evening at Templo Betel, the church his father pastored for many years. We also attended mid-week services at three EMU churches.

We’re guessing that folks from EMU churches all over Uruguay attended the wedding. We enjoyed many opportunities for fellowship and left greatly encouraged and more eager than ever to get back – to stay!

Although exhausting, it was an encouraging trip overall.

Two days after our return to the Upstate found JM and me on icy highways on the way to a conference in Ohio. As I commented on FaceBook last Thursday:

A week ago, I was walking the length of “18 de Julio”(one of Montevideo’s main thoroughfares) with John Mark and Kenzi and the kids – in summer! Tonight, I’m on my way to a conference in Ohio– trying to remember how to drive in snow!

On Monday, JM began a two-week D.Min. course.

Please continue to pray for us!

Post by Deborah: "Beginning Year Two"

Mid-May of last year was a time of great emotion, reminiscent of high school or college commencement; we stood at a defining moment made up of an end as well as a beginning. We were leaving the predictability of life as we had known it in the Upstate to begin full-time travel, preparing for full-time ministry in Uruguay. Originally, our goal was to be in Uruguay in April 2011. We continue to trust God for His perfect timing...

In mid-May of this year, we were preparing to fly to Uruguay as short-term “furlough replacements” for my dad and stepmom. We returned from Uruguay in late August and began Year Two of full-time travel in September. We are currently at 43% of our targeted support level and prayerfully plan to be in Uruguay in mid-2012.

Year One was undoubtedly filled with “stretching” and learning opportunities. Our experiences have been – for the most part! – encouraging and enjoyable. I say “for the most part” because traveling with a four-year-old (now five) and newborn (now one) has certainly provided an array of often unexpected challenges. We continually find our Good Shepherd to be faithful for each step of the way; He is blessing us and providing our every need. His people have been very good to us, and we have enjoyed reconnecting with friends as well as forming new friendships with like-minded brothers and sisters who now pray specifically for us and for the ministry in Uruguay.

Our most recent travels took us from SC through the Mid-West to churches in CO, UT, ID, Alberta, and back through MT, UT, CO, and IA. After that last week of thirty hours in the car, we’re especially thankful for God’s grace and protection. And we’re content to be “sojourning” in South Carolina once again!

Elizabeth gets excited about real-life geography lessons!

(I do plan to post pictures of our trip – as time and the demands of getting resettled allow!)

As we continue this stage of our ministry, we recognize more than ever our need for God’s grace. Each day on the road offers new challenges, new opportunities for growth, and new mercies – all from the hand of our perfect and loving Shepherd. We’re thankful for His promises!

Will you pray for us?

The Law of the Yukon

On more than one occasion last month in Alaska, conversations turned to the needs in the villages. We want to see native churches led by native pastors. In the meantime, what seems to be at least one necessary element is the missionary willing to go for good, willing to be isolated, willing to feel the brunt of winter after dark winter; in short, willing to go there to die. And no doubt the romance of working in a northern village dies at the rate of six or seven minutes each day until the sun no longer rises and one realizes his need for Something greater than romance to sustain him.

At the risk of perpetuating a bit of romance, I quote Robert Service’s personification of the Yukon: “And I wait for the men who will win me—and I will not be won in a day” [HT: Jim Elliot, who acknowledged quoting the words “utterly out of context”].

The irony is that God has chosen the weak—in Service’s words, even “the dissolute, damned and despairful, crippled and palsied and slain”—made whole and strong by the gospel and empowered by grace, to make disciples in this land, by authority of the King of the land (Matthew 28:18-20).

I enjoyed reading the entire poem here.

January 2011

This month took us to Michigan, Ontario, and Ohio. After completely circling Lake Michigan in January, the worst road conditions we saw were in Greenville, SC, within a few miles of home.

Today will preach in Linville, NC, from Psalm 63: Because God is all-satisfying, we should seek Him, rejoice in Him, praise Him . . . and take to the nations the good news of that all-satisfying God who offers salvation in His Son.

Hoping for gospel conversations with Uruguayans in coastal SC this coming week.

Fall 2010 Report

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your prayers, your kind support in various ways, and your interest in our activities this fall. We are thankful for the Lord’s provision and leading—not only during these past several months but throughout the entire year. Pictures, highlights, and requests for prayer from 2010 are included below.

September: At the beginning of the month John Mark returned from Alaska, having visited multiple churches and individuals on the drive home. (Déborah and Elizabeth had returned by plane in August.) We then took part in meetings or conferences in GA, TN, and SC. JM preached twice in our church’s neighborhood Spanish service.

October and November: We are thankful for these months in our temporary home (Greenville, SC)—time which has given rest and renewed connection with both our home church and other local churches nearby. JM began work toward the Doctor of Ministry program at BJU Seminary to further prepare for our mission of assisting Uruguayan churches, particularly in the area of ministry training. (For information, along with an introduction to the Steels and the Espinels, please see:

http://www.emuinternational.org/emu_urug_theo_train.htm.)

On October 30 God blessed us with Daniel James Matías. We are grateful to God and stand in need of His grace. And little Daniel James stands in need of the gospel if he is to be inspired by his biblical tocayos: faithful Daniel (Dan. 6); James—unbelieving half-brother turned slave of the Lord (James 1:1); and Matías—ordained a witness of the resurrection (Acts 1:22). Daniel James left the hospital the day his cousin Jonatán Torres entered for another surgery in connection with his ongoing battle with osteosarcoma cancer. Please pray for God’s grace and glory.

We are hoping that by this time next year we will be making detailed plans for our move to Uruguay. Meanwhile we anticipate what promises to be a very full schedule of meetings and other opportunities for ministry and preparation in 2011. We look forward to the continued privilege of preaching, teaching, ministering musically, and—of course—communicating the needs and opportunities that lie before us in Uruguay. We learn much from this time of local church ministry, and we thank the Lord for putting us into His service in this way. Please pray that He would accomplish His good purposes among His people and that He would continue to prepare us for work in Uruguay. We do want God to use our fleeting lives and otherwise meager service to further His kingdom; but without His grace and strength we waste our time. We trust that the Lord is putting us into the churches of His choosing, but we cannot take that for granted. Please pray for God’s guidance in such planning. Travel plans this coming winter include Michigan and Ohio. Contact us if you would like a detailed itinerary.

Bible institute classes in Uruguay end as their summer begins; and preparations there are underway for the January and February camp season. Not only will many young people and families be exposed to God’s Word, but the camp ministry also provides training opportunities for Bible institute students and others. In March of 2011, Don and Pat Garwood plan to return to the States for a six-month furlough. Please pray that the Lord would provide for adequate oversight and continued progress of the work in Pando during their absence.

Friends, do pray. Without Him you and we can do nothing of eternal value. And apart from God’s forgiveness offered in the gospel, the nations die without hope of knowing and glorifying God. Consider taking a more active role in the cause that cannot fail—that of making disciples of Jesus Christ, both on our continent and beyond!

For the sake of that Name,

John Mark, Déborah, Elizabeth, and Daniel James Steel

2010 in Brief Review:

Our future co-workers, Matías and Kristine Espinel, spent a week with us in January. Please pray for them (and their Baby Boy, due in January 2011) as you pray for us.

We spent February in Uruguay—teaching at Camp Emmanuel, spending time with Deborah’s family and Maranatha Bible Church in Pando, and visiting EMU churches in the interior.

In April and May we made a significant transition to full-time ministry: preparation for Uruguay, travel, and meetings in a group of local churches that are helping to send us to Uruguay. We enjoyed conferences and services in Iowa, Colorado, and Utah.

We participated in Vacation Bible School in one church in Alaska where we presented our anticipated work in Uruguay. Pat Garwood’s parents helped to start this church in the 1950’s.

A pleased big sister with her 9 lb. 14 oz. bodyguard (At last! Non-blurry pictures of Sasquatch!)

The Torres family is in Uruguay until December 13. Please pray for God’s name to appear very big to those in Uruguay (and North America) as we watch Him work in this difficult situation. Jona’s situation affects many of those with whom we will serve in Uruguay.



Please do pray!

Southeast

Spent the first half of this week in a missions conference in Clayton; we’re thankful for the kind North Georgia hospitality shown to us there.

Early tomorrow we drive to Johnson City, Tennessee. I’ll teach S.S. in the morning; in the evening we’ll present our future ministry in Uruguay.

Next week, beginning Wednesday, we take part in another conference in Rock Hill, SC.

Thank you for your prayers for us!

Termination Dust: 5 of 5

Thoughts on Psalm 90 and September

Last month I again spent several days in Utah, an area where I lived part of my teenage years. I am now twice as old. Those years seem long ago; yet time has passed very quickly. As people “in Christ,” we have not experienced—and never will—God’s unbridled wrath. But perhaps you have become acutely aware of the brevity of life. Perhaps you have suffered in some way the excruciating effects of the Fall. Perhaps you have learned something of God’s dealings with sin and of the fleeting nature of life. And you want to respond with wisdom and with a fear of God.

How do we respond to the brevity of life? How do we respond with wisdom? Compare these two possibilities:

“Life is short. I need to get busy. I need to get up, to work harder, to study better, and to invest in my family. I need to give the gospel more faithfully. No more games! There is work to do.”

Or, “Return, O Yahweh! Be sorry for Your servants. Satisfy us with Your lovingkindness. Make us glad. Let Your work and Your majesty appear to Your servants. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands.”

The first is not all bad. But the second mirrors what Moses prays in the remaining verses of this psalm. I would suggest that here we have a Holy-Spirit-inspired application and response to the brevity of life. Moses has just “numbered his days,” and they numbered 70 or 80 years (though, of course, God gave him a few more). What follows (and this is my attempt at a summary) is a humble appeal to God for grace (vv. 13-17). Or, in other words—words with which Moses began this psalm—it is a responding to life’s brevity by fleeing to the eternal God for refuge. The Christian servant may rest in the One who was here before the mountains were born. Hide in Him who, from everlasting to everlasting, is God. Pray to the Father in the name of Jesus with words like these:

“Have compassion. Make me glad! Show me Your glory! And establish. (That has the sound of permanence.) Establish—for I certainly cannot. Establish the works of my hands!”

This has implications for how we carry out the work of our Lord’s last commission to the church to make disciples. It is not merely a matter of working harder. It is not at all a matter of mustering our own strength for the task. It has everything to do with an appeal for God to show His own glory in working and in doing what we cannot do. Let’s work. Let’s work very hard! But only as we completely rely upon the grace of God.

Sojourning in SC

I returned "home" this evening, having traveled from Colorado via Iowa and Ohio. It is good to be back together as a family. The Lord has carried us all summer. Thanks much to those who prayed for us! (Please don't stop!) jms

Last night in Utah

Good days here visiting people, including a former pastor on Monday. The Lord gave opportunity today to speak a few words to two LDS missionary girls at Temple Square. The trend is their use of biblical terminology, though with different meanings, and their eager agreement with my statements of truth. For example: “Jesus is the Son of God.” But the Bible first tells us of an eternal God—unchanging, with no beginning. And the title “Son of God” as used of Jesus refers to His deity, to the fact that He is of the same nature as the Father. I will never be a “son of God” in this sense.

Encouraging prayer meeting in Marysvale. Tomorrow we drive to Denver.

Requests for Prayer: 19 August 2010

Please pray for an immigration situation affecting a family in Greenville.

We would also appreciate prayer for this next week's schedule.

Sunday (22): The Lord's blessing as I present the work in Uruguay and preach in Idaho Falls.

Monday (23): Safe travel to Roy, Utah.

Tuesday (24): Good fellowship with men in Kaysville.

Wednesday (25): Safe travel to Marysvale and profitable visit there.

Thursday (26): Another day of travel (to Denver).

Friday (27): J flies to SC.

Sunday (29): Meeting in Westminster, CO.

Return to Alberta

Monday: Soldotna to Anchorage for p.m. return flight

Tuesday: Anchorage to Fairbanks. Attended evening Bible conference service.

Wednesday: Fairbanks. Attended evening prayer meeting.

Thursday: Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Yukon.

Friday: Whitehorse to Buckinghorse River, B.C.

Saturday: Buckinghorse River to Edmonton, Alberta.

Sunday (today): Taught S.S. in Edmonton. Gave update in Calgary during evening service.

On Thursday heated noodles and made coffee by the road east of Kluane. Met two men from Calgary who, by their own admission, have been “heathens” for some seventy years. We would not convert them, they told us. We are in Calgary tonight and have been reminded of the need for the gospel here. It is right to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers to Alberta. Time is as short as summer in the Yukon, where autumn colors are already visible and the fireweed is nearly gone.

Two services in Anchorage today

10:00 a.m. AKDT / 2 p.m. EDT

5:30 p.m. AKDT / 9:30 p.m. EDT

We will be presenting our future work in Uruguay, asking for prayer, and teaching/preaching.

Thanks for your prayers.

Several requests for prayer from Fairbanks

Safe, healthy delivery of two new future co-workers: our second child, due in October . . . and . . . Matías and Kristine’s first, due in January! (And S and C's third, due in September.)

Effective ministry of U.S. Army chaplains at Fort Wainwright here in Fairbanks.

Salvation of LDS in Fairbanks (2 or 3 LDS buildings in the city).

Native Athabascan pastors to serve indigenous village churches. This has not yet been seen in Alaska. The obstacles are overwhelming, but so is the power of the gospel.

We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May with one voice, and heart and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace. (Watts)

Saturday we leave Fairbanks for two weeks in Anchorage, which will be our base for several meetings and a nearby pastors’ conference.

Return to the U.S.

Saturday: Final day of Saskatoon conference. Good conversation with director of the new Bible college in Edmonton. Saskatoon to Edmonton.

Sunday: Presented future ministry in Uruguay during evening service in Edmonton. Very kind response from the church.

Monday: Left Edmonton. Spent night in a tent at Buckinghorse River Wayside Provincial Park. Chilly! We have left the stars behind until our return south.

Tuesday: Drove to Teslin, Yukon. Slept in car during steady rain.

Wednesday: Arrived in Palmer, AK, quite late, but ahead of schedule. Happy reunion with Deborah and Elizabeth! Thankful for Jonathan's help.

Tomorrow (Friday) we will drive to Fairbanks, where we will present the ministry in a couple of churches, spend time with friends there, and help in Bible camp ministry. Please pray for safety, fruitful ministry, and our growth in grace.

The Shepherd is currently leading through pleasant (remote, stunning) pastures.

Saskatoon

Drove one of two rental cars from Edmonton to Saskatoon today. WCBF conference began this evening. I am mainly attending, spending time with people, and profiting from the preaching (and possibly participating musically). Please pray for churches and believers to be encouraged during these days.

To Calgary

Thursday: Cedar Rapids, IA, to Greeley, CO.

Friday: Met briefly with pastor in Greeley. Drove from Greeley to Rexburg, ID. Spent the night in the home of a pastor's family in Rexburg. City is something over 90% LDS, they told us. Population has swollen due to BYU-Idaho. Clear view of the nearest ward building and the Rexburg temple from the front door.

Saturday: Rexburg to Calgary.

Sunday: Spent day with church in Calgary. Thankful for this opportunity. The Lord has done great things here.

Through Omaha

On the north side of Omaha is the Mormon Trail Center. Today in passing I left a gospel booklet there for an LDS missionary whom Deborah and I met last week. Please pray that this young adult would be free to read the booklet and to spend time thinking about the Scripture contained in it.

The museum is built near the site that became the Mormons’ winter quarters during the winter of 1846-47, following a journey across Iowa that, due in part to heavy rain, had taken four months. The trip today from Cedar Rapids to Omaha took only four hours, across land that is again saturated with water—water devastating to fields of tiny corn but producing everywhere else a beautiful early-summer green.

In Cedar Rapids several weeks ago, while participating in the church’s neighborhood visitation, a group of us met a young couple that had been affected by the severe Midwest flooding of 2008. It seems as if the Lord might have used this experience to help prepare this man to respond to the gospel. The two have begun attending Lord’s Day services. Please pray for their salvation.

I praise God for the gospel—good news for any sinner who will come to God through Jesus in the way explained in the New Testament. I’m thankful for the privilege of dedicating my time to gospel ministry, specifically in preparation for teaching in Uruguay. Please pray that we will rely on His grace to be faithful to this task!