Some of Jesus’ last words to His followers were instructions to them to make disciples. Though it may seem presumptuous, these eleven men had the right to make disciples in all nations of the earth. They could have this confidence because Jesus is King: All authority in heaven and earth is His. We are convinced that the King’s orders apply to us as well, even as His accompanying promise encourages us: “I am with you ‘all the days’—even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). We are going therefore, believing that God has specifically led us to have at least a small part in the ongoing teaching of “all things” to faithful Uruguayan leaders, who will in turn teach others. We look forward in faith to the day when Uruguayan churches are sending well-trained laborers to nations to which we will never be able to go.
We are currently serving among a group of North American churches and friends who, as they recognize God’s calling and preparation on our behalf, are helping in various ways to send us to Uruguay. At the end of December (2010), we resumed travel, presenting our anticipated ministry in three such churches in Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio. In Michigan we attended a family wedding in the Upper Peninsula and a conference in Troy. We are now dividing our time between South Carolina and Ohio. In April we return to the western states and provinces.
We would ask you to labor with us by praying for the following things:
- Please pray that we would be faithful in what we view as our present work: “prayer and ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4), introducing ourselves to churches, serving in these churches (Acts 13:2), and sharing information about God’s work—past, present, and future—in Uruguay.
- Please pray for success in our present goals: First, that we would help to “present every person complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28) and would help to equip and edify local churches (Ephesians 4:12); second, that our visits to churches would provide opportunity for them to evaluate their perception of God’s calling of us (Acts 13:1-4; Romans 10:15); and third, that God would continue to prepare us for Uruguay.
- Please pray that the soon result of this would be our being sent to Uruguay. (We believe that it will!) Our being sent is not our work. It is our desire, it is a goal, and it will be the result—perhaps only when the Lord knows that His work has been completed for this stage of our lives and ministry. We are currently receiving 32% of our financial support.
- Please pray for grace, strength, and safety for the entire family as we continue to travel this year.
- Please pray for Bible institute classes which are now beginning (the fall semester in Uruguay).
- Please pray for adequate oversight and continued growth of Maranatha Bible Church in Pando during the Garwoods’ furlough (April through October).
- Finally, please remember to pray for the Espinels, who are also preparing to join us in Uruguay.
We appreciate your love, your prayers, and your encouragement! If a letter like this—especially words about Jesus as Lord or King—seems strange to you, we would love to talk with you about the gospel! Please contact us.
John Mark, Déborah, Elizabeth, and Daniel James Steel
