Video Blogging

So Kay had a great idea recently: video blogging. To give our friends and family a glimpse of our life here in Santiago, she's been making short, one minute or so videos about various aspects of our daily existence. Hopefully they give you a feel for what we're living and inspire you to dream your own missionary dreams. We'll be posting them here every so often so keep checking back. 

Video Blog 1 - Going to church on Sunday. 

Fall in Santiago

The month of April is part of the fall here in Santiago. It’s a great month, the leaves are changing color, the temperature is cooling off and school is in full swing. During the month of April, a number of good things were happening here.

 

First, I had the privilege of preaching a number of times for the church. I actually preached five times in the month including Sunday services and midweeks. I got to talk about incredible subjects such as the power of the resurrection, how the love of Christ compels us, Christ's humble plan for the church, and how Christ cares for his church. I feel amazed and humbled at the fact that God uses me and my gringo Spanish to make his word known. It is truly miraculous!

 

Secondly, Maya did her first ever school presentation. In her class, the subject was the family. Each student had to bring a poster with photos of his or her family  and then present their family to the class. Kay, being the creative and artistic genius that she is, did a fabulous job  creating the poster for Maya. Maya took it to school and according to the Tias (teachers), did a great job presenting her family to the class. We were very proud of her.

 

Finally, at the end of the month, a brother from Boston came to visit us. Hector Morales along with his wife Miriam, leads the Spanish region of the Boston Church. He came to visit to get to know us and to do an evaluation of our work in connection with our project with the Beam Fund. To explain, we are supported by a number of different sources including personal donors, contributions from our sister churches in Florida (Florida Missions Council) and from the Beam Missions Fund. The BMF  was created in 2007 with an endowment by a wealthy brother for the purpose of supporting short-term, overseas mission projects. We made a proposal and won support from the BMF. Hector's visit was a terrific time of encouragement, exchange of ministry ideas and inspiration. He and I went to Concepción (a smaller city 6 hours south of Santiago) to visit the church there as well. And last Sunday, he preached for the church here in Santiago.

 

So, along with celebrating birthdays, leading Bible Talks and devotionals, playing fútbol and watching Maya grow, it was a busy month. Now we just have to see what God has in store for May!

Three Months!

Its been over three months since our last blog update; wow how quickly the time passes by! It would be great to give details of all that's happened, but we just don't have space nor time. Here's a quick review of the major events of January, February and March.

 

January - 

We had a great time visiting with family in the States. They loved up on us and gave us great food and even better company. It was a very refreshing time for us.

Giam got restored. He moved here from Panama in October and after intensely studying the scriptures and repenting in many ways, he was restored in his relationship with God and the church. 

We moved across the street to a new apartment in Santiago. Its quiet and peaceful. 

The campus ministry led the service in Santiago, songs and all. Kay even participated in the chorus.

 

February - Viña del Mar. 

We spent most of the month  at the coast with the small mission church of about 15 disciples. It was a great experience for us.

Our camera got doused with water and sand one day while we were at the beach :(

Campus Retreat at Laguna Verde (which we don't have pictures of, but it was a great retreat).

March

Kay went on an emergency trip to Oregon to visit her Grandfather whose health was failing. 

He is doing better, and Kay was able to spend memorable time with her family.

Back to normal life in Santiago. 

El Vallecito - Camping in Chile

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

 He alone is my rock and my salvation;    

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

In November and December we took two different groups of students to a place known as "El Vallecito" or the little valley. Its a place just outside the city, on the way to the higher mountains. Its a great place because its fairly easy to get to, relatively deserted and free!

Our focus with these trips was to get away from the busyness of life in the city, enjoy nature and reconnect with God. Each time we spent various times together reading the scriptures, praying, singing and talking about spiritual topics such as God's love, things we learned in 2008 etc. 

I thank God for all of the incredibly beautiful places He has created on this earth and that we can get away, take a deep breath and find our rest in Him. 

Spring Time in Santiago

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. Acts 9:31

We were able to do lots of fun things in the spring month of November here in Santiago. It has been beautiful outside making park services and outdoor fun activities almost weekly events. The campus ministry got together for a park service one Sunday and heard a great communion lesson by Juan Pablo, one of the great young students in our ministry. Hector, another student preached a great message about being aware of Satan's schemes that helped all of us tremendously.

We have been having some great bible discussions on campus this semester. One of them takes place at the Catholic University which has been ranked as the most prestigious university in Chile. It has been a great semester as we have really seen God move in the times we have met together. Especially encouraging is Maria Paz being baptized a few months ago and two other students now studying the bible on the campus.














We have also been able to enjoy celebrating a few birthday parties with great friends in the last few weeks. It is always such and joy to get friends together. Here are a few pics of some good times...
On a side note, check out John's other blog for some of his recent studies about trusting in God (lapalabrapoderosa.blogspot.com).