Last Monday (12/15), we were perplexed when the deal fell through for the building we wanted to rent. They gave us our deposit back without even a counter offer! Though disappointed, we continued to search for a building, but to no avail. We knew then that God's plans and timing were different from our own.
We still had to make plans for the VBS in January. Since we couldn't hold it at a church building, we decided to have it in our backyard. The down side is that we wouldn't be able to invite as many children, but the positive side is that we already know almost all the children in the neighborhood. So, we proceeded to print flyers and invite people, and God kept working. The neighborhood "manager" (who is in charge of who does what here), has been very helpful in allowing us to advertise for the VBS. They are also allowing us to do a fireworks show at New Year's and then the CCC mission team will give a mini-concert right there at the clubhouse.
On Saturday, we went house to house, introducing ourselves and passing out the invitations to the fireworks show and the VBS, along with a church brochure and a little mini-loaf of homemade banana bread. We were able to reach about 25 neighbors that day, and will keep going until everyone is invited. The reception was wonderful! Of course, they all wanted to know the whole story of the North Americans who live in their neighborhood, but we tell it gladly!
Just today (Monday), Amy was speaking with one of the neighbors, the mom of an ESL student. Because this lady is a neonatal doctor at a nearby hospital, she asked if she happened to know our friend who is a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Martinez-Ferro. It turns out she was a resident under his charge many years ago. She went on and on about how much she admires him on a professional level, to the point that if one of her children had to have surgery, she would want him to do it. Amy shared with her how we are friends through church, and that seemed to give the ministry we are doing here instant credibility and that was another confirmation that God wanted us to hold this VBS in this neighborhood.
Right about the same time, the realtor for the original building we wanted called back and counter-offered the exact price we were waiting for! Praise the Lord for how He works His perfect will in His perfect way!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Update on Building Search
Special Prayer Request
We found a building to rent in the center of Pilar, not too far from where we are now. It's a house on a main avenue that can easily be converted into a church set-up. Of course, it would also need some paint and lots of soap and elbow grease!
We have enough ministry funds to pay the rent, but our church people would have to give to cover the monthly expenses (power, gas, taxes, etc.). But, that's a good thing! We have a nice little group of 25 right now (representing 7 families) and they need to be involved in all aspects of this church plant.
We presented this prospect to the group Wednesday night at our weekly Bible study. They were very enthusiastic about the idea of a bigger building and having Sunday services soon. We passed out slips of paper for them to let us know how much they could give monthly in order to help us plan for the expenses. One of the men added it up and came up with plenty and then some! We were pleasantly surprised!
James spoke with the realtor again to make sure we can make the necessary changes. He said that was fine and we will have that written in the contract. Ideally, we would like to have the keys in hand by December 15 so we can get to work and have it ready for VBS with the Clearwater Christian College mission team January 5 - 10. Please pray for the Lord to work out all the details, as only HE can!
The upfront cost is the main obstacle we have right now. As customary, we need to pay a deposit, realtor’s commission, and other fees. This adds up to $3,000. We have $1,500 in ministry funds that we can use. We will take a special offering at the Bible study. Pray with us that God will give us the exact amount we need and if God would have you to contribute to this need.
The red dot is the facility for rent. The green square in the middle is the main plaza. Our current location is 5 blocks to the west (on the other side of the plaza). We would continue to have access to bus lines and the train. Parking is available on the property or on the street.
We found a building to rent in the center of Pilar, not too far from where we are now. It's a house on a main avenue that can easily be converted into a church set-up. Of course, it would also need some paint and lots of soap and elbow grease!
We have enough ministry funds to pay the rent, but our church people would have to give to cover the monthly expenses (power, gas, taxes, etc.). But, that's a good thing! We have a nice little group of 25 right now (representing 7 families) and they need to be involved in all aspects of this church plant.
We presented this prospect to the group Wednesday night at our weekly Bible study. They were very enthusiastic about the idea of a bigger building and having Sunday services soon. We passed out slips of paper for them to let us know how much they could give monthly in order to help us plan for the expenses. One of the men added it up and came up with plenty and then some! We were pleasantly surprised!
James spoke with the realtor again to make sure we can make the necessary changes. He said that was fine and we will have that written in the contract. Ideally, we would like to have the keys in hand by December 15 so we can get to work and have it ready for VBS with the Clearwater Christian College mission team January 5 - 10. Please pray for the Lord to work out all the details, as only HE can!
The upfront cost is the main obstacle we have right now. As customary, we need to pay a deposit, realtor’s commission, and other fees. This adds up to $3,000. We have $1,500 in ministry funds that we can use. We will take a special offering at the Bible study. Pray with us that God will give us the exact amount we need and if God would have you to contribute to this need.
The red dot is the facility for rent. The green square in the middle is the main plaza. Our current location is 5 blocks to the west (on the other side of the plaza). We would continue to have access to bus lines and the train. Parking is available on the property or on the street.
Monday, December 1, 2008
December Prayer Letter
A Good Problem to Have
What could be a good problem for a church? We’re running out of space! God provided our current location at a great price in order for us to get started. Now, we’re maxed out and realize that we cannot grow unless we find something bigger to rent. Please pray for a meeting place for at least 100 people, with classroom space, in a central location, and at an affordable price. This may seem like an extraordinary request, but we know that our God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).
Fifteen missionary families (serving in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico) met together for our bi-annual Baptist World Mission South American Family Conference. We were privileged to sit under the preaching of Pastor John Stevens (a supporting pastor) from North Charleston, South Carolina. This was also a great time to renew friendships and exchange ministry ideas. Click here for pictures – Part I and Part II.
Family Matters
When Lauren went for an annual check-up with her urologist this month, he expressed concern over her frequent urinary tract infections, which are accompanied by high fevers. So, he is sending her for further testing. The first matter is to rule out urinary reflux. This is what she had surgery for in 2004, so it would be extremely rare if she had it again.
For those of you who are familiar with Lauren’s history, you know that her major issues were resolved by the time she turned four, so there is a great deal she does not remember. Now that she’s older, she understands more of what is going on, and it makes her nervous. Please pray for Lauren (emotionally and physically) and that God will be glorified in all of this.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing,
neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.”
(1 Cor. 3:7)
What could be a good problem for a church? We’re running out of space! God provided our current location at a great price in order for us to get started. Now, we’re maxed out and realize that we cannot grow unless we find something bigger to rent. Please pray for a meeting place for at least 100 people, with classroom space, in a central location, and at an affordable price. This may seem like an extraordinary request, but we know that our God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).
The first week of January a missions team from Clearwater Christian College will be here to hold a VBS program, as well as several concerts here in Pilar. We would love to be in a building by then in order to establish ourselves in the community. Then, the plan is to start regular Sunday church services in March.
Baptist World Mission South American Family Conference
November 17 - 21, 2008 - Mar del Plata, Argentina
November 17 - 21, 2008 - Mar del Plata, Argentina
Fifteen missionary families (serving in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico) met together for our bi-annual Baptist World Mission South American Family Conference. We were privileged to sit under the preaching of Pastor John Stevens (a supporting pastor) from North Charleston, South Carolina. This was also a great time to renew friendships and exchange ministry ideas. Click here for pictures – Part I and Part II.
Family Matters
When Lauren went for an annual check-up with her urologist this month, he expressed concern over her frequent urinary tract infections, which are accompanied by high fevers. So, he is sending her for further testing. The first matter is to rule out urinary reflux. This is what she had surgery for in 2004, so it would be extremely rare if she had it again.
For those of you who are familiar with Lauren’s history, you know that her major issues were resolved by the time she turned four, so there is a great deal she does not remember. Now that she’s older, she understands more of what is going on, and it makes her nervous. Please pray for Lauren (emotionally and physically) and that God will be glorified in all of this.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November Prayer Letter
Share the Vision!
Thank you for praying for our special meeting Saturday, November 1. There was a terrific turnout of 25 (representing seven families) who squeezed into our meeting place. Most of these individuals have gone through 12 weeks of doctrinal study with us and are now ready to be a part of this new work in Pilar.
We gave a Power Point presentation of who we are, the need in Pilar, and our goals for this church. Even though some of these ideas were new, the people responded. A few even volunteered for various tasks right away, like cleaning the building and hosting an evangelistic home Bible study!
Click here to see pictures of the meeting.
Working from Home
God has given us an unexpected source of contacts right here in our neighborhood through English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Amy has not even advertised, but she currently has five ESL students from our community. She has been able to share the Gospel during several of these classes!
After the new year, we plan on starting an evangelistic Bible study in our home. We will invite these contacts, as well as other neighbors. It is exciting to see God work His plan and to play a small part in it!
Thank you for praying for our special meeting Saturday, November 1. There was a terrific turnout of 25 (representing seven families) who squeezed into our meeting place. Most of these individuals have gone through 12 weeks of doctrinal study with us and are now ready to be a part of this new work in Pilar.
We gave a Power Point presentation of who we are, the need in Pilar, and our goals for this church. Even though some of these ideas were new, the people responded. A few even volunteered for various tasks right away, like cleaning the building and hosting an evangelistic home Bible study!
Click here to see pictures of the meeting.
Working from Home
God has given us an unexpected source of contacts right here in our neighborhood through English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Amy has not even advertised, but she currently has five ESL students from our community. She has been able to share the Gospel during several of these classes!
After the new year, we plan on starting an evangelistic Bible study in our home. We will invite these contacts, as well as other neighbors. It is exciting to see God work His plan and to play a small part in it!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Laying Up Treasures In Heaven
Bailing Themselves Out
In the midst of a global recession and a plethora of ideas on how to resolve it, economists do agree on one thing: “At least we don’t live in Argentina!” The Argentine government recently announced plans for the state to take over Argentina's private retirement accounts in a desperate attempt to find a source of capital to repay its astronomical international debts. This “government's economic policies, including taxing farmers and limiting exports at a time when commodity trading would have netted them billions in foreign currency, kneecapped the same domestic private industries that could have provided real, long-term wealth generation for this magnificent country.” Argentina just renegotiated its debt payments and economists speculate that there will “probably be a ‘renegotiation’ of the terms between the new pension manager (the Argentine government) and the debtor (uh, the Argentine government). It's an understatement to say that's a conflict of interest, and the folks who will get the short end of the stick are the Argentine people.”
Quotes taken from The Motley Fool. To read the full article, click here.
Treasures In Heaven
In the midst of a global recession and a plethora of ideas on how to resolve it, economists do agree on one thing: “At least we don’t live in Argentina!” The Argentine government recently announced plans for the state to take over Argentina's private retirement accounts in a desperate attempt to find a source of capital to repay its astronomical international debts. This “government's economic policies, including taxing farmers and limiting exports at a time when commodity trading would have netted them billions in foreign currency, kneecapped the same domestic private industries that could have provided real, long-term wealth generation for this magnificent country.” Argentina just renegotiated its debt payments and economists speculate that there will “probably be a ‘renegotiation’ of the terms between the new pension manager (the Argentine government) and the debtor (uh, the Argentine government). It's an understatement to say that's a conflict of interest, and the folks who will get the short end of the stick are the Argentine people.”
Quotes taken from The Motley Fool. To read the full article, click here.
Treasures In Heaven
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. (Matt. 6:20)
Honestly, we normally do not get engaged in the politics of Argentina. We always make it clear that we are here in this country to help bring about change – one soul at a time – by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The outright thievery of this government plan helps us to point out that the Christian’s treasure is not here on this earth. No one, no government, no, not even Wall Street, can steal the eternal treasures of the Christian’s good works done for the glory of God.
This Saturday, November 1st, we will hold a special meeting to present our vision for Independent Baptist Church in Pilar. We will present the need and the opportunity for those in our Wednesday Bible study group to get involved in the church-planting process. We are ready to take the next step and begin reaching out to the lost in the community. We would like to see our fellow believers take a part in that and lay up their own eternal treasures in Heaven. Please pray for God to work in each heart to show them how they should be personally involved.
Monday, October 13, 2008
October Prayer Letter
Annual Pastor’s Conference
Every October, Independent Baptist pastors and missionaries from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia get together for a time of preaching and teaching from God’s Word. This year the church in Don Torcuato (where we are helping) hosted the annual event. James organized and led the music, and Amy organized and taught in the children’s program. It was a joy to serve in this capacity and to fellowship with God’s servants! Click here to see pictures of the conference.
Lessons, Lessons, Lessons
Our children have been learning so much of the culture and “life lessons” by being able to run freely in the neighborhood while playing with the other children. We are so thankful for these learning opportunities for the kids.
Jaden and Lauren are both taking piano lessons now, and doing quite well. Maybe we’ll have a pianist by the time we get our own church building!
“Cruising Along”
When our son Josiah is working through his daily schoolwork, he often says, “We’re just cruising along here!” This is also the case with the new work in Pilar. We are “cruising” through each doctrine from our doctrinal statement. As expected, we hit a little bump in the road when we came to the gifts of the Spirit. Those who come from Pentecostal backgrounds were very confused by the false teaching they have believed. Please pray that we would deal with each person with wisdom and the love of Christ.
We also continue with one-on-one discipleship with Benjamin, Alejandro, Veronica, Andrea, and Virginia. We have seen remarkable progress in the spiritual growth of each one. They have each opened up to us, sharing their struggles and how the Lord has worked in their lives. May the Lord be praised that we would be able to learn enough of the language and culture in order to minister to the hearts of these precious saints.
Every October, Independent Baptist pastors and missionaries from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia get together for a time of preaching and teaching from God’s Word. This year the church in Don Torcuato (where we are helping) hosted the annual event. James organized and led the music, and Amy organized and taught in the children’s program. It was a joy to serve in this capacity and to fellowship with God’s servants! Click here to see pictures of the conference.
Lessons, Lessons, Lessons
Our children have been learning so much of the culture and “life lessons” by being able to run freely in the neighborhood while playing with the other children. We are so thankful for these learning opportunities for the kids.
Jaden and Lauren are both taking piano lessons now, and doing quite well. Maybe we’ll have a pianist by the time we get our own church building!
“Cruising Along”
When our son Josiah is working through his daily schoolwork, he often says, “We’re just cruising along here!” This is also the case with the new work in Pilar. We are “cruising” through each doctrine from our doctrinal statement. As expected, we hit a little bump in the road when we came to the gifts of the Spirit. Those who come from Pentecostal backgrounds were very confused by the false teaching they have believed. Please pray that we would deal with each person with wisdom and the love of Christ.
We also continue with one-on-one discipleship with Benjamin, Alejandro, Veronica, Andrea, and Virginia. We have seen remarkable progress in the spiritual growth of each one. They have each opened up to us, sharing their struggles and how the Lord has worked in their lives. May the Lord be praised that we would be able to learn enough of the language and culture in order to minister to the hearts of these precious saints.
Monday, September 1, 2008
September 2008 Prayer Letter
Praise Him for His Work
God gave Independent Baptist Church of Pilar a great start this month with an average attendance of 17 at our weekly Bible studies. Since the majority are believers from a variety of backgrounds, we are studying the main doctrines to make sure we are all on the same page. God has brought this group together, and we are thankful for their sweet spirit. Please pray for wisdom in ministering to these individuals.
Praise Him for Open Doors
Never would we have imagined that we would move to Pilar, find an affordable building in a great location, start a Bible study, and have seven one-on-one discipleship classes taking place. It can only be of the Lord!
God has opened doors in other ways too. Even before we have officially formed the church, James preached the first funeral. The father of one of the young ladies passed into eternity August 22. The family spent the next 24 hours in the funeral home with the open casket. We then accompanied them to the cemetery, where James preached a short graveside service and presented the Gospel. After each family member tossed a handful of dirt on the casket, the workers immediately buried it while we all watched. Pray for Edit, the widow, and Marianna, the daughter, that God will comfort them with His peace and protect them as they are now alone.
Please pray that God will open one more door - for our permanent residency status. Since we have now completed three years in Argentina, we are allowed to apply for this important document. This will allow us to actually open a bank account, purchase a cell phone, and live without so many restrictions. The process of obtaining the necessary documents has been cumbersome and expensive, but it is worth it, knowing that God has called us to minister here indefinitely.
Praise Him for His Provision
With the current economic downturn, we recognize that your support may be an even greater sacrifice than it was just six months ago. Thank you for continuing to give to missions even when times are tough. “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Phil. 4:17).
God has been so good to provide for us through many unexpected and unusual sources as well. One of those sources this month was a private loan in order for us to purchase property for a personal house. The lot is actually in the neighborhood where we are currently living, right across the street! We would like to build our house as soon as the Lord provides those funds. We already have the blueprints in hand!
God gave Independent Baptist Church of Pilar a great start this month with an average attendance of 17 at our weekly Bible studies. Since the majority are believers from a variety of backgrounds, we are studying the main doctrines to make sure we are all on the same page. God has brought this group together, and we are thankful for their sweet spirit. Please pray for wisdom in ministering to these individuals.
Praise Him for Open Doors
Never would we have imagined that we would move to Pilar, find an affordable building in a great location, start a Bible study, and have seven one-on-one discipleship classes taking place. It can only be of the Lord!
God has opened doors in other ways too. Even before we have officially formed the church, James preached the first funeral. The father of one of the young ladies passed into eternity August 22. The family spent the next 24 hours in the funeral home with the open casket. We then accompanied them to the cemetery, where James preached a short graveside service and presented the Gospel. After each family member tossed a handful of dirt on the casket, the workers immediately buried it while we all watched. Pray for Edit, the widow, and Marianna, the daughter, that God will comfort them with His peace and protect them as they are now alone.
Please pray that God will open one more door - for our permanent residency status. Since we have now completed three years in Argentina, we are allowed to apply for this important document. This will allow us to actually open a bank account, purchase a cell phone, and live without so many restrictions. The process of obtaining the necessary documents has been cumbersome and expensive, but it is worth it, knowing that God has called us to minister here indefinitely.
Praise Him for His Provision
With the current economic downturn, we recognize that your support may be an even greater sacrifice than it was just six months ago. Thank you for continuing to give to missions even when times are tough. “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Phil. 4:17).
God has been so good to provide for us through many unexpected and unusual sources as well. One of those sources this month was a private loan in order for us to purchase property for a personal house. The lot is actually in the neighborhood where we are currently living, right across the street! We would like to build our house as soon as the Lord provides those funds. We already have the blueprints in hand!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
August Prayer Letter
On Your Mark…Get Set…Go!
Praise the Lord that we have rented an office building to start our weekly Bible studies for the future Iglesia Bautista de Pilar. Friday, August 1, we will be hosting a “Meet and Greet” reception at the new building. It will be an opportunity to get to know contacts from the BBN station, the MBBC concert this May, and others who are interested in being a part of a Bible-preaching Baptist church in Pilar. On Wednesday, August 6, we begin weekly Bible studies. Please pray that we see much fruit from these events.
James installing heaters
Culture 101
The atmosphere in Pilar is very distinct from most of Buenos Aires in the virtual absence of a middle class. We are learning the effect of that as we notice more and more the great divide between the working class and the upper class. Those from the upper class live in gated communities, go to private schools, desire to better themselves by education, and advance in their careers. Those from the working class live in humble dwellings, go to public school as long as they are required, and often just try to get by. As we seek to evangelize, we need to be cognizant of this discrepancy between the classes in our methods of outreach. An outreach that would work great for one group would not be effective with the other. We have purposefully located ourselves in the center of Pilar, since it is a more “neutral ground.” It is mainly a commercial district, surrounded by a few houses.
Quotable Quotes
Praise the Lord that we have rented an office building to start our weekly Bible studies for the future Iglesia Bautista de Pilar. Friday, August 1, we will be hosting a “Meet and Greet” reception at the new building. It will be an opportunity to get to know contacts from the BBN station, the MBBC concert this May, and others who are interested in being a part of a Bible-preaching Baptist church in Pilar. On Wednesday, August 6, we begin weekly Bible studies. Please pray that we see much fruit from these events.
James installing heatersTeaching Others Also
Amy began weekly meetings with Veronica, and James with Benjamin, studying Changed Into His Image by Jim Berg and praying together. This is a great time for us to get to know one another and to help Benjamin and Veronica to grow spiritually. (The Leonov family is the one who had been with BBN radio before they closed the office in February.) They have already been a tremendous help in getting the church going in Pilar.
Culture 101
The atmosphere in Pilar is very distinct from most of Buenos Aires in the virtual absence of a middle class. We are learning the effect of that as we notice more and more the great divide between the working class and the upper class. Those from the upper class live in gated communities, go to private schools, desire to better themselves by education, and advance in their careers. Those from the working class live in humble dwellings, go to public school as long as they are required, and often just try to get by. As we seek to evangelize, we need to be cognizant of this discrepancy between the classes in our methods of outreach. An outreach that would work great for one group would not be effective with the other. We have purposefully located ourselves in the center of Pilar, since it is a more “neutral ground.” It is mainly a commercial district, surrounded by a few houses.
Our friends and neighbors have affirmed our cultural observations with comments like, “You want to choose your location carefully so that someone with a nice car won’t be scared to drive to the church.” “Most churches target the lower classes by preaching in a certain style, but the upper class would not tolerate that.”
Quotable Quotes
[Missionaries] must be equipped to be evangelists who can share the Good News in another language and culture, disciplers who can model and teach Christ-like ministry to converts, and trainers who can furnish local Christian leaders with the knowledge and skills they will need to propagate the Gospel. That was the model established by Jesus and practiced by the Apostle Paul.
- Mark C. Vowels; Director of Missions; Bob Jones University
Thursday, July 24, 2008
RoboBoy!
Our newest superhero's name is RoboBoy!
After surviving a near-fatal explosion in his laboratory, Jaden (RoboBoy!) had a small screw installed in his front tooth. This mysterious little screw gave him super powers which enable him to clean his room by merely snapping his fingers, block every goal in soccer, make a mean cup of chocolate soy milk, and zap all his school work done in one nano-second. 
Seriously, thank you for praying for our little guy with all he's gone through with his teeth. Lord willing, this new tooth should stay for a long time.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Dentist...Revisited
Thank you for praying for Jaden and his 4th trip to the dentist this month (8th this year!). They finshed the root canal and all went well. He goes back next week to reconstruct the tooth for the 5th time. However, the dentist assures me it should stay this time since she closed off the nerve permanently. We felt your prayers as Jaden was very calm and obedient.
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