Some thoughs while away, ...

While Sherry and I have been away this weekend, I have been working my way through "The Whole in our Gospel" By Richard Stearns. He is the head of World Vision. The further I get into the book, the more I have been challenged. Case in point ,...

Isaiah 1:10-17 (NIV)
¹⁰ Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
¹¹ "The multitude of your sacrifices-- what are they to me?" says the Lord. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
¹² When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?
¹³ Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations-- I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
¹⁴ Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
¹⁵ When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;
¹⁶ wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong,
¹⁷ learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

"If church leaders do not have an outward vision to become salt and light in our world, to promote social and spiritual transformation, pursue justice, and proclaim the whole gospel, then the Church will fail to realize its potential as an agent of change. it will become inwardly focused on meeting the needs of its members, to the exclusion of its nonmembers. It will be a spiritual cocoon, where Christians can retreat from a hostile world, rather than a "transforming station" whose primary objective is to change the world."

"If we in the church are truly dedicated too the Great Commission, then we will first have to do something about the "Great Omission". We will never effectively demonstrate Christ's love to the world, if we cannot first demonstrate it to the church -- the whole church, and that includes those struggling to survive!"

Wow! what powerful and humbling thoughts regarding our purpose for the cause of Chris, and why God even in his mercy is not pleased with our activity

Over the last couple of days I have been in conversation with our friends from RMI concerning the conditions of our missionaries and sister church in Haiti. At present, our sister church is safe, having avoided serious damaged. RMI did have a team in country at the time of the earthquake, and all of them are safe and uninjured. What we do not know is the status of Pastor Chery's adult children in Port-au-Prince, or Pastor Julliet's adult children also in Port-au-Prince. Communication is downtown in the capital city, with widespread devastation. Please continue to pray for the situation in Haiti. Our upcoming trip to Haiti is cancelled. We will be sending those funds to our sister church. With the destruction of the countries infrastructure there is certain to be a significant rise in the cost of basic food supplies as well as shortages due to the inability to transport supplies, our sister church family is sure to feel the effects quickly. We ministered to our friends in a similar way when the hurricanes swept through the country.

PRAY FOR HAITI!

We finally had our Christmas Cantata at church today (snow delay!) What a blessing. afterwards I took a few moments to share from Matt 2:2, where the wise men ask Herod, Where is he who IS born king of the Jews? What an interesting thought -- the wise men had accepted what the world today largely misses; Jesus is already King, not waiting to be king, nor in the process of being King. he already is! The moment we accept His state in our lives, the sooner we come to grips with and accept/allow Him to command, control, comfort, companion, and criticize our lives

As I sit here writing this note, the "New Magic Years" Seniors group is getting ready for their monthly gathering/meeting/luncheon. God has really blessed CBC through this group. In fact God has used many people in a variety of ways to be a blessing to others. Here with the Magic Years group we have a wonderful display of Christian fellowship, discipleship and caring. Later on today, we will be having a delivery of bread. This provides an opportunity to help those in the church, as well as parents who bring children to AWANA, etc. and then the Christian Caring Center.

In these kinds of small ways, the second commandment is being fulfilled -- to love your neighbor as yourself.

Perhaps what could be, and should be, is a burden on our hearts to expend the meaning of neighbor!

Some thoughts I have been impressed by, ...

"A Holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine." D.L. Moody

"If God only used perfect people, nothing would get done. God will use anybody if you're available." Rick Warren

".. one of the most powerful reasons we don't totally surrender our lives to Christ is that we don't want to sacrifice the things we possess; they have begun to possess us."

"If we turn our backs on God's will for our lives, what makes us think we will be bettewr off?" R. Stearns

Bible For Dummies

I came upon an interesting passage in Stearn's book, "The Whole in our Gospel" -

"The Sermon on the mount, for example is beautiful in its simplicity. But on one occasion, Jesus made it even simpler. He had just been peppered by the Sadducees with detailed questions on the Law. Now the pharisees wanted their shot at Him, to see if they could trip Him up: Matthew 22:34-36 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

In a sweeping simplification of thousands of years of Jewish teaching, Jesus summed up God's law in a way that anyone could understand. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

One could say that this passage of Scripture is the Divine Edition of "Bible for Dummies"

God has a sense of humor -- Thanksgiving style!

You really have to put this one in a category of its own!!!

Here is how our Thanksgiving went beginning at 5am Thursday morning till 9pm Friday night, ...

I woke up Thurs. at 5am so I could put the traditional Mrs. Smith's Pumpkins Pies in the oven for later that day. No biggie, as I have been doing this for years. Caught a quick nap, and then Sherry, Bri, and I made our way to the Columbus sale. Our timing was perfect! Got in, found a parking place, and had a nice breakfast and stroll around Columbus (also a family tradition). We left the Market in plenty of time to get home so that the bird could be put in the oven. Actually Jon called an put it in for us. This years poultry was a beautiful 20 and 3/4 pound Butterball. All of the other necessities were staged to go into the oven at the appropriate times -- potato filling (a Miller side of the family favorite), sweet potatoes, dried corn (another Miller side delicacy), ham, rolls, etc.

Now the big event was the arrival of family. My brother-in-law was coming in from D.C., my other brother-in-law was coming with his girlfriend/soon to be wife from Reading, and he was bringing my mother-in-law. My niece was also coming in by train fro N.Y. This is where things began to break down. We had given directions to my B-in-law on how to get to the train station to pick up my niece (his daughter). The directions we gave were to the WRONG station. he was going to the Metropark, and she was arriving in Hamilton. My B-in-laws car developed an increasingly louder noise in the area of the front tire. So bad to the point that he could no longer drive it after arriving at the wrong train station. So, Sherry (my wife for those of you who did not know), then took off to: 1. pick up our niece at the right station, and 2. pick of the stranded "in-laws" at the wrong station. While she was on the road (I had to stay at home to attend the cooking of the dinner {a whole different story}), my in-laws called AAA, and called me looking for a place to rent a car and a place to have their car towed to. Well, there are no car rental places open on Thanksgiving, and the first place I gave then (via the internet) was no longer in existence. Our second option was OK. During this time, my other brother-in-law arrived from D.C., and we waited and chatted. Now, I want you to know at this point the Bird is scheduled to come out at 2:30 for a 3pm carving. Sherry arrived, at station one, picking up the niece, traveled to station two, and followed the tow truck to the repair shop, and loaded up the rest of the family (oh, did I forget to tell you they were all in our Prius as we had loaned our mini-van to missionaries). They then started the drive back here for dinner.

I am now in crisis mode -- adjusting temperature for lateness, watching the bird, and wishing we had all just gone to Denny's! Everyone arrived at 6pm -- 3 hours past the scheduled dinner time!

Hey, everybody was fine and safe, This was the most important thing! After all people are more important than things. When we all sat down for dinner, I carved the bird AND it was still moist and delicious. Thank you God!

That evening, we packed the family in our mini-van (that we are able to borrow back from the missionaries, and traveled to Reading. Put our heads to the pillow at 2:30am. Sherry and I got up in the morning and did the traditional Friday shopping. We got word that all of the trouble with the car was due to losing one bolt, and the loosening of another. The car was fixed. So after shopping and my brother -in-law returning from work, we traveled back to pick up the car and then went our separate ways.

What a day! God has a sense of humor. he allowed us to have a safe, yet adventuresome holiday, kept the turkey moist, and permitted us to bond as a family in a unique way!

Laron Brown Funeral Services

I just had to stop and write about the funeral for Laron Brown. This young man lost his life at the hand of another last week. From all of the testimonies from friends and family, Laron was a remarkable teen, and his loss was especially tragic.

I would like to express my thanks to my church for everything they did to assist. Not only was this a God honoring and glorifying service, it was also a vivid demonstration of the ministry of those who walk in relationship with Christ. Jesus wept, mourned, reached out, and impacted our world! Yesterday, CBC, through love, and a commitment to "being like Christ", reached out to a new family in our church and the community around us.

A very special thanks to Rev. Purvis, Rev. Bradley, and my dear brother in Christ, Pastor Bobby Morgan. Their assistance, words of encouragement to the family were so instrumental in the movement of the Holy Spirit which became clear when the invitation was given.

To each one who helped and prayed -- THANK YOU!

What an interesting thought -- separation means difference, not distance! This was the thought last night at Prayer Meeting. God asks His people to be separate. He asked that of Israel, and asks it of the Church. This does not mean distance, simply because we are the only method that God has ordained to get the gospel to the world. It does mean DIFFERENCE, as we are to be in the world (distance), but not of the world (difference). One can also apply this thought to redemption, in that while on the cross, Jesus cried out to God the Father, "Why have you forsaken me." Scripture also tells us that Jesus did not take on our sin, but became sin for us. Hence, at the moment Jesus became sin for us in the process of redemption, He had a "difference" --He became that which God could not tolerate. What a powerful, emotional moment, when God the Son, was separated from God the Father because his love for us necessitated a "difference" in order to achieve the finished act of substitution!

Sermon Series on Thankfulness

Last Sunday I started a series of messages on thankfulness. The first text was 2 Cor 9:15 -- thanks for God's indescribable gift. What was profound was that this indescribable gift was God's grace with reference to giving. Now, as I am working on the message for Sunday AM, I am focussed on John 14:15-27. I am looking at the thought of being thankful for the Holy Spirit. It is amazing, that within this text, we are exposed to at least four advantages of the Spirits presence in our lives; He is with us forever, He lives both with and in us, He teaches us, and reminds us of the teaching of Christ. I am sure that there are more characteristics of this wonderful gift of God to us, I just have not rooted them out yet. That, I pray will come as I continue to study and prepare.

Some thoughts on today's message.

This morning, I was preaching from 2 Corinthians 9:1-15. This is a passage dealing with giving. Paul presents gicing as a grace from God, and a gift beyond description! What an interesting thought. Two very important points Paul brings to our attention are first, that in order to experience God's grace in the action of giving, we have to be willing to "take a risk". Just like the farmer who scatters see for a harvest is risking all that he has on the future, so we also have to be willing to risk; trusting that God will provide a rich harvest for our obedience and faith in Him. The second though is that the Scripture tells us that He (God) has provided both the seed to sow (the substance to give). and the bread to eat (the resources for our own existence). Therefore, eerything we have to both give and exist come from Him. He has already predetermined our faithfulness so to speak, with the only hinderance being our faith, and "concern" over our well-being after we give. GOd loves a cheerful giver! What allows us to be cheerful in our giving is that we give with the full knowledge that God has already provided what we are to give, and what we need to live. When we figure that out, we then can in faith give cheerfully, knowing that the "risk" we take is really not a risk at all but a response to the

Monetary Issues in South America

Even though Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile speak the same language, and have the same named currency -- the Peso, all is not easy. Each country has a different exchange rate. With as fast as we have hit these three countries, it is not difficult, but not easy to adjust. Let me illustrate,... In Uruguay the exchange rate is approx 20 Pesos to the dollar. Not to bad, you just multiply dollars by 20 to figure out what you are paying in pesos. Now, you cross the border to Argentina, and magically, they have Pesos too, BUT the Peso is not approx 3 to the american Dollar. Hmmm, so now I am multiplying dollars by 3 to figure things out! My math is sharp with fives and tens, but threes! Oh, yeah, then you cross the border again! Nice border. The Andes separate Argentina and Chile. Once in Chile the magic reappears and the Peso does another transformation. Now we are not 3 to one, or 20 to one,... no, we are approx. 500 to one. Now things get a little interesting. It is easier to go from Pesos to dollars than Dollars to Pesos. For those interested here is the simple, easy, and close formula -- Multiply the amount of Pesos by two and then drop a zero, and add a decimal point! Let me illustrate: A 1,000 Pesos is approx. 2 Dollars. 1,000 times 2 is 2,ooo. dropo a zero is 2oo, add a decimal point is $2.00. A 10,000 Pesos bill is $20.00 10,000 times 2 is 20,000. Drop a zero is 2,000. Add a decimal point is $20.00, and on it goes. Hopefully if I travel without delay sometime about 5am I should be firmly home where is DOllar is a Dollar is a Dollar!

South America Mission Trip Leg 5.2

The bus ride from Temuco to Santiago was wonderful. This was a Comma bus, which means that the seats reclined all the way! The previous bus was a Semi Comma, meaning that it reclined, but not flat. The seats were even wider and more plush. So, all in all, I had a good sleep! We arrived in Santiago a little after 7am, and were meet by one of the missionaries, and transported to a pastor´s breakfast at one of the churches. After breakfast we had a prayer meeting and then off to visit another missionary who is planting a church in one of the upper middle class neighborhoods. His name is Johnny and his wife is Carolina. He is from Northern Ireland, and she is from the Canary Islands. We had a wonderful time seeing what God is doing with them. They renovated a house with an attached bakery. It really looks good. Afterwards we enjoyed an Irish Lunch, and then off to see the Statue of Mary. This statue portrays Mary with her foot on the serpent of Genesis 3. After this we stopped at the shopping area of Santa Lucia.

After shopping we went to teh house of Curtis the missionary who picked us up and has been our guide. After meeting Curtis´family we went to the Bible Institute to greet the students and teachers, and then back to our quarters for the night.

I believe that this will be my last time to write, as tomorrow we will be heading to the GMSA Camp in Chile, and afterwards to the airport for our flight home. I will be leaving Chile at 9pm, arriving in Miami at 7am, and then leaving Miami for Philly at 9:05 am. If all goes well I should be touching down in Philly at 11:55am.

South America Mission Trip Leg 5.1

Today we went south about 2 hours to see the camp. It was overcast and rained so we were not able totally see the volcanoes (I am disappointed). We did go to te lava flow. This is where the last flow made its way to the lake. I picked up rocks for Lori and Anna there. Tonight we will be heading to a church prayer meeting, and then off to the bus terminal for the overnight road trip. It is the same company, so the ride should be enjoyable. When we arrive in Santiago, we will immediately hit the ground running with a pastor´s breakfast, church and camp visits, etc. We will spend Thursday night in Santiago, tour more tomorrow, and then off to the airport for the evening flight back to Miami.

The weather in Temuco has been chilly to say the least! Not really any colder than New Jersey, but the cold is a bone chiller. In addition, the missionaries in Temuco use wood for heat. Sleeping is great, but huddling around the stove in the morning is an art form.

South America Mission Trip Leg 5

I woke to a wonderful breakfast with Bob and Fritzie, and then off to one of their previous works in BA. On the way there we stopped in Boca. This is a community at the mouth of the river. It is very ornate, and also a great place to pick up momentos of the trip. We shopped a bit, had lunch *T Bone and fries(, and then off to the ministry church.

The church was wonderful. It is fully nationalized and doing well. Bob was the designer of the building. It is both efficient and open. It is located in a good neighboorhood and there has been success in winning the community to Christ!

From the church we headed to the airport, where I was met by Terry THompson and his wife. They assisted me with my ticket, and then became aware that the flight was leaving an hour earlier than ticketed. I navigated customs with no problem and was with the rest of the team in plenty of time.

The flight from BA to Santiago was about 2.5 hours. The plane was spacious, and I was able to get some sleep. They served us a snack on the plane and I had a Havana cookie. This is a cookie similar to an Oreo, but it is chocolate covered and the filling is dulch leche. I will have to bring some home for others to try *first come first serve(!

In Santiago, we were met by Bill Park's Son. Bill is our team leader. We went to the Airport Dunkin Donuts for coffee and to wait till we had to leave to board the bus. During this time, I paired down my luggage so as to bring only one bag on the bus.

The bus station was not as large as the one in BA but we were warned to be warry of pickpockets!

We immediately got on to the bus. The seats are huge, comfortable, and recline almost flat. I was able toget some sleep on the bus. The bus pulled out at 10:50pm, and arrived at 7:00am in Temuko. We were met immediately by missionaries when we arrived, and were loaded up and taken to the Bible Institute for breakfast.

After breakfast, we participated in chapel. I had the opportunity to share a word of testimony. When chapel concluded, the group went back to where we are staying for a time of prayer, and then off to the center of town (vary of pickpockets). We walked around in the merchant area until we needed to be back for the pastor's luncheon. While there we heard testimonies of two of the BI students.

Later on today, we will be heading out to tour the other ministries of GMSA in Temuko.

That is all for now! I will write again!

South America Mission Trip 4.2

This morning I spoke at the English speaking Bible Study. There were about 8 people there. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with believers. I spoke from Hab. 3 on our attitude towards God. Afterwards we had lunch upstairs in the residence, and went out with the young people to one of the plazas for youth outreach. I was able to share with those who came around. I used some illusions to present the gospel, and then the college agers took over with music and helped each child make a wordless bracelet. While they were doing this Bill introduced me to a member of the church who is "houseless". He lives at the end of the plaza. He has part of the sidewalk decked out as his home. He is quite articulate and knowledgeable about the Scriptures. He attended the evening service later this day.

After meeting this believer, Bob and I walked about 10 blocks to the flower shop in order to get flowers for any mothers who would be in attendance tonight. The main service for the church is in the evening. This service was well attended, and I spoke on 2 Peter 1:3-11, challenging those there to live for Christ now, making the effort to live the Christian life.

As I am writing this blog, Bob is having a leadership meeting downstairs. Afterwards, he, Fritzie, and I will enjoy a light dinner and then off to bed. We have a big day tomorrow. We will be travelling to the previous church plant Bob and Fritzie were involved with . This work has been turned over to nationals!

I have so many pictures at this point, that I will have a lot of editing to do in order to have an acceptable presentation length when I get home.

Tomorrow I will be flying out of the BA airport at 5:50pm to Santiago, and then the dreaded bus trip to Temuko!

Bob and Fritzie send their greetings, as does the church here. Bye for now!

Hey, the spell checker is working!

South America Mission Trip Leg 4.1

I spent a wonderful evening with Bob and Fritzie. We took the subway into the ceter of Buenas Aires. We visited the cathedral that houses the remains of St. Marteen, who was responsible for bringing freedom to both Argentina and Chile. We came across a parade celebrating Bolivian independance. I do not understand why they did not have this parade in Bolivia????

We were able to do some shopping in the plazas, as well as have a light dinner.

Today will be a full day of ministry. We will start this morning with a Bible Study, then move on his afternoon with a kids ministry in the city. This ministry is run by the college students in the church. Bob and Fritzie minister to a variety of college students. Many comefrom other countries to study here. Currently there are some WOrd ofLife Institute students with them as well. Bob and Fritzie have several rooms inthe building that allow them to house students. But, back to the ministry, .... in the Evening we will have the church service. it seems that church services work better in the vening, as things really do not get started around here till after dark.

This "after dark" thing is definately taking some getting use to. After are evenning in the city, we returned by bus, and Bob told me that these places we were passing were just getting set up for the activities of the evening. It was 10:30pm! Activity went on outside my window until 4:15am, when it finally quieted down. Maybe this "all-night" bus trip I am to take in Chile is not so bad after all. A night of silence could be just what the Dr. ordered (LOL).

Inspite of all the "unamerican" stuff going on, God is still so good. It is a small thing to put up with the time differences, the cuktural differences, etc. for the privilage of seeing the ministry of our supportedmissionaries, and taking part to various extents. This is a joy unlike any other -- to see God working here in South America.

Even though this is late -- I am apologizing for any mispelling, etc. It seems as though the spell checkers are nt working. I keep trying, but it does not respond -- so for all of you folks cringing at my grammer and keyboard foibles -- Sorry!

South America Mission Trip Leg 4

Well, we set off after breakfast for Argentina to get the bus. This involves crossing the bridge from Pasayndu. We get to the bridge and have to pass through customs, pay the toll, ad then on our way. We arrived at th station. had time for a soda, and then off to Guadalachiu. I am sure some of this is a repeat, not that I think about it!

We toured Guadaluchu with theGossen family. What we learned was shocking. This city is known as the most corrupt city in te country. the have a Madi Gra type festival there every year that continues each weekend during Jan. and Feb. Both the pastor and those with him commented as to the sinfulness of this event! in addition they are currently errecting an idol. it has some religious signifcance, as it is a wodden carved statue of a crucifix, but Iam told that there is something else associated with this type of carving.

We enjoyed felloship at the church in Guadalachu. This was a wonderful evening of Empanadas, and testimony. thi schurch is located in the center of town an easy access to just about anyone who wants to come. This evening was very well attended, with several men in attendance.

Pastor Steve West and I were roommates once again. We have bee together sine our shared evening with the Duarte's. Both our churches support their ministry in Frey Bentos.

Morning came early as we had to pack, load, and have breakfast before 8am. The bus was leaving for BA at 8:30am. We made it there in plently of time. What I am finding is that I have brought way too much stuff. With all of the washing that we have been able to do, I could have come with half as much clothes. Tonight, Fritzie Strong will be washing for me again. I think that I am going to arrange things in my suitcases so that I only have to take one bag when we travel to Temuco on Monday evening.

Anyway, back to this leg. We had a three hour bus ride from Guadalachu to BA. The bus stopped twice along the way and they had a "breakfat" plate for each person on the bus. These busses are interesting. They are double decker, with coffe and water service, as well as bathrooms. The seats ca recline almost verticle to allow you to sleep during night trips.

We arrived in BA at about noon. This is one of the biggest bus terminals I have ever seen! I think that there ere over 70 slots for busses. One lady tapped me on the shoulder and told me that we are in Buenos Aries now and that I should move my passport to my front pocket, or it could easily be taken! Needless to say, we watched our luggage VERY carefully, and went to the bathroom in shifts!

Bob and FRitzie Strong were waiting for me at the terminal. I will be with them until Monday afternoon. they will then take me to the airport. I will be seeing their youth meetings, spanish and English Services. Tonight we wil be taking the subway into the city so that we can walk around and see the sites.

Well, that is it for leg 4. Will write more soon.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESITONS, PLEASE COMMENT ON A POST AND I WILL TRY TO ANSWER THEM.

South American Mission Trip Leg 3

Wow! Where to begin. This leg began with waking up at the camp at Pasandyu. We once again joined the Valette family for breakfast and afterwards SErgio transported us all up to Salto to see the work of Andy and kollettee Thompson. The Thompsons are missionaries that we support. The Thompsons moved to Salto from Colonia to take the place of the Daglio family who are now serving in Argentina. This was a difficult move for them in many ways. First, Salto is a higher class of society, and as such, made communication difficult for Kollettee, but PTL she got right up to speed. For ANdy, things have not gone as hoped. There have been growth issues, and work issues. Many men work some 5.5 days a week, leving little time for church ministry. Ricardo did train these men well, so what time they are able to give they do with enthusiasum. The Salto church is structuraly unique. The church building is laid out in a row home fashion, going strainght back with the sanctuary in teh front, folowed by classrooms, and then a room for volley ball. The living quarters are upstairs and actually go over the adjecent building to teh right of the church. Andy is hoping that the neighboor would be willing to sell the property below their apartment. This has caused some hiderance to growth, as they are unwilling to build in the current structure if they are going to buy the adjacent building. Please pray for them and this dilemna.

After touring the bouilding and seeing the town and minsitry of Salto, the Thompsons took us to lunch at a local restaraunt. Sometimes it seems all we do is eat. After a time of prayer (and my giving them the battery and saucepan they requested), we left for Pasayndu. On the way we stopped at the Hot Springs for a dip in the highly thereputic water. Dan Vallettee had this special treat planned for us, and it was very enjoyable.

Oh, I almost forgot. on the way to teh springs I was sitting in the second seat of Sergios van, and noticed a black cloud coming down the road towards us. This is a FIRST! We ran right into a swarm of bees! No one was hurt, but the windshield was covered with bees.

Leaving the hot springs brought us home and eventually an early dinner at 8:30pm. The Vallettes took us out for drop down the BEST STEAK I have ever eaten. If you are reading this tell Pete that I am sold on beef in Uruguay!

We returned to the camp for our sleeping and awoke the next mornign to breakfast and then some work around the camp. We cleaned up the work building so that they could begin to park vehicles in it.

After the work we had a quick lunch of Empanadas and sheperds pie before driving over the bridge to Argentina, and then to teh bus station for a two hour trip to Gualeguaychu where we met Tim Goossen.

Right now we are in his home where we will spend the night before the bus trip to Buenas Aries tomorrow.

Tonight we are scheduled to take part in the services of tims church.

Will right more later as there are others who need the computer and there is only one computer.

South American Mission Trip Leg 2

I am sorry but there was no internet access for me to blog before now. But on to qhat is going on.

1. Wednesday evening found Pastor West and Myself traveling with Sergio Duarte to the town of Young for a home meeting. The weather did not permit us to do any work in the neighborhood, so we were only in the home group. The family who allows their home to be used is the Comperro family. They are strong believers. The group is approx. 6, so with Pastor West and I we were 8. I was able to share my testimony and a special music number. Pastor West gave a translated message on seeing people like Jesus sees them. Afterwards we enjoyed a snack of Coke and some sort of cake. I was surprised and pleased as the filling of the cake was quince. Quince is a favorite here in Uruguay.
2. After leaving Young, we traveld to Pasandyu in order to meet up with the rest of the group who participated in teh Prayer MTg. Service at the church there. We were quite late and so we stopped in Pasandyu for dinner at about 10:30pm. i enjoyed another Uruguay staple. It was a sandwich of beef, ham, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, egg, and other stuff. Sergio called it "heart attack on a bun"!
3. After Dinner we made it to the camp. Everyone else was asleep -- it was midnight. So, we bedded down for the evening.
4. Thursday morning found us all up and over to Dan Vallette's house for breakfast and coffee. Dan is the head of the camp at Pasandyu. We met his wife Rebecca. After breakfast we returned to where we slept for a time of prayer, and then off to see the Thompson -- Andy and Kollette. We support the minsitry of the Thompson family in Salto.
5. In Salto, we toured the church and heard about the vision of Andy's for the work there. I was able to give KOllette the saucepan she asked for along with some Salt Water Taffy I brought for them. Afterwards we drove into the center of town for lunch.
6. After we leave Salto we will be heading to the Hot Springs for a little relaxation, and then returning to Pasandyu for minstry, to repack, sleep, and then off to Argentina. we will then board a bus and travel approx. one hour to Buenas Aries. I will be picked up by the Strongs, and spend much of my time in Argentina with them.

This has been a tremendous expreience so far. I have had the opportunity to see the mission work of two of our supported missionaries -- Duartes and Thompsons. Each is excited about the work God has given to them. They have been a great encouragement to me, and I trust that I have been an encouragement to them.

If you would like somethign specific to pray for, here are a couple of things: A new van for the Duarte's and for the owner of the property next to the Salto church to sell it to teh Thompsons.

Thats all for now, hope to write again soon.