The writer of Hebrews concludes his encouragement to Christians with a command to “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:1b–2a). Is a patient person just someone who is not easily bored, who can outlast everyone else or win a staring contest? Actually, biblical patience is enduring, continuing to glorify God by following Jesus Christ, regardless of how long or how hard. The model of endurance is Jesus himself, who endured and obeyed through the pain and humiliation of the cross (Heb 12:2), not only for a few hours one Friday, but through a lifetime of sinful opposition from wicked men (Heb 12:3). The lesson for us is clear: we must look to Jesus for strength and follow his example of doing God’s will no matter how long it takes or how hard it is.

We are currently waiting on a response from our first submission of our temporary residency paperwork. It seems there is a bit of a backlog because of a large number of Haitian immigrants entering Chile. (Side note: it may come as a surprise to many Americans that simply showing up and living in another country is not a right. No foreign nation will let us stay unless they are satisfied we will be helpful to the country and financially support ourselves. It may also surprise the other half of Americans that “going through the proper channels,” while quick and easy to say, is neither quick nor easy.)

In the meantime, we had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Antofagasta, which was a great blessing and encouragement to us. We ask for your prayers that God will work in us and for us as we seek to glorify him with Christlike endurance.

We enjoyed a trip up to Antofagasta for a long weekend
and it was great to see the ocean and the desert again!

We enjoyed a desert hike with the Flincks while we were in Antofagasta.
Our God’s creative ability never ceases to amaze!

 Thank God with us:

• For his sovereign protection and care as we have been all over Chile and Santiago in the Metro, walking, running, shopping, and exploring. Is it safe? I don’t know, but I can confidently say that the Lord is my helper, so I’m not afraid. What could mere mortals do? (Heb 13:6)
• For his gracious gift of health and rest. We have been able to rest well and Bekah is better after a bout of strep.
• For the wonderful team he is putting together for us to work with in Antofagasta. We enjoyed the time of encouragement and sharpening with them a few weekends ago.

Pray to God with us:

• For his grace and strength to demonstrate Christlike patience as we work through many things we cannot control, manipulate, or even hurry. Specifically, we desire the paperwork process to move quickly so we can receive our permissions, but we know God may have much more to teach us than just how Chilean bureaucracy works.
• For his grace to be kind and loving toward others, mirroring Christ’s love for us while we were his enemies (Rom 5:8). Specifically, it’s very easy to get frustrated with people when they do things that slow us down or get in our way.
• For his wisdom in making decisions and purchases, because we want to be good stewards of the resources with which he has entrusted us. Specifically, we are actively looking for an apartment in Antofagasta that will meet our needs and be as economical as possible (fully realizing that living in that city will be
  far more costly than other areas).

This is our February 2018 email update. You can sign up to receive our updates in your inbox here. You can download a printable PDF here.