Acts 12 is kind of a “hinge” between the two parts of Acts, the first centered in Jerusalem and the second in Antioch. It describes the persecution that scattered Christians out of Jerusalem and throughout the region. It tells the story of a king who thought he was sovereign because he murdered one apostle (James) and hoped to kill another (Peter). But Herod was foiled by the one true Sovereign, the one who holds the churches in his hand. He dramatically rescued Peter and then struck down Herod for believing his own lie. Luke sums up the chapter, “But the Word of God increased and multiplied.” In spite of opposition, assassination, and persecution, Jesus continued building his church. I’m thankful as I look around our church gathering on the Lord’s Day and see how the Word of God is increasing and multiplying here in Antofagasta.

This past Lord’s Day was an obvious manifestation of the work of God’s Word in the church here as we formed official membership. Twenty-four believers publicly committed to faithfully serve the Lord and one another in our young church. We had several guests, pastors from other parts of the country, and a special speaker. At the end of the service, those who had completed the membership process had a chance to express in their own words their commitment to the others. It was a very precious opportunity to hear how God has providentially brought each one to this point and continues to work in their hearts and lives. After a church-wide lunch, we had a practice doctrinal examination with the visiting pastors for Pastor Andrés. The church people stayed and listened in, and that brought up lots of great topics for discussion afterwards. It has been a blessing to see how God’s Word has increased and multiplied in Pastor Andrés’ life as well. All in all, the day was a refreshing reminder that Jesus is building his church here in Antofagasta.

We had a good two-day trip to Temuco this past month, gaping and staring at all the grass, trees, rain, and mud! I guess we have gotten very accustomed to living in the desert. Our team received a young pastor from Santiago and his family for a week (during their winter break) and tried to be an encouragement and blessing to them. Our church hosted nineteen pastors and elders from the northern Chilean churches this past weekend for their quarterly meeting and we trust we encouraged them in their labors in the churches they represent.

This is our August 2019 email update. You can sign up to receive our updates in your inbox here. You can download a printable PDF here.