The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us that enjoying the work God has set before us is one of His many good gifts. “…Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God”(Ecc 3:13). Since the garden of Eden, man has been created to work, and to the extent we understand that God has given us our work, however menial it may be, we can take pleasure in our labors. Our “work” right now is furlough ministry: driving, talking, meeting with people, trying to stay in contact, and taking care of the things we can’t do in Chile. This past month has involved about 5,000 miles in the car, countless emails, 23 trips to Walmart, and multiple dentist visits—all God’s good gift to us.
The month of May we spent in Ohio, but the month of June has been on the road. So far, we have been in nine different states (you can see our complete furlough schedule on our website). Lord willing, we will continue traveling east and north the rest of this month, ending in New Hampshire with family in July. We are thankful for safety, good health, and the kind reception of our partners in ministry.
The church in Antofagasta continues to meet in the park, and Jesus continues building his church there. Mark had the privilege this month to teach an online class to about 60 pastors and elders from Chile about biblical eldership. We enjoy sharing a report each Sunday evening with our church in Chile about our Lord’s Day: where we have been and the responses of the churches here as they hear what God is doing in northern Chile. It has been a wonderful opportunity to be a conduit of true Christian fellowship between local assemblies.
Please continue to pray for our safety in travel, for physical stamina and health, and for opportunities to serve like Jesus. As you continue to pray for the resolution of our permanent visas, we want to share a praise. Two weeks ago, we received an email stating that Mark’s visa has been approved! It hasn’t been issued yet, so we don’t have it in hand, but “approved” sounds like a good word. We appreciate your continue prayers on our behalf.
We appreciate their faithful partnership with us.
- Thank God with us for his grace in the continued growth and maturing of our church in Antofagasta.
- Thank God with us for his grace in reporting to our partners.
- Thank God with us for his grace in physical health and safety in our travels within the United States.
- Pray to God with us for his grace as we share what God has done through the gospel in Antofagasta.
- Pray to God with us for his grace in travel and furlough meetings.
- Pray to God with us for his grace in the waiting process for our residency documents.
This is our June 2022 email update. You can sign up to receive our updates in your inbox here. You can download a printable PDF here.
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