One of the challenges to missions is the human element. It hurts to leave your home, your family, and your culture to go to another place. But then, it hurts (maybe even more?) to leave your new home, your new family, and your adopted culture as well. Paul talked about the way he had to leave the young church in Thessalonica as being “torn away” from them. However, he reminded them that he was absent in person, but not in heart. “But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire” (1 Thess 2:17). He told the Philippians that it was right for him to feel strongly about them, because he “had them in his heart” (Phil 1:7). We are experiencing this whirlwind of emotions right now.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for what God has done in Antofagasta during these past eight years. We enjoyed a beautiful farewell lunch with our church family. Many spoke kind words reminding us of God’s grace in their lives. In God’s providence, we left Antofagasta last Monday to begin our journey north. God provided for us in many ways for which we are grateful. Church people helped us with our things and drove us to the airport. Our GMSA mission staff received us in Florida and has helped us immensely in the transition.

This will be our last monthly email update (number 128, if anyone is counting). We thank God for your faithful partnership in the gospel with us over the years. As you think of it, pray for the Berea Church in Antofagasta, Chile. Pray that God’s Spirit would continue to use his Word to make his children more like his Son. Pray that the gospel would continue to advance in the north of Chile and to the ends of the earth.

This is our November 2025 email update. You can download a printable PDF here.