As the Scripture in the writings of Paul so often say,
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.”
So we say, “Thank you” for your continuing ministry of prayer and support of our ministry here in Argentina. Our work for the Lord is strengthened and encouraged by your efforts to supply for our needs through praying and giving.
Bible Institute
The ministry of the Bible Institute continues now beyond the first half of the semester. Our classes are doing well, and our student body has many new students this semester. Our student population only numbers 17 at present, but almost half of these are new to the program. Of those who have returned, three will complete the Basic Bible Knowledge Certificate at the end of next semester, Lord willing. We are continuing to use the virtual format for our classes, but we hope to add in-person classes soon. We are still a work in progress, but the Lord is blessing us with a smoother operation of the administration, and a growing interest in our program. Continue to pray that the Lord will work in the churches and particularly among the youth to raise up a generation who will give their lives to serve the Lord Jesus in full-time ministry. There is such a need for pastors and church planters here in Argentina. The harvest is there but the laborers are few. Our ministry cannot raise up those laborers, but we are making ourselves available to train them when the Lord brings them along.
The Biblical Hebrew III class had to be cancelled at this time as the professor had back surgery. Please pray for his recovery.
Permanent Residency
One of the more exciting bits of news that we would like to share with you is the final arrival of our son Mike’s permanent residency card. His is the last and now all three of us are card-carrying permanent residents of Argentina. No more trips to immigrations or sweating over paperwork problems, concerns, and delays. It has taken over four years but the Lord has marvelously worked in the last six months to do what seemed impossible to us. While we rejoice in this, we would ask you to pray for our colleagues, the Morrells, as their wait for these documents has been almost eight years! That might help you realize how grateful we are to come to the end of our process.
While most of you are beginning to enjoy the warmth and renewal of the Spring season, we are fully into the Fall. The leaves are falling, the air is cooler, and the heaters are on. So, from our half of the planet to yours, we send our gratitude and our promise to keep you in our prayers. The Lord has greatly blessed us and this ministry is a great privilege. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Your fellow-servants in Argentina,
Dave, Patti and Michael
Praise:
- Permanent residency received
- Halfway through the first semester
- Seventeen students
- Ministries in full swing
- Classes planned for second semester (starts in August)
- Teachers confirmed for the second semester of classes
Prayer:
- Students would have a heart to grow in Christ and serve Him
- Ministry growth (institute ministry, preaching and teaching ministry)
- Laborers for the work in Argentina
- Preparation for the 2nd semester
- Recovery of BI professor
- Permanent residency status for the Morrell family
Praise the Lord with us! As of about a week ago, all three of us have our permanent residency identification cards. The residency process is finished! Thank you for praying! The expiration date for these cards is in 2037!
In April, Dave and Michael went to the Men’s Retreat at the beautiful camp in Chivilcoy. It was a joy for them to fellowship with other men from our churches. Much joy, camaraderie, and spiritual refreshment was had after not having a retreat in the two previous years.
If you notice at the bottom of the picture on the left, our work has just begun. This tree is huge and a gorgeous bit of shade in the summer. At this time, however, it is shedding its beautiful coat in preparation for winter. We have a walnut tree that will soon drop its leaves also. Our Saturdays, for the foreseeable future, are all planned out: leaf raking and removal.
There are many items we enjoy that are difficult for us to find in Argentina. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is one item that Dave likes to use in cooking. He is delighted that he has learned how to make his own here. First step: smoke the jalapeño peppers (which is, of course, best done when cooking meat on the grill!).
