Wests in Argentina: May 2018 Update
By: Matt Postiff
June 14, 2018
Missionaries Dave and Patti West report:
In summary, our paperwork has been submitted and we have temporary residency. Our language skills are slowly improving. We have a car and a permanent place to live. The committee has been formed to begin the process of establishing the new school of ministry. It is a slow process, but through your prayers and support it is going forward.
We cannot tell you how thrilled, challenged and humbled we are through it all. Every day we have something new to look forward to, something new to learn. We are thankful that we have partners like you to support us and pray us through. May the Lord add His blessing to all that we do for His name’s sake.
Please pray for:
- Our continual increase in language acquisition and practical ability.
- That our paperwork would continue smoothly and we would get our ID cards relatively soon.
- That the committee will have wisdom as steps are taken in the development of the school.
- That our tutor times and other times of speaking with people would be profitable in more ways than just language acquisition.
- That we would have wisdom and be able to be helpful to those whom we host in our mission home and apartment.
To read their entire update, click here: May_2018_Update.
In Memory: Cal and Alice Arnold
By: Matt Postiff
June 7, 2018
Dear Praying Friends,
We learned last night that Alice Arnold, wife of former GMSA Chairman of the US Board, has gone home to heaven. Cal passed away on August 28, 2015. The Arnolds were a part of the Mission family since 1956 and Cal served as Chairman of the US Board for many years, until his retirement in November of 2004. For a decade or more, after Cal’s career retirement, they routinely attended our annual GMSA conferences in South America.
We are grateful for the many servants of God, unknown to some, who had a significant role in shaping the GMSA as we know it today.
Please pray for the Arnolds’ children and grandchildren, and thank the Lord with us for their faithful service for nearly five decades!
Holmes on the Road
By: Matt Postiff
May 26, 2018
Missionaries Colby and Lesa Holmes report from furlough:
Dear Praying Friends,
Just a little note to let you all know we are fine and coming to the end of our furlough meetings. It has been a busy few months but we have enjoyed seeing our supporters again, and meeting new friends.
Our last meeting is June 10th. Then we will be heading down south, ultimately on to Florida for annual mission meetings. Pray for protection on the road.
Thank you, dear ones, for praying for us, giving and standing along side of us as we face a new ministry before us. Lord willing, we will start working in a new city for us, Bragado, Argentina.
If you have any questions please feel free to write us and ask!
In Christ, Our Hope,
Colby, Lesa and Jonathan
Morrell Updates on Camp, Church, Argentina Field
By: Matt Postiff
May 23, 2018
Missionary James Morrell reports:
Camp
Tomorrow starts a three-day nen’s retreat. Pray that many will be able to come and for God’s will to be accomplished in the hearts of the men in attendance.
May 26-June 8 we will host a work team from the United Kingdom. Please pray for the men and women as they prepare to come and for an effective time of work while they are here. We plan to continue working on the pool and the second cabin. Many of those coming are skilled craftsmen.
Church
The Gibbons have been faithfully serving the Lord here in Chivilcoy and have seen God build His church from the very beginning. The time has come for the church to support its own pastor and so the Gibbons are moving on to Florida where Tom will now be the director for the mission. The new pastor in Chivilcoy will be David Diaz from Chile. David and Carolina will be moving to Chivilcoy on June 2. Please pray for the transitions of these two families as they move into new ministry and for the Chivilcoy church as they adjust to a new pastor.
New Role in Mission Leadership
As Tom has become the director for the mission, James has become the new Argentine field director. Please pray for James as he learns his new role and wisdom to lead as we seek to plant more churches in Argentina. Please pray for more missionaries to answer God’s call to help build His church in Argentina. Our next targeted city is Bragado which is about 40 minutes SW of Chivilcoy. Veteran missionaries Colby and Lesa Holmes Lord willing will be returning to Argentina in July to begin this work along with Lois Kenney and Lois McAllister. Please pray for another ministry couple to join them and for the hearts of people to be prepared to hear God’s Good News!
Missionary Ladies Get Together in Chile
By: Matt Postiff
May 21, 2018
Earlier this month there was the first ever GMSA “ladies get together.” All nine GMSA ladies from Chile were able to travel from their ministry locations to spend several days together at the mission property in Santiago. The time away was needed and it was encouraging to all the ladies. They didn’t have children, husbands, or dishes to worry about. And they had lots of time to relax and enjoy fellowship, including attending local churches for the Sunday services.
Please pray for our GMSA missionary ladies: (L to R)
- Gaby Beyer – Bible Correspondence Course ministry in Temuco
- Liz Thompson – Christian Camping and local church ministry in Lican Ray
- Earlynne Thompson – Bible Institute ministry in Temuco & local church ministry in Radal
- Kristi Flinck – church planting ministry in Antofagasta
- Bekah Perry – church planting ministry in Antofagasta
- Kolette Thompson – Bible Institute ministry in Temuco
- Becca Vallette – Christian camping ministry in Pirque
- Diane Steward – church planing ministry in Coquimbo
- Sharon Bisbee – local church ministry in Alto Hospicio
Men and Ladies Bible Studies in Antofagasta, Chile
By: Matt Postiff
May 21, 2018
Please pray for the discipleship work that is being done by the Flincks, Perrys, and Maluendas as they seek to make and mature disciples who will make more disciples in the northern reaches of Chile.
Upgrades at Pirque Camp, May 2018 Edition
By: Matt Postiff
May 18, 2018
Missionary Dan Vallette reports about updates and improvements at Camp Pirque, near Santiago, Chile:
Some equipment in the kitchen was replaced with new, updated (and safer) equipment. A new oven, stove top and soup burner replaced the old equipment. A beautiful new four-door refrigerator and another small chest freezer were also added to make life in the kitchen easier. A kitchen remodel is on “The List” but right now there are more pressing needs.
The main project is the renovation of the storage building (into bathrooms/shower facilities & guest housing/office/nurses station, etc.). This project has been amazing. The old roof was carefully removed so that it could be reused. The few parts of the roof that were not reused as roofing have been recycled in other areas. Some of the wood is now part of the patio entrance to what will be the camp office. Much of the podium area of the upcoming church plant is also made of recycled wood. This same wood also provides shade for the hexagon bench swings. There is still much to be done. We are hoping to have the bottom area with the bathrooms and showers up & running for a pastor’s conference in October.
Facelift for Chivilcoy Church
By: Matt Postiff
May 11, 2018
After nearly a month of rain delay, the contractor arrived this morning with seven men to work on the facade of the Chivilcoy, Argentina church. This and the entry area are the last phase of construction.
