Dear Pastor, Church, Family, and Friends
WOW! July and August have been very exciting months in the life and ministry of Iglesia Bautista Libertad. The Lord has blessed and we have seen several people saved, baptized, and finishing the discipleship courses. Also, we have had visitors almost every service.
There was some concern that during the winter months, July and August here is winter, that we may see a drop in attendance and participation. Especially, since the lead missionary, Jason Holt would be back in the States for a short furlough during this time. But, God proved himself faithful.
We have not seen any drop off. We have a great group of young couples that are getting involved in almost everything that they can. They have been a huge blessing. They have been the ones that have stepped up and allowed themselves to be used of the Lord.
Erica and I are continually learning the language and getting more involved in teaching. Morgan, Luke, and Meredith are also really starting to develop and learn the language. Just this past week someone from church was talking to Meredith and I did not believe she understood what they said, so, I told the person I would have to help her and Meredith informed me she didn’t need my help; then proceeded to tell me in english exactly what was said, and then turn to the person and answered them in Spanish. I just turned and walked away and did not say anything else.
We have started a Friday night youth service. The first couple of meetings we only had a few young people from our church come, but had really good meetings. However, the last two Fridays because of the work of one of our young men training for the ministry and another one of our teens working to invite others we have had twenty five each night.
From this meeting we have already had a few young people saved and come to church on Sunday morning. We are in the process now of working with them to encourage them to be baptized and start the discipleship courses.
We had a special event in a near by park for Children. We had approximately forty five children participate. It was a great day. Most, if not all, of theses children heard the gospel for the first time. We had songs, games, and a skit. Afterwards, we split the children in to smaller groups with adult workers from the church where they were given a clear presentation of the gospel. We had many that raised their hands that they had prayed and put their trust in Christ to save them.
There are so many more things to write about, but I want to leave space to share some pictures so that you can not only hear but see what is going on in Chile. One last thing, please pray with us about a huge and exciting opportunity to purchase land for a Bible college. This is the next step in the ministry here in Chile. We will be sending out more information about this very very soon.
Oh yeah, one more, one more last thing; We had our annual youth congress in July. It was a great meeting for three nights and two days. Our friend, Missionary Aaron Vance to Colombia, came in to preach the conference and brought one of the young men from Colombia that is training with him for the ministry. It was our joy and privilege to host them and spend some time discussing things that have and have not worked in the ministries here in Chile and Colombia. Iron sharpens iron.
I think that is all for now. Thank you for your prayers and support for our family.
In Christ,
The Smitheys
Jamie, Erica, Morgan, Luke, and Meredith.