Dear Pastor, Friends and Family,
We pray that you are all doing well. We want to start by thanking you for your faithful prayers and support. We could not do what we are doing if you did not do what you are doing, and we want you to know that we do not take that for granted.
We are currently in a state of lock down in Santiago and under martial law. We have actually been under martial law and unable to hold regular services for almost three months. However, for the last few weeks we have been under stricter regulations. The entire capital city, Santiago, and some other cities have been under a total quarantine. This means that we are confined to our homes and have to obtain permission through the local police agencies (which can be done online) to go out in public. Because of this all of our services and classes through the Bible college are being conducted online.
Although ministry has been limited to online meetings through Facebook and other meeting applications; it has continued, and the Lord has blessed. Juan Carlos continues to do a great job helping me conduct the services online and has handled the lion’s share of the work the last couple weeks because we have not, and still do not, have home internet. But, in spite of all the issues we are seeing the Lord do some amazing things. We are seeing an increase almost weekly in the number of people watching our services online from the community that we are in.
We are seeing that our services are being watched from places all around the world. We have people that have contacted us who have been saved and are wanting to be baptized and discipled as soon as it is possible. We (actually Juan Carlos) have been able to meet up with neighbors and give them Bibles.
It really is amazing to see how the gospel continues to go forward in spite of all that is going on. The other missionaries and the churches that they are working in are seeing similar results. The attendance of the Bible college is growing. The Lord’s work continues on, and although we are ready to get back to normal it is exciting to see how He continues to assure the gospel advances. Hudson Taylor said, “God is always advancing”, and it is our desire to advance with him.
We are praying for you as well that the Lord blesses you and gives you fruit that remains!
Please take a moment and read our prayer requests listed below.
In Christ,
The Smitheys