LET'S START TALKING
Our Let’s Start Talking style program that went on for about six weeks ended in July. I have three readers I’d like to tell something about. Jacob is a dentist, a nice man who was born in Korea but grew up in Argentina. He is open to talking about God as he has a Christian friend who Jacobo said had “changed.” This friend made quite an impact on Jacobo, even more than his Catholic wife. Jacobo, Karina, and I went out for dinner together, first in a restaurant in our neighborhood, then in a Korean restaurant closer to his neighborhood. I ate raw strips of beef (although I must say they had been marinated in some type of sauce) in some kind of Korean plate. Jacobo and I have had some pretty intimate conversations about God.
Another reader is Silvia. She is Catholic/new age (another words, she doesn’t really know much about what she believes). Silvia is a sweet lady. She is a single woman in her forties and a lawyer. At this point, Karina and I have mostly just established a good friendship with her. She was open to talking about God, and she believes in the virgin birth and that there is a God. That’s a good start.
Our last reader, Jose, is little strange but he is a good guy. Jose is from Peru but was planning to study in Argentina. I could tell he was going through culture shock, and it’s his first time living away from home. Jose decided at the end of our time to go back to Peru, unfortunately (although he may return to Argentina). However, we had very intimate talks about his life, and he opened up about a lot of things. Jose seems to know that Jesus is the way, but he has some dark things in his life that hold him back from following Jesus (this is basically what he told me). These things are more attractive for him than Jesus is. Pray for Jose and these three if you get a chance.
Overall, our project got us a few good contacts that we’ll keep up with. May God use this to bring about his glory in these people’s lives.
FRIEND'S CAMP
Close to the end of our project in July, we had a friendscamp, which is a retreat for the people that participated in the bible-reading project above. We did this in conjunction with the Villa Urquiza congregation and the Caballito congregation. Fifty attended. I preached on Sunday about friendship (David and Jonathan). For some, it was the first time they heard the story of David and Goliath or Jonathan. The camp went well in all aspects and everyone enjoyed the time singing, listening to God’s stories, and escaping from the city life.
OUR FIRST BAPTISM
Vanesa was our first baptism here in Argentina. The first 'baby' out of our group. She is a wonderful woman that wanted to follow Jesus from the moment we met her. Vanesa was not originally one of our contacts. She had bounced around at different churches looking for Jesus, but always living in the emotional experience and never truly committing to a daily relationship with Jesus. She did this kind of thing for seven years. When we got her, though, she was ready and anxious to be baptized and take a first step of real commitment towards God. We are so thankful that we found someone with such an open heart to do God’s will. Vanesa loves God and is so ready to serve him with all that she has.
She was baptized right before we left for the US. What a blessing! In the picture you will see her with her aunt Martha, who has been praying for Vanesa's life for such a long time. God still answers prayers!
VISIT FROM THE US
Unfortunately, it was just for a couple of days, but Jessica, Kyle and Erin's visit to our house reminded us of all the good times with them. We really enjoyed having them. Thanks guy for stopping by! We love you!
SNOW AFTER ALMOST A 100 YEARS
Last but not least, we wanted to mention all the things that took place in this month of July. And certainly, the unexpected weather changes brought some snow, surprise and excitement among the 'portenos' (citizens of Buenos Aires) who had never seen snow in their lives in this city before. The last time was 1918.
Here there are some pictures for you to enjoy
