It's time for an update.  It seems like we have been extremely busy these last few weeks. Every month we have had some kind of special meetings.
The end of May, the 26th and 27th, we had  Pastor Enoc Gutierrez from Mexico with us for a mini conference. He taught on the importance of Christian Education and encouraged us to keep on the right track because there has been an epidemic of churches phasing out this ministry in our churches.
He also preached to our congregation on Sunday morning to close out  our mission's emphasis. We also took our Faith Promise Missionary Offering pledges for this year. We were happy to see an increase and, Lord willing, will be able to increase our monthly support to our missionaries. Praise the Lord! We also have plans to be more of a blessing to our missionaries this year with other projects. Knowing the way the Lord works, I'm sure that our congregation will also be blessed because of their efforts.

Coming up this weekend is Father's Day. For a special treat and to honor all Fathers, we will be showing the movie "Courageous" this Saturday evening. We are hoping to see new families come to this event and to be able to be a blessing and a witness of Christ's love to them as well.

Except for a few back problems and tendinitis, the Lord has kept us safe and healthy. For that we are thankful. We are also thankful that our two children, Michael and Stephany, were able to make the mission's trip to Kibera, Kenya. We personally thank all who have supported and prayed for them. I'm sure they will agree that their lives will never be the same and that it was an honor to be a part of this ministry.

Mission's Month - International Supper

Every year we take a month and focus on missions. One of the highlights of the year for us is our International Supper. This time it was no exception. We ask for volunteers to decorate a table representing the country of their choice. This year we had Greece, Mexico, United States, and Peru. The food was a mixture from all over the world. We had enough to feed an army, like always. Mike preached on the "Mission of the Church - Five things you should be doing to fulfill your purpose".
Everyone enjoyed themselves and are being challenged to trust God more this year in their giving to missions.
For our closing service on May 27, we will have Pastor Enoc Guitierrez (hijo) from Mexico with us to give us the last challenge.
Since this is missions month, I'd like to mention and ask for your prayers for our two children, Michael and Stephany. On May 23 they leave for a mission's trip to Kibera, Kenya. They will be working with New Hope Ministries in a youth camp, Bible club, and church services.

Special Meetings with Alejandro Samariani

The last weekend of April we had special meetings with a good friend of ours who is an evangelist-Alejandro Samariani. Friday night we had an activity with the teens. Bro. Alejandro played games with the kids and then gave a good message on setting goals. Saturday night he taught a message at the men's meeting.  Sunday he taught in Sunday morning Sunday school and preached in our evening services.  It was a very special time for the church and his messages were a great encouragement.  His son Jonathan also sang for us!!  What a wonderful weekend!

HAPPY EASTER!!

Today for our Easter Celebration we shared breakfast then we combined our services.  It was a sweet time of praise and reflection on the amazing revelation of the power of our Lord. Only He could arise from the dead! What an awesome Savior we have!  HE'S ALIVE!!!

We also had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. But, our eggs were chocolate!

The winner of the prize Easter egg.

Something is brewing...

Pray for Argentina. Economic problems are not "new" news to anyone these days.  Some very bad decisions by the Argentine presidency has caused some serious repercussions in the country. Our president decided to hold and not allow any imported goods to enter the country for several months now.  Her idea was that it would stimulate Argentine manufacturing and industry and that it would inspire advancement in our own technology.  So far the only thing that it has caused is prices to go up and people to lose their jobs and money.  It's also not a good policy for foreign relations. Every where you go it's what the people are talking about.  Something is going to have to give soon.  There is so much unrest and sense of helplessness amongst the people. 
We pray that God will allow us to be a witness and blessing during this time. We sure need an extra dose of God's power and wisdom!
Also be praying for our two children, Michael and Stephany. They are both studying at Baptist Bible College. Both were chosen to go on a mission's trip with the New Hope Initiative to Africa this May.  They will work with the children and their families in a place called Kibera, which is the world's largest slum just outside Nairobi, Kenya.  Kibera is home to 1.5 million people in one square mile and is a very needy place both spiritually and economically.  This means the children they will work with are literally some of the poorest children in the world.  Michael and Stephany have to raise $1900.00 each for their trip.  They both are trusting by faith that God will provide and lead others to help them make their goal. http://mandstoddnewhope.blogspot.com.ar/
God has also been showing us how fragile we can be.  Both Mike and I have experienced some health issues which has been a little discouraging.  Although these are minor setbacks, God still has blessed us with health that we will continue to use to work for Him.
God bless all those who pray for us and our ministry here in Argentina.

Pastor's and Missionaries Retreat 2012

February 13-17 we had our annual retreat for the national pastors and missionaries and their families.  Once again we invited Dr. Bill Smith from Globe Ministries to come and teach and preach to us.  It has always been a wonderful time of fellowship with our fellow laborers in Christ and a welcome opportunity to sit back in the congregation and listen to the preaching of God's Word and be encouraged.
We thank Dr. Smith from the bottom of our hearts that he is willing to come every year and be a blessing to us.

The children of all the ministers also have a special time planned for them.  Thanks to Angela Freeman and her helpers these MK's (minister's kids!) also have a time where they can be encouraged and be ministered to on a special level that meets their unique needs.

Why do I always crash?

Why do I always crash after camps are over? I am thankful that the Lord kept me healthy for the 3 weeks of camp. But, it's almost a rule now that after they are over I get a terrible cold/flu thing and feel awful for a few days.

Our last camp was great!! Pastor Victor Dominguez and his wife did an excellent job!!  5 children were saved this week and many others made decisions. Here is a picture of Pastor Victor and his wife.  To see other pictures of the weeks events you can see them on the camps website: campbbargentina.yolasite.com

Also please check out the section on Projects. We have an urgent need to fix the roofs of several dorms.  The heat this summer wrecked havoc on the 30 year old roofs and cracked in several spots.  Pray with us about this project, please!