New Blessings and Opportunities
Mission to Uruguay
Missionaries Mark & Jenni Richline, and Steven & Catalina Payson are proclaiming Christ in Uruguay. They are sent and supported by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
No More Flooding
For years, the building we rent for our church services has suffered from a leaky roof. More than once after a stormy day the floor has been covered from wall to wall in water. Thankfully we hired a professional roofer who repaired it. Goodbye, leaky roof. Hello, broken sewage pipe! Recent storms forced our sewage to flow back up through the floor drains requiring major clean up. The city Public Works finally came to the rescue, replacing the pipe and, hopefully, ending our serious water issues.
More Members to Come
Toward the end of last year, we rejoiced to welcome three new young people into our Salvos Church family. At that time several others started visiting with us. One young family and another couple have been especially connecting with our church body. We will soon be starting new membership classes for these dear brothers and sisters.
Outnumbered 3 to 2
Two new little church members are also on their way. Twin girls are coming in May to one of our young couples and their 8-year-old son, Mateo. Praise God with us that all is going well with her pregnancy, and pray for wisdom to Estefany and Darwin as their family is undergoing significant changes!
People's Prayers
I am always blessed to listen to others as they pray. One new believer in our Thursday night group usually starts praying with, “Good evening, Lord.” My heart is stirred as I hear her reflect to our Lord how amazingly gracious he is, and how completely undeserving we are of anything from him. Some lay many requests at Jesus’ feet rather quickly, while others pray for fewer requests but in greater detail. And then there is our oldest member, who simply and openly talks to God as if he were sitting with her on her couch, talking to a good friend. God’s Holy Spirit lifts each heart to our Father in his own beautiful way.
Our Growing Leadership
Earlier this year, Matías finished our leadership training class but was unable to dedicate time to the office of elder due to his demanding work schedule. He also wanted to be sure he was prioritizing time with his family over church ministry. Now that his work schedule has changed, he is back pursuing the office. Soon he will complete his theology exam and be voted on by the congregation. He is a gracious and gifted brother in Christ, and we pray he will soon join our other two ruling elders at Salvos.
The Ambassador Comes Home
Way back in early 2018, Jorge professed his faith in Christ, was baptized and received into our church membership. Within a month he was gone! His life-long work as an ambassador for Uruguay called him to Palestine, where he served in the Uruguayan Embassy. He nearly lost his life to Covid19 but recovered after much physical therapy. Jorge kept in touch with Salvos over the years, and we wondered if we would ever see him again. Then recently he retired from his position and returned to Uruguay. We are thrilled to have him back with us serving the Lord.
Moving Ahead in Maldonado
Jorge owns a house in Maldonado and has graciously offered it for our mission’s use as we begin a new church plant in that city. My co-laborer, Stephen Payson is heading up this work. He started meeting last Friday for Bible study with our three most recent Salvos members living in the area. As Stephen continues the study each week, the group will be inviting friends and family while following up with other local contacts interested in the reformed faith. Please pray, pray and then pray some more for our efforts in this city.
Would you continue to seek our Lord with us...
- To raise up a pastor for Salvos Church.
- To grow Salvos to become financially self-sustaining.
- To grow and lead the other new Presbyterian & Reformed works taking root in various places in Uruguay.
- To unify the current and upcoming church plants so that a presbytery begins taking shape this year.
- To raise up another full-time missionary to work with our OPC mission.
We would love to have you visit our Facebook Page "Mission to Montevideo" where you will find Uruguayan cultural tidbits, ministry updates and current prayer requests.
https://www.facebook.com/LovingUruguayTHANK YOU for partnering with us in this gospel ministry. Keep on the look-out for this newsletter in your email every third Saturday of the month. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.