Uruguay: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
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.
Looking back at 2023
First-Time Grandparents
On April 3, we gazed into the eyes of our first, grandbaby girl, Esther Harumi Sato and fell forever in love. She is now eight months old and keeps lighting up our lives!
Joined the Empty Nesters Club
Our house is so quiet since Julie flew the nest to start flying all over the world as a flight attendant. As much as we miss our kids, Jeni and I are rediscovering the life of a slightly more mature married couple!
Sprinkling Children
It was my joy this year to baptize the youngest children of one Salvos' family that had come to embrace household baptism as God’s sign and seal of his covenant of grace on our children.
Salvos Sunday School
Our church’s first regular Sunday School program for adults and children got off to an excellent start in September. During our summer break we are looking for new teachers.
Wednesday night Open Church
Several people have visited Salvos for our weekly bible study open to our busy community. Some keep coming while others have attended our other services.
Completed study of WSC
Our Thursday online group has completed a year long study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Now we are studying the prayers of the Bible one week, while devoting the following week entirely to prayer.
Awesome Conference!
In October, Salvos partnered with the other Presbyterian & Reformed Church in town to host our annual Reformation Conference which was attended by more than 60 people from at least four different churches.
A Second Ruling Elder for Salvos
One week later, our brother Rubén was ordained into the office of ruling elder, advancing Salvos Church further toward the goal of becoming a self-governing congregation.
New Members for Salvos
In November, a young, married couple, and another young woman from the city of Maldonado reaffirmed their love for Christ, and committed themselves to our Salvos Church membership.
Christmas PICNIC
On a sunny, December day, our Salvos family came together in a local park where we had a delicious barbecue, followed by a sweet time of worship; praying, singing, and giving our attention to God’s Word.
Looking ahead to 2024
Another Grandbaby Coming our Way
Jeni and I are thrilled to welcome our next grandchild in May, thanks to God’s grace to our son Josh and his wife, Samantha!
Twins on the Way
Our church is thrilled for one of our married couples that is expecting twins also in May!
More New Salvos Members
We hope to begin membership classes with a family of five and another young couple who have already been committing themselves to our Salvos congregation.
Missionary Associates on the Way
We are excited to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Payson as our newest Missionary Associates to serve here with us for the last half of the year.
More P&R Churches to be Born
In January our mission plans to begin a bible study in Maldonado with the help of Salvos’ members who live there. The Brazillian Reformed Church also plans to advance several new church plants.
Forming a Denomination
With progress on new church plants comes our mission’s more concentrated efforts to unite them in one presbytery, encouraging mutual collaboration to advance toward a Uruguayan Reformed & Presbyterian Denomination.
THANK YOU for partnering with us in this gospel ministry. May our Lord bless you at the end of this year with reflection on his past faithfulness to deepen your trust in his sovereign grace as you move into all the personal unknowns of this coming year.