The Maragato Mandate

I’ve recently been reading, Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper. In this commentary on global evangelism, Piper reminds us that “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church – worship is.”

As plans move further and excitement grows stronger about spending the upcoming summer on mission in Uruguay, I realize how easy it is to focus solely on the idea of missions.  As we prepare for the upcoming summer, we must remember to pray not only for blessings on our work there, but primarily for the hearts of the people of Uruguay.

Maragatos is the formal name for the native Uruguayan people group.  Though they are unified in culture as a people group, religion is often an insignificant factor in Maragato culture. It is believed that less than 1% of the population in the Department of San Jose – where Joni and I will be serving – are born-again Christians. Many Maragatos are religiously apathetic or even atheist. There is a strong spirit of pessimism among these people, and a common phrase among Maragatos is “Creo en mi propia manera”, meaning, ‘I believe in my own way.”

Oh, how my heart overflows to see the Maragatos enter the narrow way! Though the Maragatos are a prosperous people, they are growing increasingly aware of the spiritual void in many of their hearts. A young and spiritually searching Uruguayan woman stated that the greatest problem in Uruguayan society is a lack of love.  Even the lost people of Uruguay recognize that love reigns over any humanitarian and political need!

Missions is not just cross-cultural humanitarian work. Missions is leading others to the heart of God by loving them without reservation. The human response to the heart of God is worship, and my heart is to see the nation of Uruguay raise its voice in passionate worship of He who makes all things new!

In light of this, please continue praying for our brothers and sisters in the church of Uruguay. The Maragatos are calling out for someone to love them, In a little over two months, Joni and I will be joining Lyle and Claren on mission to love the Maragatos as Christ has loved us. There is no greater joy than this!

-Amy

1 John 3:1 

The Beginning

As many of you already know, I am preparing to spend the upcoming summer as a messenger of the Gospel in the South American nation of Uruguay. This is the story of how it all began.

 “But Abba, can the harvest get any bigger in South America?” I naively asked the Lord in an October, 2007 journal entry. I had just heard a compelling presentation from a Brazilian woman about a mighty spiritual reawakening sweeping across the continent, and though my heart was erupting in anticipation, I felt far too small to be a part of something so grand. Tenderly, He replied, “Yes beloved, and the harvest is ready. Are you? Will you go for Me?” With a deep sigh and a quick, “Oh Lord, what am I getting into now” I finally replied, “Yes Lord, here am I. Send me.” 

“Then follow Me, child.”

 Three weeks later, I wrestled with God over the prospect of pursuing summer missions. “But God, I’m too young. But God, I have a job. But God …” He interrupted. “Be quiet, child, and follow Me.” Less than three hours later, I found myself sifting through a book two inches thick of summer missions opportunities. “Lead on, Lord,” I whispered.  After turning page after page, my eyes were continually drawn to opportunities in Argentina. As I paused to look more closely, my phone rang – It was my father. “Amy, I’m at lunch with two missionaries from Argentina, and they’d love to meet you. Can you come by for a few minutes?” My heart leapt as I heard God’s laughter – He knows what He’s doing.

 Out of breath and full of anticipation, I took a seat around a table with my parents, the  student missions coordinator, and two beaming missionaries named Lyle and Claren. I whispered to my father, “how did you …?” He replied, “Not how did I, but how did He?”

I listened intently as Claren described their mission field. It wasn’t long before we discovered that they were from the nation of Uruguay instead of Argentina, as we had thought originally. However, it didn’t matter much – the Lord’s purpose was clear. As I described my heart, my skills and my experience in missions, I noticed Claren’s face brightening with every word I spoke. “Amy, we were just discussing this morning the type of person we needed to come serve with us next summer. You fit this profile beautifully, and We would be honored to have you in Uruguay.” I felt God’s pleasure as I replied, “and I would be honored to come.” Claren presented me with a beautiful gold cross charm, which I now wear around my neck as a reminder to pray for Uruguay.

 Since that November 14 afternoon, (which is, ironically, my spiritual birthday), the road to Uruguay has become even straighter. I had the privilege of spending an afternoon shopping and practicing my Spanish with two beautiful young ladies from Uruguay named Alejandra and Vicki. For months, my family prayed with Lyle and Claren to send student partners to serve with me in Uruguay.

 At the February summer missions interviews in Montevallo, I met a young lady named Joni Howard from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. I sympathized with her as she flipped nervously through a two-inch-thick book of summer missions opportunities. (I vividly remembered the overwhelming feeling associated with such. J) My campus minister encouraged the connection between us. After telling Joni about my project in Uruguay, I silently prayed for the Lord to lead the partnership. Three days later, I was overjoyed to hear that Joni had followed his lead and accepted the project in Uruguay. Our prayers for a partner have been answered, and we have only just begun!

 So, in early June, Joni and I will be embarking on the trip of a lifetime to San Jose, Uruguay. Until then, we must be praying, preparing and following the Leader in every necessary detail of planning. This includes enlisting help from you, our brothers and sisters in Christ. A laborer cannot operate without support from home, so we will need various things from you to make this happen, including ministry tools, financial support, and especially your prayers. Please be attentive to the list of needs on the right hand column of this page and check back often for updates. These first steps are often the most crucial, so together, we will prepare the way to Uruguay! 

 His Truly,

-Amy

Proverbs 3:5-6