Dios Con Nosotros (God With Us)

Feliz Navidad! Today has been our self-proclaimed vicarious Christmas holiday, so we enjoyed a big Christmas lunch along with Christmas music in the background and a nativity scene on the table. Yes, Uruguay, your King has come – and He shall be called Emmanuel, which means, ‘God with us.’! (Matthew 1:23)

Our precious Zoey (the young girl who was injured in a horse and buggy accident a couple of weeks ago) returned to kids’ club on Tuesday night with just a scar on her cheek and a cast on her arm. It was beautiful to see the smile on her face when I told her that we are praying for her. After kids’ club, Sofia called and invited us to the Teatro to watch the Tango with she and Melanie, another friend. We very much enjoyed the outing and the cultural experience of a local Tango show (though I had a hard time appreciating the extremely out-of-tune piano. J)

On Wednesday, we spent the afternoon in an English class with teenagers and a couple of adults. We simply talked with them about our lives as they listened with open notebooks, ready to write down new words, phrases and expressions. One young woman – about my age – was absolutely shocked to learn that Joni and I have never tried alcohol. It is not surprising for someone of our age to be well acquainted with drinking, but the biggest surprise for us was the lack of shame associated with underage drinking and drunkenness in this culture. I thought the American university atmosphere was bad, but here it is even encouraged in children of 13, 14 or 15 years old, and certainly not punished. Unfortunately, many of the teenagers here have simply never known a higher standard-

but Emmanuel has come to raise the bar.

Our girls’ Bible studies on Wednesday and Thursday were absolutely delightful. We have been busy planning our girls’ events for the upcoming winter vacation. Every evening for 10 days, we will host a nightly Bible study on the book of Esther, focusing on one chapter per night. Along with the study, each night will have a fun attraction including Hair Night, Nails Night, Chocolate Night, Movie Night (we will be watching ‘One Night with the King’) and several more. We are expecting 30-40 girls each night, and we’re very excited to reveal the rest of the plans as the time grows closer. J The theme for these 10 days is “Resplendecer” (To shine, or radiate) and it begins this Monday.

On Thursday, we visited a missionary family just outside of town who owns a beautiful, expansive farm in the countryside. We spent the afternoon touring the property (a.k.a., tromping through the woods J) eating warm cinnamon rolls and, most importantly, speaking English! Their ministry focus is to provide a safe, loving environment for young men who are in desperate circumstances. One thing is for sure – the work of the Gospel is not idle in Uruguay.

We went back to the coffeehouse in Rosario late last night and had a great time playing games, drinking coffee and making music with our Uruguayan friends there. At the end of each coffeehouse, there is a presentation of the “Esperanza” film, which depicts the life and ministry of Jesus, as well as an invitation to the gospel. Brad (another summer missionary serving in another part of the country) shared a testimony about how Jesus delivered him from atheism, and I got to share my testimony and Galatians 5:1 – how Christ has set us free, and true liberty is only found in Jesus. We had a great response and the seeds of the gospel are very obviously beginning to blossom in the hearts of our friends there. Please continue to pray for our friends in the coffeehouse!

I apologize for the long updates and I thank you all for continuing to pursue Uruguay’s infiltration with the Gospel of Christ with us. He won’t turn back until He fully accomplishes the purposes of His heart!

Shalom,

-Amy