Ministry with a House!!!

A lot has happened in the month of March, but the most exciting is that I finally found a place of my own. God blessed me with a ‘house sitting job’ while I was searching but nothing compares to finally having what I consider the Ministry House. On March 17, after a month long process, I was finally given the keys to my house which happens to be in the perfect location. Since then we have been in the process of turning it into a place we can live comfortably… which included many days of eating, sleeping, and practically living on a sleeping bag in the middle of the living room. There is still much to do, but I’m taking it one day at a time. The house always seems to be full of youth and other visitors which is my hearts desire. We have been learning not just to open up the doors so that the youth have a place to visit and feel comfortable, but trying to use every opportunity to encourage them in the Lord and share the Scriptures with them. Please be praying for my roommates Carolina, Soledad, and me that we will be unified, growing daily in the Lord, and be an example to those around us.

March also included many formal and informal activities with the youth as I continued to get to know them on a more personal level. We planned an activity with another local church with the purpose of trying to unite the youth of Catamarca. Division between churches is a big issue as there is no unity among the congregations. Please pray that the churches can unite as one and work together to reach out to the community. Another activity planned with this purpose was a night of concerts in which various bands had the opportunity to play. It was neat to be able to support the youth and their band. Ruso, one of the members of the band, was able to invite his mom and sister, who were surprised to see his passion not just for the music but for Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

This time was a bit difficult for me as God placed in my life various issues that I feel so unprepared to deal with… please uphold these people in your prayers and pray that God gives me wisdom in knowing what my role is in helping them. Without going into much detail pray for one of the youth who is going through a difficult time right now as she is living in an abusive situation. Also, pray for a couple who are having marital problems. Pray that God would heal both their lives and unite them as a couple.

The month ended with outreach activities in various areas of the city. We got together in two neighborhoods where various families live for a time of worship, a skit which shared that Jesus is the only way to fill your life with meaning, and the movie The Passion of Christ. It’s amazing to see how loud music can draw many people to an area and open the possibility to share with them the Gospel of Christ. The first night I spent visiting with a lady who attends a church that follows all of the Old Testament feasts. It was interesting to hear what she believes and then share why we no longer celebrate ourselves. Pray that God would continue to be at work in the lives of people in these neighborhoods and that they would seek to know Jesus on a personal level.