Music really speaks to people! This is a very obvious and universal truth: All over the world and all throughout history, every civilization, culture, tribe and socio-economic group has expressed itself through music. We use music to express our joy, our sorrow, our creativity, our struggles, our relationships, our love for God... It is a wonderful, essential tool, intrinsically woven into the fabric of all of our lives, whether we directly recognize it or not.
As was the case in both Melilla and in Santiago, Gus continues here in Lautaro to be very involved in music ministry and we are blessed to see how it can encourage and challenge believers in their walk with Jesus, as well as how it can touch non-believers & seekers, drawing them in...
Since moving to Lautaro two months ago, Gus has played the drums during worship every other Sunday, including for the church's special anniversary celebration! His participation has been so encouraging to the other musicians on the worship team (as many of you know from experience, it really changes the dynamics and flow of the songs when you have a good, consistent drummer setting the pace, literally 😉).
My talented husband has also been able to re-wire the sound system at church as well as research new equipment options and train the young sound guy. Those technical details are ones that we might take for granted on Sunday mornings, but are so important and, trust me, you can tell when they aren't working like they should! Over the past couple of weeks, we have both received many comments from church members about how blessed they've been by the worship services and how much improvement they have heard in the rest of the musicians and in the overall quality of the sound! 😊
(Sunday Worship Team)
A couple of the guys from the worship team have started getting together recently with Gus and some non-believing friends and family members to form a blues-style band! They are rehearsing once a week at the church, having a great time sharing and enjoying good music. This again has emphasized to Gus the strategic importance of designing a well-set up rehearsal room at the church as a way of drawing in the many gifted young musicians in this region.
There are also several people in church and in the surrounding community that we know of that would like to learn to play an instrument or learn more about music, and it seems this area of ministry will continue to be more and more of an open door into people's lives. So, as a couple, we decided that Gus should take advantage of a special study program at a music academy in the nearby bigger city of Temuco. This program lasts one year and will deepen his understanding of music theory while at the same time emphasizing teaching techniques. Upon completion, he will receive an official diploma that will allow him to teach music workshops around the country and, in approved scenarios, even teach music class in schools!
Our team leader (Miguel) has communicated that he wants this first year for us here to be one of adapting as a family and slowly getting more and more involved in the church ministries and community as everyone gets to know us better, so Miguel is thrilled about this opportunity for Gus to become better prepared in the area of music which fits so well into the overall vision for Lautaro and this region of Chile. So, Gus is all signed up and these past two Saturdays has had classes all day at the academy in Temuco!
(Back in school!)
Over this past week Gus has already had a couple of opportunities to teach some of what he learned at that first class, with our kids and with one of the youth from church! ☺️ The teaching program is not an expensive program, especially for all of what he is able to get out of it, but it does make our monthly finances a bit more tight. However, we are convinced this is a good investment for future ministry and work possibilities, so this year of adaptation is the perfect time for it and will be well worth tightening our belt buckles! 😉
Thank you for your continue prayers:
- For the kids and I here at home as Gus travels to Santiago this coming Monday-Friday for our mission organization's board meeting,
- For continued good relationships in the church of Lautaro,
- For wisdom in decisions for this year,
- For open doors in the secular community,
- For good progress to continue in the work on the school and other community services being carried out by teams that come to serve (three teams were hosted over the past month, and another few teams will be coming in the next months),
- For financial provision for our family and ministry needs,
- For good health for the six of us,
- For adaptation to the colder weather that is coming,
- And for music to continue being used by God to reach the people of Lautaro with His love & truth!
(Diego is 6 months old now!)
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:16-17).
Thank you for continuing on this exciting journey with us! We appreciate your partnership so much!
For the Glory of His Name,
The Guevaras
