February Blessings

Dear Partners,

We hope you and your families are doing well!  Here are a couple of updates on the prayer requests from our last email, well as some additional news:

• There are now only four non-contained wildfires remaining in the central regions of Chile, which is a significant improvement from the 70 fires that were raging at one point. Please continue to pray for those affected and for those continuing to battle fires.

• Gus’ trip up to Santiago at the beginning of the month was short & sweet, as he was able to accomplish all he needed to and return safely! The kids and I had a good time, despite Daddy being gone. (smile)

This past weekend we had the blessing of family visiting us! Specifically, Gus’ aunt, cousin, and Grandma Maria! It was such a special time with them, especially Grandma, who doctors had said wouldn't make it to 2017. Yet, here she was visiting us, and everyone had lots of fun:

(Great-Grandma Maria with Diego)

(Great-Grandma loved watching the kids play in the pool)

(Gus & his Grandma who raised him)

Gus had the blessing of leading worship this past Sunday, and I got to sing with him too! Most of the worship team members are out-of-town on vacation, so the gap in available musicians gave us this fun opportunity as a couple:

(Sunday morning worship)

Our next-door neighbor moved out last week in order to be closer to her work across town, so the rental agency asked us if we wanted to rent that little apartment that connects directly to our kitchen! We don’t have “extra” funds for that, but realized that if Gus teaches private drum classes three times a week, that would pay the rent of that place (and anything beyond that would help toward our monthly deficit)! So, we said “yes” and are setting one room up as Gus’ personal office/music production space and the other main room with instruments for music classes! One of Gus’ friends from church is so excited about the opportunity to record his own songs, as well as help teach music classes in order to reach out to the community! We know that this space will be a huge blessing in many different ways:

(Gus’ new office / music production room)

(New music classroom almost ready for use!)

This month, please pray for:

• A meeting that I (Karissa) will have tomorrow (Thursday) night with the group of single young women from church, who seem to have unresolved personal issues among themselves that affect the dynamic and potential for growth of this group. Please pray for wisdom, openness and reconciliation.

• On Friday, there is a short-term team arriving from the Seattle area! They will be working on a construction project for the school, go visit the church in Melipeuco, and the women will bring a craft and message of hope to share with our local ladies! Please pray for blessing and protection on their trip and work, as well as that they would be an encouragement to believers and seekers here in Lautaro.

• A nice, relaxing week of “stay-cation” for us as a family the first week of March, before all of the normal weekly ministry activities and responsibilities start up as summer comes to an end.

• Continued provision as we seek to be good stewards of the time, energy, finances and opportunities God has given. He is always good and always provides in His perfect time!

Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support, 

your prayers and your words of encouragement! 

Your generosity is such a blessing to our family and a huge part of the ministry here in Lautaro... Blessings on you and yours!

In His Love,

Gustavo & Karissa,

Jeremy, Elizabeth, Cristina & Diego

(After a special Valentine’s Day lunch date!)