Chile Bound

New Beginnings

By now, many of you have heard that the Lord is moving our ministry to Valdivia, Chile.  Valdivia is a city located in southern Chile situated at the confluence of three rivers and close to the Pacific Coast.

Valdivia is most known for the 1960 "Great Chilean earthquake", the most powerful earthquake ever recorded at 9.5 magnitude!  

Mercado area along the Calle Calle River

When Ryan shared with us that the time was growing close to turn Refugio over to a local pastor, our hearts fell.  We couldn't imagine leaving Baños del Inca and all the people we have grown to love.  But as we listened and watched, we came to agree that it is time.  The people of Refugio have grown spiritually and will benefit from having a Peruvian pastor.  We have watched them taking ownership of Refugio and stepping up to serve the Lord.  We have Peruvians serving in all areas of ministry now (children's, women's, providing Agape meals, orphanage...).   When Ryan and his family left for the States, Alvaro la Torre, took over as pastor.  It has been almost 2 months now that Avaro has been preaching and the Lord has blessed.  We have been well taught and fed and are so encouraged by his teaching.

We will be spending our last Christmas here and then on January 8, 2017, we are leaving for Valdivia along with the Brower family.  At the least, it has been very challenging to plan a move like this.  We have found that it is much easier to move from the U.S. than to move from Peru!  But we have learned to depend and trust on the Lord's provision and have been so encouraged as just when we were out of ideas, the Lord would provide just the right solution.  He is faithful!!!  Please be in prayer as we will be driving with a local combi (van) from Cajamarca to the border of Chile and then we are renting a vehicle to drive ourselves from Arica, Chile to Valdivia (which is pretty much all the way through Chile).

We are excited to begin this new chapter.  We believe the Lord has good things ahead and we are eager to start.

We also know how hard it will be to drive away.  We have grown to love our church family and our community.  Please pray for Refugio, that the people will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Pray for Alvaro that the Lord will bless him and his family and continue to raise him up and impart wisdom.  Pray for the orphanage at Aldea Infantil San Antonio.  A missionary couple from the states will continue this ministry along with those who serve regularly from Refugio.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed and supported our ministry in Peru.  And thank you for the prayers, support, and encouragement for our new ministry in Valdivia, Chile.  We couldn't do it without you and are thankful for each of you.