Kristi
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Written By Eric:
I have
wanted to sit down and write a brief recap of the pastor’s retreat, knowing
many of you were faithfully lifting us up during that time. If you looked at the schedule of meetings,
you know the time there was busy from morning until late at night. For me, it was a valuable time to connect to
pastors and ministry leaders from all over the country. Our colleagues did a wonderful job of
connecting me through introductions to many key leaders. Of course, I found many people who knew my
father and/or my father-in-law. What a
blessing it is to be connected to them, being reminded through the testimonies
of the national pastors how God used my father and father-in-law to further His
kingdom in Argentina.
The focus
for the retreat was on covenants. Every
sermon expounded on the biblical meaning and significance of covenants, how God
is a covenant God, and we are a covenant people. We were challenged to remember the covenant
we have made to work together in love, in spite of differences between us, for
the purpose of winning the lost in Argentina (and around the world) to Christ. This emphasis was significant because the
Argentine Baptist Convention has become divided through the years due to
differences in doctrine, methodology, and personality conflicts, at times. Have we ever experienced anything like that
in the U.S.? During one meeting in which
people were bringing proposals for a possible restructuring in order to work effectively
together, one pastor jokingly leaned over and said: “aren’t you glad you never
deal with this sort of thing in the U.S.?”
I leaned back to him and said:
“they sent me here to learn how to get through this, so I can go back
and tell the pastors in the U.S.!” We
enjoyed a laugh together, while acknowledging differences arise
everywhere. On the final day of the
retreat, one leader laid out a clear proposal for change, based on conventions
around the world that are healthy, and have a good model that could be
implemented here. We need to continue to lift up the Argentine Convention in prayer as
leaders and pastors across the country seek to work together once again in
unity and love.
I was able
to sit and talk with several pastors from the southern part of Argentina, where
we are to focus our energy in ministry.
It was a blessing to hear of churches that have been planted, growth in
the churches, and lives bearing spiritual fruit. There is, however, much work to be done. The area is vast, many have not been reached,
or even engaged with the gospel. Please pray for us, and the other couple on
our team, as we seek to work together with our national brothers and sisters in
Christ to win souls for Him and plant churches.
While at the
retreat, and following the time there, I have asked many individuals for wisdom
regarding where we are to live. Our
leadership laid out the possibility of La Plata, approximately an hour south of
here. There were several pastors present
from La Plata, the churches there are strong and active in sharing Christ. We sense, however, that we are to continue
praying about the specifics before committing to La Plata. It makes a lot of sense to live there for the
purpose of mobilizing Argentine believers toward the south (since La Plata and
Buenos Aires have the largest group of believers in the country. In terms of relating to the pastors and
churches in the south, however, living in La Plata would prove a
challenge. We were able to talk with our
leader about these thoughts, and he also saw the pros and cons associated with
this decision. We all agreed to continue to bathe this in prayer, and seek the
counsel of others. Would you please commit to pray for us in these coming months, that the
Lord would make His will clear so that we can move to the place He has ordained
for us?
As you know
from other posts, I took Elias with me to the retreat. He and I had a wonderful time together, and
made many sweet memories. Having him
there with me, however, proved to be a blessing in more ways than one. Numerous pastors or pastor’s wives commented
on how well he behaved through the long meetings. Several young pastors or leaders talked about
how they desire to bring their children with them for retreats like this in the
future. One older pastor told me he was
reminded of how he used to always have his son with him at events like these,
and how his son is now attending seminary, preparing for the ministry! Our prayer is that we would always find ways
to bring our kids along with us, taking every opportunity to pour into their
lives, discipleing them day by day. If
the Lord will use our family to challenge and encourage others to do the same,
to Him be the glory!
Thank you
again for your prayers on our behalf. We
appreciate each and every one of you!
In Christ
-
Eric
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