GO InterNational Prayer Calendar
December 2010-February 2011
Dec. 4-15 Larry Frick Medical Team to Uganda
Dec. 5 Larry Cochran Missions Sunday Robinson, IL
Dec. 10-20 Joshua and Jennifer Reynolds Florida supporter visits and ministry exploration
Jan. 3-9 Bert Jones, Larry Cochran Pastor conference, Bogota, Colombia
Jan. 4-11 Ron Houp Mission team, Lima Peru
January 2011 Joshua and Jennifer Reynolds, Mexico
January 11-17 Larry Cochran Pastor Training event, Sapasoa, Peru
Jan. 18-26 Bert Jones Perspectives Fayetteville, AK
Jan. 23 Larry Cochran Church of the Savior Lexington, KY
Jan 28-30 Bert Jones Christ Community Church, Montgomery, AL
Feb. 4-18 Ron and Bonnie Koteskey Missionary Conference Chiang Mai, Thailand
Feb. 5 Bert Jones, Larry Frick Discover the Joy Conference, Johnson City, TN
Feb. 6-9 Larry Cochran Revival Services Dayton, TN
Feb. 16 Bert Jones First Methodist Church, Johnson City, TN
Feb. 16-25 Larry Cochran Mission Team, Trujillo, Honduras
Feb. 24-March 4 Larry Cochran, Larry Frick Mission Team Trujillo, Honduras
International Partners
Jorge Ramirez, Mexico
Sarahi Beltran, Mexico
Carlos Mayorga, Nicaragua
Ivan Galindo Paz, Honduras
Elizabeth Zubiandi, Venezuela
Guillermo Parra, Columbia
Gerardo Guzman, Peru
Wilma Grandez, Peru
Darwin Hilario, Peru
Wilkinson Grandez, Peru
G. John, India
Dennis Philippov, Russia
Xolisani Dlamini, Zimbabwe
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
GO Prayer Requests Oct.-Nov. 2010
GO InterNational Prayer Calendar
October-November, 2010
The supreme question of foreign missions is how to multiply the number of Christians who will individually and collectively pray for the conversion and transformation of people. Every other consideration and plan is secondary to that of wielding the forces of prayer.
There is nothing that can so closely link us to Jesus Christ as the yielding of our lives to the work of bringing the great redeemer into the hearts and lives of our fellow men.
Andrew Murray
Schedule
Oct. 13-29 Larry Cochran, Eddie Sapp Bible Conference, Nepal
Oct. 18-20 Bert Jones Missionary Church Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC
Oct. 20 Larry Frick University of Cincinnati CMDA
Oct. 20-24 Larry Frick Global Impact Celebration Brookside Church Chillicothe, OH
Oct. 29 Bert Jones Mt. Carmel High School Chapel
Nov. 3-5 Bert Jones Mission Conference, Asbury University
Nov. 4 Larry Frick Mission Conference Ohio Christian University
November 7 Bert Jones Missions Day Van Wert, OH
Nov. 7-14 Larry Cochran Revival Faith Evangelical Methodist Church, Fairmount, IL
Nov. 8 Bert Jones Revival Fairmount, IL
Nov. 11-13 Larry Frick Global Missions Health Conference Louisville, KY
Nov. 15-20 Larry Frick CHE Vision Seminar, Cuitlahuac, Mexico
Nov. 23 Bert Jones Chapel, CMDA Bristol, TN
International Partners
Jorge Ramirez, Mexico
Sarahi Beltran, Mexico
Carlos Mayorga, Nicaragua
Ivan Galindo Paz, Honduras
Elizabeth Zubiandi, Venezuela
Guillermo Parra, Colombia
Gerardo Guzman, Peru
Wilma Grandez, Peru
Darwin Hilario, Peru
Wilkinson Grandez, Peru
G. John, India
Dennis Philippov, Russia
Xolisani Dlamini, Zimbabwe
Special Needs
Jorge Ramirez will have surgery for prostate cancer in November
Sarahi Beltran is ministering in Uganda in October and November
Guidance for GO staff as we plan ministry for 2011
October-November, 2010
The supreme question of foreign missions is how to multiply the number of Christians who will individually and collectively pray for the conversion and transformation of people. Every other consideration and plan is secondary to that of wielding the forces of prayer.
There is nothing that can so closely link us to Jesus Christ as the yielding of our lives to the work of bringing the great redeemer into the hearts and lives of our fellow men.
Andrew Murray
Schedule
Oct. 13-29 Larry Cochran, Eddie Sapp Bible Conference, Nepal
Oct. 18-20 Bert Jones Missionary Church Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC
Oct. 20 Larry Frick University of Cincinnati CMDA
Oct. 20-24 Larry Frick Global Impact Celebration Brookside Church Chillicothe, OH
Oct. 29 Bert Jones Mt. Carmel High School Chapel
Nov. 3-5 Bert Jones Mission Conference, Asbury University
Nov. 4 Larry Frick Mission Conference Ohio Christian University
November 7 Bert Jones Missions Day Van Wert, OH
Nov. 7-14 Larry Cochran Revival Faith Evangelical Methodist Church, Fairmount, IL
Nov. 8 Bert Jones Revival Fairmount, IL
Nov. 11-13 Larry Frick Global Missions Health Conference Louisville, KY
Nov. 15-20 Larry Frick CHE Vision Seminar, Cuitlahuac, Mexico
Nov. 23 Bert Jones Chapel, CMDA Bristol, TN
International Partners
Jorge Ramirez, Mexico
Sarahi Beltran, Mexico
Carlos Mayorga, Nicaragua
Ivan Galindo Paz, Honduras
Elizabeth Zubiandi, Venezuela
Guillermo Parra, Colombia
Gerardo Guzman, Peru
Wilma Grandez, Peru
Darwin Hilario, Peru
Wilkinson Grandez, Peru
G. John, India
Dennis Philippov, Russia
Xolisani Dlamini, Zimbabwe
Special Needs
Jorge Ramirez will have surgery for prostate cancer in November
Sarahi Beltran is ministering in Uganda in October and November
Guidance for GO staff as we plan ministry for 2011
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
God changes lives in Nicaragua
Larry Cochran's report from his recent team to Nicaragua:
Flor was her name, her business was witchcraft and her reputation was well known.
Our first day in Nicaragua found us praying with a woman who had been bound by Satan for years. Her reputation in sorcery had led one village to attempt burning her home down. She fled to Nueva Jerusalem a small rural village one hour from Chinandega where she lived for nine years and now found Jesus as her liberator and Savior.
Our GO team had come to complete a church building that had been planted a year ago in Nueva Jerusalem. Our first day of visiting led us to Flor’s home. As a new Christian she battled demonic influences, people still were pursuing her for special favors and her bar restaurant served liquor to the local populace.
Our pastor invited us to have services in Flor’s restaurant. God knitted our hearts together with Flor and her family and for three days our ladies led sewing classes
in a saloon restaurant. Our last day in Nueva Jerusalem we dedicated our last services
in Flor’s restaurant. People came from the village to celebrate in Christian worship. Lives were rededicated and the smiles on people’s faces were evident everywhere.
We also found the joy of the Lord in other places.
Children’s VBS, the time working with our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in Christian love was a special experience. Evening services in three different churches and a pastor’s supper were filled with excited worshippers and a church that is definitely on the move.
It is a great blessing to see how far this part of Nicaragua has come since those early days following Hurricane Mitch in 1998. What once was devastation and despair has turned into hope and new found joy.
I give special thanks to God for you and your constant love and prayers in our behalf. A special word of gratitude goes out to our friends in Greystone UMC in Dothan, Al who generously gave of themselves and their finances to help sponsor this new church plant in Nueva Jerusalem, Nicaragua.
If you would like to know more how you and your church can help sponsor a new church plant and go yourselves to help in the ministry why not contact us at www.gointernational.org or write me at larrycochran@gointernational.org and we will help you connect in the right places.
In Him,
Larry
Flor was her name, her business was witchcraft and her reputation was well known.
Our first day in Nicaragua found us praying with a woman who had been bound by Satan for years. Her reputation in sorcery had led one village to attempt burning her home down. She fled to Nueva Jerusalem a small rural village one hour from Chinandega where she lived for nine years and now found Jesus as her liberator and Savior.
Our GO team had come to complete a church building that had been planted a year ago in Nueva Jerusalem. Our first day of visiting led us to Flor’s home. As a new Christian she battled demonic influences, people still were pursuing her for special favors and her bar restaurant served liquor to the local populace.
Our pastor invited us to have services in Flor’s restaurant. God knitted our hearts together with Flor and her family and for three days our ladies led sewing classes
in a saloon restaurant. Our last day in Nueva Jerusalem we dedicated our last services
in Flor’s restaurant. People came from the village to celebrate in Christian worship. Lives were rededicated and the smiles on people’s faces were evident everywhere.
We also found the joy of the Lord in other places.
Children’s VBS, the time working with our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in Christian love was a special experience. Evening services in three different churches and a pastor’s supper were filled with excited worshippers and a church that is definitely on the move.
It is a great blessing to see how far this part of Nicaragua has come since those early days following Hurricane Mitch in 1998. What once was devastation and despair has turned into hope and new found joy.
I give special thanks to God for you and your constant love and prayers in our behalf. A special word of gratitude goes out to our friends in Greystone UMC in Dothan, Al who generously gave of themselves and their finances to help sponsor this new church plant in Nueva Jerusalem, Nicaragua.
If you would like to know more how you and your church can help sponsor a new church plant and go yourselves to help in the ministry why not contact us at www.gointernational.org or write me at larrycochran@gointernational.org and we will help you connect in the right places.
In Him,
Larry
Monday, February 1, 2010
Mission Team to Cusco, Peru
Mission Team to Cusco, Peru
January 2010
GO International’s servant team to Cusco, Peru accomplished a wide range of ministries during the team’s time there. We saw the advantages GO’s strategy of doing short term missions through long term partnerships. The team of 16 was led by Larry Cochran and ministered with longtime GO partner Wilkinson Grandez to the Quechua Indians in the area around Cusco. The team worked with Freddy Quintinilla of ATEC, a ministry composed of four denominations working together to reach the Quechua people around Cusco.
The team worked in two villages, each 2-3 hour drive from Cusco. The first village was Huanoquite and the second was Colquepata. The villages were both quite remote and needy, with little medical care available in either location. In each village the team worked closely with the indigenous church as well as the local government officials. The team based in the community center in each village and provided medical and dental clinics service 640 patients as well as distributing over 300 pair of eyeglasses. While people were waiting for medical care they received health education and had the opportunity to view the Jesus film. Local pastors were available for evangelism and counseling. In each village the team conducted VBS for children as well as evening evangelistic outreach for adults. The team included a construction team that helped with projects for the local church. There were also pastor conferences conducted in each village.
The impact on the community and the local church was apparent. Many came to Christ through the medical outreach as well as the evangelistic services. Community leaders including the mayor in each village were very appreciative for the team’s holistic ministry. The team was humbled when the church in Huanoquite even took up a love offering of large bags of rice, potatoes and wheat to show their appreciation.
This was GO’s first time to minister in this part of Peru. The partnership with ATEC’s ministry was inspiring as we were able to see a holistic approach to ministry which focuses on assisting the people with literacy training so they can read the Bible in their native Quechua dialect. ATEC also works in church planting, pastor training, community health education, and community development. GO InterNational is the first outside ministry to bring a team to assist ATEC in their ministry. It was a good partnership with plenty of opportunity for future ministry together in this region of Peru.
The experience also made a difference in the lives of the team. Lana West recalls “seeing the smiling faces on the children with such intensity awaiting a chance to win a prize by remembering a Bible verse. Later that night… these young ones were the first to arrive to view the Jesus film and two young boys were the first ones to come forward to receive Christ in their life.” Dr. Larry Frick recalls meeting Claudia, a little girl with a severe nosebleed. Her mother had died when she was little and her grandfather who was trying to care for her didn’t even know her age or birthdate. God was gracious in helping the team stop the bleeding, but we are pryaing for her and what will become of her growing up in such circumstances. GO InterNational has many more opportunities in 2010 for you to see how God is at work around the world, using people like you to help fulfill the Great Commission! Check out the opportunities today at http://www.gointernational.org/.
January 2010
GO International’s servant team to Cusco, Peru accomplished a wide range of ministries during the team’s time there. We saw the advantages GO’s strategy of doing short term missions through long term partnerships. The team of 16 was led by Larry Cochran and ministered with longtime GO partner Wilkinson Grandez to the Quechua Indians in the area around Cusco. The team worked with Freddy Quintinilla of ATEC, a ministry composed of four denominations working together to reach the Quechua people around Cusco.
The team worked in two villages, each 2-3 hour drive from Cusco. The first village was Huanoquite and the second was Colquepata. The villages were both quite remote and needy, with little medical care available in either location. In each village the team worked closely with the indigenous church as well as the local government officials. The team based in the community center in each village and provided medical and dental clinics service 640 patients as well as distributing over 300 pair of eyeglasses. While people were waiting for medical care they received health education and had the opportunity to view the Jesus film. Local pastors were available for evangelism and counseling. In each village the team conducted VBS for children as well as evening evangelistic outreach for adults. The team included a construction team that helped with projects for the local church. There were also pastor conferences conducted in each village.
The impact on the community and the local church was apparent. Many came to Christ through the medical outreach as well as the evangelistic services. Community leaders including the mayor in each village were very appreciative for the team’s holistic ministry. The team was humbled when the church in Huanoquite even took up a love offering of large bags of rice, potatoes and wheat to show their appreciation.
This was GO’s first time to minister in this part of Peru. The partnership with ATEC’s ministry was inspiring as we were able to see a holistic approach to ministry which focuses on assisting the people with literacy training so they can read the Bible in their native Quechua dialect. ATEC also works in church planting, pastor training, community health education, and community development. GO InterNational is the first outside ministry to bring a team to assist ATEC in their ministry. It was a good partnership with plenty of opportunity for future ministry together in this region of Peru.
The experience also made a difference in the lives of the team. Lana West recalls “seeing the smiling faces on the children with such intensity awaiting a chance to win a prize by remembering a Bible verse. Later that night… these young ones were the first to arrive to view the Jesus film and two young boys were the first ones to come forward to receive Christ in their life.” Dr. Larry Frick recalls meeting Claudia, a little girl with a severe nosebleed. Her mother had died when she was little and her grandfather who was trying to care for her didn’t even know her age or birthdate. God was gracious in helping the team stop the bleeding, but we are pryaing for her and what will become of her growing up in such circumstances. GO InterNational has many more opportunities in 2010 for you to see how God is at work around the world, using people like you to help fulfill the Great Commission! Check out the opportunities today at http://www.gointernational.org/.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Uruguay Mission
Jonathan’s Journal, August 19-26, 2009
The Road to Uruguay...
Proverbs 16:9 – In his heart a man makes his plans, but the Lord who directs his path.
Psalm 91:9-11 - If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.
I first want to thank the many of you who as much as even breathed a single prayer for me as I prepared, traveled, ministered, experienced and returned on my recent mission trip. As most of you know we were “suddenly” re-routed from Brazil to Uruguay due to issues w/ a major Swine Flu outbreak in Caritibo and unexpected Passport/Visa issues as well. Instead of canceling the trip we were invited to Montevideo, capitol and primary port city of Uruguay by John Hamilton, who had planned to attend the Brazil meetings. John is the pastor of an English speaking Christian church in Montevideo, one of only two Uruguay. John and his wife Lisa graduated from Asbury University with Wendy and also with GO President Bert Jones, and his wife Cheryl.
Uruguay was unlike anything the Hamiltons had experienced in the prior ten years that they served in Colombia. In Colombia they witnessed a great harvest of souls and a hunger for the Gospel. As well, they were serving with a large thriving church founded and still currently pastored by Lisa’s dad. In Colombia they were surrounded by family and friends, administrative help, and nationals receptive to Christian efforts. In comparison, life in Uruguay was like living on a spiritually deserted island, in the middle of an ocean of apathy and inhabited by distrusting and disinterested natives. We knew that John and Lisa, along with their three awesome kids, often struggled with spiritual attacks of discouragement from living in a culture with such an extreme contrast from their previous field of service.
For GO International, Uruguay was also an unchartered field, and with only a few days notice before our departure, there was very little time to make even a quick study of the country. We really had no idea what purpose the Lord had in store for us, but the doors were opened and the decision was made to go to Uruguay. All four of us sensed the Lord’s leading, booked our flight changes and set out on our faith journey strengthened by words of encouragement, Scripture, prayers and financial support from friends and family.
Obstacles and Trials...
1 Peter 2:9 - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
It’s really no secret to the Christian who walks by faith and obedience that steps of faith often lead us into immediate opposition and adversities that test and stretch our faith. Our trip to Uruguay proved to be no exception as we faced swine flu and visa problems that blocked our path to Brazil, flight delays, lost luggage in Uruguay in the midst of winter (they are south of the equator), no cell phone communications, and even family crises back home.
YET, IN THE MIDST...of challenges our mission team bonded together, we were accepted and trusted by our
National hosts, clothes were loaned to us, funds were provided to replace personal items lost in luggage, Uruguayan friendships were established, encouragement and testimonies were shared, we learned more how to be content with little and to experience the joy of simplicity, serving, sharing, worshipping, and abiding in Christ. We absorbed the culture and history and were able to assess the field from the Hamilton’s perspective and GO International’s potential vision.
AND IN THE END...our lost luggage was found with nothing missing, the cold, cloudy, windy winter days turned to warm and sunny days, multiple people expressed how they knew God had sent us to them and felt blessed and favored that God had chosen us and them and most importantly we found the “Lighthouse”: GO’s first official partner for Uruguay!
We all were incredibly blessed by the Uruguayan's gratitude and attitude in welcoming and embracing us. Our unplanned, God-directed path to their doorstep allowed them to know we had no pre-planned agenda or motive for visiting them. Thus, trust and friendships were established easy as they became overwhelmed that we simply wanted to know how we could bless them without being a burden. We were also able to be a blessing without being a burden to the Hamilton family. They shared with us how short term teams often are much more of a burden than a blessing due to lack of education and preparation by team leaders.
More Discoveries... Uruguay
We had no idea we were flying into a country that was considered economically stable, (current unemployment rate of 7.9%) and one of the safest places to travel and live in the world. Yet 25% of the population suffers from depression contributing to the highest suicide rates in all of Latin America and what some have said is one of the highest teen suicide rates in the world. Uruguay is also widely recognized as the most atheistic, secular and least evangelized country in South America. Since 1973 the country experienced 12 years of cruel military dictatorship,
followed by nearly 20 years of stabilizing democracy, four straight years of recession caused by Argentina’s banking and financial crisis that led to 20% unemployment, 40% poverty and in 2004 the election and acceptance of a president and political party comprised of socialists, communists and liberal social democrats. These discoveries gave me even greater concern for the Unites States as I saw how economically susceptible we are while politically and spiritually headed in the same direction.
Montevideo...
John Hamilton explained to us how the now famous Uruguayan Rugby players, whose airline crashed in the Andes and had to result to cannibalism to survive, lived in Montevideo and several within a few miles of his church and home. He said their story, known worldwide because of the book and movie “Alive,” brought great pride and notoriety to Uruguay and even more so to the Montevideo community and remains a current influence on local culture and psyche. Montevideo represents almost 50% of the entire population of Uruguay which places the mayor of Montevideo in a powerful position of national political influence. Feeling more European than South American, Montevideo is a port city where horse cart recyclers gain food credits for sorting through dumpsters, taxi’s are so small your luggage travels in one and you travel in another, and to my great joy...70’s and 80’s American pop music is everywhere. With no pop artists or culture of their own they seem to have made this era and genre the music of Uruguay. People are warm and friendly and it is common to see friends and family gathering for an entire evening at one of the local and wonderful restaurants that always served large portions of excellent food. But mostly it is a city full of individuals seeking a sense of purpose and meaning for their life.
Church
I was asked to be the main speaker on Sunday morning at Christ Church, Montevideo - one of only two English speaking churches in Uruguay. Although the request came unexpectedly and gave me great anxiety, I knew God had sent me and thus would work through my nerves and inexperience. I was able to share how poverty, a broken home and bad influences impacted my life as a teen and young adult in school, the armed forces and employment. I knew the story of how God saved me from self-destruction, transformed my heart, and changed my circumstances from broke and homeless to a wonderful marriage, family and business owner/operator.
Business leaders and professionals...
One of the greatest opportunities the Lord gave to me was in meeting with other leaders in the marketplace. They shared with me the frustrating challenges of trying to make a profit in a highly liberal and socialistic environment - and I thought it was tough in Ohio. We all shared the challenges of trying to operate our business by Christian principles - being true to our values, conscience and Heavenly Father. I was able to relate with them by sharing various tests of faith and trials I experienced via personal failures, economic changes, extortion/power plays by customers, and betrayals by friends and family. It was clear from subsequent individual conversations and material requests that many Christians in business or leadership are hungry for resources, books and anything else to help them use their business for the Lord. What we have immediate access to in America, stands in stark contrast to a large modern city where I am not certain there is even one Christian bookstore.
Friends For Life...
I have been able to make friends for a lifetime in Uruguay. The blessing of technology like Facebook and email allows us to continue to build relationships of friendship and support. Here are some of the messages I have received since returning from Uruguay:
Fernando Font...
Querido hermano en Cristo Jesus. Estoy muy contento de que El Señor nos haya presentado . Realmente este encuentro fue muy fuerte espiritualmente hablando , ojalá nos veamos mas amenudo
Dios te bendiga.
In English: Dear Brother in Christ Jesus. I am very happy that the Lord has made. Actually the meeting was very strong spiritually speaking, I hope we meet more often! God bless you!
The Road to Uruguay...
Proverbs 16:9 – In his heart a man makes his plans, but the Lord who directs his path.
Psalm 91:9-11 - If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.
I first want to thank the many of you who as much as even breathed a single prayer for me as I prepared, traveled, ministered, experienced and returned on my recent mission trip. As most of you know we were “suddenly” re-routed from Brazil to Uruguay due to issues w/ a major Swine Flu outbreak in Caritibo and unexpected Passport/Visa issues as well. Instead of canceling the trip we were invited to Montevideo, capitol and primary port city of Uruguay by John Hamilton, who had planned to attend the Brazil meetings. John is the pastor of an English speaking Christian church in Montevideo, one of only two Uruguay. John and his wife Lisa graduated from Asbury University with Wendy and also with GO President Bert Jones, and his wife Cheryl.
Uruguay was unlike anything the Hamiltons had experienced in the prior ten years that they served in Colombia. In Colombia they witnessed a great harvest of souls and a hunger for the Gospel. As well, they were serving with a large thriving church founded and still currently pastored by Lisa’s dad. In Colombia they were surrounded by family and friends, administrative help, and nationals receptive to Christian efforts. In comparison, life in Uruguay was like living on a spiritually deserted island, in the middle of an ocean of apathy and inhabited by distrusting and disinterested natives. We knew that John and Lisa, along with their three awesome kids, often struggled with spiritual attacks of discouragement from living in a culture with such an extreme contrast from their previous field of service.
For GO International, Uruguay was also an unchartered field, and with only a few days notice before our departure, there was very little time to make even a quick study of the country. We really had no idea what purpose the Lord had in store for us, but the doors were opened and the decision was made to go to Uruguay. All four of us sensed the Lord’s leading, booked our flight changes and set out on our faith journey strengthened by words of encouragement, Scripture, prayers and financial support from friends and family.
Obstacles and Trials...
1 Peter 2:9 - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
It’s really no secret to the Christian who walks by faith and obedience that steps of faith often lead us into immediate opposition and adversities that test and stretch our faith. Our trip to Uruguay proved to be no exception as we faced swine flu and visa problems that blocked our path to Brazil, flight delays, lost luggage in Uruguay in the midst of winter (they are south of the equator), no cell phone communications, and even family crises back home.
YET, IN THE MIDST...of challenges our mission team bonded together, we were accepted and trusted by our
National hosts, clothes were loaned to us, funds were provided to replace personal items lost in luggage, Uruguayan friendships were established, encouragement and testimonies were shared, we learned more how to be content with little and to experience the joy of simplicity, serving, sharing, worshipping, and abiding in Christ. We absorbed the culture and history and were able to assess the field from the Hamilton’s perspective and GO International’s potential vision.
AND IN THE END...our lost luggage was found with nothing missing, the cold, cloudy, windy winter days turned to warm and sunny days, multiple people expressed how they knew God had sent us to them and felt blessed and favored that God had chosen us and them and most importantly we found the “Lighthouse”: GO’s first official partner for Uruguay!
We all were incredibly blessed by the Uruguayan's gratitude and attitude in welcoming and embracing us. Our unplanned, God-directed path to their doorstep allowed them to know we had no pre-planned agenda or motive for visiting them. Thus, trust and friendships were established easy as they became overwhelmed that we simply wanted to know how we could bless them without being a burden. We were also able to be a blessing without being a burden to the Hamilton family. They shared with us how short term teams often are much more of a burden than a blessing due to lack of education and preparation by team leaders.
More Discoveries... Uruguay
We had no idea we were flying into a country that was considered economically stable, (current unemployment rate of 7.9%) and one of the safest places to travel and live in the world. Yet 25% of the population suffers from depression contributing to the highest suicide rates in all of Latin America and what some have said is one of the highest teen suicide rates in the world. Uruguay is also widely recognized as the most atheistic, secular and least evangelized country in South America. Since 1973 the country experienced 12 years of cruel military dictatorship,
followed by nearly 20 years of stabilizing democracy, four straight years of recession caused by Argentina’s banking and financial crisis that led to 20% unemployment, 40% poverty and in 2004 the election and acceptance of a president and political party comprised of socialists, communists and liberal social democrats. These discoveries gave me even greater concern for the Unites States as I saw how economically susceptible we are while politically and spiritually headed in the same direction.
Montevideo...
John Hamilton explained to us how the now famous Uruguayan Rugby players, whose airline crashed in the Andes and had to result to cannibalism to survive, lived in Montevideo and several within a few miles of his church and home. He said their story, known worldwide because of the book and movie “Alive,” brought great pride and notoriety to Uruguay and even more so to the Montevideo community and remains a current influence on local culture and psyche. Montevideo represents almost 50% of the entire population of Uruguay which places the mayor of Montevideo in a powerful position of national political influence. Feeling more European than South American, Montevideo is a port city where horse cart recyclers gain food credits for sorting through dumpsters, taxi’s are so small your luggage travels in one and you travel in another, and to my great joy...70’s and 80’s American pop music is everywhere. With no pop artists or culture of their own they seem to have made this era and genre the music of Uruguay. People are warm and friendly and it is common to see friends and family gathering for an entire evening at one of the local and wonderful restaurants that always served large portions of excellent food. But mostly it is a city full of individuals seeking a sense of purpose and meaning for their life.
Church
I was asked to be the main speaker on Sunday morning at Christ Church, Montevideo - one of only two English speaking churches in Uruguay. Although the request came unexpectedly and gave me great anxiety, I knew God had sent me and thus would work through my nerves and inexperience. I was able to share how poverty, a broken home and bad influences impacted my life as a teen and young adult in school, the armed forces and employment. I knew the story of how God saved me from self-destruction, transformed my heart, and changed my circumstances from broke and homeless to a wonderful marriage, family and business owner/operator.
Business leaders and professionals...
One of the greatest opportunities the Lord gave to me was in meeting with other leaders in the marketplace. They shared with me the frustrating challenges of trying to make a profit in a highly liberal and socialistic environment - and I thought it was tough in Ohio. We all shared the challenges of trying to operate our business by Christian principles - being true to our values, conscience and Heavenly Father. I was able to relate with them by sharing various tests of faith and trials I experienced via personal failures, economic changes, extortion/power plays by customers, and betrayals by friends and family. It was clear from subsequent individual conversations and material requests that many Christians in business or leadership are hungry for resources, books and anything else to help them use their business for the Lord. What we have immediate access to in America, stands in stark contrast to a large modern city where I am not certain there is even one Christian bookstore.
Friends For Life...
I have been able to make friends for a lifetime in Uruguay. The blessing of technology like Facebook and email allows us to continue to build relationships of friendship and support. Here are some of the messages I have received since returning from Uruguay:
Fernando Font...
Querido hermano en Cristo Jesus. Estoy muy contento de que El Señor nos haya presentado . Realmente este encuentro fue muy fuerte espiritualmente hablando , ojalá nos veamos mas amenudo
Dios te bendiga.
In English: Dear Brother in Christ Jesus. I am very happy that the Lord has made. Actually the meeting was very strong spiritually speaking, I hope we meet more often! God bless you!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Prayer Requests
“Brethren Pray for Us”
1 Thessalonians 5:25
OCTOBER
11 & 18 > Bert Jones - Community Missionary Church (Wilmore, KY)
12 – 17 > Dr. Phil Thornton & Randall Morton will be going to Bolivia to re-establish contacts with the partner.
17-18 > Larry Cochran will be in a Prayer Conference, Henry Christian UMC Eminence, KY
21 > Bert Jones will speak at LEAD ON at Asbury College
25 > Bert Jones will speak at the World Gospel Church (IN) (Mission conf.
25 > Larry Cochran will be at Huntingdon, WVA UMC
29 > Bert Jones will speak at CMDA chapel.
29-30 > Bert Jones will speak at the Johnson City and Kingsport Districts Leadership conference. (TN)
Oct. 29-Nov. 1 > Bert Jones will be speaking at the missions conference at 1st Pres. Johnson City TN
NOVEMBER
8, 15, 22, 29 > Bert Jones - Community Missionary Church (Wilmore, KY)
15-19 > Larry Cochran will be in revival services at Faith Evangelical Methodist Church Fairmount, Illinois
Nov 29- Dec 2 > Larry Cochran will be at the Conecuch County Revival services.
18 > Bert Jones will speak at LEAD ON at Asbury College
1 Thessalonians 5:25
OCTOBER
11 & 18 > Bert Jones - Community Missionary Church (Wilmore, KY)
12 – 17 > Dr. Phil Thornton & Randall Morton will be going to Bolivia to re-establish contacts with the partner.
17-18 > Larry Cochran will be in a Prayer Conference, Henry Christian UMC Eminence, KY
21 > Bert Jones will speak at LEAD ON at Asbury College
25 > Bert Jones will speak at the World Gospel Church (IN) (Mission conf.
25 > Larry Cochran will be at Huntingdon, WVA UMC
29 > Bert Jones will speak at CMDA chapel.
29-30 > Bert Jones will speak at the Johnson City and Kingsport Districts Leadership conference. (TN)
Oct. 29-Nov. 1 > Bert Jones will be speaking at the missions conference at 1st Pres. Johnson City TN
NOVEMBER
8, 15, 22, 29 > Bert Jones - Community Missionary Church (Wilmore, KY)
15-19 > Larry Cochran will be in revival services at Faith Evangelical Methodist Church Fairmount, Illinois
Nov 29- Dec 2 > Larry Cochran will be at the Conecuch County Revival services.
18 > Bert Jones will speak at LEAD ON at Asbury College
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Chihuahua, Mexico July 2009
God Has a Plan in the Sierra
One of the blessings of our recent medical team to the Sierra Tarahumara of Mexico is seeing again how God always has a plan. His ways truly are higher that our ways. Only he could have put together the right combination of eleven Americans traveling with the Global Health Outreach medical team and 14 Mexicans ministering under the direction of GO InterNational partner Jorge Ramirez to do the work he had planned for the week.
Our medical outreach began in the village of Guacaybo. Although we saw many patients, we weren’t quite as busy as expected. A rainstorm kept many of the patients who have to walk a long distance from visiting our clinic. However, when Dr. Sergio Miranda, the regional medical director, asked if we could send some people to visit some of their more serious patients in their homes, we had an unexpected opportunity. It took God’s protection to keep our van on the nearly impassable roads, but the blessing we received was worth it. Included in those we saw were Eva, a 5-year old with diabetes, and Cherly, a pregnant 16 year-old who also has a serious congenital heart defect. We were able to be a blessing to the patients and their families and share Christ’s love with them, as well as be a help to the local medical personnel as they do their best to care for the people in difficult circumstances. God’s plans continued to unfold later that evening after we thought we were finished and had the clinic and equipment all cleaned up for the night when a truckload of additional patients from another village showed up. The team showed me their servant hearts as they eagerly went back to work sharing Christ’s love and concern with those in need.
God continued to surprise us later in the week as well. Due to some unforeseen circumstances our clinic in the village of San Ignacio had to be cut short. However this gave us an opportunity to visit an orphanage in Creel and provide medical and dental care to the children that the orphanage never could have afforded to provide. They team also showed it’s versatility in putting on a puppet show and sharing Christ through song and a gospel presentation with the Evangecube. As we gathered to pray for the orphanage workers before we left, they were truly grateful to the Lord for the blessing he provided through our visit. For some on the team this was the highlight of the week.
The change in schedule also allowed us to visit a small village called Ojitos. This was also a small remote village in a beautiful mountain setting. The church building we used didn’t have electricity, so Dr. Jeff Worley set up his dental equipment outside a small cabin that had electricity for an open air dental office as he worked to meet the dental needs that day. Again our team was able to minister to the village children as well as meet medical and dental needs. It was a special privilege to pray with Guadalupe, and elderly Tarahumara woman who received Christ that day.
We fully expect that we are not done seeing God work through this team. We expect great reports from local missionaries Carlos and Laura Ponce and Esther in Guacaybo and also from Theresa in San Ignacio and Creel as we see how the seeds we planted grow in the hearts of the people. We also expect to hear great things from those who went on our team as their lives change as a result of our time together.
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