Millions To Tell

Youth Congress Update

2008-07-26T13:18:00.007-04:00

The Youth Congress got off to a great start. The preaching by Pastor Austin Gardner has been both challenging and very direct. The goal or direction of this particular conference is not evangelistic in nature (although the Gospel is always present and we would rejoice with great joy if someone gets saved), but as the name implies youth congress it is a serious meeting to rally together teenagers from many churches and challenge them to the task before us of reaching their own country, and the world with the Gospel. So far I believe that goal is being met as the Word of God powerfully convicts the heart of the “average” teenager to step out and step up to attempt great things for God.

The kick off message of the conference was taken from Acts 15:26 where it says that Paul and Barnabas “hazarded” their lives for the name of the Lord. The Spanish Bible uses the verb “exponer.” It says; “Men that han expuesto (or have exposed, risked) their lives.” It was a great message, but I did not know what the verb exponer meant at first, and it was important to figure it out because it was the key to the message. As Pastor Garner preached I wrote down every conjugation of the verb exponer that I heard. I listened to the context and although I wasn’t quite sure how to define exponer by the end of the message I knew enough about it that I was ready to do it. Ok, here come my preaching part…As Christians we have got to live lives in which we are willing to expose and risk ourselves for the name of Jesus Christ. The push among young people in Chile, as it is in America, is to go beyond the educational level and economic level of your parents. It is admirable to pursue being the best that you can be in any field of work, but that should be for the glory of God and the furtherance of His Kingdom, not solely for the ease of the better paying job & the comfortable living.

We'll post more about the youth congress later...

Our 10 Minute Sledding Trip

2008-07-23T12:29:00.006-04:00

For several weeks we have been planning to make a trip to the snow with our kids, the Holts, and the McBryar families, but each time something would come up that caused us to postpone. Finally the day had come and we headed off. We stopped at the base of the mountain to rent sleds and then started up the twisting and turning road that led into the Andes. We turned and twisted finally seeing the little patches of snow growing while the vegetation vanished. We even had to stop where they required us to put chains on the tires (although they were never needed). After winding our way a little further with queasy stomachs we reach the completely snowy ground.

I raced up the hill with Caleb and we took off back down - it was fun and I was glad to have younger kids to give me the excuse to ride. Then it was Timothy's turn. Somehow the sled we were riding had a mind of its own and it steered itself toward a dip that I intentionally wanted to avoid. We hit the dip, tumbled and rolled - then our sledding trip came to an abrupt end, ten minutes in fact. Timothy broke his arm. (The whole ride was caught on video, but the flopping arm is a bit too nauseating to post)

Jason Holt and I took off for a little medical post to have Timothy's arm checked out. When we finally got his coat and several shirts off (He couldn't have been dresses any worse for a broken bone) it was evident. We then went back to the hill to get everybody, packed up and headed back down the mountain to the hospital. Half the kids with the McBryars the others in the Holt's van. The ride down must have been a little faster because Caleb threw up in the Holt's van.Timothy had surgery to place two pins in his arm. Jenny stayed overnight with him in the hospital. Before I left the hospital I told Timothy I wanted to pray with him. He said; "OK, just don't make it long." He didn't want his Bob the Builder show interrupted. He is doing great and Jenny and I reflected back to this being only the second time we have ever had to take a child to the emergency room (This was the first time relating to an injury). We praise the Lord for his goodness, and mercy because I learned I don't do well when one of my kid's is injured. When I first saw the arm I almost was a goner - passed out on floor. I pulled through.

We're home from the hospital, and Timothy is doing great. On the way home we bought Timothy ice cream and a toy. He wanted more, he asked if we could go bowling too. Timothy, I don't think so.

A Bit Of Comfort In Grief

2008-07-19T14:05:00.004-04:00

Whenever tragedy takes place we have faith that God will somehow and someway be glorified in or through it...

My Aunt Sharon arranged that donations be sent to our family and the work here in Chile in lieu of flowers. To date we have received $600 for the ministry here. Much of it coming from people I do not even know. Starting next Wednesday is the third annual Youth Congress that the church here in Chile will be hosting. Several churches around Santiago will be bringing their young people to the conference. Every donation that we receive will go toward the expenses of this conference. It is our prayer that through the conference young people will give their hearts to Christ, be challenged to live for Christ, and be helped. The other night we heard of a church coming a good distance with 15 teenagers, so there will be a need for additional funds. Though our family has been hit with an enormous tragedy it is our prayer that through these donations an eternal difference will be made.
Thank you to those who gave and thank you for your sympathies and comfort toward my family during our time of grief.

My Uncle Gary

2008-07-18T11:35:00.004-04:00

This is a post that I have been pondering for a few weeks and I believe now I can put my thoughts into the appropriate words.

Some may wonder what has been the biggest challenge or adjustment we have had to make since moving to a foreign field. It hasn’t been the culture, because you learn to adapt yourself, it isn’t the language because there is light at the end of that long tunnel, it isn’t even missing the foods and things from the “homeland” because there will always be another visit, and it’s not even missing out on family get-togethers because again there is furlough. The toughest aspect of moving away is being thousands of miles away when family faces hardship and tragedy.

Several months ago Jenny faced a sad time in her family with the illness and subsequent death of her aunt, but we thank the Lord the she was able to make a flight home for the funeral. Several weeks ago my family faced a horrific tragedy that shook us all to the core. My Uncle Gary was killed suddenly and tragically. Not only is Uncle Gary my dad’s younger brother, but his wife, my Aunt Sharon, is my mom’s younger sister. So this event affected everyone to whom I am related. If there was ever a time I wished I wasn’t in Chile it was when my grandfather called me with the bad news. It was a difficult time because we are too far to comfort or be comforted. I wanted to hug my family or even be hugged by them, but distance prevented it. Death in family is one of those “pre-field” conversations that Jenny and I had before leaving. Discussing it and facing it are two different worlds. Although there is sadness for having to feel like a distant spectator while family mourned I do not regret for being in the place where God has called us.

Uncle Gary with my grandparents

Uncle Gary was the kind of crazy uncle that gives kids the fun childhood memories they will share years later. He was full of spontaneity and never seemed bothered with the small stuff. From canoe rides, go-carts, speed boats, jet skis, four wheelers, motorcycles, Uncle Gary & Aunt Sharon always had new toys that made visiting them a new adventure. One time Uncle Gary even rigged up Josh’s power wheels to go extra fast by crossing something, or rigging something with a powered wheel chair motor he found in the trash.
When I was a kid he gave me a cap gun that didn’t work. His quick solution was to give me a hammer and send me out on the apartment balcony to bust the caps. Who knows what the neighbors thought. Uncle Gary was the one you can depend on to bring enough fireworks to 4th of July picnics to take out a battle ship. You should’ve seen how high a metal trashcan lid can fly with enough fireworks underneath it! One time Uncle Gary took us on a shark fishing expedition which was something never to be forgotten. I think I was 13. We had everything ready for shark fishing, big ice blocks of fish guts hanging off the back of the boat, the biggest hooks with fish for bait that were bigger than any fish I had ever caught up to that point. We didn’t get any shark that day; my brother Stephen caught some seasickness. How many people even get to even attempt shark fishing? The night before my wedding my car broke down. Uncle Gary checked it out and said; “You’re not planning on taking this on your honey moon are you?” “Uh, yea,” I responded. He laughed, and got the car running. Anyway, his laugh prompted me to borrow a car for the honeymoon. During one of our visits to Florida he took me and Jenny out on his little four person seadoo boat. He proudly announced, “You can’t flip this thing over if you tried”. Somehow that statement became a challenge as he did everything possible to prove that boat couldn’t be flipped. Jenny and I were slung all over the place. One night while sitting in his living room during a visit to Florida he said to Jenny and me; “You guys want to go fishing?” We didn’t know that meant right then. Within minutes Aunt Sharon agreed to watch the kids and we were on our way. He took us inside Kennedy Space Center where he worked to fish off one of their private beaches. Like the shark fishing expedition I came up empty although Jenny reeled in a catch.
Every visit to Florida was guaranteed my vehicle would be checked out and my kids were going to be hauled off to the dollar store or taken to the pool. Uncle Gary was a great guy; he could fix anything, and was never too busy to take the time to help someone out.
My grandfather started a blog in Uncle Gary’s memory and I invite you to take a visit.

Remember Gary Kenney

Whenever tragedy takes place we have faith that God will somehow and someway be glorified in or through it.

Tomorrow I will share more...

24 Hours Of Prayer

2008-07-16T17:46:00.004-04:00

Jason Holt has posted on his blog the "24 hour prayer project" to pave the way as we head in the Youth Congress next week. The Youth Congress is an intense three day conference of preaching and teaching. The desire is for the lives of many young people to be changed, and called into ministry service around the world. Pastor Austin Gardner of Alpharetta, Ga will be preaching during the week.

As we anticipate a great conference we acknowledge we need the Lord's help. As we prepare here in Chile we ask for your partnership in prayer. On Jason Holt's blog there is a way that you can sign up for a fifteen minute prayer slot for July 22. Please click the title below and enlist to be one of the 96 prayer warriors that we need.

24 Hours Of Prayer

Flying Kites & Flying Ellie

2008-07-15T09:39:00.006-04:00

Mondays are our day off. There is no language school for Jenny and me, and no school for the kids. We just hang out. Yesterday we did some cleaning and chores around the house, put together the dreaded quarterly expense report for our mission office (only dreaded when procrastinated upon), played a little, then took off to Burger King for a while. While the kids ran around on the playground Jenny and I were using Burger King's free Wi-fi, and every now and again peering out the window toward the snow-topped Andes. I know, I know it doesn't sound much like difficult missionary life, but it sure was enjoyable.

This is a picture of the boys flying a kite yesterday in the back yard that Jenny's dad brought them from China.This is a picture of us flying Ellie around the living room.

Missing in Action

2008-07-14T17:52:00.002-04:00

Above is the graphic on the banner displayed in the front of the church. "You're Missing" that is the focal point for the month of July. The entire month's worth of messages will deal with service, the need for workers, the call of God, and the mission before us. The theme will carry us into the youth congress which will take place toward the end of the month. So far the messages preached by Jason Holt and Ivan have been great as they taught on the call of God. Our prayer is that this month will result is the calling of some of God's people into the ministry.

Will Work For Cotton Candy

2008-07-09T12:59:00.005-04:00

Caleb helped Jenny peal potatoes the other day for supper. Then he followed me around asking for any jobs he could do to earn some money. He was my faithful side kick the whole time. He earned 500 pesos or $1 USD. He carried it around in his wallet for a couple days and was always sure to have his wallet when we went out. He then came across the true fruit for his labor - the cotton candy stand. Without hesitation he walked up to the cotton candy guy pointed to what he wanted and walked away a happy boy basking in the sweet reward for his labor.

Back To Blogging

2008-07-09T09:31:00.017-04:00

I hope to be back to my blogging self now that we are settling back into the language school groove. Last week we were privileged to host David and Andrea White on their survey trip along with Gabe Miller who joined us on some of the ventures. Lord willing the Whites will be returning to Chile in the future to work as missionaries. We had a great time with their company and enjoyed the chance to break out some of our games and fellowship. We did a lot throughout the week but here are some highlights of our trip.

This is a video of the city skyline narrated by Gabe (a Crown college intern who has been spending a month in Chile)

There is nothing like a protesters and riot police clashing during your trip to downtown. The fourth of July we met with several other missionary families for the traditional cook-out fixings. We spent a day at the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.Saturday morning passing out gospel tracts in the plaza Maipú.

A Hero Went To Heaven

2008-07-03T17:27:00.004-04:00

On Sunday June 29 Pastor McHoyt Moore went to Heaven. He was one of my spiritual heroes. Pastor Moore pastored Old Suwannee Baptist Church of Buford, Georgia for 41 years. He would often asked me to preach when I was a college student and would go to Atlanta to visit Jenny before we were married. He married Jenny and me on June 29, 1996 (twelve years ago to the day that he died). He also was my choice to preach the charge at my ordination service. Preacher Moore certainly will be missed by our family.

David & Andrea White

2008-06-30T17:37:00.003-04:00

This week we are hosting David and Andrea White in our home. David and Andrea are from Wake Forest, North Carolina and have recently surrendered to go to the mission field. They are active members in their local church. David is a general contractor and Andrea is a stay at home mom of two with one on the way. They are praying about the country of Chile (a wonderful choice by the way). We are looking forward to showing them around town on their survey trip as they pray for the Lord to give them clear direction about mission work.

Which Way?

2008-06-28T11:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we did a little visiting in the evening and met with a man who had visited the church a few times. He explained his spiritual "journey" that started with the Catholic church that to him seemed ritualistic and impersonal, then tried the charismatics that he described as full of feeling and emotion but was void of biblical teaching and left him wondering what the bible really said. Somewhere along his "journey" he even encountered Mormons. When pastor Ivan asked him if he had a Bible he brought us his New World Translation copy (Jehovah witnesses).
Encountering all these "religions" the man could not biblicaly respond to the most basic question about salvation; "Are you saved? Do you know if you died tonight if you would go to heaven?" That's religion for you. It will leave you confused and uncertain of man's greatest need - Salvation. After taking the Bible and reading through several passages the man prayed and asked Christ to be His Savior. Amen!

My Faith Isn't The Only Way read an interesting article on America's sad state of religious confusion that makes Truth an option on the buffet table.

2008-06-25T16:18:00.024-04:00

We are two days into our return to language school after a two week break, and man was it nice!One week for the medical clinic and the other week to visit with Jenny's parents. They left on Sunday night. We had a great time visiting with them, and I wanted to share some of the pictures from the week.

Just taking in the view.

A trip to Chile is incomplete without what they call a "completo" or a hotdog with everything. There are no chili dogs in Chile, but they do put on this stuff they call north American salsa which I don't think I've ever seen in north America. But they sure are good!
Grandpa before the hotdogs...

after the hotdogs.

We did a little bowling (Timothy thinks it sure is a lot easier on the wii).

This is a grandpa initiated pillow fight.
We did a little souvenir shopping. They opted for the nice fruit bowls and passed on the pretty masks.
Just worth adding for those beautiful blue eyes.Heading back to the airport after a great week.Jenny's dad teaching Sunday school.

New Missionary Family Robbed

2008-06-21T10:43:00.003-04:00

The McBryar family just arrived in Chile a week ago. They are fellow missionaries serving through Macedonia World Baptist Missions, Inc. and great friends. We have been anticipating their arrival in Chile for some time, and we look forward to attending language school together.

They had rented a house prior to arriving here, and spent a day shopping for several things needed for the house such as appliances, electronics, lighting, etc. and had it delivered to their house. Last Wednesday their front door was kicked in and many of their things were stolen (including a suitcase containing school curriculum). There is enough awkwardness that comes with moving to a new country, and having your security robbed compounds it greatly. Would you pray about their situation and consider helping them through:

The Chris McBryar Family

Macedonia World Baptist Missions, Inc.

PO Box 519

Braselton, Ga 30517

Read about in Chris' own words:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have an object of prayer to all that receives our emails. Many know we had a house before we moved to Chile. We have recently been buying up many of the items needed to supply it for when we move in. After buying several items we would take them to the house and store them for later. This past Wednesday we were going to the house to check on some things and do some work, when we realized that somebody had broken in and taken most of the higher priced items.
There was about $1600 worth of things stolen out of the house, which included the kids school curriculum and all of our small appliances. On top of this we are having to hire some extra work to be done to the house to make it more secure. It will cost around $200 for this.
We do praise the Lord that none of the family was there to get hurt.
We do covet your prayers concerning all that is going on right now and the cost of replacing these household items.

God bless,
The McBryars

The Extra Suitcase

2008-06-19T10:41:00.005-04:00

Jenny's parents are here and our plans to see the city are currently being thwarted by a second straight day of rain, but that hasn't dampened our spirits. We are having a fun time together. Having family visit is special and there is nothing like when they bring that extra suitcase full of "stuff" that's not going to make the return flight!

New Slide Show

2008-06-17T19:14:00.002-04:00

We just added a new slide show of the medical clinic. You can view it off to the side of the page.

Clinic Results

2008-06-17T09:51:00.006-04:00

This has been the longest stretch of time without posting an update. I imaging for the next week or so blogging updates will be very sporadic with all that is taking place right now.

The medical clinic ended with much rejoicing over what was accomplished through the Lord's help. Over 1300 people received medical help with 299 of the patients praying with a counselor to receive Christ as Savior (the best remedy of all)! One university student who came to help with translating prayed to receive Christ giving the four day clinic an even 300 souls saved. I believe five different churches were represented through the volunteers that showed to work the clinic. All in all it was an amazing time, and Jenny and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something so...eternal. The next couple months will be busy at the church as we work together to follow up on those saved. Our desire is for "fruit that remains" and we want to see those saved grow in their faith.

Yesterday Jenny's parents arrived for a week long visit. We will be taking the week off of language school to make the most of this visit.

Medical Clinic

2008-06-07T09:44:00.001-04:00

Beginning next week the church here in Chile will be hosting a medical team from the States. The medical team will be providing a free 4 day clinic including thousands of dollars in medicines. This clinic will be a tremendous opportunity to display Christian love and kindness toward the community, and will no doubt give the opportunity to present the Gospel to hundreds or even thousands of people. Jesus said; “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.” Although we will be looking to provide the remedy for physical illnesses it is giving out the remedy for the soul that we are really after. Please pray during the week of the clinic that many people will put their faith in Jesus.

A View Of The Andes

2008-06-03T09:25:00.003-04:00

I read in a book on missionary adjustment some time ago about the “stages” a missionary goes through after experiencing separation (i.e. moving overseas). The first stage is denial and the author describes how the missionary may minimize the loss by admiring the scenery, etc. Although it has only been six months I think if we went through a stage of denial we have come to the place where there’s no denying it now – we’re in Chile.
This picture of the Andes Mountains was taken about four blocks from the church. The recent week of rain has made this smog obscured view possible. Usually you can barley make out the silhouette of the range through the thick layer of smog. Isn’t that amazing? God’s handiwork obscured by the pollution of man’s hands (I am sure there is a message illustration in there somewhere!).

Viewing the beauty of nature around us never gets old. It acts as a constant reminder to us of the majesty and power of our God. It is an extra privilege that God called us to work in such a beautiful country. Here is how the view of the mountains helps me through the day:

A rough day of language learning. The God who carved these mountains with His fingers and painted them with snow will grant me the power to learn.

A morning in which I went all Spanish in my devotions and struggled through the text. I will sing with David “the earth is full of Thy riches.” Psalm 104:24

A discouraging day in which I question my effectiveness & abilities I am reminded “to lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

A frustrating day in which nothing works out how and when we want. There is just something relaxing about the scenery.

The snowy mountains provide much of the drinking water for this region. God’s resources are abundant and He will always take care of our family.

Uncontacted Tribe In Amazon Discovered

2008-05-30T09:27:00.003-04:00

Brazil Discovers Uncontacted Indian Tribe in Amazon Jungle. Article by Fox News
This is an interesting article to read. It goes to show the work that needs to be done to reach all peoples with the Gospel. Brazil is considered one of the countries with the greatest evangelical missionary presence and yet there are still uncontacted people groups. An interesting note is the officials' desire to preserve this tribe's "way of living" and basically keep them as uncontacted.

Prayer Request

2008-05-29T13:13:00.005-04:00

We just received this email concerning some wonderful missionary friends, The Johnsons who are currently in language school in Costa Rica before they head to the field of The Dominican Republic.

Holly had a very frightening experience this week. I meant to write you a prayer request before church tonight but never had time. Monday afternoon around 4:30 she was involved in an armed house invasion when two masked men broke into their locked gated entrance and on into their apartment while Holly & Ashley were home alone. Erik had gone to the store.One was wielding a gun & the other a knife. They tied Holly's hands behind her - took a silver chain she was wearing - her watch and kinda shoved her in a patio area. She told them her baby was asleep...they replied "not hurt baby" They preceded to take the computer, video camera, digital camera, TV and Ashley's diaper bag which had Holly's wallet with credit cards, checkbook, drivers license, cash & etc. We PRAISE THE LORD she was able to maintain her composure and use her head while they were there and she wasn't hurt, raped or killed.(Only her ankle a little bruised when she was pushed in the patio). They left their house and robbed their landlords house next to theirs. They got much more there but the landlord was hysterical. Erik arrived back during the time they were at the landlords and realized something was wrong so hurried into their apartment. They were at the police station filing reports until after midnight but as of today had received no word they had been apprehended when two other investigators came by. Please keep them on your prayer list as the computer contained their complete deputation ministry with church addresses, pastor's names, phone numbers &email addresses & etc. He had made a backup at some point - but not recently.

Learning Is Fun. Are You Sure?

2008-05-29T10:31:00.005-04:00

We do as much as we can to learn Spanish outside of our daily language school setting such as Tuesday night we attended a Bible institute at another church in the city, and last night we spent a couple hours out with guys from the church making visits. I will have to admit, this language thing is tougher than I expected.

Some Spanish words are learned because you study them, and other words are learned because they are forced upon you. Let me explain…

Before arriving in Chile six months ago we spent a little over two years on deputation (deputation is the time spent visiting churches in order to raise the needed support to live and minister on the mission field.) crisscrossing the eastern States from Florida to Michigan to Pennsylvania to Missouri. Throughout our travels the Lord certainly provided what we term “traveling mercies” as we never once had any kind of car trouble. But since arriving in Chile we are making up for lost time. First I side-swiped a bus with our van, and ended up with a lot of green paint on the side of our silver van. And a dent that fortunately a good toilet plunger took out. Second, the transmission went out on the van. Third, we managed in one day to blow two tires after running over an object in the road. And yet again, Tuesday we blew another tire after hitting a massive moon-crater sized pothole caused by a week of rain. Which provided the new Spanish word that was thrust upon us for the day; “hoyos” or potholes.

Good Graffiti

2008-05-28T12:48:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of the newly painted children's church room. It was painted by a local graffiti artist that has done work for the church in the past. Usually this kind of talent is displayed on walls that you don't want painted, and often not in a way that looks too pleasing. But with a little guidance this guy's talent, which many times may be looked at as a nuisance, was used for God's glory.

A Wet But Wonderful Weekend

2008-05-27T11:34:00.003-04:00

Despite the relentless rain over the past week (which aided in our discovery of several leaks in the roof of the home we are renting) the Lord blessed with well attended services at church. Jason Holt gives the weekend update.

A Payment Plan For Your Groceries

2008-05-27T10:39:00.003-04:00

“Con cuotas o sin cuotas?” is one of the first phrases you learn when shopping in Chile. You are asked that question any time you make a purchase with a credit card. Here is my paraphrased interpretation of the above question: “Would you like to pay for this week’s grocery bill over the next 24 weeks?” It is not enough to put off payment for a purchased item until the end of the month, but with cuotas you can make an arrangement with the retailer so that they will break up the charge to your credit card over 6, 12, 24 or however many months. Imagine that - paying on clothes as if they were a car. At least with a car you will still fit into it in a year or two.

With the never ending barrage of credit offers, and the overwhelming temptation to quick-fix a financial crunch with the plastic (sounds like the American & Chilean families have much in common!) it is easy to find oneself in a financial mess. When it comes to financial troubles in the Christian realm I believe Missions suffers the most at the hands of the “credit card bill.” Here are my observations:

1) Most churches support missions with the “extra” offering. In the average family there is little or no extra to give.
2) Mission trips are valuable opportunities to stir the hearts of God’s people to a greater level of involvement and commitment toward missions. A lack of funds is usually the culprit behind the “maybe next time” excuse.
3) Surrendering to the mission field is not possible for many families because they are living proof that “the borrower is servant to the lender.” Too many bills cause paralysis of the will. Simply put - we could never make such a huge life change.

Where did all this come from? I guess it’s because Jason Holt has been teaching on the family over the few months in Sunday school and the last two lessons have dealt with the family and finances. It must have stirred me up a little.