Some recent prayer letters into the SAMS Ireland office:

• The Vergaras in Argentina
• The Barr Johnstons in Argentina
• FEISA teacher training college in Paraguay
• Caroline Gilmore White in Paraguay

The latest SAMS GB prayer line:

Let’s give praise for answered prayer in response to the Youth Encounter weekend last month in Salta, Northern Argentina. At least 4 young people made a profession of faith in Christ, others expressed real interest to consider the implications and others made renewed commitments. Pray for them.

Praise God too for answers to prayer at the two women´s retreats held recently in Lima and Arequipa, Peru. Penny Marcés asks us to pray that the challenge to serve isn´t forgotten back in the normal routine of life.

Still in Peru, please continue to pray for the health of Bishop Bill Godfrey. Bill has been undergoing surgery in Florida to try to resolve the wound sinus from last year’s operation. Pray that this will resolve this aspect of the problem; and keep Bill and his wife Judith in prayer.

Sue Woodcock is encouraged by good worship and a growing congregation in Sabadell, northeast Spain. One result is a new monthly meeting for folk between 20 and 35 years of age starting this Saturday (15th). Sue asks us to pray for this group to gel and for deep fellowship as they get to know one another and share together.?
Sue also requests prayer for a conference address she is giving in one of the Barcelona universities on Friday (14th), with a repeat in a different context on Wednesday 19th. It’s an opportunity to proclaim good news with sensitivity, so please pray.

Finally, end-of-year exams for 1st and 2nd years at FEISA teacher training college in Asunción, Paraguay, begin next Monday (17th), continuing for three weeks. Please keep students and staff in your prayers.

Some recent prayer letters into the SAMS office:

• Linn Tedman in Paraguay
• The Leakes in Argentina
• The Morrisons in Chile
• SAMS work in Olinda Brazil
• Caroline Gilmore-White in Paraguay
• FEISA teacher training college in Paraguay

Two SAMS Ireland volunteers have recently started work. Helen King is a volunteer in Argentina with the Red Box project. Meanwhile David Alanis has come from Argentina to work in Lisburn, Co. Antrim.

You can read more about Helen and David in their profile pages in the People page.

Megan Johnston has started a blog on her experience with the Red Box project in Argentina! Here is a snipit.

Well I returned safe and sound after a 6 day conference to Misa Rumi on the Argentine/Bolivian Boarder. It was quite an experience to be honest! During the main conferences I taught 54 children in total, basically the Happy Hours that I mentioned before. Alot of Games, Songs and teachings which was really great. Although the children where soo shy as its a very traditional place so sometimes it felt like I was doing all the talking…no change there I suppose!

Read more in her blog. More about Megan.

The latest SAMS GB prayer line:

This weekend two churches celebrate anniversaries. On Sunday (12th) the Església de Crist in Sabadell, Spain, pastored by Sue Woodcock, holds a special service for its 105th birthday, while from Saturday (11th) the very much younger congregation of Living Waters in Olinda, Brazil, begins a celebration lasting over a week, including children’s outings, competitions, and services on the rubbish dump and in church. Siméa & Ian Meldrum pastor this church. Pray for God’s blessing on everyone through these celebrations.

Also this weekend the Diocese of Northern Argentina holds its ninth EJE (Youth Encounter), starting on Friday. Pray for the leadership team and for the young people invited, that many will have an authentic encounter with the Lord.

Finally, please continue to remember the critical need for rain to end the drought in the Paraguayan Chaco.

I’m Helen and I’m going to Argentina to work with Cecilia and the Red Box Project as part of my university year abroad! I was there a few years ago as part of the SAMS btn programme, so as you can imagine I’m looking forward to getting back to see everyone again and enjoying some ‘dulce de leche’. I know that Argentina is where God wants me to be at the minute and I really can’t wait to see what He’s going to teach me – your prayers are appreciated!

Following the successful mission trip by young people from Down and Dromore Diocese to Northern Argentina SAMS Ireland is launching a new project - La Caldera 2010. The project aims to help the Anglican church in Northern Argentina to develop following several difficult years.

La Caldera is a retreat centre 30 minutes from the regional capital Salta. It is a key centre for the ministry of the diocese as it is the focus for outreach and ministry training. The original building is 100 years old and badly in need of repair. In July 2008 the team of young people started to help rebuild the retreat centre. Following this trip Bishop Harold Millar has asked that the young people of Down and Dromore and DDYC will help with an on-going project called la Caldera 2010.

Another key part of this project will be to sponsor the training of ordinands in the Anglican church in Argentina. Key ministry students will be identified and brought to Ireland to meet interested churches. The students will spend some time getting to know the congregation who will then follow their progress through theological college in South America and pray for them as they begin ordained ministry. The first students to be chosen are Dani and Flavia Lescano, they are just starting their 2nd year in theological training in Buenos Aires.

Red Box volunteer Naomi Francy continues to update her blog and recently uploaded some photos. Please have a read for her latest updates. She shares some prayer points:

Some prayer points for Salta :

For all the children in the orphanage, that they learn to treat eachother as they would like to be treated. That their hearts be filled with love for God and they will open their ears to our teachings.

For the happy hours in El Redentor (my church) that the children will be able to put into practice the memory verses they learn each week and for the leadership teams that they can work well together and come up with new interesting ways of teaching Your word.

For the young people at the church, for being so young they have an amazing faith and I pray that they will continue to let their hearts overflow with God´s love.

The latest prayer line from SAMS GB:

Praise God for the appointment of Bishop Henry Scriven as the new Mission Director for South America. Pray for Henry and Catherine as they prepare to rejoin SAMS in January.

This week the second Mission Paraguay team completes its voluntary work there. Let’s give thanks for their three weeks of practical and spiritual service and for the leadership of coordinator David Orritt, who will be returning to the UK on the 26th.

Also coming from South America will be Ed & Marie Brice from Paraguay and Daniel & Ellelein Kirk and their two sons from Chile. Both arrive this weekend and will be here for 4-5 months. Pray for their refreshment, church visits, and for the fruit of their Bible teaching ministries in South America.

While they come, Bishop Greg & Sylvia Venables fly back to Argentina after an extended time in the UK. Give thanks for their visit and pray for their return to a huge and varied workload.