Latest news and prayer letters
Some news and prayer letters received into the SAMS office:
Paraguay
Pray for Gwen Carlisle and Mags Southern and give thanks that a new classroom is to be built with a gift of funding from a church in England. Please pray for the school camps planned for the older pupils, where they hope to go up to the Chaco and help build latrines and paint a school. They are dependent on the weather to be able to go into this area.
Pray also for the staff of FEISA teacher the training college in Asuncion and give thanks for each of the 25 students they have enrolled in the first year, especially given the economic situation in the country which is stopping young people from studying at university. Thanks to the donations received it has been possible to give scholarships to 12 students. Despite this help the economic need is very great and although most of the students work it is difficult for them to cover the costs of their studies. Please pray that they might be strong and healthy and so not need to spend money on medicines, that they might administer their money well and that they might receive good wages for their work.
Pray for Caroline Gilmour-White and give thanks for the books she was able to buy in Buenos Aires on her return from home leave, for use in the mobile library at the diocesan office in Asuncion. They have just finished painting the library and offices to look their best, in time for the launch of a first ever course in spiritual maturity for the mobile library readers and other church folk, starting after Easter. Please pray that the hunger many church members experienced for books last year would lead them to take up this offer of training in the city centre.
Pray for Ronald Irene from Asuncion, where he and the family are settling into their new ministry, home and school. Please give thanks that their house is now furnished mainly with donated furniture. Ronald is involved in leading two congregations at the Cathedral church – one Spanish and one English-speaking. He is also chaplain at San Andres School, giving talks, leading services and offering pastoral counselling – he asks for prayer as there is a lot of work to do. The family’s most important current need is for a car as their home is some distance from the school and church. Please pray with them that a vehicle will be provided, and also for the family’s health as Ronald and their youngest son have not been too well since their move from Bolivia.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Brazilian authorities began destroying homes in some of Rio’s slums after deeming them at risk from mudslides, following floods last week that killed 229 people in the city. Rio mayor Eduardo Paes confirmed that the city would demolish at-risk homes, and warned that 4,000 families in seven slums would be forced to leave their districts in coming days. The heavy rain and flooding last week killed 146 people in Niteroi, a satellite agglomeration of Rio, and 63 in the city itself, according to emergency services. Searches continue for another 200 people still missing. Pray for the church in this area as it works with local people in challenging circumstances.
Cecilia in Argentina
Hello everyone!
Well, first of all I must apologise because it has taken me almost a week to make contact! Believe me I was like mad trying to organise my house!!!!….lol…I haven’t cleaned it for 2 months!!!…lol
My friends, you know that every time I come back home my heart is divided between Ireland and my Argentina, but I do believe this is where God wants me to be. On the other hand I am thankful for having the opportunity to be with all of you every year and share with all of you my story…that now is part of your story!
Once again, thank you for so much love, for caring about me and my people and for your heart in Latin-American!
Prayer points.
Thank God for my time in Ireland.
Thank God for my safe travelling.
For my Bible Studies at home so this year my kids can commit their lives to Him.
For the situation in Santiago del Estero, so the rain stops and the people can receive the help they need.
My activities in the church (ministry with women and teenagers)
For safe travelling to Bolivia.
Your are in my heart…once again thank you for letting me be part of your life.
Many Blessing
Cecilia
Latest news and prayer letters
Some news and prayer letters received into the SAMS office:
Peru
Pat Blanchard leads Jesús el Nazareno church and the Shalom project and mission church for the disabled in Lima. Pray for her in the work of a busy parish, with the challenges of many poor and needy people. As well as Holy Trinity church, Julio & Norma Montoya work in several missions in very poor areas of Lima, “making up for people’s sorrows” by giving pastoral and practical care and ensuring everyone knows the Word of God. Pray for the Lord to sustain them, to care for their own fragile health, and to build his church. Pray for sufficient resources for the loving ministry of Isabel Montoya and husband Anderson Sánchez in this new year at the school and day nursery and in the church. Over 100 children benefit from care, tuition and nutrition. Sarah Tester directs ‘The Ark’ creative play programme in various parishes.
Pray this will continue to enrich children’s lives, that husband Paul’s youth work may also have lasting impact on many, and that the gospel will be proclaimed and received through these ministries. Pray for Alejandro & Doris Mesco in ministry to the villagers of the Colca Canyon. Praise God for San Felipe Mission in Cabanaconde and commit to him the challenge of going into schools and of doing radio work. The Marcés family return to Lima today after UK ministry. Remember Juan Carlos, Penny, Rebeca, Lizi & Jonny as they travel, readjust and pick up ministry again in Villa el Salvador.
Brazil
Pray for Bishop Robinson & Miriam Cavalcanti in oversight of the Diocese of Recife, for the work of the parishes and the contribution of the diocese to the Province of the Southern Cone. Pray at this busy time for Marcus & Tamara Throup in João Pessoa as they await the birth of their first child, Marcus continues his PhD studies and has increased teaching commitments at the seminary.
Ruth & Efraim Vilella moved three months ago to Porto Alegre. Pray for their roles at church and in social projects, and keep in prayer the House of Hope project in Recife, where they served for several years, as it ministers to poor folk in the neighbourhoods. Pastora Dorinha leads the mission church there.
Pray for mature disciples to emerge from the youth ministry in Espirito Santo parish, Recife, of Josias & Danielle de Souza and Daniel. Ask God to bless the family in this and the wider ministry of the church.
Peru
Pray for the Anglican Church in Peru. It is relatively young and small. Despite a 160 year history, it has only been active among nationals in the last 40 years. The biggest activity is in Lima, with a smaller presence in Arequipa, Juliaca and Ica. Many of he churches are among the very poorest in society. Pray for positive cooperation between different denominations on the ground.
Paul and Sarah Tester are currently on UK leave from Lima, where they are leaders in the church’s youth and children’s work. Pray for them for a good time of rest and relaxation as well as connection with link churches and family and friends. Pray for more leaders with a passion for youth and children to be raised up in Peru.