February, 2023
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46: 11
Dear brethren and friends,
Greetings to you all, in the name of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. We hope you are doing well, enjoying the many blessings of our good heavenly Father. We pray God’s richest blessings on you in 2023. We thank each one of you for your prayer support and financial contributions, which have been very necessary to the Lord’s work here in Arica. May He bless you greatly.
Christmas Program 2022
We rejoice in the Lord as He has, once again, heard our prayers and allowed us to have a beautiful Christmas program this past December 18th. In the morning the children had an outstanding presentation with poetry, acrostics, and praise. These events and presentations are very important to us as a church because most of the children’s parents attended, which is an unbelievable opportunity to witness to them and explain the true meaning of Christmas. Moreover, we had an attendance of about seventy people. It was a very special day for us because it was the first time for having our Christmas program since the pandemic started two years ago.
Right after the Christmas program, a small reception was held, and each child was given a bag of candy and a gift. We rejoice in the Lord with the beautiful work that He has done in the lives of every single one of these little ones, who are always willing to praise Him and learn more of the Bible. Would you keep praying for them to continue growing spiritually in Christ Jesus?
Pre-youth Meeting
Every Saturday at 5:00PM we have had our Pre-Youth Class (ages 10-12), for which we thank God. It is always was a great opportunity for the church to be able to encourage some of these children back to church, as well as for the new ones that are now faithfully attending. This class is in recess until March 16th, due to our summer vacation here.
Women’s Society
December 16th was the closing meeting for the Women’s Society, where several ladies gave testimony about everything they have learned in the Bible studies based on the book that was studied throughout the year. The study book was “The Character of the Virtuous Woman”, and was a great blessing since visitors had the opportunity to hear the Gospel for the first time, in some cases. Also, it was a privilege to hear the word of the Lord through the testimonies of our ladies. Presently, the Women’s Society is also in recess until March.
Vacation Bible School
Currently we are preparing for our VBS, which will be held from February 15th -19th. There is a lot of work to do, yet several brethren are willing to work and help in this ministry. The goal of this VBS is to reach more children with the gospel and strengthen the spiritual life of those who already attend the church. It is also a primary concern to present the gospel to the children’s parents. In some cases, these parents just send the children to church and do not attend themselves. We trust in the Lord, that with your prayers, He will bring many to Himself through this VBS.
El Sembrador Church, Iquique
It is with great joy that we can officially announce the formation of the choir at El Sembrador Church in Iquique. After many years of effort and much time, God provided the resources needed to form a musical group. A highlight is the service of Jessica Monje, who has been eagerly in charge of leading this musical ministry. And as pastor, Jonathan was privileged to visit and support them in the Lord’s work. May God be with our Iquique brethren, so that they may be more united in their love of Him and for the growth of the Lord’s work.
Our Children
We would ask you to pray for our daughters, Ruth Meylí and Melissa Noemí, who have already returned to college. Pray especially for Ruth, since this will be her last semester in nursing school, and she must go to preceptorship. We also thank God for Jonathan’s sister, Ruth Frock and her husband David, who had been like second parents to our children in the USA. They have been supporting our children since they left Chile.
Finally, we would ask you to continue to pray for Janeth, who thanks only to God, is now stable following her serious illness. The Lord has shown his grace and mercy to her, and she is my faithful companion and support in God’s work.
Blessed be the LORD: for He hath shewed me his marvelous kindness in a strong city. Psalm 31: 21
Your brethren in Christ,
Rev. Jonathan, Janeth, Ruth Meylí, and Melissa Jara