September 2025
Dear Praying Friends,
Winter here has been rough with sickness, a terrible cough that makes it hard to breathe for many of us and the folks in our church, especially baby Abigail. But, “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). We are so thankful that spring is almost here in the southern hemisphere! “A time to heal” (Eccl. 3:3b) is what we need.
We are also thankful for “a time to build up” by having worship services in the meeting house out front. We cleaned up what we could (we have a construction worker here the next couple weeks repairing walls that received extensive water damage), put in three pews (they are long), and now we meet there on the Lord’s Day for worship and the 4:00 p.m. Bible class. Two of our weekday students and their Dad came to the class last Lord’s Day and plan on continuing. We rejoice because, although we read and talk about the Lord much all week long, we have been praying that they would come on the Lord’s Day. John-Baptiste has especially been praying for Emilio’s salvation. Emilio’s Dad has been meeting with Paul each week and we are begging the Lord to save the whole family – He is able!
With the better weather, Paul and Julio (who is now in his second semester of studies with Geneva Reformed Seminary) have begun “a time to speak” for evangelism and tract distribution. Others plan to join in as time and health permit.
IN AFRICA:
Please be much in prayer for Josiah as the Independent Board further evaluates his willingness to serve as a missionary under the Board following the completion of his studies at BCEA/KE as he studies and serves the Lord. He is continuing there until mid-March.
IN NORTH AMERICA:
Here is a general report from the older children and their time in the USA in June and July: “Missed flights, delayed flights, overnight flights, early morning drives, afternoon drives….all totally worth it since we got to see Kylie(!!), Master Ju, the Schwandt family (all of them!), the Russells, Sir Martin, Sierra, Pastor Eshleman, the Moyers, and, in short, a vast assemblage of people whom we miss very much. It was so much fun getting to see you all again! Also we must add that we had an amazing time with Jeremy and his parents, the Gontarz, Farrs, and the Keating clan, thank you all for coming out to see us before we headed back out to Chile.”
GUESTS IN CHILE:
August brought two special guests, “a time to laugh”, from our church in South Carolina. Bert was with us for three weeks and it was such a blessing as he spent time in fellowship with us and our church here, went skiing and played tennis, learned some Spanish, fixed numerous house problems, and gave good advice regarding solar energy (which we are hoping to be able to secure soon). A few days after he left, John arrived and we enjoyed a week and a half of delightful fellowship with him.
A look ahead brings the independence holiday here in Chile, September 18th and 19th. Julio’s parents and his sister, Johanna, as well as another dear family of friends, plan on traveling down from Santiago. Please pray for us as we spend time with these dear brethren and our church family.
PRAYER REQUESTS – “a time to love”:
- Rubén, Jenny, Emilio, Sarita – salvation.
- Please pray for the Lord’s great mercy to eternally deliver Grandpa Marv (Cheryl’s Dad) and allow us the privilege of seeing him turn to truly love our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word and serve Him.
- Pray for the salvation of Dilan, Pablo, Andrés, Nico, Maria and Berta, from taekwondo.
- Please pray for the health of our dear sister in the Lord, Pamela Evans.
- Pray for Julio and Pablo V., and their studies for the Gospel ministry. Also, for Elías as he studies with The Master’s Seminary.
- Pray for Paul and Cheryl, for grace, wisdom, preaching and teaching, outreach ministry, health, spiritual growth.
- Pray for the Santander, Medina, Gómez, Lagos, Miranda and Durand families – health and for the godly growth of our children.
- Remember Joaquín Gómez, as he spends this month with Stephen Z. and returns to Chile in mid-October.
- Be in prayer for the strengthening of our mission church and for the completion of repairs and renovation at the house where we are meeting now.
- Finally, pray for Isaiah’s new art project for the museum in Brazil and his dried fruit/granola business.
May the Lord grant you refreshing times of prayer! Thank you for your intercession!
Joyfully in Christ our Lord and our Salvation,
Paul & Cheryl Durand