March, 2026
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10
When we finish a task, we generally expect approval from others. It’s common to receive praise or compliments. But in the Lord’s work, it’s not like that. Everything we do must be for the glory of God, so that the Lord in charge and owner of the work, may be praised and honored. And when we finish an assigned task, we must recognize that we have only fulfilled our duty. Our duty is to give honor and glory to God in everything we do. We are only the servants of the great King.
As a family, we thank God for allowing us to continue working in the missionary work in Punta Arenas, Chile. This report covers the period from October 2025 to February 2026. This period has been one of testing and growth of our faith. Here is a brief summary.
1. Presbytery Meeting. The annual Presbytery meeting was held in the city of Chillán, October 11-12, 2025. It was decided that we should continue working in Punta Arenas for another year. We thank God for the blessing He gives us to continue serving the Lord in this city.
2. Celebration of the Day of Protestant Churches. On October 31st, God blessed us with a lovely outing with some of the brethren from our congregation. It was a very enjoyable time of Christian fellowship and entertainment.
3. Visit of the Missionary Society. During the last week of November, we received a visit from Pastor Andrés Durán, and were able to celebrate the Lord’s Supper and enjoy his company. This visit was very significant, as we welcomed our first member, Sister Cecilia Crisóstomo, and had our first baptism, that of her daughter Emilia.
4. New Year’s Eve Outing. As is customary in the Presbytery, the annual church walk takes place on December 8th. We give thanks to God for the opportunities He gives us to share, to get to know one another, and to enjoy His creation.
5. Christmas Celebration. There were many activities at Christmas. We worked with the children in the Club on a nativity scene project, and also had a special Bible club where we emphasized the importance of Jesus’ birth. The children happily worked on decorating Christmas houses that Elizabeth and Carolina baked (with many hours of work).
We are infinitely grateful to God for this group of children who have grown stronger through their attendance and participation in the activities. We pray that each child may be converted by the Holy Spirit and that their parents may be reached by the gospel.
Thanks also to God that all the resources needed to make the cookies, decorations, and Christmas gifts we were able to give to the children were covered by a generous offering from our beloved brothers and sisters at the Yungay Presbyterian Church.
6. Visits from the far North. God’s plans are perfect and often different from our own expectations of the future. A group of young people from Arica (Estefanía and Valentina) and Iquique (our niece Ámbar, Daphne, Darling, and Sebastián) came to visit us at our home for a medical-evangelistic outreach that, unfortunately, had to be canceled. We thank God for our niece’s visit, as it had been a long time since we had enjoyed her company. We spent two weeks with them at our home.
Since they would be with us for two weeks, we planned some outings so they could make the most of their time in Punta Arenas. We visited Torres del Paine National Park, but we could only go for one day because we had a serious problem with our van. As the first day of our trip drew to a close, the van’s engine seized up, leaving us stranded in the park with no cell service and no way to get help. It was a huge ordeal for each of us, as night fell and there was no transportation or way to leave the park.
God, in His sovereignty and mercy, after many hours of prayer, provided someone who came to pick us up in the early morning. But our vehicle remained there until we were able to retrieve it the following day. Finally, we had to buy a new engine, which, God willing, will arrive this week, so we can repair it. We ask that you pray that God will provide the necessary resources to get our vehicle back on the road, as it is essential for the work in this region.
7. Presbyterian Camp on Puluqui Island. The central theme of the camp was True and Lasting Joy. Daniel preached every night during the week and was in charge of counseling a group of six young men; Elizabeth guided and counseled a group of seven young women. It was a wonderful time to serve the Lord, but also to reconnect with friends we had missed. Attendance was around 200 people, with campers from Arica to Punta Arenas. This year, we even had attendees from the city of Iquitos, Peru.
We thank the Lord for the blessing He gave us to be able to serve and work with young people. We ask you to pray for the youth who participated. This work, which lasts only one week, cannot fully meet the needs of young people. They need support, guidance, to be heard, and leaders to accompany and instruct them in the ways of the Lord. Pray that each of them may fulfill the commitments they made for this year.
8. Visit of Pastor Juan Luis Guerra and 2nd Anniversary. A week after the camp, God allowed us to reunite again with Pastor Juan Luis (director of the Puluqui Island Camp). He was commissioned by the Missionary Society to join us for our congregation’s 2nd Anniversary. Pastor Juan Luis led the Bible study services, meditation during the prayer service, and preached during the worship service, as well as officiating the Lord’s Supper. It was a great blessing for us to receive our friend and brother in Christ.
We are filled with joy and gratitude to God for these past two years. We have seen the Lord’s hand at work, forming and strengthening a group of believers who are constantly involved. God is bringing many children to participate in the club, and He has allowed us to dedicate our lives to preaching and spreading the gospel.
9. Vacation Bible Club. From February 24-28, we held our Summer Club. The theme was: Jesus Forgives and Saves. We are happy that some children who had not participated for a long time came, and others who came for the first time. We give thanks to God for the support of Sister Cecilia Crisóstomo in the preparation of materials, prizes, and collaboration from the week prior to the club’s event.
Finally, our good God is to be thanked because Daniel and Joaquín passed their exams and moved up to seventh and sixth grade respectively.
10. Please Pray
- for the children of the Bible Club and their families
- for the faithfulness of the brethren of the congregation
- for the mental health and salvation of Mrs. Delfa Ojeda and Fanny Pino.
- that God will provide land for a church building.
- for the studies of Daniel, Joaquín and Catalina.
- for Elizabeth’s Seminary studies and Daniel’s Master’s in Theology.
- that God will provide everything we need for the repair of our vehicle.
- that God may add to the church those who are being saved.
- that God will allow us to travel to the ICCC Congress in Nakuru, Kenya in July.
We are servants of God for His glory, for the spread of the gospel, for the salvation of His people.
In the love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Matamala Colpi Family