NEWS FROM HQ

Missions with the Matamalas

July, 2025

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

Dear brethren, co-laborers, and donors, we greet you in the love of our good Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  At this time, the world is going through moments of uncertainty due to the armed conflict between Israel and Iran, which could escalate to a global level. God calls for us to stand firm, to trust in His good will, and to draw strength from His great power. Wars on this earth will continue, but, while we wait for our Lord’s return, we must fight our own battles. Our battles are not physical, nor against people, much less against other nations; our war is spiritual. May God strengthen us so that every day we may overcome our sin and the world, and continue spreading the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.

Since our last letter in March, we have continued with all of the congregation’s activities: Bible studies, prayer services, a children’s club, and Sunday worship services. Here is a brief summary.

1. Congregational Bible reading. We thank God for our progress in congregational Bible reading. Each day we share a few chapters to read and then send out questions for each member to answer and grow in their personal Bible study. We’ve been reading the Bible together for six months now. It’s been a great blessing for the congregation. By year’s end, we’ll all have read the entire Bible.   

2. Classes for Catechumens. The catechumen classes are held every Friday before the prayer service. It has been a wonderful time of fellowship, conversation, theological study, and encouragement toward the sanctification of our lives. We hope, God willing, to complete this preparation in September. Four brethren are participating in these classes; pray for them, please.

 3. Preparation of workers.  We continue to advance with a Bible study to prepare our brothers Iván and Patricio Cárdenas (left). Every Sunday morning, we study essential topics for spiritual development, and are currently studying the Westminster Confession of Faith.

4. Special Easter Activities. During Easter, we were able to have a beautiful time of meditation on the Word of God. We participated in various activities from Friday to Sunday:

  • Vigil. We met until midnight, enjoying worship, testimonies, games, memorization, and Christian fellowship. It was a precious time with the brothers and sisters.
  • Congregational Fast. On Saturday, we participated in a fast that began Friday night and continued until Sunday breakfast. We had readings related to Christ’s Calvary and added special prayer requests during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was a great blessing.
  • Special Easter Kids’ Club. We held a kids’ club focused specifically on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Easter worship.  At 7:00 a.m., we gathered to worship God for the resurrection of Christ. After the services, we had breakfast together, concluding the congregational fast in communion.
  • Evangelism in the square. Despite the cold and rainy day, God allowed us to go to a square to preach the gospel and distribute gifts for children. We then continued distributing these gifts at the mall, given the poor weather conditions.

5. Elizabeth’s Travels. Elizabeth had to travel to Santiago in March to visit her father, as he was not feeling very well. Mr. Mariano was hospitalized and had to undergo surgery (a gastrostomy tube for feeding). His care has been a constant concern, as his stroke has left him bedridden and requires constant care. We ask you to pray that she may find a caregiver to support her mother, Soledad Rojas; and for Elizabeth herself, that God may grant her peace and tranquility.

In June, Elizabeth traveled to Puerto Montt to participate in a MUPREF activity, pictured left, of which she is the secretary for the southern region. This activity took place on June 14 and brought together sisters from Temuco to Punta Arenas, with a total attendance of 56 people.

6. Visit of the National and Foreign Presbyterian Missionary Society. From May 20-26, we received a visit from Pastors Juan Farías (President) and Andrés Durán (Vice President). It was a week of great blessing, during which the pastors were able to carry out all their activities, visit some of the brethren in their homes, and celebrate the Lord’s Supper during the worship service. A congregational meeting was also held to ratify the five members of the group.

7. Celebrations. For both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we were able to share special activities together. We thank God for allowing us to enjoy brotherly love, fellowship, and growth together.

8. Visits of brethren. In May, we had a visit from our brothers from Yungay: Pamela Navarrete and Julio Riquelme. They came for Emilia’s birthday, but we were able to share with them at the meetings, which was very nice for the congregation.

On June 8, we received a visit from a brother who wanted to travel to support us. We were very happy with his visit, as we were able to discuss the Christian experience and encourage one another. God placed in his heart the desire to come see us, and it was a great blessing for us. It is always a pleasure to welcome brothers who want to take part in the Lord’s work.

Prayer Requests:

  • For the children’s Bible club during winter break (July 14-19).
  • For Elizabeth’s trip to Santiago. Elizabeth will have to travel again in July to care for her father, Mr. Mariano Colpi. Please pray for her trip, that the gospel preached may save her family, for the improvement of her father’s health, and for the encouragement of her mother (Soledad Rojas) who daily cares for him.
  • For the health and salvation of Mrs. Delfa Ojeda and Fanny Pino.
  • For the brothers and sisters who are preparing to become members of the church: Carolina Ojeda, Cecilia Crisóstomo, Daniel Josías, and Jonathan Sepúlveda.
  • For the evangelization work at the University of Magallanes and the Hospital.
  • That God may provide property for a church.
  • For the studies of Daniel Josías (6th grade), Joaquín (5th grade), and Catalina (Prekindergarten).
  • For Elizabeth’s seminary studies and Daniel’s Master of Theology studies.
  • For our trip to Brazil in August, we will participate in a youth conference at the Fundamentalist Presbyterian Church in Patos and visit the church in Limeira to encourage our brothers and sisters. This trip will allow us a few days of vacation.
  • For the care of the “Faro de Gracia” Church during the month of August.
  • That God will provide the financial resources to travel to the ICCC Congress in Kenya, 2027.

We are very grateful to each of the brothers and sisters who uphold us in prayer, for the work, the missions, and the many needs before us. May God be gracious, and may He bless your lives greatly!

In the love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Matamala Colpi Family