Sunday night at 6pm the people of Iglesia Biblia de Gracia Uruguay gathered in the boys bedroom now transformed into the sanctuary for the church service.

Denise, Lisse and Mike helped Shaggy with the music. A song of welcoming started us off and everyone got up to hug and kiss everyone in the room. The sense of family was overwhelming. Not a person was left without being greeted. The people then sang, prayed and worshiped.  Prayer is so important in the service. Their prayers are so strong and passionate as is everything they do.

Brent also had the opportunity to preach God’s Word in the service. While the language was a little bit of a difficulty, the congregation was very warm and attentive to what he had to say. God was there and He was working in the hearts of everyone. At the end of the service the kids played with the new toys they got from Three Kings Day. Plates and plates of snacks were passed around as people talked and said their goodbyes. It wasn’t until 10pm when things seemed to settle down. We played with babies, danced, snacked, and talked. Then at 11pm we had dinner.

Everyone was linked together somehow and even through the huge barrier of language the team was able to communicate and feel like a part of the church without clinging to each other. Through our conversation we discussed how we all longed for a church like this in the States. Even if there was one, we know it would never be the same. The people we have met here in this church have reach out to us and touched our hearts in a way that is special. It will make saying goodbye more emotional but it also is making our growth greater and this adventure more impactful on our lives.

We all feel the growth in our hearts and our lives. We ask for your prayers as we continue to grow and develop our identity in Christ and as Satan tries to attack us every day and stop that growth. We are not discouraged and we thank you for your support and prayers daily.

With Love,
April, Brent, Calvin, Courtney, Denise, Lisse, and Mike