San Felipe, Chile

David & Margaret Jones

The sentiment expressed in Psalm 65:11 seems so appropriate with which to end the year 2011. Should the Lord tarry, as we enter 2012, it will be the same; “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness (abundance).” We both praise God for His preserving care in the many and varied activities in which we were involved. We are grateful to be enabled to continue serving the Lord.

One of the memorable activities took place in Valdivia, about ten hours by car south of Santiago. At the beginning of November, we took part in a four-day conference which had various focus areas. One was to encourage young people who are active in the work of gospel outreach, in preaching and children’s work. On Sunday afternoon the young people went out with invitations for the gospel series that started that evening. Some were thrilled to see people attend whom they had invited. On the third day, Christians from four other assemblies in the region were in attendance. The four unhurried days gave time for individual conversations and counsel as well as general teaching. Along with brother Camilo Vasquez, we continued the remainder of the week preaching the gospel with good attendance and unsaved in each evening.

While in Punta Arenas last Easter, a young brother from Comodoro Rivadavia was present. This city is on the Atlantic in the Patagonia area of Argentina and he asked if we could be with them for their 12th anniversary as the assembly celebrated with nightly ministry meeting. Due in part to their isolation, they receive little teaching and we trust the teaching given was a help and encouragement.

On the first weekend of December we visited Gualleco, a country assembly with about twenty-five in fellowship. Not only was there time for ministry but also for the Sunday School program. The hall was full and the Christians encouraged by seeing many unsaved parents in attendance. They maintain a Sunday School in Batuco, a little town close by and children from there were also brought in. The Christians were quite encouraged and we thank God for faithful believers in their dedication to making Christ known in small towns.

The Sunday Schools in Santa María and San Felipe had their end of the year programs one week apart and used the same props to present the story of Noah

and the Ark. It was well prepared by some of the young couples and went very well, with all the children participating. Over thirty unsaved parents and relatives were out. It was a pleasure to see a brother who returned to the fellowship recently so happy to be back and involved. The young brother who did the narration had been recently baptized and received. For his baptism he made two trips to the country in his car to bring family and relatives in for the occasion. Eighteen of them were present at the baptism and some have continued attending.

We continue to ask for prayer for our labours and others, in this needy continent. We are encouraged by many who want to walk in scriptural paths and seek to minister and preach the gospel to this end. In January the school summer holidays begin. We are praying about the usual outreach to children and young people to take advantage of their greater freedom from studies. Many of the students in their mid teens and older must take summer jobs in fruit packing or the fields. This hampers their spiritual life and meeting attendance, so we pray for their protection and safety.

Recently the text of the book The Christian Assembly by J. R. Littleproud was readied for printing. It is being carefully checked over to avoid errors. We are thankful for those who have shared in our labours and we send our greetings with a desire that God’s richest blessing be upon each one for the New Year.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2.