Talca Chile
- Anne Reid
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
It is summertime here in Chile, and it has been very hot, so we have to make some adjustments in our activities. As the children are on vacation, we are having Vacation Bible Schools in Talca and some of the surrounding areas. I am so thankful to the Lord that I am still able to be active—I do not have as many classes as years ago (I arrived in Talca in 1965, and with Doris McBride we had VBS in different parts of Talca as well as in Gualleco). But the Lord continues to give strength to still be able to have classes in a number of different parts of Talca and surrounding areas. Because the children are reluctant to get up in the mornings and it is so hot in the afternoons, we have the classes at noon in some of these places. Even then some are still in bed.
Last week we had classes at the hall where I am in fellowship. Because there is a good-sized group of teenage boys, we invited Renato Albornoz to take that group in a separate class. He was serving the Lord in Ecuador for about twenty years, but returned to Gualleco where he grew up, about a year ago. The boys enjoyed his classes, as well as the craft and other activities we had after the Bible studies. A number of the sisters helped with the activities. The younger sisters help with the different activities and when there are younger children, they take them in a separate class.
We had a week in the town of San Clemente before the week at the hall. This week I go to Gualleco and will be working with Renato and his wife. Renato plans to go to surrounding villages to get the children and take them to the classes. Then there are other places in Talca and surrounding areas for the following two or three weeks. So your prayers are very much appreciated. The assembly in Las Américas is to have two weeks of gospel meetings with Andrew Kluge joining them, and they are to have children's classes before the gospel meeting. The young people in the La Florida assembly are having VBS at their hall, and also want to do some open-air classes. So it is great to see their interest.
During the school year I am able to work with two groups of girls interned in group homes. The teens are not very interested in the things of the Lord, but there are a few who come to the classes and we thank the Lord that we can tell them of the Saviour. The younger ones come and go; sometimes they will all be at the weekly class, other times only a few. I had them a few at a time here to my home as a special treat. A staff member came with them. Some of the girls have severe emotional problems so it is a precaution. But it is a real privilege to be able to work with these girls and tell them that God loves them.
Once a month the older single girls come for a time of prayer and Bible study and we look forward to being together. A small group of university girls have also been coming on another Saturday. Two of these girls had stopped attending Sunday School when they entered university, but are happy to come here, so I am glad for the contacts. Your prayers for them will be appreciated.
There are a number of older sisters who are not well and find it difficult to get out, so I try to visit them and encourage them. I am thankful that I am still able to drive, as it makes it so much easier to get around. Your prayers for safety are appreciated. Chile has changed so much over the years and there is a lot of crime, drugs and violence. But we have full liberty to preach the gospel. May we take full advantage of this. Although the Lord continues to enable me to be active, I don't know how long I will be able to continue. But for now the Lord gives the strength needed. Thank you for praying.
Written by Anne Reid
bannereidm@gmail.com
