Ultimately

I really enjoy frisbee, disc golf, ultimate frisbee... all good!
In 2005 there were two groups of summer project students who visited Chile. I joined a team from Mexico for two weeks. Both groups got to know Gabriel, a physical education student at the Universidad Andres Bello. Gabriel came to know Christ personally during that time. He continued to be involved when I arrived in Chile long term in 2006. But during the second semester of 2006 we lost touch with Gabriel. He had decided not to continue in discipleship.
The marvelous tool of facebook reconnected us last year. Gabriel now teaches at the Universidad Católica, one of the most prestigious schools in Chile. While in the USA he learned to play frisbee. And when he came back he began to teach others to play. Through facebook he invited me to come. A couple weeks ago we finally were able to meet up. I had not seen Gabriel in person for a couple years.
Today a group of young men, Lisset and I were able to go to the Universidad Católica and play Ultimate Frisbee with Gabriel and his class. Gabriel has not grown much spiritually, but he has a clear conviction about the new life he has in Christ. He also has a desire to know the Scriptures better, serve God and be in community with other believers. Pray that these desires would grow to be stronger than his desire for others good things.
For me it was an awesome afternoon, playing a game I enjoy with eight young men representing five universities and Lisset, seeing the fruit of years of sowing…
And Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."
(Mar 4:26-29)

Personal Stuff

On Sunday morning June 7th I was taking the summer project students to church. As we walked to church a friend of mine called and informed us that the service had been canceled due to a swine flu outbreak. So we changed plans and went to another church nearby. We arrived 30 minutes early because of the different service time.
Before the church service I ran into Jeff and Aki. They led a small group at the church I go to several years ago. It turns out that Jeff is studying the same program, MA in Religion at Reformed Theological Seminary, and is in the same course, History of Christianity I. Although adding studies to my responsibilities is a challenge, this seems like a good time. I am more established in ministry here and finally have a bit of learning community while on the mission field.
We will be meeting Friday afternoons to discuss the study questions and try keep each other on track with readings. In addition last week I met Tim, who is Australian, but teaches at a pastoral training institute here in Santiago. Hopefully he can be my mentor, which is a requirement for each course.

I spent the afternoon of June 7th with Lisset. The month not dating allowed us to work through some issues. I am grateful that God has put a godly beautiful woman in my life. We covet your prayers as we continue to pursue God’s purpose in our lives and in relationship with each other.