tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221613542024-03-13T14:59:52.033-07:00InescapableGo into all the world and preach the good news to all creation!George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-67518287526404567482012-06-25T19:46:00.000-07:002012-06-25T19:46:10.427-07:00Paradigm ShiftBack in 2010 we decided to work in four of the six areas of Santiago with concentrations of college students. We wanted to see students take ownership of reaching every student in Santiago. There are over 500,000 students in higher education in the city. We chose four of the six areas to work in because we had students in two and missionary staff to start ministries in two more. It did not seem prudent to do more. Our heart was to trust God to give every student the opportunity to know Jesus.
At the start of the second semester a guy contacted us from a university with campuses in the other two areas of town. We met and two weeks later we were sitting down with 6 students to see what God might do through a student ministry at the Univ. Santa Maria (USM). A month later we shared with a group of 12 classmates of one of the students and began a small group that met for several weeks to learn more about the gospel and a relationship with God. One of those students started a relationship with God and is passionate about sharing with others today.
While Lisset and I were gone, for a whole year, a short term missionary, Bridgette from North Carolina, along with Nele from Germany and Patricio, one of our Chilean missionaries continued to go to the university. During May of this year (2012) I returned to the USM. Two students are leading a group there with about 10 students involved. We had the honor of presenting a certificate of recognition to the members of the group who had completed a study series covering the basic aspects of the Christian life.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhTN3zoXp8kcYlX9nfCvxVoQXUqRZPLu64Gt_5lmm6fSS_e6-BjuX1Bp_TOuv0fWtTLOE1bTwNruwXue5bpsfp-Hu_18XzXAQSuAcOiJ9cW-ILZagySaKtfjAgO2lgZykF7Y2ng/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhTN3zoXp8kcYlX9nfCvxVoQXUqRZPLu64Gt_5lmm6fSS_e6-BjuX1Bp_TOuv0fWtTLOE1bTwNruwXue5bpsfp-Hu_18XzXAQSuAcOiJ9cW-ILZagySaKtfjAgO2lgZykF7Y2ng/s320/IMG_2691.JPG" /></a>
Last week we started a series of trainings to prepare students to share the gospel more effectively. The challenge before this group is a need for a change in paradigm. The paradigm of participation in Christian activities will have to be given up and in its place a paradigm of mission (making disciples of Jesus) needs to grow. If these 10 to 15 students are content to participate in a group, it is unlikely that each of the 13,000 students at USM will have the opportunity to hear a clear presentation of the gospel during their years at the university.
This morning I read Acts 10, where we find God’s grace at work, bringing Peter to a radical paradigm shift (10:34). As a result the church at that time had to figure out a bunch of things. In Acts 15 we see the church sorting out the problems that this paradigm shift created. The thing about a paradigm shift is that it affects the community but it can divide the community unless each person is able to perceive it. Please pray for the community of students at USM. Ask God to help the team and each member to grasp the mission He has put before them.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS4ISrWxeAUnk8OXjPHEF4Slghm3b97tFpWnGdX6vIoUze_h-T1FRVGsscnVon4Vo5BYLngj3MDJgC3T6LcScm1ozO4RMG3env5vqjRShJSLPj_RnqFpy4yFvUH0vWbtrrYBZzg/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS4ISrWxeAUnk8OXjPHEF4Slghm3b97tFpWnGdX6vIoUze_h-T1FRVGsscnVon4Vo5BYLngj3MDJgC3T6LcScm1ozO4RMG3env5vqjRShJSLPj_RnqFpy4yFvUH0vWbtrrYBZzg/s400/IMG_2693.JPG" /></a>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-77532939823583786432011-09-23T12:22:00.000-07:002011-09-23T12:23:29.748-07:00“At 20 years of age, I began to really live....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqE5DuKzhJHoaDM22NnD18ugr30Blo49eZ0NSbfUPPBDYKA3LwMWz1nDp4zFv1gInn2YSyItvBZs_j2XznKYm-G11Pz9Wii0T6J18rXjH3mSsVDp39QYowuQHYeHPdXzku1W7Kg/s1600/Maca+y+Anna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqE5DuKzhJHoaDM22NnD18ugr30Blo49eZ0NSbfUPPBDYKA3LwMWz1nDp4zFv1gInn2YSyItvBZs_j2XznKYm-G11Pz9Wii0T6J18rXjH3mSsVDp39QYowuQHYeHPdXzku1W7Kg/s200/Maca+y+Anna.jpg" /></a></div> <blockquote> “At 20 years of age, I began to really live my life and be able to enjoy it. It all began last year when my life began to lack purpose, direction and self-acceptance. I began my university studies thinking I had achieved something great, but with my life being so empty, I quickly lost motivation to work hard. I was a self-centered person and very cold on occasion. One day I met a classmate during a workshop, and we became friends. She invited me to a Vida Estudiantil (Campus Crusade for Christ in Chile) event, and I went without hesitation. Time passed and I began to realize that I lacked something. I was not happy and, for some reason, I did not have a good relationship with my parents. Time passed, and I unintentionally became more involved in the ministry.
The joy that the students from the ministry seemed to share impacted me greatly, and this year I asked God with all my heart to pardon my actions and enter into my life. I asked that He would give me the opportunity to be a good person, to love my parents, and love myself. Soon I realized that my life changed, and now I can share with other people that the love of God is infinite.” </blockquote>
-Macarena Llanquinao, Student of Medical Technology
A few months earlier another story was just developing.
11:30pm Skype conversation: “What have you been thinking about what we discussed the other day?” Lisset asked Anna Maria.
Anna- “Well, I agree!”
Lisset- “You agree with what?”
Anna- “I agree that I need to accept Jesus in order to receive forgiveness for sin and have a relationship with God.”
Anna’s newfound joy in Christ soon overflowed into Maca’s life.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-60111254036235647702011-09-23T12:18:00.000-07:002011-09-23T12:18:47.285-07:00Grandma Finds Something New<b>Family News</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRGfnxWMIkrpOHKuSxFvbAjsWu_qh3sFOr74dRAFts3ElaJP-vNjwXm7WpPUY3q8vAWNRw7nscleT85hZ1M9hTNUtnJ_TnFkQc_hpSOkWtXK-jw3dozgYRp7eiCnGm-TUXwxsXw/s1600/Grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRGfnxWMIkrpOHKuSxFvbAjsWu_qh3sFOr74dRAFts3ElaJP-vNjwXm7WpPUY3q8vAWNRw7nscleT85hZ1M9hTNUtnJ_TnFkQc_hpSOkWtXK-jw3dozgYRp7eiCnGm-TUXwxsXw/s320/Grandma.jpg" /></a></div>
It is with great joy that we share with you the news that Lisset’s grandmother, Matilde, has placed her faith in Jesus Christ! This has been a prayer and hearts desire of mine for years. She has pulmonary fibrosis. When she got bronchitis last July she was hospitalized. And there in the hospital my dad and mom shared with her and she asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. Pray with us now that she grows to maturity in Christ. <i>Lisset</i>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-69012839868601258962011-09-23T12:14:00.000-07:002011-09-23T12:14:09.084-07:00Preparing Missionaries for Serving/Living Overseas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Instead of just looking through the window, come inside.” “Dive into the water, don’t just look down into the depths from the boat.” These were just a few word pictures that helped us begin to grasp the difference between transparency (to see)and vulnerability (to join). In our coaching groups at X-track we were invited to let others really take part in our stories, vulnerability. We found that God showed up as we engaged each others stories with all the mess and the glory. The gospel took deeper root in our lives as we processed our life experiences in it’s light.
This summer’s training for cross-cultural missionaries, X-track, was one of the best things I have been a part of during my 12 years on staff. The heart of the missionary being transformed by the gospel was the clear emphasis. And it was also the experience of the participants. There was also good content to put in our heads that will help us do well in life and ministry abroad. We acquired language learning skills, advice for raising children in a culture different from that of his/her parents, and input about making study of the Word and spiritual disciplines a constant area of growth.
I was amazed by what God did as we were vulnerable with each other and asked the Holy Spirit to help us see our true self. This exposed both how we were uniquely formed for His glory (very encouraging) and ways each of us were needing the gospel to continue transforming our hearts (leading us to repentance). The experience of grace and truth in spiritual community impacted our lives in a profound way. For me it was humbling and exciting to be used by God to prepare these men to thrive as they leave for their respective assignments in the next few weeks. George
George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-18436127917965590992011-09-23T12:10:00.000-07:002011-09-23T12:10:21.405-07:00May: New Staff Training“With God there are no transitions, just preparation...” At the end of last November, before leaving Chile for what will be most of 2011, we attended a weekend marriage retreat with our church in Santiago. One afternoon during a time of prayer the pastor and his wife prayed for us and encouraged us with those words.
The first week of May we attended new staff training. It was great to be part of a diverse group, most of whom where professionals who left their jobs, following God’s call to join staff. They will be ministering to families in FamilyLife, soldiers in the Military Ministry, grade school teachers with International School Project and athletes with Athletes in Action. Lisset officially became a missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ at this training.
With this new job comes the responsibility of financing our employment as a family in missions. Right after new staff training George went to Bogota Colombia for a week long leadership retreat with leaders representing the campus ministry in 18 countries in Latin America. Next month we will attend the International Campus Staff training called X-Track, which prepares missionaries to establish life and ministry in another country long-term. George will work as a coach at X-track.
We are thankful for God’s call to serve and grateful for this time to prepare for the coming years serving Him in Chile.
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George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-84604934256859871282011-03-17T18:10:00.001-07:002011-03-17T18:33:15.658-07:00"On The Road"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_FeALTzaFWjv8VQKlU4o9t8HK982m3vWpm9wOKxiOegzjlt7yec6-pvheJoNbc7XSYZrlVlo3Ia7548FkshyWM2Y-dPjbI4YN_b_JjhWcfm9VeuFDEgZLnzxwnxsc_jv4AyvlA/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_FeALTzaFWjv8VQKlU4o9t8HK982m3vWpm9wOKxiOegzjlt7yec6-pvheJoNbc7XSYZrlVlo3Ia7548FkshyWM2Y-dPjbI4YN_b_JjhWcfm9VeuFDEgZLnzxwnxsc_jv4AyvlA/s200/IMG_1331.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585225830712156098" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“On the road”</span> is the phrase that captures 2011 for us. On January 4th we left Santiago for three weeks of summer camp and national missions projects in southern Chile. During the last week of January we packed our bags, and our apartment as we prepared to leave Chile for what will hopefully be only 11 months. February 3rd we arrived in Cali Colombia with the team of nine Chileans and one American. During the rest of the month we served alongside Colombian students on 5 university campuses in Cali. On March 3rd we set out again, this time on vacation in Colombia and Mexico. We enjoyed getting to know Colombia for a few days and on March 9th arrived in Acapulco, where Lisset’s family lives. In just a couple weeks we will be on the road again, making our way to Nebraska. We have traveled thousands of miles and slept in 19 different beds so far this year. But with all the travel we are never waiting, every day and every place God is at work and we are thankful to be His servants. His yoke is easy and his burden is light.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7SVBRGXID9wRDJwwSuxfEIqVJhBW_PDOTJ_coTFwEosWnvu13MGStW1TpG8ehzQ6KqbFeB3hkZw8RKi2iorqGLqGu6c2OQXLD5-Nj4AGDVqO-MS40_Zz5Dy7WmposTbYm0NZCA/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7SVBRGXID9wRDJwwSuxfEIqVJhBW_PDOTJ_coTFwEosWnvu13MGStW1TpG8ehzQ6KqbFeB3hkZw8RKi2iorqGLqGu6c2OQXLD5-Nj4AGDVqO-MS40_Zz5Dy7WmposTbYm0NZCA/s200/IMG_1218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585226169931259618" /></a>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-12387999658515308252011-03-17T18:06:00.000-07:002011-03-17T18:09:28.662-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFstkswnv-jnxhCE1GO1_IM4m0L2qN8rB9LEGdcoF8W2s-zldZE8iMYSzcgy9ks7oXGy6KMxv7DJg9PCEC6hTXSZEX5iRgPU6Db0JHw9BmKTi4AMEKTN9vuzZOC92m3DsGic98w/s1600/IMG00335.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFstkswnv-jnxhCE1GO1_IM4m0L2qN8rB9LEGdcoF8W2s-zldZE8iMYSzcgy9ks7oXGy6KMxv7DJg9PCEC6hTXSZEX5iRgPU6Db0JHw9BmKTi4AMEKTN9vuzZOC92m3DsGic98w/s400/IMG00335.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585220731741389714" /></a><br />The second day of the national missions project our truck had a serious breakdown. After a major delay in getting it repaired, we finally hit the road, only for it to break down again. Finally after the third repair, it still isn’t fixed. We planned to sell it before leaving Chile. Now our good friends in Chile are stuck with the work of getting it repaired and selling it.<br />But as is usually the case, God used this experience to expose ways in which I fail to trust Him. The idols of money and control were clearly exposed as I lost control of this situation and continue to loose a fair amount of money. All I had left was to trust God. And that was just it, God took me to the place where I had to face that in this area of my life, I was in control and worse yet I did not want Him to be in control. He is in control! And now my heart is being freed of idols that were making it hard to enjoy the gospel.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-18266679217069815832009-08-04T18:13:00.000-07:002009-08-04T19:33:25.314-07:00Ultimately<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJTbKCWYDnW6Lf0KbdHgA7oOppyW_N3-aQGzOynVTxLCxPtVfeSiUyxA5k_M5VKPMPMt3qT37d3dKM7PzcbdDGygI0s5TBv-3R2CUnhr37ByK4H5-4_hoDEcigMyVKjR2AlnAOg/s1600-h/Ultimate.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJTbKCWYDnW6Lf0KbdHgA7oOppyW_N3-aQGzOynVTxLCxPtVfeSiUyxA5k_M5VKPMPMt3qT37d3dKM7PzcbdDGygI0s5TBv-3R2CUnhr37ByK4H5-4_hoDEcigMyVKjR2AlnAOg/s200/Ultimate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366302167906096546" /></a><br />I really enjoy frisbee, disc golf, ultimate frisbee... all good!<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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…<br />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." <br />(Mar 4:26-29)George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-9266989086890672072009-08-03T07:32:00.000-07:002009-08-04T19:34:42.328-07:00Personal StuffOn 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.<br />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.<br />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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTJNArhaqR2nRBuIAGy_IIOiqSgPaEVNuAJ2j-KnYRJUJv6B_jLC7ZhCDclf21WQFrZkLkgbwAqUpzPqWPw4CYjEVec63vDNm-2B6oQom8Kqlz0F8Ccmom_A9G6gBjbpUaqUESg/s1600-h/IMG_1544.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTJNArhaqR2nRBuIAGy_IIOiqSgPaEVNuAJ2j-KnYRJUJv6B_jLC7ZhCDclf21WQFrZkLkgbwAqUpzPqWPw4CYjEVec63vDNm-2B6oQom8Kqlz0F8Ccmom_A9G6gBjbpUaqUESg/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365745975763322242" /></a><br />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.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-45822775169686134952009-06-24T17:53:00.000-07:002009-06-24T18:01:13.795-07:002009 Santiago Summer Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieFJJYUhFIBmKdumhKmtTJN68p-znAOSr2yB0_qCnBZmM3jBHRQta-WR78_ajcpveMQfAvbrvdmBtHsV6tbY2A00N87ePrFd40oTFv7IkDxVgYHGXJtMsx2WONzCCFnsofe-qpg/s1600-h/IMG_2266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieFJJYUhFIBmKdumhKmtTJN68p-znAOSr2yB0_qCnBZmM3jBHRQta-WR78_ajcpveMQfAvbrvdmBtHsV6tbY2A00N87ePrFd40oTFv7IkDxVgYHGXJtMsx2WONzCCFnsofe-qpg/s400/IMG_2266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351062348115018002" /></a>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-87300532269709273002009-03-16T17:46:00.000-07:002009-03-16T19:10:55.109-07:00Sowing and ReapingThe week before classes start students were on campus arranging their class schedules and financing for the new semester. I went to campus to meet with Diego, a young man who is trusting God to reach his peers in the electrical engineering department. We refreshed our minds and hearts with what the Word has to say about living the Spirit-filled life. As we were talking a student that I had met years ago walked by, and I immediately remembered her name, Fernanda, but did not have the opportunity to say hello.<br />About an hour later I was standing at the entrance to the university with one of our staff. And there was Fernanda making her way towards the metro on her way home. I called out her name and we got to chat for a few minutes about how things were going in her life. Three years ago we had met her and some of her class mates as freshmen. She had come to a few things and had the opportunity to hear the gospel but did not stay involved or trust Christ. It had been about two years since I had talked to her. <br />I asked her how her family, studies and plans were going, and then asked her what her experience has been spiritually for the past few years. She admitted that for most of that time she had distanced herself from God and been very focused on her studies. But she recently had started to think more about God. I asked Fernanda if she considered herself to have a personal relationship with God. She said yes. Then I asked her how confident she was that she would be with God for eternity. She said that she thought she probably would but that it is hard to know. My next question, "If you could experience greater confidence and intimacy with God, would you want to?" She replied, "Sure!"<br />So we got a drink at the cafeteria and sat down in the grass for about 45 minutes. She was very honest and genuine in her desire to know God. We talked through the 4 Spiritual Laws. But more importantly God was talking to her heart if a special way and she received Christ with the joy. Her hunger for truth was evident in the questions she asked as we finished our conversation. She immediately accepted the invitation to study what the Bible says about growing a relationship with God.<br />Three years ago during my first semester, I do not remember anyone coming to Christ all semester. And without a doubt there are no new believers involved with us from that first semester. But we sowed. And now it is time to reap. <br />Over 40 students have trusted Christ in the past year. Most of them are studying the Bible with us. Just today on campus three young men from electrical engineering met over lunch to plan how to reach out to the freshmen class. All of them have trusted Christ within the past two years. And two of them just came to the Lord last semester. Seeing their desire to study the Word, reach out to the lost and encourage the body of Christ is a tremendous joy for me.<br /><br />"Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."(Psalm 126:5-6)George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-4603233542097342012009-03-10T10:37:00.000-07:002009-03-10T13:39:33.326-07:00Re-purchased<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHyx4RWHSOhW3gR5XzT0kbZxkYVHC7aBYAg-gwWrLwgg-ydP3i0iP5kAXUurMcANDULn1jkqCx3SYZraz6pwS3-BdoMFoOWZKab98_IX7T1uWEhCW4OiI3O0-6GQZH1eTZztyDg/s1600-h/re_purchased.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHyx4RWHSOhW3gR5XzT0kbZxkYVHC7aBYAg-gwWrLwgg-ydP3i0iP5kAXUurMcANDULn1jkqCx3SYZraz6pwS3-BdoMFoOWZKab98_IX7T1uWEhCW4OiI3O0-6GQZH1eTZztyDg/s320/re_purchased.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311661324145329490" /></a><br />Saturday I bought my own bike back, it was a pretty cool experience, living out Luke 6.<br /><br />"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. <br /><br />(Luke 6:27-30)<br /><br />While waiting in the long lines at the bank. A couple thieves stole my securely locked bike just 15 feet from armed guards. Life in Chile is usually normal, but defies common sense at times.<br /><br />When I realized it had been stolen it I immediately... was angry.. and then prayed that God would work in the lives of the thieves. Then I told the cops of the incident, which felt like wasting my time. A week later a bike suspiciously similar to mine appeared on a eBay-like website in Chile, for the same price I had bought if for in December. I made the purchase online and arranged to meet with the individual. <br /><br />I gave it the normal test ride and bargained him down a bit. After paying him for the bike I let him know that it was absolutely my bike. He offered to give me my money back. Assuring me he did not know the bike was stolen when he bought it from his friend. He was lying and I was telling the truth. I told him that I forgive him and even though I had little reason to believe him, I would give him the benefit of the doubt. So I asked him return to me what would have been his profit from the sale. Then I shared the gospel with him, and with his little brother who accompanied him. And exhorted them to repent and live lives of self sacrifice not selfishness. I am praying for Cristian and Esteban. And plan to send him and email and or give him a call next weekend to see if he would like to get together to talk more about the extraordinary love of God.<br /><br />God works according to His word, answers prayer and is in control, even when it feels like the world is evil and we suffer loss. This could not be any clearer; the cross screams these truths at us every day. <br /><br />I am the only person alive who can tell that thief, "I forgive you for stealing from me." And show him the generous mercy of the King by paying him for my own possessions. And Jesus is the only one who can truly forgive his sin, and I am forever indebted to Him for paying for mine.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-42030298210394244002008-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:002008-10-18T16:15:24.976-07:00The Team in Santiago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuSZyG5Wfmv_9C3-QBO87sV5qbB005LchKBYaCd1RA_cC1YSdTTiTqMCBd1LhLBK2qR3ZKAhQppMByp-yGhorfMeeEEgD2c6LSACGza-pYGkuj88aEue1E49XREhuK0iHruF9kw/s1600-h/IMG_1509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuSZyG5Wfmv_9C3-QBO87sV5qbB005LchKBYaCd1RA_cC1YSdTTiTqMCBd1LhLBK2qR3ZKAhQppMByp-yGhorfMeeEEgD2c6LSACGza-pYGkuj88aEue1E49XREhuK0iHruF9kw/s400/IMG_1509.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258619114492981378" /></a><br />Israel, Lisset, George, Maria Ignacia, Veronica y Juan Carlos on campus at USACH<br />As Jesus taught us, we are asking God for more laborers for the harvest. Our staff invest their time sharing the gospel with students and primarily training students who are following Jesus to multiply their experience with God through evangelism and discipleship. This year we have experienced lots of growth in the number of students being trained, the number of students coming to faith in Christ and the number of campuses were we are working.<br />It is a great joy to receive Juan Carlos, his wife Veronica and Maria Ignacia into the campus team here in Santiago. They have recently completed their team of ministry parters and are now with us on campus. I appreciate their faith and enthusiasm, as they trust God to use them to start spiritual movements.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-71697829800233536212008-10-18T14:54:00.000-07:002008-10-30T04:52:27.743-07:00ListenEverybody appreciates it when someone listens to them. A few months ago in a staff meeting we were considering how to more effectively engage students and share the gospel more often. One of our main conclusions was that we needed to create a space where we could listen to them. During the past month we have been using a new evangelism tool called Soularium. Soularium is a set of 50 images that help people share their experiences, hopes and beliefs. The tool is used by a facilitator (staff or student leader) who poses a question to which the audience responds using an image to help them explain themselves. In this way it helps foster authenticity and allows people to talk about things they often do not share. While you can pose a wide range of questions, the main idea is to hear what their experiences and hopes are in life, both with respect to their personal plans and their spirituality. We also ask them to talk about God. It is really pretty special to have someone share these things with you. And almost universally students tell us they appreciated the opportunity to express themselves. At the end we offer to pray for them and contact them if they are interested in talking more. www.mysoularium.com<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bk6dnwDJa3mMJnilDlESUg6XoSlo8bL4AIEDUm5QPHFJFuN3keVcfxqkJReHEayLTzuU7iUNfqOeRHzwxCt7FjlWvYbKxTIvTmRlQp3Hks6EaMh7x9nnLJxh_U7KuNf7tyEIpA/s1600-h/Soularium.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bk6dnwDJa3mMJnilDlESUg6XoSlo8bL4AIEDUm5QPHFJFuN3keVcfxqkJReHEayLTzuU7iUNfqOeRHzwxCt7FjlWvYbKxTIvTmRlQp3Hks6EaMh7x9nnLJxh_U7KuNf7tyEIpA/s400/Soularium.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262913385849174738" /></a><br />We already knew that individualism, pluralism, relativism and pragmatism are significant influences in the minds of young people. As we hear their stories there is a sense that this generation is generally full of hope, believes in a god without religion and is pretty comfortable with the “confusion” of conflicting ideologies. Many indicate they are searching, but a search for truth is seemingly out of reach. The search is much more passive and their choices while not unreasoned seem to be based on sentiment than evidence. While there are lost of answers that might be helpful in the midst of the confusion, belief is experiential for this generation. A good argument is interesting but rarely convincing. They need to see it work.<br />What a great challenge! And the church is up to it, because the Holy Spirit is at work in us.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-73453078462503132242008-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:002008-10-18T14:53:56.240-07:00Church Planting Among the Mapuche<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZKuLgEJ_wKWxGPZKzR-Q6UsCeKqkZcel35l2PScAkeSKOhqxSjU_AONhXPPA-Qj9j5Qc0jsK-Jr1b8v1AsRgha2O1oa3AoR15d2pfbu1IwQoTuHo4dIy3Bj-UI7T16RYJ7BoWA/s1600-h/DSCN1077.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZKuLgEJ_wKWxGPZKzR-Q6UsCeKqkZcel35l2PScAkeSKOhqxSjU_AONhXPPA-Qj9j5Qc0jsK-Jr1b8v1AsRgha2O1oa3AoR15d2pfbu1IwQoTuHo4dIy3Bj-UI7T16RYJ7BoWA/s320/DSCN1077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258613785439488834" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Each summer we spend a week training our students in a cross-cultural mission’s experience. Planting churches among the Mapuche is a challenging task. In the region where we are working there is a clear need for a person who will disciple local church leadership. A couple weeks ago I was able to travel up into the mountains once again, to encourage the local church leadership, share from the Word with families and get a head start on the plans for the missions experience with students in January. During the trip three people indicated a decision to trust in Jesus Christ. We also were able to visit local pastors and encourage them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Jerry and Daniel are pastors and missionaries who are also committed to helping establish churches in this region. It is great to partner with such quality people who work with a kingdom mindset. Unfortunately others who are “serving” in the area do not have this perspective. One of the biggest problems we face in evangelism in the area is a hypocritical and religious church that is divisive within the community and does not teach the Scripture.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Another challenge in evangelization in this region is the limited ability to comprehend texts. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Reading</st1:place></st1:city> is simply not a normal way of learning for these people. The Mapuche have an oral not written tradition. They are largely ignorant of the Bible. But asking them to read it is not practical. We are trying to overcome this difficulty with the use of solar powered audio devices which allow them hear the Scripture. We will also be using an audio and DVD based tool called, “God’s Big Story”. This material gives a brief overview of the Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, helping people understand more clearly what God has done and is doing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">This summer we hope to have 6 teams of students. They will spend significant time with families who are open to the message. Rather than visiting a family for a couple hours and asking them to come to a film showing, our evangelism will be based on two or three days teaching the Bible from start to finish with families who are open. In this way we hope to help these families know Christ and get involved in a local church that teaches the Scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuoEkMkADaZVpo01W6GXSxS1fb0IACbdCDzXweEvreCSDfln1b6APWzkc6cbTG569elUjJ5LilTmdCkCvWpmCTCe960MVQAr9XJ9qjzlgMXk5Kgu950Qh40G-7g3ouWw_upvFaQ/s1600-h/DSCN1074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuoEkMkADaZVpo01W6GXSxS1fb0IACbdCDzXweEvreCSDfln1b6APWzkc6cbTG569elUjJ5LilTmdCkCvWpmCTCe960MVQAr9XJ9qjzlgMXk5Kgu950Qh40G-7g3ouWw_upvFaQ/s320/DSCN1074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258615244857200418" /></a>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-24689392221544829212008-09-05T18:46:00.000-07:002008-09-08T09:01:38.944-07:00No Reason To Believe<p>Our first time setting foot on the INACAP on Av. Apoquindo campus we met Juan Pablo, Kenneth and Camila. The week before a student from this campus, Felipe, attended our student leadership meeting, Raíces. I set up a time to visit his campus with some of the summer project students who were visiting us from the US. As we introduced ourselves and shared briefly the vision of Vida Estudiantil it was natural to ask them about their beliefs.<br /><br />I asked them, “On a scale from 1-10, how interested are you in knowing God personally?” It doesn´t happen very often, but Kenneth answered “zero” with an honest grin. He indicated that he thinks people make too much of religion. He did not understand my question, but I could understand his point of view. Over the next month we got to hang out with them a couple of times on campus.<br /><br />Last week when Felipe and I had made a time to go share our faith, we ran into Kenneth. After talking about girlfriends and different places in Chile, I reminded Kenneth of his response and asked him if he would be willing to share more of his story. He gladly accepted. While he went to buy a pack of cigarettes Felipe and I prayed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQo8PGpXthiBhpjdytPkD8oYPRtefHA_m3Q8fEgr4Iz2uk9qiOZqzywK5BQfyUjfjUAq3e6CXRauvRUGOqDjOabz1CzV1Zly1LPExrfeWFaMDRwuxn8DPfJADmFiHRuGlGYbTiA/s1600-h/IMG_1061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243678577478413474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQo8PGpXthiBhpjdytPkD8oYPRtefHA_m3Q8fEgr4Iz2uk9qiOZqzywK5BQfyUjfjUAq3e6CXRauvRUGOqDjOabz1CzV1Zly1LPExrfeWFaMDRwuxn8DPfJADmFiHRuGlGYbTiA/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Kenneth has just gotten to campus from donating blood to help his grandmother who is very sick. As he told his story it was easy to see why he found it so hard to “believe”. His story is full of difficulty. The injury that almost cost him his leg when he was young, his broken relationship with his father, the tension in his living situation with uncles and a very ill and cranky grandmother… He could find no reason to believe, even though he had tried. (Kenneth is at the far left, with the summer project)<br /><br />Even though many things in life may not have a satisfactory explanation, Felipe and I could share how the cross of Christ and the unconditional love of God were even more inexplicable. Kenneth told us that he felt like something really extraordinary would have to happen for him to be able to believe. We helped him consider that perhaps something extraordinary was happening and had happened to reconcile him to God. Please pray that God help Kenneth to see light of the world, Jesus, and that God help us to be lights in the darkness on campuses in Santiago.<br /><br /><em>In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.<br />(2Cor. 4:4-6)</em></p>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-70473023955187424592008-09-05T18:43:00.000-07:002008-09-05T19:10:21.485-07:00Many Reasons to BelieveWe met Tomas, a student at the Universidad Andres Bello, in English Club. Israel, who coaches student leaders at UNAB, copied me a portion of an email from Tomas<br /><br />“After thinking about it and having it on my mind for several years, I decided that it is the best thing I could do in my life, and I feel very good about it, so during my winter vacation I decided to be a Christian… several factors influenced this decision: my mother has been a Christian for no more than 4 years, I have seen her happier than ever during these 4 years, my brother and I experienced a couple miracles (we had an accident 3 years ago, and today we are without adverse effects). Another important factor was the English Club of Vida Estudiantil, to which I went with the sole purpose of learning some English, but little by little I realized the quality of people who have a happy spirit, a kind-heartedness and availability, and a great strength in their beliefs which in an authoritative way coincide with each other.<br />Another very important factor leading up to my decision was a special Christian young lady who I had gotten to know. She is able to speak with ease about God in a simple way, coherent and pleasant, and with the same point of view as many others… so I told myself, I should belong to this group, it is without a doubt the best! On top of this I would have to add the services of the church in La Serena that my mom goes to, where there is a an equally pleasant atmosphere. I admire the pastor, very intelligent, and he knows how to apply Biblical values to everyday life. Also my mom is always reminding me of the things the Bible describes and how they are based in history and still speak to our world today, and this is very convincing!<br />So there are many reasons, I just was slow to see them and take them into account, but I am happy to have given myself to Christ because unquestionably, it is never late. That is all! Haha. I hope to see you more often this semester!" Tomas<br />After English club one day we went bowling with the students. Tomas is holding the dark blue bowling ball.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmPMlP2xVBv5SEBgn7bkad8rm9pTZ8MbnAGQKZJP_UAamIhR9ofzsEGy9MzLMl50a33p5ecvkCzxWwGLjaq6QkiU3LhI3a-F_0Ti3FVP1E8_fRfR6CDE8fl1pY6frC1tJsLiPbA/s1600-h/tomas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242724273124804242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmPMlP2xVBv5SEBgn7bkad8rm9pTZ8MbnAGQKZJP_UAamIhR9ofzsEGy9MzLMl50a33p5ecvkCzxWwGLjaq6QkiU3LhI3a-F_0Ti3FVP1E8_fRfR6CDE8fl1pY6frC1tJsLiPbA/s400/tomas.jpg" border="0" /></a>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-62066534970452065642008-07-05T17:18:00.000-07:002008-07-06T07:34:31.345-07:0031Two surprise parties for one birthday. The first was Thursday the 28th with students and also with Kelly, a leader of the summer project with whom I share the 30th of June as our birthday. The second was on my birthday. I had planned my own thing, last minute of course, and got together with 7 guys at an pub that evening. But I was blind folded and taken to a mysterious place (turned out to be my apartment, but with a few extra turns on the way there) where I was greeted by a room full of people. Turning 31 was special. I am deeply grateful for all that God has allowed me to live. It has been quite an experience, from being a introverted farm boy from southeast Nebraska, to living in Santiago Chile and following Jesus as the leader of a spiritual movement that is touching the lives of many people.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-38391861317013046342008-07-05T17:01:00.000-07:002008-07-05T17:15:53.569-07:00Faithful and Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZS-_l1_MzqArfhSfEzw9e-omNK_3Zq4ckakSbvjJvrFWeLBkBwBrFQzuiRjCj0aqcQoyTdz3mvEW7PRjemSt0YNBiNy0uQc1-gPwPlTD-h1JqBGM_s73eO5jV_9Guz3A73p_0jQ/s1600-h/IMG_1096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219688070475535554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZS-_l1_MzqArfhSfEzw9e-omNK_3Zq4ckakSbvjJvrFWeLBkBwBrFQzuiRjCj0aqcQoyTdz3mvEW7PRjemSt0YNBiNy0uQc1-gPwPlTD-h1JqBGM_s73eO5jV_9Guz3A73p_0jQ/s320/IMG_1096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Diego and Connie got connected with Vida Estudiantil back in April through our effective study seminar. After the seminar we offered personalized coaching to help students apply some of the study techniques and allow us to get to know them better. Lisset led their coaching times and was able to connect them with our mission on campus.<br />They are from Osorno, in southern Chile. And have been dating for a year. They both knew Jesus personally, and asked us to train them to share their faith and how to establish new believers in the Christian faith. It has been a real treat to teach them and get to know them over the past few months.<br />I think they are probably the most faithful students I have ever had the opportunity to train. They showed up for every meeting and generally had prepared the lesson. Diego has also been able to involve a classmate of his. It is a real joy to work with such great people. Cote, pictured also invests time with Connie in discipleship. It is sweet to be part of a team that invest their lives in others.<br />I am confident that Diego and Connie will both see the lives of many of their peers transformed by the Lord. They both have 5 more years of studies at the University of Santiago de Chile. Diego studies Electrical Engineering and Connie, Surgical Medicine.</div>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-29343379637365121322008-07-05T16:32:00.000-07:002008-07-05T17:01:09.000-07:00Good Time For A Protest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcPk5PQBms7Lnw7iR9ebSZFAfwhDgUuJfjwdf22rCaSRc5zHHgd_lqCJ8JzIfsFv1pEfHvyi9w1UwR4pdAXAZqE5pPCINeTo1eC7vbAsRTxd7Ii5eGFh8-rlJ5-UVJjh_rjDQ2Q/s1600-h/IMG_1101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219684189300489890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcPk5PQBms7Lnw7iR9ebSZFAfwhDgUuJfjwdf22rCaSRc5zHHgd_lqCJ8JzIfsFv1pEfHvyi9w1UwR4pdAXAZqE5pPCINeTo1eC7vbAsRTxd7Ii5eGFh8-rlJ5-UVJjh_rjDQ2Q/s320/IMG_1101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Each year May has great potential for some riots or strikes here in Chile. The month starts with Labor Day, in which Chileans celebrate with tear gas and marches to protest the law which allows the wealthy business owners to employ people for $300 a month, far less than a living wage. May also is a month in which students usually protest the inequality of education. This May’s protests and strikes lasted all the way through June. Two weeks ago they voted for a very important reform to the law. This new legislation will give more administrative power to the national government. The municipal governments had been empowered under the old law. But this was creating a very unequal education, in which the quality of education in poorer areas was not adequate. Students from poorer areas were less likely to get into the university because their education did not adequately prepare them for the national entrance exam.<br /><br />For our ministry the strikes have historically been harmful, causing us to loose our momentum on campus and loose touch with the students we were getting to know. But this year it has been a tremendous opportunity for us. The reason is that we now how a critical mass of involved students leaders and have a base of contacts already established among the freshmen that allows us to continue our ministry. In fact the strike helped us in significant ways because students had lots of free time. For the newly involved students it allowed them to spend lots of time together during the past 6 weeks. And the contacts that we are developing relationships with were also able to participate more. In the end our relationships with key students have really grown through the shared experiences we had this past month.<br /><br />Two weeks before the strike started I was able to get an English Club started with the freshmen in Electrical Engineering. We have had English club every week except one. And as a result I have gotten to know Oscar, Cristóbal, Pablo, Jaime and Carlos. I have also been able to continue to involve Alan and Nicolas, seniors who are preparing their thesis, in co-leading the English Club. Students have been enthusiastic about English Club and have also been open to the gospel. With classes re-starting this next week I hope to continue the English Club for a few more weeks and grab lunch with them from time to time to continue the spiritual conversations that we have started.</div>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-91379606870372118872007-11-26T19:07:00.000-08:002007-11-26T20:10:54.792-08:00Roommates: From all over the world and now one who is not of this worldIn January we moved into a new apartment. But we knew that in six months David would be leaving to go back to the U.S. We would have to find another roommate. In the past few months we have had the world come through our door: Swiss, Kiwis, Australian, Venezuelan, Bolivian, Peruvian and Chilean/Mexican.At the end of October we were once again a few days away from having to pay for our three bedroom apartment between Israel and myself. Israel posted an advertisement on a website one evening. An hour later Guillermo calls us to set up an appointment to view the apartment and meet us. An hour after that he was sitting on our couch and we made a verbal agreement. Amazing, 2 hours from advertised to occupied.<br />Tonight we had the tremendous privilege of seeing Guillermo place his faith in Jesus Christ. He moved in almost exactly a month ago. We have had several good spiritual conversations. His marriage troubles brought him to the end of himself. As he came to the King in his need, he received repentance, the forgiveness of sins and new life.George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-18115540217668514172007-11-19T09:58:00.000-08:002007-11-19T10:05:33.445-08:00Developing Multiple Generations of Leaders<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFnBnjf5MTh8XdLpJ25eM6VlDf50exwvTcl5cKY4H5xBq0oc3mDAc9B_vWmjxZjA9GNPnuohoOiqmWzGsafuW8CTufRQhkhqgj2SsrxP44zdwvG4rls1gQ8QxO66ZRJ7BOnqJug/s1600-h/IMG_0189.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134613069326217394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFnBnjf5MTh8XdLpJ25eM6VlDf50exwvTcl5cKY4H5xBq0oc3mDAc9B_vWmjxZjA9GNPnuohoOiqmWzGsafuW8CTufRQhkhqgj2SsrxP44zdwvG4rls1gQ8QxO66ZRJ7BOnqJug/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The first weekend in November we simultaneously hosted our second Student Leadership Encounter and the first LeaderTreks workshop. Development and multiplication of students leadership is a critical step in communicating the gospel to every student. The fellowship and community we experienced as the proven leaders, emerging leaders and staff spent the weekend together were extraordinary.</div><div>The Encouentro de Liderazgo Estudiantil was a time of teaching and practical ministry training. The theme was “Sowing”. We were able to engage the scope of world evangelization and process as a team how to communicate the gospel on the university campus. This space is one of the key elements that we have been able to generate this school year.<br />One of our new staff, Israel, has been attending a training in Bolivia for a leadership development curriculum called LeaderTreks. The first workshop, “Fundamentals of Leadership” was attended by 9 students from four different universities. This is a great start for another program that will help us see students lives changed. It works well for both Christian and non-Chrsitian students.</div><div>The ability to generate multiple generations of leaders is important on the college campus where leadership necesarily changes every few years. Establishing the programs and culture of multiple generations is an important step for us as we consider the challenge of reaching the nearly 250,000 students in Chile.</div>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-35662555647177650472007-11-16T06:43:00.000-08:002007-11-16T08:35:55.432-08:00Invasion and ProgressOnce a month student leaders from different campuses are gathering to help establish the ministry on a campus that is not their own. Yesterday we had a great experience at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Universidad</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ciencias</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Informaticas</span>. Student leaders from 4 campuses showed up. The sense of teamwork among the student leaders in launching and building movements was stellar.<br /><br />The primary goal of Invasion is to equip students in evangelism. While we are also publicizing the activities that we are doing to serve students the main focus of this time is to train students in the art of initiating gospel centered conversations. The benefits of doing this together are many. It allows our staff to model evangelism with student leaders. It creates an awareness of the scope of every campus and every student. It deepens the sense of teamwork among students. It creates momentum on the campus we visit. It fosters the sharing of ideas. It builds up the faith and courage of the staff and students. And it created the instance for at least 20 students to hear the good news and consider Jesus' offer of new life; abundant and eternal. In the future I believe that Invasion will become an instance where student leaders launch movements on new campuses.<br /><br />There is still a lot of work to do, but many of the key elements of the ministry are beginning to take shape. As this second school year draws to a close, I am really grateful and a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">surprised</span> at all that God has given us.<br />We have developed and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">refined</span> several <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ministry</span> tools that are helping us step into the lives of lost students: English clubs; a campus meeting format and content that is getting positive feedback from non-Christian students; the Effective Study Seminar that will help us reach freshmen and has caught the attention of school administration as a valuable service to the university; a fall <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">retreat</span> format that got positive feedback from non-Christian students who attended.<br />We have also refined and adapted our student leadership development. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Raices</span> is a community of personal and leadership <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">development</span> that is structured so that we can develop multiple generations of leadership. We have a yearly calendar of student leadership retreats, and have seen God bless these times. In January we will have our first national conference aimed specifically at developing Christian students for mission. In January we will also establish our national summer missions project which will cast vision for and train students in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">trans cultural</span> missions.<br />We have seen God bless us in the development of key resources. One of the biggest challenges has been to form small groups where non-Christians can engage with Christians in life and seeking the truth. We are still working on this but have made significant progress in the past year. We have been blessed with the financial support from Chileans to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">advance</span> needed initiatives. Right now we are in the process of getting a new evangelism tool into print. Our website is also a significant resource. <a href="http://www.vidaestudiantil.cl/">http://www.vidaestudiantil.cl/</a><br /><br />The progress we can see after two years here in Santiago has been the result of hard work and the grace of God.<br /><em>But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10)</em>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-53800157622319994272007-09-29T09:27:00.000-07:002007-09-29T11:13:31.361-07:00A Hard Winter<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuuklMnYFwgDeH2TYY_Jrksg4akzQ-8zb4zTirTlFD6R1-cCnMUEbsGlXOlkwIEIHPlHsca9VPbURgj7nxacnwch3XBiRJYr_fPOEzE3bwUoryUr1U7CFTNc8_24XxG-Gv9rAQ/s1600-h/IMG_1130.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOZ6dFTJRJ1EQu9Q_9P9DKnCxw350ZCa07a_vz5KKsmQcTQivQLQGn2UIktXI_e4BXEwpnzcjhi2sISoo8XGvaOm1rpwz-bhV-nYeb_8X-S4uo42YnCYtLgXvjmzzZFegsQL-8A/s1600-h/IMG_1122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115681374827790802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOZ6dFTJRJ1EQu9Q_9P9DKnCxw350ZCa07a_vz5KKsmQcTQivQLQGn2UIktXI_e4BXEwpnzcjhi2sISoo8XGvaOm1rpwz-bhV-nYeb_8X-S4uo42YnCYtLgXvjmzzZFegsQL-8A/s400/IMG_1122.JPG" border="0" /></a>We arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Icalma</span>, just a few kilometers from the boarder with Argentina at 11 a.m. It was sunny and warming up. As we left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Temuco</span> that morning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">around</span> 6 a.m. it had been raining and as we climbed into the Andes it began to snow. The road was quite slippery last 20 kilometers before we reached the tunnel. On the other side of the sierra it had already stopped snowing and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the </span>road was clear. This was a good sign as we would soon leave the highway for dirt road winding along the side of the Bio-Bio river valley.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Icalma</span> the pastor and others from the community quickly gathered after our arrival. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Visitors</span> were a welcome site after a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">very</span> difficult winter. The pastor told us, "In my 63 or 64 years I have never experienced a winter like this." <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Meteorological</span> records indicate this was the most severe winter in over 80 years. The first snowfall came in February, which would compare to our month of August in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">northern</span> hemisphere. In some ways this was helpful because it sent a very clear message that a long hard winter was coming. The people were able to collect extra firewood and buy additional forage for their animals. But it often was not enough. In Quienquen, one of the few communites where there is no church, Ricrado told us, "We stored up double the normal amount of forage and concentrate. It was not enough." There is still several feet of snow covering the grazing areas in this narow valley.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMQ2CsDB1QPQEda7AJx-rDdOPR53bZFibWRlb1qekobLPtVYQTnYeu3Ak7x1r24ltW4H_i9tlgTpEErsydjdJgl54KYhC-8TMf_9vJh7VtYdXi_OjfmgkgyQkipE3C45MCD5WRA/s1600-h/IMG_1130.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115690364194341362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMQ2CsDB1QPQEda7AJx-rDdOPR53bZFibWRlb1qekobLPtVYQTnYeu3Ak7x1r24ltW4H_i9tlgTpEErsydjdJgl54KYhC-8TMf_9vJh7VtYdXi_OjfmgkgyQkipE3C45MCD5WRA/s320/IMG_1130.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuuklMnYFwgDeH2TYY_Jrksg4akzQ-8zb4zTirTlFD6R1-cCnMUEbsGlXOlkwIEIHPlHsca9VPbURgj7nxacnwch3XBiRJYr_fPOEzE3bwUoryUr1U7CFTNc8_24XxG-Gv9rAQ/s1600-h/IMG_1130.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzuuklMnYFwgDeH2TYY_Jrksg4akzQ-8zb4zTirTlFD6R1-cCnMUEbsGlXOlkwIEIHPlHsca9VPbURgj7nxacnwch3XBiRJYr_fPOEzE3bwUoryUr1U7CFTNc8_24XxG-Gv9rAQ/s1600-h/IMG_1130.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The motive for this trip was to provide some basic provisions in the way of food and clothing to the people, and to continue to develop a partnership with local pastors. We were able to pass out bags of food containing, flour, rice, sugar, oil, yeast and mate to 60 families. We left clothing with the pastors to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">distribute</span> to those in need. They were glad to hear that we would be back in the summer, helping with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">children's</span> ministry and evangelism training. In all we visited 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">communities</span> in the region.</div></div></div>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22161354.post-66066961945915384442007-08-30T13:42:00.000-07:002007-08-30T13:51:03.284-07:00Pato's CM2007 experience<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCONDDgNm_ptOc43hSSNteYgLUpA50eTbGQ4pVw1a5zic2ongIsmiwKMfeirtNfmB5yDfiIsV5etYg_qGXKK4PjNXpJlfPUQKypEnP6yEaZpAaJ43KHI3LEyeDkS8gBNJysy1h2w/s1600-h/pato+chileCM07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104598473434458018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCONDDgNm_ptOc43hSSNteYgLUpA50eTbGQ4pVw1a5zic2ongIsmiwKMfeirtNfmB5yDfiIsV5etYg_qGXKK4PjNXpJlfPUQKypEnP6yEaZpAaJ43KHI3LEyeDkS8gBNJysy1h2w/s400/pato+chileCM07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Patricio, on the left with other Chilean students who went to CM2007, just got his degree from the Universidad de Santiago de Chile in Human Resources (Administracion de Personas). He is currently completing an internship required by the school. Before leaving for the US in June I sat down with Pato to help him establish a biblical perspective for determining his vocation and invited him to join us as campus staff. A month later Pato was on a plane to South Korea for CM2007. This was the first international student missions conference for Campus Crusade for Christ. I wanted to share with you his comments about the experience. They are tremendously encouraging to me as we trust God for movements everywhere, specifically that Vida Estudiantil would be used to increase involvement of Chileans in world evangelization.<br /><br />“CM2007 in South Korea was an unforgettable experience because God put in my heart a passion for missions. I know that I am called to be on mission and share the gospel with others students in Chile and the world, and in reality we are all called to this. I came to understand this much better in Korea. Personally I would like to go to another part of the world where there is great need for Christ. I could see, because of my experience at CM2007, the great need for Christ in other countries is shocking. They lack people who are guiding others to Christ. Yet first I want to work to reach the students in my university, and if God permits to be a missionary in another part of the world. This is what I feel that the Lord is calling me to every day and it is what I want to do.” Patricio Maricán</div>George Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03605373991592757346noreply@blogger.com