The Leader’s Report

On behalf of the team I want to summarize the first full week o f the team’s activities. As you have read in the various blog posts the team’s schedule has been full of various ministry opportunities. Our primary host, Ron Self, did an excellent job of coordinating a variety evangelistic outreaches that impact all levels of society and utilize every gift and talent on the team. Though the primary drawing card has been the musical presentations, English camps, basketball, balloon animals, and the simplicity of an American presence has drawn visitors for the various churches in the capital city. The focus of every outreach is to assist the local churches in developing contacts which the national and missionary pastors can develop. Our role is that of “bait.” Or to use the Biblical term from our team chapter of 2 Corinthians 4, we are but the “earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.”

A quick summary:

1. Physically: Six to eight team members wrestled for 24 hours with the natural effect of traveling overseas and experiencing a new environment. Thankfully, most of these challenges were temporary and the recovery was quick. There are still a few lingering physically challenges primarily connected with travel. We are thankful that the impact of these illnesses have been slight and manageable.
2. Food: The food is great. Everything is enjoyable. The first week we have been treated to multiple (6-8) pizza nights. When eating at a church, that is the easiest thing to do and works well when feeding collegiates. The pizza in Argentina is distinctly different than the US. The toppings are onions, tomatoes, and/or olives. It is different, but good. The rest o f the trip promises more wonderful Argentine meat. The ice cream here is also a big winner with the team. No one is suffering from a calorie crisis.
3. Housing: The retreat center at which we are staying is truly a retreat. After a busy day it provides a quiet place of rest and relaxation.
4. Weather: Phenomenal! God has blessed with blue skies and temperatures in the 60’s-70’s. This is the Argentine fall, and thus the expectation was for cooler weather, but each day has allowed for outdoor activities that are crucial for the evangelistic outreaches.
5. Hosts: The team has consistently communicated that the interaction with the American missionaries and Argentine national pastors has been impactful. At each location we have listened to these men and women share their testimony of salvation and God’s direction in their lives. Their transparency, passion, humility and humor have left a deep, positive impression. The Selfs, Greenwoods, and Estremas are a joy to work with.
6. Ministry: As you read the blog you sense the excitement of the team’s ministry. Each team member is seeking to build relationships with the Argentines. The team has a repertoire of two hours of music. This includes multiple songs in Spanish and the use of 7-10 instruments in various arrangements. The evening presentations have encouraged the churches and challenged the unsaved. Even when we miss a note or a word, the folks have responded with thanksgiving and appreciation. The other formal ministries, English training and basketball, have also been well received and have created platforms for relationship building. The most enjoyable aspect of the trip is to see the Americans and Argentines work through language barriers at developing friendships.
7. Spiritual Growth: The testimony times within the team are an encouragement for all. As you read the blog you emphasis is on all that God is teaching the team. We have learned of our dependence on God, the power of prayer and the gospel, the importance of fellowship, the joy of ministry, the threat of selfishness, and the needs of the world. These lessons alone make the trip a worthy investment.
8. Future: The next two weeks are filled full of more open doors. On Wednesday, the team leaves by boat for Uruguay. They will spend two days in Colonia working with missionary Archie Perez. The boat ride is a three hour excursion through the delta region. When there, the team will live in the homes of the Uruguayans. This new experience will be stretching. The team then returns on Friday for a three day evangelistic emphasis in the primary church in Buenos Aires. Our last week will be spent working with the Greenwood family as they seek to start a church in the northern suburb of Pillar.

Overall, the team has responded excellently in every situation. We greatly appreciate your prayers. Each day God has graciously allowed us to both sow the seed of the gospel and bear fruit. This could not have happened without the support of many people.

Thank you for taking the time to read our posting. I trust it gives you a little flavor of being there.

Brian Trainer