After three weeks in Argentina, our team of 17 returned home on August 19, rejoicing in what the Lord has done in and through us. We are so thankful that our trip home was uneventful—no missing people, luggage, or flights. In fact, every flight was right on time!
So, what did we learn in Argentina? Although our mission was to minister to others, we discovered that the Lord used the very people to whom we were ministering to do an even greater work in our own hearts. We came to realize that the language of the gospel quickly bonds our hearts with those who don’t even speak our language. As our team members said their tearful goodbyes, it was evident that our team mission wasn’t about activities (although we had many activities) but rather about engaging with people—people with a varied culture and language, but a common love for Jesus and for each other. Our friend lists on Facebook are expanding with Argentine names and faces we met.
Because the trip included so much, space would not allow a day-by-day expose, but here are some of the highlights:
We performed over 20 concerts, each including a repertoire of both sacred (in Spanish) and classical music, team member testimonies, and an evangelistic message. There were reportedly many professions of faith as a result of these concerts. The team had a couple of opportunities to provide a street performance in the plazas when they traveled south. We even were able to present a short concert in a local public elementary school. Several students from that concert brought their parents to the evening concert that evening and heard the gospel.
We had classroom time with several veteran missionaries, including Ron Self, Christine Self, Andrew Self, and Romina Self. These classes included lectures on cross-cultural ministry, the culture and people of Argentina, cross-cultural church planting, indigenous church planting, challenges on the mission field, and personal spiritual growth.
We coordinated and led a three-day youth retreat for five area youth groups from Buenos Aires, including activities and games, services, and discipleship opportunities. I was so very proud of the team for the way in which they served the teenagers during this retreat.
We engaged in street evangelism, handing out thousands of fliers and tracts presenting both the gospel and the evening concerts. We were blessed to see how God worked through those contacts to bring people to the concert and expose them further to the gospel of Christ. Sarah Ray even had the privilege of leading a man to the Lord on a bus trip using limited Spanish and a gospel tract. Praise the Lord!
We had the opportunity to appear on a national radio program that reaches 1.2 million listeners daily. For three days I was able to talk about the problem of addictions and the liberating power of the gospel of Christ. A fourth day, Joanna Ledgerwood and Alysha Morris were able to play and sing for that large audience as the host promoted our evening concerts.
We engaged in the cultural experience as we took occasional tours and shopping trips into various parts of Buenos Aires. Part of experiencing the culture is experiencing the national foods. Argentines are famous for their delicious pasta, steak, and ice cream, so the team sacrificially and politely consumed the overwhelmingly generous portions the churches served.
We went shopping in several shopping centers around Buenos Aires. The men did the usual obligatory 20-40 minute walk-through (so a change of culture fails to change the male shopping pattern) while the ladies successfully acquired numerous bargains. The men still saved the most money and time, but it appears the ladies had more fun.
We enjoyed the gracious care of Ron and Christina Self. Their organization of the tour and their attention to the details made our stay an incredible experience of a lifetime. We were inspired by their passion for people and their love for the mission field—their home in Buenos Aires.
We are so very grateful for those of you who have supported us both financially and in prayer. We are also thankful that you listen so patiently to our stories as we share just a glimpse of our joy with you. Thank you.
Please continue to pray for Global Encounters as plans are already underway for next year’s teams.
Bruce Meyer
