The days are getting shorter, and the air crisper. People are back from vacations and we’re back in the swing of things. What are we doing? Well, I’m glad you asked!
We are happy to inform that Iglesia de Cristo Maipo is doing well. We’ve gained some new members, and we’re struggling to keep others (we’re trying to keep in touch with the ones that haven’t come back). Mike and Jaime are back to their preaching rotation. Todd and Dany (visit their website Christian Chile Mission or their YouTube channel) have returned from their furlough and have been actively participating in the church, as well.
We had another baptism! If you’ll remember, Joanna and her son, Nico, were the first people who got baptized at our church. We are now happy to report that Roberto, husband and father, has joined the family of Christ!
We are also happy to report that the church has outgrown the space of a house, and will be renting a bigger space. We are excited to see the growth, and we are so thankful for any prayers you might have lifted up about that.
The Institute, as previously mentioned, is going through a transition phase. The church that was its base of operations before could no longer provide that, so we moved it to another church. This church is in a less central location, but closer to the majority of the students who attend.
The format has also changed from four two-hour classes weekly to one seminar-style presentation every other Saturday. It seems to be going well, but we’re still trying to see how it will go.
Adaptation to culture is important when one is trying to provide a ministry, as a missionary. We are trying to find the best way to reach the greatest amount of students, while still retaining a quality education. Prayers for this ministry are much appreciated.
Mike also spent many hours rewriting his Basic Bible Doctrine course. It is now the length of a book, and full of great information for his students.
Tabi continues her work on translation, alternating her focus between translating the NIV Commentary on Romans, and articles for Preguntas Teológicas. In March, she also published a series on baptism, something she has been wanting to do for a while. During the Easter weekend, the website received over 1,300 visits in one day, and almost 4,000 visits over the whole weekend. These numbers are not the usual, of course, but it was exciting to see the website meeting needs at a time when people have questions.
The work on the commentary continues at a steady pace, a few pages at a time. It’s heavy, but rewarding work. The nice thing about translation is that it’s work that can be done, even when someone is feeling a little “under the weather”.
Tabi also received several copies of a previous book she had translated. Several have already been placed in the hands of eager readers.
Birthday Party
On a lighter note, our children both have birthdays in April, so we had a “double” birthday for them to celebrate. It was a lovely little party, and the kids had fun.
The Retreat in El Tabo
Mike went to a retreat in El Tabo for the weekend of the 19th and 20th. Due to allergies, Tabi was unable to go and stayed home with the kids. Mike was scheduled to give two lessons during the two days– one about the Cross, and one about Family. As it turned out, one of the other speakers wasn’t able to make it, so Mike then had to write another segment about the family. It was a busy time! He enjoyed the fellowship and fresh air, though.
Easter Sunday
The first Sunday that the church was in our new place was Easter Sunday. We didn’t have a big party, but the special service did focus on the resurrection. The children were give Easter Story egg baskets, which have Scriptures in them, as well as a little object that connects to the passage. These are designed so that the children can tell the story to anyone else. We hope and pray the Word that they get used, and not just stored away and forgotten.
This restaurant is also the place that we will be using as a meeting place going forward, until we can find a place of our own. We have outgrown a house church setting, so now we need a bigger place. We’re still trying to keep the family feel of it, by keeping the tables and serving breakfast, though. Thank you for all your prayers on behalf of the church.
Finally, we’d like to let you know that Mike will be travelling to the United States in July, to a quick trip to visit churches and camps. We are excited about this, and would love to be able to get that time planned out as soon as possible. Please contact us for more information regarding specific dates and times.
And that’s what we’ve been up to! See you next update!
In Him,
The Boyces
August and September have been pretty great months! The kids are transitioning into new, interesting stages. They’re learning so much, and I love seeing how they grow! As I have mentioned in previous letters/entries, we decided, as a family, to invest in year passes to our local zoo. It’s educational for Lydia, and great for a day trip. Lydia isn’t homeschooling yet, but I take every opportunity when we’re out to teach her something new.
Mike has been teaching two short classes at two churches– Montijo (teaching Hermenutics) and Pudahuel (teaching Basic Bible Doctrine). The Institute is currently on break, and will resume classes when we return from furlough.
The church has been doing well. Most of the member attend faithfully every Sunday. The Wednesday night Bible study has begun streaming video, so that members who can’t make it then, can still listen in from their homes. It includes a chat room where they can add comments if they have any.
reflects Him. It is the many links that form a strong chain. We have had some exciting events in the last few months, but we have also had many days where we continue chipping away at our missions.
We ask that you keep this ministry in your prayers. It was started a little earlier than anticipated because the local ministers asked for it. And although they have been supportive of it, they cannot obligate their members to attend. So the challenge now is to promote the institute, and to encourage students to attend faithfully, in order to gain the greatest amount of profit from it. We are also looking for more teachers.
Cornerstone Chilean Mission 