Running with Confidence & Perseverance (4 Minute Read)

This past couple of days, after being sick for a long time. I came to a good reality check of why I do follow Jesus and responded to the call of coming to Uruguay.

Since young I have lacked confidence in myself and where I am going in life. I have always tried to please people and just do the right thing to fit in. If Jesus is Lord of my life, then it is not about me. Following Jesus after believing his words, was the right thing to do 17 years ago, yet I am not immune to straying away from true faith in him. Jesus has been lord since then, yet I have had difficulties.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT-

It is spring!!
There is such a different vibe to Montevideo now that nature comes alive.

I can relate to the rich young ruler who comes to Jesus with a question do justify himself about his life status and to gain eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22). Following Jesus is not about being a good person and checking the good to-do-list. But is a conviction to run the race he has for me. Even when I am feeling good about myself, and everything is going right. It is having the conviction and strong belief that following Jesus is worth it, even when that means giving up everything and when I fall short.

Going away party for our friend Erin. She returned to the U.S. after serving in our mission team and living in Uruguay.

Time with our small band of brothers (Ricardo and Ben)

Karina's Birthday party

Planning and Organizing time with TNT Productions (Terese and Taylor) 😀 

This month we had the inaugural service for the replanting of the church here in Montevideo. There was planning and arduous work. We came together to plan, have fun, and pray for this time. We had so many disciples and visitors from all over the world. They came all the way from Canada, Dubai, Atlanta, New Jersey, Nashville, and Buenos Aires.

During our worship practice in the Rambla - Montevideo

Visit of popular destination spot in Uruguay - Punta del Este

Monkeying 😄 - Punta del Este 

'La Mano' 'The Hand' - Punta del Este

Rambla - Punta del Este

Sea Lion - Punta del Este

The time during and after the inaugural service was amazing! The love and support pouring in from outside was so encouraging to our souls. It was amazing to be part of the birth of a church in the nation of Uruguay. There were events planned before and after the inaugural church service on November 12th. I felt so fortunate and inspired by the mission of bringing the message of hope and love of Jesus to Montevideo. That it is worth more than anything that we have given up, hoped for or done to this point.

Inaugural Service at the Hilton Hotel in Pocitos with seventy-four in attendance

Sunday morning devotional group

Our worship team! 💪

I ask that you pray for us and for open hearts to the gospel. Also consider moving/visiting Uruguay or anywhere in the world to advance the Kingdom of God. Finally, we need financial support since we are here self-supported or looking for jobs. 

Happy holidays and much love!