November 2008

This Vision for Mission is being written from meetings in Peru with our Latin American workers and partners. This consultation has brought together both North American workers serving in Latin America as well as Latin American church leaders committed to mission. What's encouraging is that Latin American workers are increasingly going to Muslim regions such as North Africa and Central Asia to join mission work there.

Current estimates are that 5% of the cross cultural mission workers in the world are coming from Latin America. With the growing strength of the Latin American church, that percentage will only increase.

Marcella was reached through the ministry of missionaries serving with MB Mission in Montevideo, Uruguay 25 years ago. While no one else in Marcella's family responded to the gospel, she determined as a young girl that she was going to be a missionary. Her family wrote those statements off as the daydreams of child. When Marcella reminded them of this career goal during her teen years, her parents considered getting her a psychiatric consultation. Through her preparation on short term mission experiences and university, her commitment to missions has not wavered.

Throughout her spiritual journey, Marcella has been nurtured and discipled by her home church. As she has taken risks to develop her gifts in the ministry of her local church, their affirmation of Marcella's mission call has grown. For the first time the entire Uruguayan MB conference has affirmed the sending of a missionary with MB Mission. Each of our steps of obedience in mission create a path that others will follow.

Ministry Highlights

  • MB Mission is working with a number of new missionary candidates from Latin America, including Marcella, who are passionate about working with least-reached people. Praise God for these individuals and for the churches who are sending them. Pray that the vision for mission will continue to grow in the MB churches of Latin America.
  • The Abundant Life Home, an orphanage run by The Life Center and Team 2000 in Chonburi, Thailand is in the final stages of purchasing land! Pray for the smooth completion of this transaction so that soon, construction can begin on permanent homes for children with HIV and AIDS. Praise God for His faithful provision, and for the opportunity to serve and bless the ALH kids in this way.

Items for Prayer

  • Otto & Marjorie Ekk are working with five church plants in and around Lisbon, Portugal. Pray that God will grant them wisdom and endurance as they mentor leaders and encourage new believers, and pray that each of the churches they serve would shine brightly with the love of Christ in their neighborhoods.
  • As missionaries and church leaders return to ministry across Latin America after these meetings in Peru, pray that God will continue to build on what He accomplished. Pray that team bonds will be strengthened, vision will be renewed, and energy will be refreshed.

Thanks for praying!
Randy Friesen

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