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To the Ends of the Earth

Chile Mission News from Jim and Liisa Tino

May 2020
Greetings!
“The Lord bless you and keep you.” (Numbers 6:24)

    Have you been getting the blessing?
    There is no doubt that the measures taken to mitigate the spread of coronavirus have caused a lot of hardship - both for us, and especially for those who live in poorer countries where today’s work buys today’s food. Here in Chile, we are also “feeling the pain”. But we must not let the pain overshadow the blessings! Yes - the blessings!
    In our last newsletter, the Big News was that street protests had resumed in Chile. It seemed like they would never end. Guess what? They ended! Not in the way that anyone had anticipated, but because of COVID-19. The first measure put in place by the government was a nationwide curfew from 10 pm to 5 am. Just like magic, all the protests stopped!
     Coronavirus isn’t the only thing that’s contagious. Blessings are, as well! What kind of blessings have come your way lately? How have YOU been a blessing to others? Let’s find a way to “infect” others with the greatest blessing of all, the PEACE and CONFIDENCE that comes from knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior! Now THAT’S something worth sharing!
The BLESSINGS of coronavirus!

    LIISA WRITES: This month I began a list. A list of the unexpected blessings that this pandemic is causing in my life, and in the world in general. Maybe you’ve started your own list. We’d like to share ours with you.

  • In March I was disappointed because my travel plans to Arizona were cancelled. HOWEVER, that allowed me to be in Chile and celebrate birthdays of special friends.
  • I will also be here when the wives of 2 our Chilean church workers give birth to their first babies.
  • School loan payments have been put on hold!
  • The protests in Chile have stopped!
  • One of our daughters was worried that an important test she needs to take in June would be cancelled. But, no; they just cancelled the fees and now she saves $200!
  • The immigrants living at the Church-house have been able to continue working and studying on-line from the “church office”, and they have had opportunity to mature as a community. (see photo, below)
  • Several music students throughout the Lutheran Church of Chile have more time to do on-line piano/guitar lessons with me, preparing them to lead worship in their churches.
  • The Covid-19 reality has caused churches world-wide to move into the Digital Age. Now, people who were out of the habit of “going to church” are connecting to services on-line!
  • Oil prices are at their lowest in a LONG time!
  • Nature is getting a “reprieve”. Here in Santiago, the smog has cleared. People are reporting that whales have returned to various bays around the world. Wildlife is becoming more visible as humans are sticking to home. We had a PUMA show up on the street of our church! Check out the photos below...
Puma on the streets of Santiago! The upper left photo is one from the news so you can see what the puma looks like. The two blurry photos were taken by a member as she was watching the news on the TV. In the bottom photo, the white wall in the background is the wall to our church property!! You can see our immigrant housing building behind the wall. The puma is in the lower right-hand corner of the picture.
IMMIGRANT MINISTRY NEEDS A HAND
    The Chilean national news recently reported that the immigrant population in Santiago is “disproportionately affected” by the coronavirus, for two reasons: 1) They tend to live in crowded conditions; and 2) when companies cut payroll, immigrants are often the first to go. Since our ministry is primarily among Venezuelan immigrants in Santiago, we have found this to be true. Many of our members have lost their jobs, had their hours cut, or been “furloughed”. In a number of cases, these people have not been in the country long enough to establish credit or in some cases, even to open a bank account.
    We are doing what we can to help out. We are expanding the capacity of our temporary housing and are in need of some items. We are also seeking ways to provide income for our residents and members, and to help the ministry to become financially self-supporting. Instead of giving to the Tinos this month, would you consider a gift to our immigrant ministry? Here are some of the needs:
Current Needs:
  • (2) bunk beds               - $200 each
  • used microwave           - $60
  • used refrigerator           - $100
  • furniture                        - $200
  • pickup truck                  - $2000
  • laptop                            - $300
  • printer                           - $150
  • kitchen appliances        - $150

(right: immigrants working at our mission office during lockdown.)
FUN FACT!
Liisa conducted a Facebook survey and we found that the average Christian “attends” 2.1 online worship services each week! Our online service is on Facebook Live every Sunday at noon (US Eastern Time). The Facebook link (below) will take you to our Santiago congregation's Facebook page. Feel free to drop in or check out what other missionaries are doing!

(left: Our "production studio" and crew for Sunday services! Looks better online.)
JOIN US IN PRAYING...
  • For world leaders as they guide our countries in the best way to deal with and overcome the challenges of Corona Virus.
  • For God’s Word to keep us sensitive to the needs of others and to comfort us as our attitudes and perspectives are affected by disease, fear, and social distancing.
  • For the most vulnerable as they face challenges that a highly contagious virus can bring; that we will continue to “infect” them with the Law & Gospel so they can have the sure hope in Jesus!
  • For the GLO board as it seeks to support and send more missionaries FROM everywhere TO everywhere.
  • For our niece, Monique, as she needs to postpone her wedding, due to Covid-19.
  • For the health of Liisa’s Aunt Bev; for her dad, Edwin; for Jim’s mother and father, Dennis & Norma; for Peruvian friend, Veronica…thanks for sustaining them and for continued healing according to God’s will.
  • For eyes and heart that can see the many “hidden” blessings of this pandemic.
Support Corner
We praise the Lord especially for YOU, our mission partners - those who give EVERY MONTH, as well as for the many people who support us quarterly or as they are able to do so. May the Lord pour out unexpected blessings on you!
To support our ministry online, click here . One-time or automated contributions are available.
OR
Mail a check to :
Global Lutheran Outreach
6709 Ficus Dr.
Miramar, FL 33023
(Put "Tino - Chile" on the memo line of the check.)
Hey Thrivent Members!
Choice Dollars charitable grant funds make a world of difference to missionaries through our Global Missionary Fund, which supplies dollars to missionaries who experience a shortfall in funding. Directing Choice Dollars is easy. Simply go to: Thrivent.com/thriventchoice  to learn more and find program terms and conditions. Or call 800-847-4836 and say "Thrivent Choice" after the prompt.