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To the Ends of the Earth
Mission News from Jim and Liisa Tino
1st Quarter (January - March) 2024
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"Is it a nice office? Because that is the Global Lutheran Outreach international office." Those words from GLO board member Wondimu Game (Ethiopia) struck me at our last board meeting. I had just informed the board that finally, I have an office set up. Miramar Lutheran graciously offered me a space, so I finally have all my books and files unpacked and available. Interestingly, many years ago I occupied this exact same office, back when I was trying to plant a new church in the area and we didn't have our own property or buildings. So moving in was sort of like a homecoming to me - a familiar space, close to our home, and I am very grateful to Miramar Lutheran for the office.
And yes, Wondimu, it is a nice office! If anyone is in the area, plan to stop by for a visit!
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Apostolic Visits
Liisa and I are happy that we were able to return to Chile in February. I like to think of these visits as "apostolic visits", in the tradition of the apostle Paul who planted churches and then came back 'round to visit them every now and again. I am no "apostle Paul", but the idea of the church planter who returns to visit and encourage is, I think, biblical but under-utilized. We had a very busy two weeks in Santiago - meeting with pastor/missionary Adrian Ventura and his family, visiting members and friends, and doing our annual medical check-ups as well! Jim also spent a lot of time working with the staff of our GLO branch office, "GLO Chile", as we seek ways to better partner with the local congregations in Chile.
It was a blessed time, and God is active in Santiago! Pray that the Lord would make a way for the growing congregation to obtain their own property.
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ABOVE: Jim with the Ventura family: Rev Adrian, Cruz María, Anny, and Raquel (with baby Lucia).
BELOW: Full house in Santiago on Sunday morning!
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“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” Since our departure from Chile, it has been a challenge for the church members to continue leading the music during worship. Several musicians have commented that they feel inadequate to fill the role of worship leader. But God places His gifts in His people He has called in His church. He promises to bless our humble offering of praise to His glory. During our visit to Chile, we encouraged the developing musicians to use their gifts in small praise groups. Liisa led a music workshop to review the liturgical music and Lenten and Easter hymns. About 8 individuals demonstrated a renewed fervor for worship and felt more equipped to carry out the words above from Ephesians 5:19 “…singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”
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Grandchild #8 officially entered this world on February 16! We had just landed in Miami from our trip to Chile when we got the news. Liisa travelled to Atlanta to offer support to Gabriela & Daniel Sipp. Nearby sister – Tia (aunt) Soni – took care of their three other children until “Lita” arrived the day after Caiden was born. These days have been full of activity and adjustments, as well as opportunities to spend time with the 7 grandkids that live in the Marietta, Georgia area. We praise God that Baby Caiden is a strong and healthy and that Gabi is doing very well (although a bit tired!) | |
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* We praise our faithful God for the opportunity to travel to Chile and visit brothers & sisters of our former mission, Divina Providencia (Divine Providence). May the Holy Spirit continue to equip and encourage the members to use their gifts in service to Him and to reach out to their friends & family with the saving Gospel.
* Divine Healer, we pray on behalf of Jose Vilches, president of Divina Providencia Lutheran church as he undergoes additional surgery for his hip. Guide the medical staff so that the correct procedures are done and give Jose the strength to follow through with therapy and heal completely. Thank you for the testimony he and his wife give to your faithfulness.
* Thank you, Lord of Life, for the new babies who recently entered this world! Bless Caiden (son of Gabi and Daniel), Ezra (son of Liisa’s brother Luke and Violeta) and the unborn baby that is growing in the womb of Monique, Liisa & Jim’s niece.
* Merciful God, we pray for all those affected by the wildfires in Chile during the month of February. Thank you for the efforts of many Lutherans to supply food and shelter to those who have lost everything. In their desperation, may Jesus’ love and mercy cause them to draw close to You.
* Lord, we pray for protection and provision of the missionaries who are currently on furlough: Ben, Scarlett & Jaakko (USA/Guatemala to Guatemala); Victor, Belen & Sofia (Guatemala to Guyana); Nathan, Heather & Jay (USA) preparing to serve in Kenya. Move the hearts of your people to faithfully support these mission efforts through prayer and offerings.
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* Lord of the Harvest, there are so many opportunities to serve your Kingdom as a teacher overseas. Prepare the hearts of specific individuals to say “send me” when they hear You calling. Direct these people to Global Lutheran Outreach mission positions.
*Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Liisa’s mom, Shirley and her recuperation from knee replacement in 2023. Be with her as she prepares for a second operation on the other knee. According to Your will, return her to a pain-free, active life.
* We give you thanks, Christ, our Redeemer and King, for the dedication of Pastor Adrian Ventura as the shepherd of Divina Providencia Lutheran church. Bless him and his family as they serve as GLO missionaries and guide the congregation in Christ-like love.
* We praise you, Great Physician, for the recent shipment of medicine from Chile to Venezuela. Thank you for the tireless effort of Elianeth Pineda, Corali Garcia and many other volunteers (like those in the photo below) who help make this program a success. Bless the recipients of this act of mercy with spiritual health as they come to their local Lutheran church in Venezuela to hear the Good News of Jesus.
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"Do you still need support?"
We get asked that question once in a while. People wonder, “Now that you are full-time director of Global Lutheran Outreach, don’t you get a salary?"
It’s a fair question. At this time, however, GLO as an organization is not large or mature enough to pay a full salary. GLO can pay a partial salary, and our plan is to supplement that through the offerings of our faithful mission partners. We want to avoid shifting the burden of our support to our other missionaries.
To make an online contribution, click here.
Or, you can mail a check to:
Global Lutheran Outreach
6709 Ficus Dr.
Miramar, FL 33023
(put "Jim & Liisa Tino" on the memo line of the check.)
Global Lutheran Outreach is a not-for-profit corporation under section 501 c 3 of the Federal Tax code. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by the IRS.
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Do you have a passion to see that the Good News of Jesus continues to be shared at home and around the world? Rather than being spent on immediate needs, a gift to the Global Lutheran Outreach Endowment Fund will be invested under the management of the Lutheran Legacy Foundation, and the gains on the investment will provide resources for Lutheran mission work for generations to come! Learn more here.
GLO CAN NOW RECEIVE DONATIONS OF STOCK!
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GLOBAL LUTHERAN OUTREACH| www.GlobalLutheranOutreach.com | |
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