To the Ends of the Earth
Chile mission news
from Jim and Liisa Tino
November 2020
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A lot has happened since the last time we sent a newsletter! We have a lot of ground to cover, so in this edition we are going to provide several “ministry snapshots”. Hope you enjoy them! |
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Chile social unrest and Jim “the prophet” |
The social uprisings that have rocked Chile since October 2019 have pretty much gone away. What happened? Back in our March 2020 newsletter, Jim wrote, “My guess is that eventually, Chile will write a new constitution. That seems to be what Latin American countries do in times of social crisis.”
Nailed it. In October, Chile held a nationwide “plebiscito” (referendum) on whether or not to form a representative Constitutional Assembly and write a new constitution. It was approved by over 80% of the voters. Interesting detail: In Chile there are an estimated 1.5 million immigrants, but only about 59,000 have been approved as registered voters. Liisa and I are two of the 59,000. We voted!
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Return to In-Person Worship |
All Saints’ Day (November 1) marked the return to in-person worship for our mission in the Providencia municipality of Santiago. We celebrated “Reformation Day” and tried out our new outdoor setting for worship. The 34 souls in attendance rejoiced at the opportunity to draw near to the Lord’s table and be strengthened by Word and Sacrament. Of course, in true Latino style, we were fortified by fellowship and a hearty chicken soup after worship as well! |
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We praise God that the ministry towards Venezuelan immigrants continues. New people have moved in. Others have moved out. Currently, we are interviewing people who are need of housing in order to fill some vacancies.
Also at our ministry site, we have our Resale Shop which is open about two days a week. Not only is this a way to help those in need, but the hope is it will generate some cash to help fund the ministry center.
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Andrius and Dexire have been in Chile since October 2019 when the social protests began. The social and economic unrest, combined with winter temperatures and corona virus, brought them to our house of refuge seeking a safe place to live with their 4 year old son, Carlos. They are thankful for a place to get on their feet.
Laura also arrived in Chile in 2019. She is an early education teacher, but with schools only opened virtually, has not been able to find a job in her field. She is an energetic young woman who is struggling to make a new life in a new country.
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Juan Carlos and Luis Marcos were received as members by adult confirmation on November 15!
They had the unique experience of studying confirmation with pastor Jim via zoom during COVID-19 quarantine! They have been looking forward to this day.
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Veronica also completed her confirmation instruction. However, she has been battling cancer and thus is unable to circulate in public. The family would also like to baptize their daughter Florencia. Veronica daily gives thanks to God for sustaining her life as she awaits the opportunity to be healthy enough to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Lord’s Supper! Her confirmation day and also witnessing her daughter wrapped in the grace of her Heavenly Father in baptism will be a very special moment. |
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Medicine for Venezuela Project completes 3rd Year of Operation |
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Rev. Vielma and wife Geny prepare medicines for distribution in Venezuela. |
Thousands of people have benefited from this incredible project of mercy over the last 3 years. Currently we are packing and preparing to send about 60,000 pills which will be distributed to people in desperate need via our 21 sister congregations throughout Venezuela. |
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Some of the more than 1000 beneficiaries receive life-sustaining medications that they would otherwise not be able to afford. |
Unfortunately, this may be our last shipment since our funding has run out. If you feel God is calling you to help support the continuation of this project, you can make a donation HERE. Each shipment costs about $15,000!
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Family and Furlough
We were blessed with the opportunity to finally see family during the months of September and October. We are thankful for health and safety during our travels – both internationally and in the USA. The weeks were full of masked and socially-distanced celebrations: a wedding, anniversaries, birthdays, family get-togethers…even Liisa’s dad’s 80th birthday! What a blessing it was to see our grandchildren and all of our kids…EXCEPT Ben, who was not able to leave Guatemala. Unfortunately, the pandemic did not allow for us to visit all our supporting congregations. We look forward to planning a regular “furlough” in 2021, according to God’s will. We will keep you informed!
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The pandemic has been hard on everyone, missionaries included! Travel restrictions and limitations placed on gatherings such as worship and fellowship times have made traditional missionary visits to supporting congregations and individuals both impractical and inadvisable. Additionally, many partners have been forced to make the difficult decision to discontinue financial support for their missionaries. We move ahead in faith, knowing that God is faithful and is able to do those things that - humanly speaking - are impossible! |
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* Pray for our friend Veronica, as her breast cancer has moved into her lungs. We ask that God does a miracle to bring glory to His name, but if it is not His will, that He will provide comfort to the family.
* Thank the Lord for Edwin Mattson’s improved health even as he battles cancer and other health issues
* Pray for God’s direction and provision during the next stage of our mission-plant; the new building, faithfulness among the new believers, a future pastor.
* Praise the Lord that our daughter Veronica successfully passed all of her exams to complete her certification as a chiropractor!
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* Praise God for the opportunity to touch lives through the immigrant ministry.
* We praise the Lord for the opportunity our daughter Sonrisa has to start an after-school program at a Lutheran Church in Miramar, Florida. Pray that God multiplies this ministry.
* Pray for the national Lutheran church of Chile. Pray for decisions and direction and for more workers in this mission field.
* We thank God for our countries – the USA and Chile – and pray that God would in His mercy lead our governments in ways of peace and holiness.
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To support the Tino's ministry in Chile, click on the GIVE button below.
Or, you can mail a check to:
Global Lutheran Outreach
6709 Ficus Dr.
Miramar, FL 33023
(Please indicate "Tino - Chile" on the memo line of the check)
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Other ways to support Global Lutheran Outreach missionaries: |
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