We are now Empty Nesters

On August 16, 1998, the Lord started our family with our first daughter. Twenty-five years later, to the day, our youngest daughter Julie, the last of her siblings to leave, flew from our nest. Literally, she flew from Uruguay all the way to Dubai where she is training as a flight attendant for Fly Emirates. Salvos por Gracia graced her with a beautiful “Goodbye Party” dismissing her with our Lord’s blessing. While we are in constant touch with our kids, Jeni and I are now figuring out how to do life together again as a couple in a quieter house.

29th Anniversary Trip to La Punta

The Dreaded Drought

Uruguay continues to endure one of the driest winters ever. President Luis Lacalle Pou recently announced that without rain soon, Montevideo’s drinking water supply will be exhausted. The state’s water company continues building a new reservoir on the nearby San Jose River. Desalinization machines are providing fresh water for hospitals. Wells are being dug in one of the city’s main parks. Yet, even as I write, I am listening to the soft patter of rain drops on our back patio. God has graciously been sending us a few rainy days, but many more are needed. Meanwhile, Salvos Por Gracia Church has a water-bottle delivery plan in place for our members who may soon be needing them.

Interest in Our Open Church!

Victory is Ours!

The whole country erupted in fireworks last week as Uruguay’s National Soccer Team defeated Italy to win the Sub-20 World Cup. Soccer teams composed of players 20 years and under from twenty-four nations competed against one another. Upon our champions’ return, they were bussed from the airport down Montevideo’s main street to the uproar of all their cheering fans.

Here is a quick look at a week in the life of Salvos Por Gracia Presbyterian Church

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Praising the Lord for little Esther!

Last month, Jeni and I were able to spend some quality time with our children in Grand Rapids, MI. We were overjoyed to just “do life” with them: seeing Isaiah get his driver’s license, worshipping with them in their churches, and cheering on Josh in his volleyball matches. Our deepest joy was to welcome our first granddaughter into our family when Esther Harumi Sato was born on April 3rd. Then with deep joy I was blessed to baptize her before returning to Uruguay.

Our Building Gets a Facelift

While we were away, the Paysons led our congregation in making major improvements to our church building. They repaired the deteriorating ledge above the entrance. The outside walls received a fresh coat of paint that did away with the ugly graffiti. And a new, more legible sign for “Salvos Por Gracia” was finished and installed above the doorway.

Newsletter back in action!

Many months have passed since you have seen one of these! Thankful for your patience, and for your continued prayers, we are ready to keep you in the know about our Montevideo life and ministry for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.

Looking back on 2022

Out Of and Back Into our Building