ARGENTINA Parana

On 30th August, my last day in Paraná before travelling to Scotland, I signed on behalf of our ‘Ecos de Eternidad’ Trust for the purchase of a piece of land with one small building already on it and also a larger one but in bad repair, for the most recent church plant. The funds came from a dear sister without a family but with vision. The assembly is still small but have a core group of three married couples who are well able to guide them. We miss their presence and gifts in our assembly but are happy that another light has been lit in a community of about 20,000 inhabitants some 15 miles out. They had their first Breaking of Bread in the smaller building two weeks ago. So, no more renting but plenty to upgrade and expand. Please pray about this new assembly.

On my first Sunday back in Paraná, about a hundred gathered for a united baptismal service with my local assembly, which we saw planted in 1980 and the assembly which my daughter Fiona and her husband Heber saw established from an outreach in the North Side of Paraná in 2016. Six were baptized. Baptisms bring relatives to witness baptism by immersion. Heber preached a powerful Gospel message and undoubtedly the Lord will give the increase.

January is midsummer, so the assemblies in this province join in Summer Camps. One for young teens and another for young people. These have proved to be a time of blessing and decision making for those attending, with regard to salvation or to baptism. Please pray for fruit from these efforts.

C. 1974 JIM BURNETT

Challenges of Growing Old

Getting older is an unavoidable fact of life, often linked with inevitable fears. David writes Psalm 71 as an old man (v9, v18) and addresses some of these concerns. In it all, his confidence is still in God (v19).

Problem of Loneliness v12 ‘Be not far from me’

Problem of Helplessness v12 ‘Come quickly to help me’

Problem of Weakness v9 ‘my strength fails’ v16 ‘I will go in the strength of the Lord God’ In spite of these PROBLEMS, David is filled with PRAISE to the Lord (v6,v8,v14,v22)