Good News From The Front Line #1: “Miracles And Convictions” - Santiago Chile
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:1-4
The following message is the first in a new series - “Good News From The Front Line” Each article is going to feature aspects of this years special missions contribution. God moved through the disciples in the Eugene Church to raise some $27,000 for special missions this year! Our original goal was $23,500 - about 15x each member’s weekly contribution. God was glorified as disciples sacrificed time, money, and their hearts putting on garage sales, working at car washes, and giving sacrificially.
This is an email sent to several of the brothers here from Matt and Helen as they continue in the courageous work in Santiago Chile that Raul and Linda Moreno heroically began in 2006 (see here for more details). Matt and Helen moved to Santiago with their three children early June 2008! The saints in Eugene share in the privilege of supporting the work in Santiago (and therefore South America) through the repatriation of Raul and Linda Moreno as they return to the United States to train under the leadership of the City of Angels International Christian Church. Matt and Helen have visited the Eugene church on several occasions to preach at Midweeks and our workshops. It is inspiring and encouraging to see God moving to build His Kingdom all over the world, and that the saints in Eugene are able to give. Let us keep the Sullivans and Morenos and the churches in our prayers - to God be the Glory!
Jeremy Ciaramella
Evangelist, Eugene Oregon.
Hey guys,
My second email from South America! I have more access to the internet now, but still somewhat limited. I will prayerfully be moving into the apartment by this weekend…Once we move in, I will have daily access and will be ale to use skype. I would love to catch up with all of you and find out how you are doing. God is moving powerfully here. We had 2 baptisms our first Sunday. Raul and Lynda have been doing awesome and working hard. There were 2 teens baptized and this weekend we will have 2 more baptisms as the parents of one of the campus students are going down as well!! We counted the cost with the husband tonight and he is doing awesome and his wife is not far behind. Looks great for Sunday and another brother will be restored in 1 or 2 weeks. We are getting with each of the members now doing “vision talks” to see how they are doing spiritually and find out what their dreams are. We have been meeting with 2 or 3 people a day and I ‘m a little tired. The translation takes a lot out of me, but amen- I’m learning more Spanish every day…
Over all, the church has grown from 29 to 46 in 9 months and will be 48 by this weekend! I am amazed at what God can do…
Let’s keep praying for each other and stay in touch. You guys are awesome!!!
love you brothers a ton,
p.s. here are the “10 Convictions” I talked about in my last lesson:
1. God is sovereign and his Word is the final authority in my life.
2. My goal is to seek God’s purposes for my life with my whole heart.
3. My body is the temple of God and I will not defile it.
4. My church must teach the foundational truths of the scripture to reinforce my convictions.
5. My children are a trust of God and will be brought up in the love of God.
6. My activities must never weaken other Christians convictions.
7. Marriage is a life long commitment to God and my partner.
8. My money is a trust of God and will be handled scripturally.
9. My words will not harm another person and will be in harmony with scripture.
10. My affections will be set on things above not things of earth.
Matt Sullivan
