May/June 2006 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends,

“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24) Twenty-five years ago, as Stephanie’s parents headed to language school on their way to the country of Chile, this verse encouraged and strengthened their hearts. As we prepare to embark on our own journey, it encourages us as well! And we greatly need encouragement and wisdom during these final days before leaving for the Rio Grande Bible Institute this July for language study. Many details and concerns are pressing on us and we thank you in advance for reading this update and bringing us before our Heavenly Father’s throne in prayer!

Our Plea
As this is probably our final letter before moving to Texas, we would like to first of all make a plea to those churches which have been considering us for support but have not yet made that commitment. Would you consider taking that step now? Along with all ABWE missionaries worldwide, we recently received a cost-of-living raise. We are thankful for this, because the dollar is weakening in Chile and missionaries on the field have been finding it difficult to make funds stretch in recent years. However, as we jokingly say, we have to “raise” our raise! This means that we are now at only 94% support, with a monthly need of $350. While we can go ahead with our plans for language school, we must be at full support before leaving for Chile. Please pray with us, and if God so leads, partner with us for His work in Chile!

Our People
“Our people” … the men, women, and children of Northern Chile. People we’ve introduced to you such as Fernando and Muriel, and Sergio and Jessica. People we have yet to meet. People who are frustrated and confused – such as the hundreds of students currently protesting in Antofagasta. People who are searching for satisfaction by earthly means – as evidenced by the ongoing plans to build casinos in the city. People who are making poor life choices with devastating consequences – like those recently responsible for abandoning close to a dozen babies in an Antofagasta hospital within the span of one month. People who need to hear the truth of God’s redeeming love for them and His wonderful, purposeful plan for their individual lives. We are so anxious to be in Chile, working among “our people!”

Our Prayer Concerns
(Those who receive our prayer partner updates will be familiar with some of these special needs.) Thank you for praying!

Ministry Needs: *We will be traveling every weekend between now and July 16th, sometimes at two churches on a Sunday. Please pray for safety, strength, and that God would use us to touch lives. *We have been asked to consider discipling a young couple, new believers, at Pedro’s parents’ church in Texas. Please pray that God would prepare all of our hearts. *Stephanie has had an ongoing friendship and ministry with Laura, a Mexican single mom to four active boys and a young believer. Please pray for a Christian friend to take Stephanie’s place and encourage Laura in her faith.

Moving Needs: *We need to pack, label, and store most of our household belongings before moving to Texas for language study. Please pray that God will enable us to accomplish these tasks in a timely manner. *We need to make decisions regarding how to move to Texas (renting a trailer, etc.) Please pray for wisdom and safe travels. *Finally - Please pray for the logistics of choosing the shipping company we will use for Chile, preparing necessary paperwork, etc.!

Special Needs: *We would like to find a place close to home where we can stay the week prior to moving to Texas (so that we can empty and clean our current rental home.) Stephanie's parents will be with us for several of those days and we are hoping to find an affordable cabin or cottage rental close to home – or even to house-sit for a family on vacation, perhaps. We would welcome any suggestions or contacts! *Over the past 10 months, we have sensed God opening the door for us to adopt another child who shares Owen's ethnic heritage. We have prayed and sought God's direction, and in February the Lord provided two adoption grants (a total of $4500) which is an estimated 1/2 - 2/3 of the total cost of another adoption. We would greatly covet your prayers for wisdom and God's continued direction and provision in this.

Our Praises
We do not want to forget to praise God for His many blessings over recent weeks! *It has been an encouragement to re-visit many supporting churches and be reminded of all that God has brought us through over the past several years, and to spend time with special friends we have met along the way. *Pedro has enjoyed leading a Bible study on the book of Romans with two other men on Monday nights. *Eva and Isabel had a wonderful experience in pre-school this year, and we recently enjoyed attending their pre-school graduation! *Isabel received a glowing report on her bi-annual visit to the specialist (to monitor progress related to her cerebral palsy.) *After many weeks of searching for some affordable furniture to ship to Chile, we “happened” to stop at a furniture place run by a Christian owner who provided over and above our needs for an extremely reasonable price! We do “give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good!” (Psalm 118:1)

Because of Christ,
Pedro & Stephanie, Eva, Isabel and Owen Garcia