Do you ever wish you could turn back time?  Return to a moment and make an adjustment that would change an outcome?  Say something different? Do something different? Take a different road? But think about it; if one event is changed, what are the repercussions, the consequences of this?  Would everything else stay as it ‘should’ have been or would absolutely everything now be different?  We don’t know those answers, we can’t understand these outcomes, but sitting in the cement and facing backwards isn’t going to change where we are today and where we are going tomorrow.

I’ve spent a lot of time facing backwards over the past two years.  Trying to hang onto the ‘what should have been’, trying to hang onto every single detail.  Trying to make sense out of what has happened.  But the more I look closely; the more I see how things were prepared ahead of time. From little details to big transactions – all things that make today possible.  And the more I see, the deeper I go in Faith, the more I acknowledge the more I can let go and Trust, the more I know in my heart, the more I am compelled to Obey, and the more I feel God’s loving arms wrapped so tightly around me I can’t breath, the more I surrender.

These past few months have been filled with ministry. Participating and sharing at youth events, sharing about a Life with Purpose.  Visiting and serving alongside a Merge group in Beratzetagui at Iglesia EbenEzer.  Meeting amazing youth from Olympia,WA. Taking extra time to live life with Ivan and Sandra, Rebe and David, Ruti, Andy and Jochu.  My equipo, vecinos and familia.  Oscar and Fabiana and the boys, Estella and Marta, Vardo and Celia and Brian, Beto and Claudia and Almi and Mia.  What testimonies each and everyone has. I am blessed to hear about new wedding rings that involved the whole family; a wedding and ceremony and honeymoon that truly was an adventure, life in Jujuy, and so much more. Visiting La Plata and El Predio. Lattes, mate, and meals with friends.  I felt like I was being ministered to in Neuquen and being taught by the youth.  I was blessed to be able to participate with the ladies group, daily walks with Pastora Leli, making zucchini lasagna with everyone, English and mate, laughter and pizza, air hockey and bible studies.  And of course, back in Bariloche, back at home, ministry continues with Hora Feliz for the kids on Saturdays, English and lattes, ladies study, chiropan with the youth, sharing about the Covenant Affirmations with Jehova Nissi here.

This past month was also a time of remembering and honouring Max. Hector and Norma started the day sharing fotos and memories, which started the ball rolling.  They really wanted everyone to know who Max was. The day was filled with people sharing photos and memories.  My heart was so full hearing how Max touched people’s lives and how he continues to impact ministry here.

Being present in ministry is so very important.  When our Mission committee here at BetEl was asked ‘What role, what is most important for Colleen to be doing this second year?’ and the response was – ‘just as you already are – be a part of our studies, come to our prayer meeting, be with the youth….’  So… You ask ‘What do I do here? What is my ministry?’  The biggest ministry, isn’t a project or something to accomplish.  It’s being present.  Living life together.

Though living life does include ‘doing things’ together.  I will have a month of travel and then life and ministry will continue to grow.  I am looking forward to more Healthy Cooking days with everyone, English and Lattes, Imersion, serving and loving on Pastors and leaders here.  Caring for them as they have cared for me.  In October I will be taking a course ‘Issues of Faith’ in Ecuador, attending CIPE annual meeting in Chile and then I have the privilege to visit and get to the know some of the churches in Concepcion and Antofagasta Chile.

We are preparing to receive a Merge group at the end of November, and a Pastor who will return for an extended Global Immersion!  I am excited and blessed and filled with joy to see these things coming to fruition.  I am encouraged to hear from friends about coming to visit and experience Argentina.  I am encouraged that my home church in Nelson has Argentina on the table for a possible mission trip.  I am excited to have each and everyone of you meet my pastors, my friends, my family here in Argentina.  There is only so much I can explain in updates and videos; you just have to come and experience it!  Come and be present in my life, which is my ministry, here in Argentina!

Blessings to all of you!

Don’t forget to note the new contact info:

WhatsApp:  +5492944314950 – This is the best mode of contact

Mailing address for the ECCC has changed:
PO Box 2247, Strathmore, AB, T1P 1K2

I will forever be thankful and grateful for each and everyone of you.  For your prayers, your support, your friendship and your presence in my life.

Praise and gratefulness for the ECCC and the ECC – it is exciting, wonderful and I am humbled to be a part of this family – to be a Canadian Covenant Missionary! I am proud to be an ambassador for Christ with the Covenant!  I am thankful for God’s timing and working in all the details of my life.

Prayer requests include: the completion of residency – yes, this is still in process, continued growth and knowledge in language, upcoming travel and times with the other churches.  For extra strength on the hard days, refilling and rest to be more effective in ministry, to be a blessing to others.

Prayer for discernment for the next year, home assignment, and God’s plan after that.

Prayer for 2019 and the continued ministry here and a clearer view of my role in it. Prayers as I move deeper into ministry – and deeper into this new life without Max.

Prayers for Argentina as they face economic issues, and for the churches as they respond.  For the upcoming election in October.

Continued prayers for BET EL as we find a new location and pray for God’s direction in this transition.

Continued prayers for the congregations – of those remaining with the Covenant and those following the other pastor.

Prayers for CIPE annual meeting in Chile – Oct 20-25; and for all the travel everyone will be doing

Praise and rejoicing for the family and friends that I have here

Prayers for Merge teams, individuals, couples and family that are looking to come to Argentina

Praise for the funding that has been generously provided