Safe and Sound in San Nicolas, Argentina

Dear friends and family,

We arrived safe and sound, to a temperature of 33 degrees- quite a change from Portland's 88 degrees the day we left.   We suspected that we might face an import duty for the 300 books that we brought down, two suitcases of clothes, and for the 200 tubes of toothpaste and 150 toothbrushes that we brought, but we sailed right in.  As expected, the Hogar will use the brushes and toothpaste as an outreach to the community if they have enough for their own kids, which I think they do.  That's the way they are - it's not about us, it's about Christ, and reaching out to those in need. 

Yesterday we visited a retirement home, where the Hogar kids did their puppet show along with live music, Jorge presented the gospel, and our team made balloon animals for the senior citizens.  The home has not been visited since we were here three years ago. 

Jorge spirited Kaelynne Bergh, Bill Leslie, and two girls from the Hogar, Elsa and Nieves, to a small radio station in the town, which is called Coronel Bogado.  Kaelynne gave her personal testimony, and the two girls took turns translating for her.  Bill then shared a bit about his walk with Christ. The station reaches more than 100,000, and Pastor Jorge thinks that perhaps 5,000 to 10,000 may have been listening. 

We were also a part of the evening church service in this town. After the puppets, Pastor Jorge spoke and our team sang a song, Sarah gave her testimony, and Bill spoke-all 3 in spanish-and all were well received! Then we had another hour to mingle with the congregation.

We love the kids, and we see in their faces the work that the Hogar does.  They know that they are loved.

The Hogar - or children's home - is openly evangelistic, and has been since its inception.  It is well known here in San Nicolas for the good things that it does.