 A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of traveling with Steve Pettit and his team on a mission’s trip to South America. We began our trip in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela for one week. We had the opportunity to be involved in a youth conference of several churches in the area. Each night our services were packed. The team did special music in Spanish and English, and Bro. Steve preached a gospel message. We praise God many people were saved in these meetings! I believe a highlight for me in our time to Venezuela, was the fellowship with missionaries Phil and Pam Darling and fellowship with the dear people we met in their church. The Darlings were faithful missionaries to Venezuela for almost 30 years. I enjoyed spending time getting to know them and hearing the stories of God’s work in their lives through their years in Venezuela.
After Venezuela, we flew to Lima, Peru. This was my third time to this city, and I was anxious to see the friends I had made there over the years. Our host was Tim Chapman. He traveled with Bro. Steve many years ago and is now an evangelist to Peruvian churches. The whole team enjoyed getting to know Tim and hearing about the “old days” on the Pettit team. While in Lima, we went to several Christian and public schools where we did music and preached. Also, we participated in a four night meeting in a local church. Many of my American and Peruvian friends I had made in the past came to see us at the meetings. It’s been a joy for me to see how God has worked in the lives of those Peruvians I first met four years ago. Many are still faithful in their churches and several of the young men are going on to pursue the ministry and become pastors. We ended our time in Peru with a quick trip to Cusco and Macchu Picchu.
Finally, the last leg of our trip was in Santiago, Chile. In Santiago, we participated in another youth conference. These days were the highlights of my trip. During the day, we were able to give music lessons and workshops to many young people. It was a joy to build relationships with these believers. Many of them are very talented and burdened to use the abilities God has given them for the Lord. We participated in services at night, and the final night was a celebration of all the music we had worked on with the Chilean people in our conference. We were blessed by children’s choirs, a youth ensemble, and a large choir that joined our team in singing In Christ Alone in Spanish.
God taught me many things over the three weeks spent in South America. I believe the greatest thing I was reminded of though, is how small a part I play in God’s work of the gospel across the world. The gospel is flourishing and bearing fruit all over the world. It was definitely a joy to see the effects of the gospel in South America. It is ONLY the gospel and God that changes lives. I am only a vessel. I must be faithful to the Lord in the work He’s given me to do every day. Every word I speak and decision I make must be made with the gospel in mind. I know I also fail at this every day, but I need God’s grace and wisdom every moment. Praise the Lord He’s promised to “lavish on us the exceeding riches of His grace” (Eph. 2) and to give us wisdom if we ask for it (James 1).
Thank you for praying for our team as we ministered in South America. You were partnering with us for the gospel.
-Reba Snyder
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