Tried by Fire

We recently received some sad news from a dear Chilean pastor. Pastor Rafael Arroyo's house was destroyed by fire on Monday. Above: Pastor Rafa, his wife, Paula, his mother, and two of his three children. Pastor Rafa was discipled by Kristi's dad many years ago and he has been serving with his family for the last 16+ years on the Island of Chiloé. Chiloé is located around 6 hours south of Temuco (where we live).

When Kristi was very young, her family ministered on this island as well. Several GMSA missionary families lived in this house before Pastor Rafael was called to be the pastor of the church.








Here is a short video of the fireman arriving on the scene.

Pastor Rafa was not home at the time of the fire, since he was traveling back from the national pastor's conference in Uruguay.

Besides pastoring the church in the small town of Dalcahue, Pastor Rafael hosts youth groups each year for a practical missions camp. After some practical classroom training and Bible teaching, the teens spend a week witnessing and ministering to the people on the nearby smaller islands.

Back in Feb. 2007, I visited Pastor Rafael during one of those mission's camps. Here is one of the pictures I took of his house.

The fire was quite a blow to his family and ministry, as well as many of the Chilean churches that love and pray for his ministry in the islands. The Chilean churches are organizing a country wide effort to help Pastor Rafael and his family immediately (with clothing, food, and Lord willing a new parsonage).

If you would like to help, please contact us for more information. Please be in prayer for Pastor Rafael and his family during this time of loss and testing. We know and trust that the Lord will provide and encourage this family as they strive to serve Him in the ministry.

"In Your grace You know where I walk

You know where I fall

You know all my ways

In Your love I know You allow

What I cannot grasp

To bring You praise


Thank You for the trials

For the fire, for the pain

Thank You for the strength

Knowing You have ordained

Every day."