Mundo Hispano Book Event

Last week, I stopped by the Christian bookstore here in downtown Antofagasta to pick up a book and search for additional discipleship material. The manager, Patricio, invited me to attend the Mundo Hispano (Baptist Publishing House out of El Paso, Texas) promotional event that same week. I thought it would be a good idea to go meet some people from Antofagasta as well as hear what new Christian literature is being printed and/or available from Mundo Hispano. The event was going to be held at the Araucana building (seen above) not too far from our apartment building.

Everybody in attendance received a packet full of information, catalogs, and ministry resources from Mundo Hispano. It was very helpful to know what kind of books, curriculum, and materials that they provide for local church ministry.

Lalo Moreno, a long time friend of Kristi's family, was there, since he is the national director of the CLC Bookstore ministry here in Chile. Since the Mundo Hispano Publishing House no longer has an office in Chile, the CLC bookstore ministry is in charge of all the Mundo Hispano distribution.

There were several sessions explaining the new materials as well as a time to share our thoughts, concerns, and ideas for Mundo Hispano to consider in future publication.

Throughout the event, there were door prizes and book giveaways. I came home with two free books, so I was excited. During the coffee break, I was able to meet several southern Baptist church pastors from Antofagasta, as well as a new southern Baptist missionary from central Brazil.

All in all, I was thankful for the invitation and opportunity to go and it was a great blessing to me to meet new people as well as receive helpful tools for the ministry here in Antofagasta. Good Christian literature tends to be very expensive here in Chile due to a high import tax. Having materials, such as Bibles, books, commentaries, or Bible study guides is a great help in local church ministry. Just a few days ago, Kristi and I gave a Bible study book (El Forastero en el Camino a Emaús) to Anna. She asked us when we would like the book back. Surprised, we responded, "No, this book is for YOU". She was so excited and happy to have a Bible study book of her own to read, write in, and learn from. We are so overwhelmed by God's working in her life and her desire to learn more about God's Word.

If you would like to know more about our Christian literature ministry (giving away Bibles and study guides), please contact us.

What is the Cause?

Most days, I try to glance through the Antofagasta newspaper online and carefully read one or two main articles. This has proved to be very helpful to understand what is happening in the city, and how the citizens of the city act and react to major or minor news items.

Today, the article that caught my eye was entitled, "La Minería es una Maldicíon" (The Mining Industry is a Curse). The article proved to be enlightening in that it opened a window into real life here in Antofagasta. Also, it caused me to reflect on what the Bible teaches about human sinful nature. But first, here is a rough translation of a portion of the article.

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To say that mining is a curse is a blow to the origin of, and reason for, the city of Antofagasta. The following is not against those men who founded Antofagasta, but against the present monster that is mining. An industry that delivers smiles to a significant number of people, but also creates frustrations among many others who watch as prices, in all respects, increase due to the vicious speculation.

*Mining is a curse because it transformed Antofagasta into one of the most expensive cities to live in Chile.

*Mining is a curse because it increased the injustice and unfairness in Antofagasta, evident by a tour through the cities neighborhoods. In the upper sections of the city, the houses look like small boxes partially buried in the sand. Compared that to the south side opulence of Jardines del Sur (The South Gardens).

*Mining is a curse because there are people who make the wages in Antofagasta go down and up, depending on the availability and price of metal (copper specifically).

*Mining is a curse because it disorients and makes people assess others by what they have (materially), which values they posses, ​​or what they know (education level).

*Mining is a curse because it breaks up the families who work in the mines.

*Mining is a curse because it makes people​​ live an artificial lifestyle... spending more than they have with money they might get.

*Mining is a curse because it poisoned the soul of Antofagasta by the envy generated by the millionaire executives and miners who receive exclusive bonuses.

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A most interesting article, huh? It hints that something is amiss, but how or what's to blame? The mines? Hardly.

Think with me Biblically through the article's main points.

What causes manifestations of injustice? The mining industry? No. It's sin.

What causes people to judge others on the basis of what they own or have? The mining industry? No. It's sin.

What breaks up family units? The mining industry? No. It's sin.

What makes people live a financially careless lifestyle? The mining industry? No. It's the sin of the love of money.

Have the mines poisoned the souls in Antofagasta? No. Sin has condemned the souls in Antofagasta.

While different cultures manifest sinfulness in slightly different ways, the root cause is always the same no matter where you go or live in the world. That root is the sinful nature.

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.

For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:12, 19

Please continue to pray for our family as we attempt to minister here in Antofagasta, where the mining industry DOES pose a large hurdle, but we have confidence in our God, His powerful Word, and the Holy Spirit to convict people of their personal need for a Savior...Jesus Christ.

Answer to Prayer

Answer to Prayer:

*We were able to meet Edgar last week for the first time. It was wonderful to listen to his testimony about what God did in his life.

*Edgar and his friend, Anna, attended the AM & PM church services on Sunday.

Items for continued prayer:

*For Edgar's spiritual growth in Christ and spiritual disciplines.

*For Edgar, as he has some important upcoming decisions concerning his career and future.

*For David as he continues to meet with Edgar several times a week to read the Bible, talk, and pray.

*For Anna as she desires to know more about God and the Bible. We hope to listen to her story/background in the very near future.

*For Kristi as she sets up a weekly time with Anna.