Kid's Edition - Oct. '11

Kids Club in the park

Kids Club in our apartment

We love mommy!

The Queen and the princess

Kaylee and Lukas at the Portada

Enjoying the beautiful view together.

Alma, Bendice al Señor

In the last few weeks, we have been trying to put together a 30 page "temporary" hymnal/chorus book (lyrics only) to use in our Bible studies. We are attempting to include hymns (new & old), choruses, and Psalms put to music.

While searching for more songs recently, I ran across the following video of a group of Chileans signing, Alma, Bendice al Señor (or Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation). It is a blend of the melody and lyrics of a great hymn of the faith with the distinct sound and rhythm of Chilean folk music. I remember back in Bible college, my roommates would get annoyed because I would play Chilean folk music non-stop in our room. In my opinion, the grand majority of Chilean folk music is beautiful and now it is been forever graphed into our life here on the mission field.

Listen and follow along with the Spanish lyrics below...

Alma bendice al Señor, Rey potente de gloria;

De sus mercedes esté viva en ti la memoria.

¡OH, despertad, arpa y salterio! Entonad

Himnos de honor y victoria.

Alma, bendice al Señor que a los cielos gobierna,

Y te conduce paciente con mano paterna;

Te perdonó, de todo mal te libró,

Porque su gracia es eterna.

Alma, bendice al Señor, de tu vida es la fuente

Que te creó, y en salud te sostiene clemente;

Tu defensor en todo trance y dolor;

Su diestra es omnipotente.

Alma, bendice al Señor y su amor infinito;

Con todo el pueblo de Dios su alabanza repito

Dios, mi salud, de todo bien, plenitud,

¡Seas por siempre bendito! Amén.

The Seven Month Mark

December 1st marks seven months since our family arrived in the city of Antofagasta. Time has gone by quickly and many, many things have happened in this first phase of ministry. If you have been following the Chilejournal blog and/or our Flincks in Chile Facebook page, you have read many of the highlights and challenges the Lord has given us in these first months of ministry.

During these past months we've been attempting to adapt to a new region and new city, appreciate new values, avoid new dangers, adopt new habits, account for new emotions, attain new expectations, ascribe to new regulations, abstain from new taboos, address new problems, anticipate new opposition, answer new conflicts, advocate new solutions, advance new goals, admit new defeats, acknowledge new limitations, all while proclaiming the gospel to those God brings across our paths.

Looking back on these past months, we are thankful for this opportunity to serve Christ in Antofagasta. There have been ups and downs, successes and failures, and blessings and heartache, but through it all God has been faithful and good.

Here are some of the ministry highlights of God's provision, direction, and strength in the ministry during these past seven months.

*The Kids Club in the Park - started in June

*Wednesday night Bible studies - started in June

*Sunday morning Bible studies - started on July 24

*Ladies ministry - started in Nov.

*One on one discipleship - started in June (Faces)

Here are some ministry challenges that we have faced or are continuing to face.

*The housing search. Our apartment rental contract ends in April 2012.

*Language progression (David & the kids)

*Additional financial pressure - Antofagasta is the most expensive city in Chile. The change from Temuco to Antofagasta was a drastic financial adjustment.

*Time management - Struggling to maintain a balance with family, ministry, rest, and time with God.

*General paperwork - David's permanent visa (obtained), Kristi's Chilean driver's licence (obtained), David's Chilean driver's licence (not-obtained), the children's Chilean passports (not-obtained).

So What's On the Horizon in the Next Seven Months and Beyond? That's a good question. There are many unknowns but what we do know is...

*We plan to start a men's ministry.

*We plan to travel to Uruguay in Jan. 2012 for the annual GMSA missionary conference.

*We plan to be moving into a house (Lord willing), giving us more space for our family and ministry.

*Our first furlough is approaching...possibly in early 2013. We are looking forward to seeing our family members, our dear friends, churches, and supporters. We will keep you updated as our furlough plans develop...we wouldn't want to miss a chance to see you again.

We would like to thank each of you who have faithfully partnered with us financially and in prayer these past seven months. It is a privilege and serious responsibility to represent the Lord and you here in northern Chile.

David & Kristi Flinck

Jordan, Ben, Kaylee, & Lukas

Church planting in Antofagasta, Chile

Kid's Edition - Sept. '11

More photos from September events and happenings in the lives of Jordan, Ben, Kaylee, & Lukas...

Kaylee teaching Lukas to color

A special package arrived from Miss Heidi !!!!

Jordan - 10 yrs

Ben & Jordan looking at the Humberstone Ghost Town

Benjamin - 9 yrs.

Jordan & Ben with their MK friend, Owen.

Kaylee - 6 yrs.

the many faces of Lukas...

Lukas - 2 yrs.

at the playground in Iquique

What are you lookin' at?

Going house hunting with daddy and mommy.