9-13-2012 Thursday “The Big Event”

What an exciting morning, first we had the devotional time, it was really awesome- the Holy Spirit sure does show up, and for Him we sang "In the City"- so many hopeful hearts for the event this evening.

Then the hustling and bustling began. We were making plans, stacking up the flyers and invites, buying the snacks for the event and most important there was prayer. Everyone was helpful this day in preparation for the event.

The event time arrives and we were all so excited. Prayer all around when one at a time, 24 people arrive at the Palermo Hollywood outreach.

There was a beautiful testimony, a short and powerful message on good and bad choices and how to turn them around. Then everyone broke off into small group discussions and got to know each other.

Some highlights on the attendees:

11 unsaved family members of a sister in Christ were present.

Some people returned from last month’s event.

1 asked when the next event would be.

There was a word of mouth attendee whose friend had filled out a survey and never even got an invite.

Two girls worked in Palermo & lived 1.5 hours away and stayed for the event.

A businessman invited from the subway attended.

The fiancé of a girl Kim met during her visit in Curves.

The place was full of love, hope and joy as each chair was filled. Nobody wanted to leave. Praise God!! Wow!!

"I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark." John 12:46 (NLT)

9-14-2012 Friday-

The City Tour

Today began with amazing worship music and devotional time as an team. It amazes us to how close we are all becoming in this simple act of worship to our amazing God. Can you imagine the delight on His face and in His heart as we sing to him? Goose bumps or tears of love are just some of the small ways He touches our hearts during this time.

Today, we went on a tour of the city of Buenos Aires - La Boca and the City Center. This is where Buenos Aires creates a love affair with us. What beautiful craftsmanship, a fair comparison to Paris. The history of this city is incredible. The City of La Boca was gorgeous, paints of all colors. This is Italian influenced and was a very poor part of the city.

In the afternoon, we had a bit of free time to shop and have some rest before we boarded the bus again to visit an area near Tigre which is one hour from our hotel. We went to the Friendship Café, shared pastry, coffee & celebrated the August & September Birthdays. The purpose of the Cafe de la Amistad (Friendship Coffee) is to reach the people who don't go to church and for a place for children during the day. Jill and Ilene along with many others were covered with birthday confetti before the nights end. What a servant heart this ministering group has at the Friendship Café. Please go to Facebook and “like” them. Watch for John & Susan in their t-shirts!!!

God is so good.

9-15-2012 Saturday - Reaching out to Local Churches

Today our group was divided into two teams, going out to visit and love on Argentines in different communities. The first team was early to rise and headed off to a small town outside of Buenos Aires, called “Moreno”. The church visited is ISO, The Church of Second Opportunities. This church is run by Pastor Fernando and his wife Sabrina. Our job there was to hand out invites to the Sunday service and to take some surveys to see what the needs are in their town. There was a man met in the park by Jill, Susan and Sabrina. He was ashamed of his past and wept as Sabrina told him of her Church of Second Opportunities. He said he was too ashamed to come in, but we assured him and prayed for him that this God is an awesome God and this is who ISO stands beside. We will pray for him specifically to have healing. Omar is his name.

This church and everyone in it are probably some of the most beautiful people we've met. They are focused on the youth and getting them into the church by bringing in foosball tables. We learned that Nick Parker is quite an athlete and foosball just might be his new love. It was fantastic to see all the joy in the room with this church and our team. We of course ate and we were taken out to a place called Conquer the Cow. It was a beautiful time.

There was also a workshop taught about changing thoughts into actions, this was supposed to be a workshop for a group that was coming in on a train, but the train broke down and the training took place without this team. The information gained will be useful to pass on to all of the 12 Cities when it comes to giving practical examples that are easy to retain. The evening ended with food of course, and lots of it, hugs and Buenos Aires kisses and then repeated this all over again at the bus.

The second team headed off to a town called Hurlingham to Primera Iglesia Evangelica Bautista de Hurlingham. We were greeted by Pastor Jorge Ferrari and Eric a translator. It turns out that Eric and our Bill Moser were quite the musical duo! Equipped with props and a plan, our team got out the teaching skills to tell about first aid, germs and hand washing to children and teens. There was a skit called “Jesus in the boat.” Ernie was quite the actor in this – there was great joy with Big Ernie playing this part. More joy came when the bubbles and the balloons came out for the children . Many of our team's hearts were tenderly touched by this church and the children in it. We continue to thank God for this experience in serving with this church. Later this same day there was a visit to the senior home. Elderly people in wheelchairs, folks with mental illness and a loving staff doing their best to be everything for the residents. Again our musical talent came out and Amazing Grace was played for the people and all joined in to sing. Pastor Ferrari church visits this home once a week.

We all missed being with each other during this time and we are blessed to have these opportunities. We all feel personally called to go to Argentina and do this work. Praise God!!

9-16-2012 Sunday – More reaching out.

Today we separated again and went back to our previous days churches. One team went back to the small town of Hurligham with Pastor Jorge Ferrari. Pastor Ferrari invited us to his church where the small children did a song and dance for all of us. They also recited books of the Bible, some did both Old and New Testament, and some were as young as 5 years old!! Can you imagine? It was so sweet to watch. The older kids did a skit on how we all spend too much time being busy that we forget about God and family -- what it's really all about.

Of course we ate!!! Lasagna and salad prepared by the members and Flan! Yum!!

Later we took a nice walk to a polo boot and riding shoe shop. Incredible!! The business was started by a member of Pastor Ferrari's church great grandfather from Italy. “Casa Fagliano” was founded in 1892. Prince Charles and his boys have their boots made by him. A custom boot for women will run you $3,000. Yes, dollars! The evening was spent at church, the love in this place was genuine and lovely. We talked and learned about the church's Small Groups and shared about our team member's Small Groups. We also did a Bible Study from the Purpose Driven Journal. Our team gave Eric, our precious translator, a English copy of Purpose Driven Life along with the journal. He was so thankful, he almost leaped out of his skin! God is so good! There are so many searching for Him and with these people, they will find him.

The other team went to ISO (The Church of Second Opportunities). We were taken to Jujan to see a large, beautiful basilica, established at this location when a gift of the Virgin Mary was being transported, the wagon transporting this statue sunk in mud, so they thought that God was telling them to build the basilica there and so they did. Very interesting. It is a mecca to where many people from the region travel. There is idolatry there according to the pastor. We were also taken to the original province of Buenos Aires in the countryside, now a converted tourist locale.

We ate, of course, at Camino Abierto, a fully self-sustaining, family owned and run restaurant and farm, where the owner adopts and cares for 10 orphans. What an amazing place from A-Z! A beautiful husband and wife relationship who are very humble, full of love and they are saved. :o)

We attended service, where Chelsea, Oscar, and Kathy Martin each opened their hearts and shared their testimonies. A hilarious skit for the children was performed by church members dressed up as clowns - what beautiful people. Our trip leader Kathy Martin did wonderfully with translating the ‘entire’ service, including the clown jokes. This is a small, but very loving congregation, who prayed over us and gave us a blessing.

After a long, heartfelt goodbye to Pastor Fernando, Sabrina and the staff, we boarded our bus back to the hotel.

Monday Sept 17 A Happy Birthday Wish and Saying Goodbye

Happy Birthday to you, John Parker! We all are so blessed, grateful and honored to be led and loved by him. You make it all look so easy!

We had breakfast with the new pastor and his wife. It was so good to spend time together, reflect on our time in Buenos Aires and look forward with great anticipation to the great things they will do under God's guidance. Praise God!! We will keep this pastor and his wonderful wife and family in our prayers!!

We had morning devotions, checked out of our rooms, and then had a de-brief of the time we had in Argentina, what to change for future teams, what worked well, etc. There was love and hope and gratefulness in the room, no doubt about it. Kevin, Laura, Kelsey, and Stacey with the International Mission Board attended and we were able to give them gifts of gratitude for their help and support on the trip.

We had one last Argentine meal and a few of us went out for some last chance dulce de leche ice cream before heading back to the airport. On Day One, Kevin had told us to get lost in Buenos Aires, and taste, smell, see, and feel it, and I believe everyone of us did just that. The trip to the airport was quiet as we took in some last visions of this new place, a place that has richly settled into our hearts.

It has been an honor and blessing to be part of planting a new Saddleback in Buenos Aires. We pray for the city and the church leaders, and know that Saddleback Buenos Aires will be a welcome addition to the Saddleback family and will teach us a lot about amazing love, warm hugs, right cheek kisses and the heart of the people of this country.

We all pray and sit in thankfulness for being hand selected to do what God has asked us to do. Planting seeds and showing love in His name, in the city,

You're the God of this City

You're the King of these people

You're the Lord of this nation

You are...

We love you Argentina!

The Buenos Aires September 2012 Saddleback Team

 

First Meal in Buenos Aires....delicious!!

An Update from Buenos Aires

9-12-12  Happy Anniversary Wednesday

Our day started with a moment of prayer for the attacks on our American Embassy's.  We pray for these families.

 We are fully refreshed and full of chatter as we gathered for the worship and devotional.  Bill A. has been putting together the most fantastic music with Argentine Photos.  Today he decided to mix it up in case we were homesick.  Ultimately he had to improvise and give his very best impression while saying "Good Morning Saddleback, Have I told you lately that I love you?"  Gave Rick Warren a run for his money on the enthusiasm- We loved it so much!!!
 We are all fantastic singers and hope to record our next concert  for your listening pleasure.  We gathered and sorted supplies, we had to have 400 copies of the invitations made this morning, 400 in the afternoon, not to forget the 400 we had made yesterday.


 We were led to a new area of Palermo Soho, and stormed the city again.  It was great to see so many of us using our new learned words to reach the unchurched.  Chelsea bought goods from the local park vendors in trade for a completed survey - everyone wins!!!  We have been collecting business cards  to gather data from, then passing along to Lake Forest Marketing team for examples of how Argentines market to their people.  We want to be modern like they are.

 Lunch today was at "Limbo"- God showed up for lunch!  There was limited availability on certain dishes, and by a show of hands, that number was not exceeded- We ate, and ate, and then we ate....

 We left Palermo with a prayer walk in smaller groups- this is when you walk and pray for businesses and the people of Argentina.  At this time, we would like to thank Nikki for her expertise in "Parting the traffic sea"- Worthy of a vest, no doubt!

 Today is Bill & Marcia's Anniversary!!! We give God the glory for saving this marriage.
 Hasta Manana, Time to Eat!

 Ciao

UPDATE FROM THE BUENOS AIRES TEAM

9-11-12 In Honor of New York
Our devotion began with silent prayers for New York and the families of the victims of 9-11. It was an amazing way to start the day. We imagine heaven is singing and praying and laughing with us.


 We changed our approach Tuesday by also putting flyers on cars and in mail slots in our goal to reach the unchurched as we know they are everywhere!!  Our corner survey people were so successful!  We are so grateful to God for bringing us sunshine when we needed a pick me up and a cloud when we needed a cool down.


 We went to the Bruja Mujer restaurant for lunch - an amazing place for ice cream - the portions were 3 scoops. All of it was fantastic. Our team is getting closer and closer as the days pass by.  We are grateful for good shoes to walk with so that all these calories are burned off with the miles and miles, after we eat and eat...and eat.


 Our gifted bilingual Spanish speakers went back to the hotel to make phone calls to all of the contacts about the Thursday night out reach event.  Ernie had to improvise and use the bathroom telephone for his phone calls after he suddenly found the room phone was dead!!  Good Job!!  We also had email invitations go out for the Thursday night event.  Thanks to Ray and Bill for their IT knowledge as they sent out the email blasts.  We all would like to thank the previous Buenos Aires PEACE teams for their good works. Without you, we would not have the 150 phone numbers to call and 180 email addresses  to send to about this Thursday's outreach event.


We visited Elena's family's store with ready to wear clothing.  It was beautiful and we could feel the love in there from her dear family.


 Virena had a conversation with a young man on the subway and he asked what FE was, which means Faith and asked about Virena's faith. This opened the door for her minister to him. The best part is he will be at the Thursday night eventt!!!. We all made it on and off the subway safely.
 Still giving God the glory.


 PS.The morning walking team made it to the river which was 5 miles.

UPDATE FROM THE BUENOS AIRES TEAM!!

What an incredible trip God has planned and continues to reveal for our team!!  Everything is going very well.

 Departure- 9-8-12
 Our journey began with amazing friends, leaders& staff praying for us and around us at Saddleback Church.  We thank you all so much for this- what a way to confidently send us off on this “hand Selected” mission.  We arrived safely without incident.


 9-9-12 Check-in and Rey de Reyes (King of Kings)
 We forgot we were in Argentina and were on American way of thinking with time.
 While waiting for our room, we ate and we ate and “we ate”.  We met with Kevin, a Baptist missionary  from Tennessee here for 7 years; charming accent, faith filled, funny and informative, who gave us an orientation about Buenos Aires.  He inspired us to embrace the culture, fall in love with the city, to be ourselves, and “not to be weird”.  And then we ate.


 We attended the service of the church Rey de Reyes (King of Kings), which is an evangelistic charismatic mega-church in Buenos Aires.  The worship was an hour and a half and was fantastic.  The whole service  lasted 3 hours.  They shared about outreach activities that they have been doing in the poor communities through a documentary they showed.  The message spoke of love,relationships, commitment, and reaching out. And then we ate.


 9-10-12 A Day at Palermo
 The day started with an awesome devotional time (but first we ate).  We were given our assignments and prepared our materials. Half of us did surveys on the street, and half visited businesses to give them invitations to the outreach event that will occur Thursday night.   We were together for a fantastic meal of“Meat”.  Then we were all out and about in the community with the locals walking into shops and doing our prayer walk.  It is a beautiful amazing city and God blessed us with weather that could be compared to California's favorite fall day.  We have already received our first response to our invitation. Giving God the Glory!

Friday survey team

Team 1 had a great day in Palermo. The surveys went well and were much easier to do the second time. Most of the people we spoke to were willing to give their phone numbers or email addresses. It was a great experience!
In the evening we attended a party at Club Rincon with the community. The people overwhelmed us with their love, generosity and service. They honored u with gifts, including a plaque for Saddleback Church. The purpose of the Cafe de la Amistad (Friendship Coffee) at Club Rincon is to reach the people who don't go to church and for a place for children during the day. It was another amazing day in Buenos Aires with beautiful weather, too!

Thursday with Tigre

God is performining some amazing miracles in the hearts of the people here in Argentina! Today two of our teams and the Burdick family again visited the church in Tigre where American and Argentinian friends were blessed with sharing, love, testimonies, and healing. We spent quite a bit of time sorting through and repacking donated clothers that our team brought over in order to get them ready for the big children's party the church in putting on this Saturday. Then, after a wonderful meal perpared by our dear church friends, we took to the streets near the train station and local community park to meet the Argentinian people. We passed out information about the church and the special fiesta para los ninos en Sabado. We spoke to men, women, and children about the difference God can make in their lives. Some already knew the Lord, others gave their lives over for the first time! We even found a couple who knew of, and had connections with, some of the church members from outside of the church setting; they couldn't wait to get reconnected. God was certainly involved in the afternoon's events.

The train station is an unfortunate "home" to homeless children in Tigre. Little ones so lost, hungry, and dirty spend their days hanging out begging for food and money. It is quite heart breaking. Tigre has a good shelter for these children, however the little ones don't like to stay their because they must follow the rules of the leadership and go to school. We did what we could while there, but then had to move on. Please pray for these lost children!

We ended this amazing day with a special church service by Pastor Jorge. The Worship team lead us all in a musical praise and worship that surpased all language barriers and spoke directly to our hearts. Two of our team members and one church member gave their moving testimonies, expressing the love and transformation of our Lord Jesus in their lives. When the speaking was finished, chairs were pushed aside and church members and visitors alike joined together arm-in-arm singing praises to the Lord. Pastor Jorge walked up to each one of we Saddleback team members and, in the midst of a giant bear hug, prayed loud and boldly for special thanks and blessings on each one of us. What an amazing and memorable moment!

The Prosposito de Tigre is an wonderful place to find examples of the love of Jesus being acted in very real ways. We are being blessed and ministered to as much as we are giving to the people of Argentina. We are so thankful to be here!

Children's bracelets

We had brought kits to make bead bracelets for kids. The Tigre Church has planned a children's party for us to support. They have a story using colors to teach children about Jesus. We found out that our bracelet bead colors will match their Jesus story. We made the bracelets on Friday, putting the bead colors in the order that tells the Jesus story. Gabriella said it was another "small miracle." Next we stuffed bags with candy to give to the children at the party. We pray that welcoming new children at the church will bring new families to the church and motivate them to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Pastor Sebastian's devotional

Friday, July 13, began with a devotional by Pastor Sebastian -- we hope he will be the pastor of the new Saddleback Church in Buenos Aires. He talked about how the great men of the Bible (Moses, David, Abraham, Isaiah, etc) initially responded when God spoke of His plans for them. The answered, "who me?" Pastor Sebastian said to put ourselves in the spot to say YES to serve God and be used. Read Isaiah 6:1-9. Isaiah 6:8-9 states: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said "Here I am. Send me!" He said, "Go and tell the people."

Wednesday with Tigre

While we sent our second team to Palermo to do surveys, the other two teams went to Tigre to spend the day and evening with the amazing church leaders and members. We walked a few blocks to the train station. We set up tables with information about the church, Celebrate Recovery, and the children's party that will be on Saturday. We each took a stack of papers and walked around the shops, McDonald's, and the playground. We enjoyed speaking to the people and handing out candy for the children's. Through the interpreters, we were able to get prayer requests and 2 or 3 people accepted Christ as we spoke to them. One family shared that they had just lost their home to a fire and needed much prayer. It was a rewarding day! After another delicious meal (we've eaten so well here - the people of this church are spoiling us!), we went to Celebrate Recovery service. It was amazing and emotional as a couple of our members shared their testimonies. When we broke into groups, we heard the testimonies of church members and felt their love and trust. It was one of the best days so far!

Pastor Guillermo and Surveys

On Wednesday, July 11, our 2nd team took the subway to the Palermo barrio to conduct surveys with the International Missions Board (IMB). We split up into teams of 3 (1 was a translator). Some of us were nervous about approaching strangers, especially since we did not speak the local language. Others took the task as a challenge. A few others LOVE talking to people and are very charming and approachable. Several of the pedestrians were hesitant but answered because we asked in our broken Spanish. Many said they were too busy or working. A few answered very willingly. After 2 hours, we felt good about our accomplishment. We have all grown from the experience. Back at the hotel, we met up with Pastor Guillermo and took his family with us for a pizza dinner. Howard Compton had worked with Pastor Guillermo for 4 years in improving water quality in a very remote area in the north where Pastor Guillermo has had his church for 11 years. We listened to how the clean water greatly improved the health and lives of the native people in his church and nearby area. We learned that due to bacteria in the water, 98% of the people had diareha; then after the clean water filters and tanks were installed only 2% of the people had diareha. Before, they had no clean water, no hygene, no concept of germs. He spearheaded the effor to get water filtration, education, and outhouse with the leadership and support of the Saddleback Church Clean Water Ministry. His work at that church is a calling from God. Pastor Guillermo´s passion and persistance has saved lives and souls. Now he has people trained for maintenance and education He feels his work there is done. Pastor Guillermo and his family are looking at other opportunities to work for God in Argentina. We felt blessed to meet Pastor Guillermo and to hear about the results of a real implementation of the Clean Water project.

First Day of Surveys

On Tuesday, our first team went out to Palermo, along with the IMB, to do surveys.
We boarded the Subte (subway) for Palermo to survey the people on the streets about their needs and beliefs. We were anxious and scared to put ourselves out there without speaking the language.
As we practiced our introductions and prayed, God certainly eased our fears and did the work on our behalf when we couldn't do it.
We were able to get information from many people about the area of Palermo, where we hope to plant a Saddleback Church. We also learned about some of their concerns and needs. What an amazing experience!

Argentinian Independence Day

Today was Independence Day here in Argentina! So, we were able to celebrate it with a church in the nearby city of Tigre. After our morning devotional at the hotel, we loaded up in a bus and headed to Tigre. It was a wonderful day of food, fun, and fellowship. The people of Tigre con Proposito, the church there, were wonderful and treated us all great! We all basically went through a line of hugs once we had gotten there, and we're able to spend time with people from all ages there, from small children to grandparents. They all were very glad to spend the day with us. In. After a delicious lunch of hamburgers, chorizo sausage, empanadas, and more we were able to take a tour of Tigre, visiting a market and walking along the river before returning to the church. We continued to spend time together over sweets for "El medio de tarde" - basically an afternoon snack, before checking out their recording studio, from which they hope to soon broadcast a Christian radio station! Finally, we finished it off with a delicious dinner and dessert. It was a great day, and we are all looking forward to working with the people of Tigre con Proposito over the rest of this week! Be praying for us as we start our work tomorrow!
God bless!

We have arrived!

The team has finally made it to our hotel in Buenos Aires. After 13+ hours in the air, we are glad to have landed safely. After processing through customs and getting or luggage, we boarded a bus and drove to our hotel in the city. We have a team orientation with Howard Hicks and Javier, who are helping us with everything in country. And then, off to an early, 9/10pm dinner! Thanks for your prayers for safety in travel! We are all glad to be here and are looking forward to all that God has in store!

Getting ready to go

And so our journey begins! Our team of 30 met up at the church this afternoon, excited and nervous about what God has in store for our trip! After the guys loaded all the luggage onto the two shuttles, we gathered for a few last details and reminders. We then had the Parkers pray over the whole team, that we'd be filled with the Holy Spirit, with wisdom, as we go out.
We've successfully made it to LAX, and navigated customs in record time. We are now just relaxing in the terminal, ready to begin our voyage. Be praying for safe travels as we go, and that God would continue to prepare us and the people of Argentina for the work he has planned.
God Bless!

Thank you all so much for your prayers as we can not possibly due this without all of you surrounding us in your prayers. We will try and update our blog daily, however, please be patient as often the internet connection is not available. Here are some Bible verses to pray for our team: 

Father, we ask that the Buenos Aires team will be filled with the Holy Spirit and will daily walk in His power (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16).

We pray that they will speak the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:19).

We pray that You will make their ministry exceedingly fruitful and that You will glorify Yourself through this ministry (2Thessalonians 3:1).

We pray for their labors each day to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

We ask that they will be vessels through which the love of God can flow to others (Romans 5:5; John 13;34-35).

We ask that You would grant them peace and assurance about the care of their families that are left at home (1Peter 5:7).

Fill them with Your joy in all situations and let this joy sustain them in all situations (Nehemiah 8:10).

We ask that all of their needs - physical, spiritual, emotional, and spiritual - will be met by You through Your grace and power (Philippians 4:19).

May they be salt and light to the people to whom they have been sent (Matthew 5:13-14).

Father, You have saved us.  You have made us ambassadors for Your Son, Jesus Christ, in this world  We pray specifically now that the Argentina 'ambassadors' would recognize like never before that they represent the Lord Jesus Christ in this world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Please grant them Your specific direction for this mission (Psalm 37:5).

We plead that You will continually protect them from all harm and ask that You would strengthen them physically (Genesis 2:7).

Thank you so much from the Buenos Aires July Team!