Christmas Outreach

Here's a glimpse of a couple of the Christmas outreach events we just completed. Hope you're blessed or motivated or filled with a little extra joy as you watch. Pray that the Lord moves in the hearts and minds of those we were able to connect with, young and old! Merry Christmas! Go tell it on a mountain...or somewhere!

Christmas & A Day Trip

We had such a nice Christmas! We were blessed, and spoiled, with gifts from family members back home! We tried keeping to as many family traditions as we could, and had such a sweet time just the 4 of us. Of course we missed our family, and missed all our game playing companions, but we have made new unforgettable memories this Christmas. Christ is worth all our joyful celebrating, and He even puts true joy in our hearts as we celebrate Him!

We spent Christmas morning together at home, and were able to talk with lots of family on the phone or on the computer. Christmas afternoon and evening was spent with our team members and another family from the States. We enjoyed a delicious cook out for Christmas dinner with grilled steak, baked potato, salad, fresh fruit, rolls, and lots of cookies and fudge!

After Christmas, we enjoyed a little family day trip to Lake Caburgua. We were able to play and relax together. It was too cold for swimming, but the kids loved just playing in the sand. Anders enjoyed some fly fishing, and I was able to just sit and be quiet... something I seem to really enjoy. I also played with our new camera we got for Christmas. I love it! And I'm super excited to be able to take pictures again. So I must share some from our Christmas morning and little day trip to the lake. Of course we took tons of pictures, but I will try to choose only a few so I don't overwhelm this blog post. Enjoy!

Abuelas

For many months now we have had the names of two sweet Mapuche ladies listed in our 'Prayer Request' box, Glorinda and Ana Luisa. We were recently given their pictures that were taken during a Bible study time last month. We just simply wanted to share these with you so you can see the faces of who we are asking you to pray for.

Mowing the Lawn

Yesterday I cut the lawn...with a sickle. Not my lawn, mind you. I live on the fifth floor. Today, I am sore. I can see why alternate forms of mowing the lawn were sought out. I am grateful for all those inventors who save us from unnecessary pains. Did I mention I'm sunburnt? Can anyone say, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?"

Editors note: This all sounds like complaining. It is not. Yesterday was fun. Half the lawn was daisies. I enjoyed learning a new skill (a very useful one, I'm sure). I enjoyed the sunshine and the country way of things. I really enjoyed the belated birthday meal that was cooked for me and the cake too! Soak it in. Soak it all in.

Oh Christmas Tree

This time last year we were packing up our life into boxes. Therefore no tree was put up in the Snyder household, only one lonely hand crafted jingle bell wreath was hung over the chimney with care.

But this year... we went all out! I think we did a pretty good job bringing an old time wintry Christmas to summertime Chile. Oh, and I need to add the fact that you can't buy real Christmas trees here. We paid some country folk to cut one down off their land, and then we created a makeshift tree stand. Come and see for yourself!

We wish you all a very blessed Christmas season!

Happy Birthday Anders

Today was Anders' birthday. It began with blueberry waffles, which was a treat because we don't have a waffle iron here (had to borrow one). Then we had a family outing to go bowling. Jessica rocked it (thanks to the bumpers)! Then we had to visit two different stores: one for Betty Crocker cake mix (but not frosting), and the other for Betty Crocker frosting (but not cake mix). The result was worth it (despite the fact that it cost probably double what you might have paid in the States)! Mmmm. Brick oven pizza for dinner, with Dr. Pepper. Cake and ice cream for dessert. Then after the kids went to bed, a game of Farkle with Anders parents in Colorado Springs and Anders sister in St. Louis...all via video conferencing over the internet. What a day and age. Anders' Dad won. Congratulations! All in all, a very happy birthday here in southern Chile.

Bless the Lord,

Oh my soul;

And all that is within me,

Bless His holy name!

Psalm 103:1

The Campo - Part II

So, you've come to the country (refer to The Campo - Part I from 10/22/09 if you need to catch up on this journey). What might one expect visiting a home there? We usually begin at Heraldo's house. He hops out while we idle in the pot-hole-puddle laden dirt road, just after tooting the horn as we pass by his father-in-law's house next door...that is, down the road. We pull in across the grass, the simple church building to the left, the house just ahead, and park. Next, a bit of unloading, some deep breaths and comments on the weather and the land. Eugenio chops some wood and before you know it, smoke begins to rise from the house. Perhaps we'll have some food and drink, a round or two of mate, perhaps a few chores, but sooner and later we petition the Lord to cover us in grace and love and we head out to visit.

Allooooooo!

This call often begins a visit to a country home. After pulling up, one must announce his presence (alloooo!) and wait at a distance (perhaps at a gate or fence). In a moment, a figure emerges from inside, or perhaps rounds the corner from the back of the little house. If expected, a few 'howdy do's' and kisses cheek to cheek (men to women or women to women) will precede the invitation to come in and sit down. 'Permiso' we say as we pass through the doorway. Our feet shuffle as we move from the packed mud to the grayed wood plank floor and our eyes readjust to the darkness illumined by the sharp squares of light coming in at an angle from the windows in the room. Conversation starts up like an old car, slow but sure.

How's your family? Everyone's been well? Your niece has been sick? Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Yes, we've been well, thank you. The weather sure has been strange. So much rain. Have you planted everything yet? Potatoes? Wheat? Corn? And the animals, any problems? Somebody's dogs got to the sheep. Sold a cow. Plan to buy a pig.

This conversation might take place as the lady of the house bustles a bit, participating in the conversation, all the while stoking the fire in the wood burning stove, moving this pot here, that kettle there, breaking a few more sticks and pushing them into the coals and closing the little door. Soon we are told to pull up to the table and a basket of bread is placed before us. Perhaps a single fried egg on a saucer will be set before us, one person at a time. Salt on a saucer too, a pinch of the fingers or two will do. We use the bread to soak up the rich country egg, recently slipped from the hen house. Soon the hot water is ready and the mate begins. One person serves. A little cup has been prepared, filled with the bitter tea, the metal straw/strainer protruding from the rim at a forty-five degree angle. Filled with hot water, sweetened by a scoop of sugar, it is ready to be quickly sipped down, passed back to the server and made ready for the next person. The cup makes its way around the circle as conversation continues to meander along from this subject to that. A glance around the room reveals the simplicity of the country life. One stand alone cabinet. The home made cushions for the wood table and mismatched chairs. The vinyl patterned table cloth. The one light bulb and the solitary wire running across the ceiling and down the wall. It will only burn when really necessary. We will all lean into the failing light through the windows, tilting our Bibles just so in order to share a brief scripture. Eventually we'll ask if we can pray before leaving. The warm goodbyes begin as everyone rises, the cheek to cheek kisses, handshakes and pats on the shoulders take place.

Be well. God bless you. See you next time. Blessings. Chao!

Each visit brings its own adventures, variances, blessings and challenges. And we've experienced some interesting days...and nights.

There was one Sunday my whole family came to worship with Heraldo's family. That visit began with burying a still born calf and watching...or should I say listening...to the mother eat the after birth.

There was the evening conversation in the book of Acts abruptly interrupted when the door burst open under the power of a large pig. The owner quickly hopped up as he calmly exclaimed, 'chancho!' (pig). That same night we drove around in the rain chasing cows we thought we'd let out by accident, only to find out they were the neighbors cows.

We've enjoyed bringing home gifts of fresh eggs. Addi did not enjoy the fact she couldn't bring home that cute little mongrel of a puppy! Tears were shed. And that was just after the quiet inside conversation was interrupted by a local 5 year old racing across the farmyard with Boden in a wheel barrow! (Mark down your prayer request here).

We've enjoyed the walks to the pond, learning about various plants and their uses. This one for an upset stomach. Rub that one on a wound. Try this one. Don't eat that one!

We've found out that mending fences is a good time to share about life's woes and joys and build more than a fence.

One Sunday Jessica's mother instinct asked her where Boden was. She left the building, went across the lawn, into the empty house, and there found Boden: egg in one hand...hammer in the other! The next week as I shared from up front, I could see our kids out the opaque window wading in a mud puddle as wide as the gravel road. Extra clothes in the country are a good thing!

And so it goes. Much of our ministry is in the country. So, we are learning country ways, doing country things, and praying for souls from the Chilean countryside to join the choir of voices and languages that will be praising their King and Savior, Jesus!

Amen.

Us In Real Life

While you wait for part two about the campo (coming soon to a blog near you...this one actually), we thought we'd share this video. Join us on a spur of the moment day trip to the Pacific Ocean. This family road trip was a much needed change of scenery and provided a sweet time together. The trip was complete with beautiful country driving, Dr. Pepper to drink along the way (a rare but welcome find!), lot's of kid noise (mostly cute and joyful), and a sack lunch upon arrival. It only takes about an hour and a half to reach the ocean from Temuco and we were grateful for the chance to encounter what we did. So come join us (it'll only cost you 9 1/2 minutes of your day)! The title of this post refers to the fact that the music comes from the soundtrack to Dan in Real Life, a movie with Steve Carell, and is all done by a guy named Sondre Lerche (a Norwegian!). Hope you enjoy. We figure this'll be one for the family archives that'll make us cry when our little tikes are going to the prom or graduating high school, or some such mile marker that causes one to look back with nostalgia. Ok, enjoy!

Something New, Something Blue

Today was a happy day for our kids, as they ate KRAFT Mac & Cheese for lunch today! Yep, as of last week, our grocery store now carries the real stuff in the blue box :)

The Campo - Part I

We work in the country. We live in the city. Certainly no matter where you go these two settings offer different lifestyles. Here in the south of Chile, I might say the difference is great, even drastic. Our camera has staged a rebellion so, for now, images are fewer. This time I cannot offer a very visual image of an aspect of our life and work. Perhaps a few more words than normal will give a fair taste instead. (And don't forget to check out the fishing video at the end!)

At this point I run within a relatively limited radius. Nueve de Julio - to date, this is the closest I come to having 'stomping grounds.' I have been coming and going from this area about twenty minutes outside town once or twice a week with my new friend, Heraldo. Apart from this place, its people and lifestyle, I've been involved in only a small variety of isolated experiences.

The drive from my 5th story apartment takes me past a variety of modern-city attributes, starting with my covered, reserved parking place and the guard at the gate-house who lets me out. There's the 21st century mall, the auto dealerships, the Lowe's and Home Depot (ok, the Chilean versions, but trust me it'll pass), the stoplights and turn arrows, the universities, the Dodge Ram or the '09 Toyota Camery that just passed me. There's the little collection of tall buildings I see as I pass downtown. And when I cross that big bridge over the River Cautín, I know I've entered Padre las Casas, Temuco's little brother of a city - a step closer to the campo. Here I note the meat or fruit or variety shop owners lingering in darkened doorways framed by cracked, crumbling walls with echos of painted color. I observe the tired, sometimes unkempt faces of a working class dutifully going about this days business; some hopping off a smoking city bus, others walking in pairs, others on their bicycle-turned-pick-up-truck. A couple of turns and I head down the skinny slab of concrete that composes the street where Heraldo lives, just as it slopes down the hill. Here we find Heraldo...and sometimes Antonio, or Patricia and Mimi, or Vanessa...or some combination thereof (see Sept. 17th's entry for a photo). Then, from the projects, we grab Eugenio, a quiet, hard-working young man being discipled by Heraldo. We head out of town, leaving behind the cityfied, modernized network of contradictions and activity.

The country. On the way to the day's destinations, amidst intermittent bursts of anticipatory Spanish conversation, I steal looks at the lines of eucalyptus, the brilliance of new spring green, squared off by rugged, simple barbed wire fences and every so often accented by a dull brown-almost-gray square homestead. I note the cows grazing in small numbers, but romantically, as if watching a piece of literature come alive, fixate on the small flocks of sheep as they laze about. They always appear a little dirtier, more animal and less teddy bear, than my mind would have me picture; yet, I can't help but hear the scriptures murmur and think on our perfect Lamb, or our Shepherd with simple little me over there bleating somewhere, or the owners of the sheep I'm looking at who likely haven't met Him yet, symbolized by the straggler, the wanderer, the lost one of the group. My mind attempts to linger, but the stripes on the road curve both up and around. In the next field I see the long curved beaks, the red legs, and the golden necks and heads of a pair of Bandurria birds searching the moist ground for worms. The drive only takes about twenty minutes, but I'm sure I exclaim in one manner or another as many times how beautiful it all is. Before leaving pavement behind, we might pass a man with a long cane pole effortlessly guiding his powerful pair of oxen, yolked together. And not long after we have bumped and chunked along that dusty road, I'm quite sure we drive right through Monet's Springtime Landscape At Giverny. I offer a hearty country wave to those we pass...and they even wave back. Often a pair of men at work in the field, will take our passing as an excuse to extend their backs for a moment of repose from their work, heads slowly turning as their squinted eyes track along with our passing. The simplicity of Mapuche country life is evident, reflected in the fences clothed in drying laundry, the horse and carts that pass by, the oxen plowing, the little wood piles from a recently felled tree in the yard, or the hand-lettered, painted wood signs offering a pig or cheese or eggs or bread for sale. While this may not be Kansas anymore, it might just be Little House on the Prairie.

Stay tuned for Part II. We're missing a few anecdotes and an attempt to capture visiting a Mapuche home. For now, enjoy finishing this little country ride with a taste of some simple country-style fishing.

The Voice

Anders got home late Sunday night after being out all day with the vision trip team of pastors. He and I sat on the couch to debrief about the days activities. At about 11:30 p.m., Addi comes walking out of her room. She sees her daddy and gives him a big hug and cuddles up with him. She then goes on to say that she woke up in her bed and thought she heard God talking, but now she sees that it was only us talking. Anders took that moment to tell her the story about Samuel, (1 Samuel ch.3). We found it amazing that she would even consider the voice she heard to be the voice of God. One day He will call out "Adrielle", our prayer is that she will respond with, "speak, for your servant is listening."

Our Abode

A bit overdue, and back by popular demand, we present to you a short tour of our home - Chilean edition. We'd love to have you someday! Enjoy...

(Approx. 5 minutes)

Independence Day, Chilean Style

Chileans celebrate Independence Day the 18th of September. Instead of trying to describe our Dieciocho, we offer this...enjoy!

(approx. 10min)

Introducing...

We're pleased to be able to introduce you to some of the folks working to advance the Kingdom here. We encourage you to be in prayer for these leaders and their families. We've also noted the name of the area they/we are focused on reaching for Christ. These pictures were taken at a prayer meeting held at our team leader's home. It was a wonderful time for these pastors to meet and encourage one another, sharing about what is happening in their ministries. It was also a time of prayer for God to do great things in these areas.

The Mapuche Team: Adults (left to right) - Linda Hinds, David Hinds, Anders, Jessica, Trent Tomlinson, Angel Tomlinson; Kids - Caitlyn Tomlinson (left, holding our son Boden), Ashlyn Tomlinson (right, next to Angel), Aaron Tomlinson (center, orange shirt), Nathan Tomlinson (center, grey shirt), Adrielle Snyder (center/middle, with Jess)

Area: Coyahue - Abner & Blanca & their 3 daughters

Area: Butu Mallín - Segundo & Marcela

Area: Nueve de Julio - Pastor Heraldo & Patricia & their 3 kids (left to right): Naomí, Vanessa, & Antonio

Area: Padre las Casas - Pastor Mario & Estela & baby Emily

Area: Laconche Plom - Pastor Antonio & Irma

Isla Huapi

Huapi (Mapudungun) = Isla (Spanish) = Island (English). Therefore Isla Huapi = Island Island.

The last Sunday of August Anders was able to accompany a group of believers from a Baptist church in town to Isla Huapi, about 2 hours from here. This local church, where most of our team attend church (when we're not out in the campo), is helping grow a young church plant on the island. It is not far from a port town, tucked away near the coast.

I was invited along to see the location, meet folks, and enjoy a worship service with this little group. We hit it just right and were able to be there on pot-luck day! Breads, boiled eggs, a little bit of lunch meat, mate (tea), and soda from one of the 5 cups available for the 25 people there to share!

I can't begin to describe how beautiful this landscape is. It's like something out of a Jane Austin novel...movie...'cause I haven't actually read any Jane Austin novels to be perfectly honest.

Vistas aside, the real beauty is in the fact that the gospel is reaching this geographically 'off the beaten path' place. Still, there are young'ns in the faith who need to grow as disciples, there are many many others who haven't heard, and there are only a handful of people to share the Good News (not to mention the fact that virtually none of them have vehicles and many kilometers of separation can mean these 'neighbors' may never cross paths). Pray for wisdom for those who are working in this place and perseverance and encouragement for the believers of Huapi...

...and enjoy the pictures!

The road

The church

The pot-luck

The view

The coast

Don't Jump To Conclusions

Cultural Lesson: In a new place, don't jump to conclusions. We stand corrected.

That's the way the cookie crumbles

It is to my surprise that cookie sheets do not exist in our new city of Temuco. It is very possible that they do not exist in the whole country of Chile. Our team leader's wife shared with me that her Chilean friend told her about a shop downtown that would cut her a flat piece of scrap metal, and she could use that as a cookie sheet. Interesting idea... it wouldn't be non-stick however. Hmmm, I guess I will learn how to bake bars.

Ten Days In Temuco, Chile

Temuco. On a ride out to the country to participate in an all night prayer vigil (we only made it 'til 2am), I learned the meaning of our new city's name. Temuco is a Mapudungun word, or rather two: temu - name of a local tree; co - water...so, a tree in the water? Forgive me, things still come across somewhat patchy in Spanish. I suppose the name is fitting, though, since it has rained nearly every day we've been here.

A nine hour drive south from Santiago takes you through some beautiful countryside - vineyards, orchards, mountains - right to Temuco. Here are a couple shots from the journey.

So what can one do in ten days in Temuco? A tourist might use his ten days differently, but we have been working toward making a house a home, learning and experiencing our new ministry, and finding our way around a new community...even the local hospital. This might sound simple enough, but it takes a little more time and effort than you might think!

By the way...Boden is now 2! It's a little tough to throw a big bash 6 days after arriving in a new country, but we know how to have a good time. The Tomlinsons, along with the help of Pizza Hut and someplace with a Tweety Bird cake, saved the party day since we weren't yet sure how to light our gas oven! The Mapuche team (the Tomlinsons, Hinds, and Snyder families) were the guests and Boden had a great time!

Stay tuned for more...

...And: Chile

It's hard to explain, but as we rode in some new van with yet another new visage next to me in the driver's seat, and as my mind reviewed the day's travels, there was a certain palpable reality of what it means when God says, 'I'll be with you.' We are now in Chile. The travels went well. Really, those two statements are true. They sound rather uninformative and commonplace. Yet, what were, in all reality, just my little family's non-newsworthy circumstances, the Lord took up as His own and responded by guiding our journey. I'd try to explain the details but for fear of drawing out this little point. My kids behaved well, we felt calm, the transitions from ride to desk, from desk to security, from security to plane, etc., went well. Yes. But for me, I sensed in the midst of it, that the Lord was with me. Pause. The Lord, Jehovah God, the Maker...was with me...was paying attention. These were my little things. The Lord pays attention to yours too, He can do that.

As we speak, 6 out of 8 of our bags are perhaps chilling out in Peru, perhaps on their way here. No worries...'for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go' (Joshua 1:9)...at least He was with Joshua, why not me and you too?

We are here. Finally. It's time to make the most of the time. Pray that we do for the sake of the kindest, most loving God I know: the one true God, Maker of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ who proved His love on the cross and sealed His promise of life by conquering the grave. And may a few more Mapuche find it out, too!

Signing Off From Costa Rica

They say that missionaries are always saying goodbye to one and hello to someone else. We are living that right now. We are filled with excitement that we are finally on our way to Chile! We depart on Saturday, August 15th and will arrive sometime in the middle of the night on Sunday morning, August 16th. Today we said goodbye to classmates, teachers, and colleagues we have been with since our time of training in Virginia. There was a tear or two. Tomorrow we will meet our team leaders and others who work in the offices in Santiago. There will be smile or two. You know how there are certain passageways along life´s path when you all at once feel like you´ve been doing something or been somewhere an eternity and at the same time as though some quantum leap had just taken place and ´how did we get here so fast anyway´? Yep. So, we are signing off for a while and will see you on the other side! Thanks for your prayers. May all these steps and logistics not just be for the sake of an adventure, but something that turns out for the glory of the Risen Lord!

Legacy

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20

What happens when someone gives their life to Jesus Christ? Among a great many other things, a story is begun, or perhaps better said, one's story, already in progress, in some sense begins anew. It becomes a tale about the goodness of God, a testimony to the incredible love He has for his special works. However, this story never starts and ends solely with the person in question. The beautiful thing is that the abundant life of Christ always seeps out and into the lives of others. This is how a legacy begins - a new legacy of faith and grace that is from and to and about Jesus Christ.

We just returned from the Kansas City area. Plans were quickly made to make a short trip back to be with Jessica's family as they said goodbye (or rather, 'see you later') to Raymond Clark Killingsworth, Jessica's grandfather. Similarly, we gathered together almost exactly a year ago to do the same for her other grandfather, Donald Combs, Sr. Rather than using this space to recount for you details of a trip or of spending time with family, we offer a few thoughts which have come together in light of these events.

The Apostle Paul desired that Christ be exalted in his body, whether by life or by death. We can confidently say that Grandpa K and Grandpa Combs exalted Christ by their lives. And, after attending what certainly was a remembrance, but also in that bitter-sweet way a testimony to the lordship of Jesus in their lives and therefore a time of worship and celebration - a home coming for both men, we can confidently say that Grandpa K and Grandpa Combs exalted Christ by their death. This is a testimony: a story about Jesus and what it means to know Him...throughout one's life...the last week of one's life...the last moment of one's life. What did it mean the day each of these men gave their lives over to Jesus Christ? Did it mean that they, in that moment, were gifted a righteousness not their own, appropriate 'wedding clothes' to one day be able to stand pure before their Maker and spend eternity with Him in heaven? Certainly. But it also meant the beginning of a testimony, a story of Jesus that would seep out into the lives of others: a legacy. The day these men gave their lives to Jesus Christ was a day that effected me, a married-in grandson, their children, their grandchildren, friends, community and others. Anyone who shared in the times of remembrance for Grandpa K and Grandpa Combs will have seen and known that Jesus was their story, and could be the tale of any life that bends the knee to His lordship.

I read this week about God, who describes Himself in Exodus 20:5,6 as the Lord, a jealous God who punishes sin to the 3rd and 4th generation of those who hate Him, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

What happens when someone gives their life to Jesus Christ? Many things, but it appears it could take a thousand generations to account for the results of the faithfulness of one... Legacy.

May the Lord be so gracious to work such a thing in me...and in you.

Grandpa Killingsworth

Grandpa Combs

Away From The Big City

Isn't it interesting that most of the time we're doing one of two things: either we're working hard to establish a routine that serves us well so we can feel familiar, comfortable, settled, etc.; the rest of the time we're looking for ways to escape the routine, relax, change pace, change settings, etc. We human beings are silly, aren't we?

So, we've had the chance to break out of the 'routine' in different ways over the last couple of weeks.

For one, Anders' mom made an appearance in our little tropical world...

...and we did our best to fully take advantage of that blessed time. There was an altered schedule at the institute, so Mom watched the kids each morning while we put our brains to work. Then each afternoon, we explored a little bit. Strange that one of the experiences we just had to demonstrate was going to Wal-Mart (otherwise known as HiperMas). Boring? Oh no, adventurous, trust me.

Then the good stuff. We rented a car. Mmmm, that's a little different too. Praise the Lord for those extra diligent 'first-time-driving-in-a-foreign-country angels' (I think that's Joshua chapter 2 or something). And where did we go? To the beach of course! Not only that, but also a national park with beaches...and monkeys..and sloths...and more! I like the way pictures tell a story, so I'll let you make your own conclusions about whether or not this was an enjoyable time. Jessica has said that she's heard Costa Rica is a beautiful country but didn't really believe it based on our city-life perspective...let's just say that now she's convinced! Don't you just love those 'then sings my soul' types of settings and experiences? I will say that indeed it was a refreshing time: we were rested (despite one rather strange night that involved several transformer explosions right outside our window, which caused a loss of power, loss of a.c., which caused a rather dark and jungly night right there in our hotel room...a hotel room with sand crabs and geckos rooming with us) we worshiped and we fellowshipped, we ate at a restaurant built around an old plane (with a smashing view I might add!), we walked the beach... Take a look:

...Nice huh? Now check out this video that shows how close (and nimble) those funny little monkeys actually were: