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June 2002 Update - NEWS FROM THE VAN DER WESTHUIZENS IN CHILE Floods caused havoc here about two weeks ago when the heaviest rain fall ever recorded decided to dump itself on this region. Thousands were left homeless and the whole community got busy emptying their homes of all the used clothing and extra food they could spare to help those in need as a result of this disaster. School was out for several days and meetings everywhere cancelled as the roads became impassable. Now we are paying the price as the mud becomes dust and makes it's way into the air, causing smog problems of dangerous proportions with heavy car usage restrictions. We continue to spend quite a bit of time down in Osorno helping with the preaching, counseling and training. During a youth encounter last weekend, I was witness to 17 young people committing their lives to the Lord when one of our young ministerial candidates presented the gospel as part of the weekend program. Later in the afternoon, Samuel was able to challenge the parents of these young people regarding their walk with God, and 9 parents made the same commitment. Let's believe God together that the seeds planted result in good fruit. The team here in Santiago is meeting regularly to pray and see how we can utilize the resources we represent as well as the young men we have in training with CEPA for church-planting. We would appreciate prayers as we discern where each student is at and how we can best work with them in seeing new churches planted. Stephanie is really enjoying the ladies Bible study she was asked to start for the new church plant in the south of the city, and the hour drive there and then back again is more than compensated for the growing response among the women who are attending. Christians and non-Christians are attending, and it is a joy to see the Holy Spirit drawing each one into a closer walk with the Lord. She and a number of Christian friends have begun another study in our neighborhood, desiring to use this as an evangelistic tool. Our older son Lionel recently got engaged to a lovely girl, Stephanie Young. This is a real international affair. Lionel was born in South Africa, grew up in Chile and met Stephanie, while studying in the States. She was born in Japan and grew up in Australia. Her parents are also with MTW, in Australia. Our youngest son, Brendon leaves for college in August where he will be studying athletic training My Stephanie is not at all excited about that prospect - she reckons the empty nest has come way too quickly.! This is a big transition for us as a family and we ask for special prayers from you all. We are concerned as recently we have heard from two people who have not heard from us for over a year. Maybe you know of someone else like that. We send out four snail mail newsletters every year and try to keep in touch with a monthly e-mail update. But people obviously do fall through the cracks, and we would appreciate it if you would let us know if you are aware of someone who should be hearing from us and isn't. Please e-mail us if we should add anyone to either of these lists. E-mail: jvdw@mtwla.org. Together for Jesus Johan & Stephanie and children.
- July 2, 2002
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