2009 July Update—Ken & Linda Bowie

We have been back in Chile for two months and we’re still trying to figure out how to keep warm! If the sun comes out, it warms up during the middle of the day, but on an overcast day we just have to keep on adding layers of clothing. The nice part is seeing snow on the higher mountains around Ovalle.

Most of June and July were devoted to preparing the schedule and logistics for Awe Star and enjoying accompanying 17 young people from the U.S. around the Limarí valley and Santiago while they performed their evangelistic drama, “The King” to over 16,000 people. Many of those who heard the gospel presented clearly through drama were students in public and Catholic schools. Others were walking by markets, parks, and plazas. Many more people stopped in public places to watch the play than in past years. This can only be explained by the Holy Spirit softening hearts! We have contact information for people to follow up on decisions made or interest in learning more. The Baptists in Ovalle were moved to see in these student missionaries the servant spirit and willingness to handle cheerfully the cold weather, early and long hours, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch!

Saturday afternoon our church, First Baptist, Ovalle, had a party for children from church and its missions. The children started back to school July 27 after two weeks of vacation so this was to have a fun time before second semester begins. Even young children have homework so during the school year they are always busy studying.

We are looking forward to the arrival on August 6 of Gregorio and Ofilia Gomez. They will stay a month teaching classes in the area Baptist churches and missions on: church leadership, discipleship, working with women and children. Three of the four Baptist churches do not have pastors right now.

We received the warmest welcome when we arrived with Awe Star in the towns of El Palqui and Villa El Palqui. These are the two towns where we will have two Hands On student missionaries teaching English in the schools from September to December. The school principals are coordinating the housing, transportation, and noon meals for Daphne Davies and Michelle Van Deusen. We’re anticipating that a church plant can begin in El Palqui.

Pray for participation of Baptist laymen in following up contacts that Awe Star made; good attendance in the classes the Gomez will teach; and a fruitful ministry in El Palqui. Pray for unity in the churches seeking a pastor and that truths taught in the Thursday night Experiencing God classes will be embraced by the students.

Thanks for upholding our work in Chile in prayer and offerings. We depend upon you to partner with us in being God’s messengers in this part of the world.

In Christ, Ken & Linda Bowie

Ken: k_bowie2003@yahoo.com
Linda: lkbowie@yahoo.com
Magic Jack phone (like calling a Ft. Worth number): 817-710-4932