VIM / Johnson's Visit To Chile — December 3, 2010

We had our Chairman of VIM and wife, Doctor Runar and Lavina Johnson visiting down here in Chile for the last 3 weeks. They arrived back in Sequim, WA just yesterday (December 2).

Before they left they each typed out a few paragraphs on my computer for me to add photos and to send out to you.

Note from Lavina

We returned to the Gault's home late last evening from a more-than-delightful day in Santiago! When we arrived in Santiago, Runar, Larry and I met with Pastor Edwards who directs Escuela de Cristo International; a Bible school in which also are used VIM's teaching materials (or SMC:Service Ministry for Christ; our logo shown at the top of the diploma). We arrived early as Larry had to sign each of the 28 school graduate's diplomas. Nikki could not join us, as she was still recoverying from having dealt with a kidney stone.

Larry and Nikki are held in high honor, as is VIM, for the provision through which this Bible school receives much of its curriculum at no cost. In the evening the graduation ceremony would be held in the sanctuary of a church in the center of the capital. The brightness of Pastor Edward's countenance could be seen as he greeted us and led us to the table for signatures. We were to return that evening for the actual ceremony. Little did we know of the excitement and celebration that awaited us!

We needed to wait a few hours for this special occasion, so we walked thru Santiago's sights, sounds, masses of people, plazas, Catholic churches, a busy restaurant, a sidewalk cafe, and the early 1500's Conquistador's fortress.

Up and up we climbed over a roughly laid, smoothly worn, centuries-old rock stairway winding up to Santa Lucia mountain fortress. This is where the Spanish defended themselves against the native Chilean Indians. Passing guard gates, antique cannons, and imagery of ancient days, we stood atop the highest point looking in all directions over the city of Santiago. It was breathtaking!

A wave of God's love for us and desire to reach this world became so strong for me ........ we are all utterly lost without His propitiatious death and resurrection. His message of victory must be taken to these, so many, people. Lord, how can I possibly be of use among so many?

Returning to the church, my limitations in Spanish, and being unaccustomed to the ways of gathered folks, I felt weak and unable to negotiate the evening with the graduates and about 150 friends and families. After being warmly greeted by a handshake, hug and right-cheek kiss by Pastor Edwards, he introduced Runar and me to Ronnie our interpreter, and then escorted us to the front of the auditorium to be seated while we watched the room fill, and listen to the musicians playing.

I noticed a lady hesitating to approach me .... Larry gave her a word of encouragement to do so, and I stood to greet her. She embraced me and said in broken English and Spanish, "In the Lord you are strong and not weak ... I love you." What an encouragement!

I learned that we were the honored guests! The School had moved the graduation forward 2 months so they could include us, their special guests! We each had been asked to give a short message. I also was to pass a gift to the host pastor, and Runar and Larry were to be up front with Pastor Edwards congratulating each graduate as they received their diplomas.

Then the audience was asked to come forward and pray with each student, promising to keep them in prayer for a year. I was soon beckoned to join a single-standing lady and pray with her, which I did. These people really understand prayer. They continued much longer than I normally pray. The lady student I prayed for was, with her graduating husband, planning to begin a new church in southern Chile.

Then the table was turned on me as I found myself surrounded and swamped on all sides by many lady graduates, each with their arms around me; continuing in more prayer.

Afterwards, we had to pose for a myriad of flashing cameras!!! This scenario repeated itself over and over with other lady and gentlemen graduates surrounded the three of us with hugs and greetings of sincere appreciation for the teaching materials VIM provided.

I stood with one lady graduate who said she was going to Columbia to minister; then another shared she was going to Peru; another to Venezuela. The effect and fruit of VIM's outreach, through these graduates, was multiplying before my eyes; I could see that many souls were going to be saved through these ladies!

Another lady who was going to plant a church with her husband in southern Chile came and asked if we could help them with materials. Again, it seemed God was certainly multiplying the ministry and rejoicing our hearts and souls, as they repeated in praise, over and over in this ceremony: "Gloria Adios" (to the Father), "Gloria Adios" (to the Son), "Gloria Adios"! (to the Spirit!) "para siempre!" (forever!)

We learned that the percentage of our DVD classes used in the curriculum are 30% first-year, 40% the sophomore year, 50% the junior year, and 100% the senior year.

What a blessing to see VIM in action, Lavina

Note from Chairman of the VIM Board, Doctor Runar

Shortly after arriving in Chile, Nikki, Larry, Lavina and I headed south. We traveled 19 hours on buses, which included a ferry ride. In Cucao we had the most enjoyable time meeting a VIM (SMU) representative, Erica, who uses the DVDs. Shown here sitting next to Nikki.

She explained that the DVDs are used in the church, in the homes of the families, and at women meetings. This is the way the DVDs are used all over Chile, as well as on the radio, close circuit TV, and in some schools. Larry pointed out to us numerous towns where we have our ministry. After a week we returned north to Renaca for some R and R.

Yesterday we were in Santiago and took part in the graduation ceremonies for the graduates of the School of Christ International; first and second year graduates. We were not prepared for what was going to occur that evening, even though Pastor Edwards met us and explained the evening program. Larry addressed the congregation, exhorted, and commended the graduates. Lavina and I also addressed the people, using our interpreter.

We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the people for VIM's ministry in helping the school. I can't express to you in words the appreciation I saw and heard. Our mission charges nothing and neither do the students pay for the classes, except for a few books provided by the school. I was told that if a student can't afford that small cost, then the books are free. The school of Christ International has four schools in Chile (that I could account for in the conversation). Pastor Edwards also stated that he is also in the process of extending the Bible schools into Bolivia and Peru. It became obvious to me that the students are committed to the service of Jesus Christ, and have an enthusiasm and joy in the Lord that I have not seen in the States.

The degree of outreach through Larry's and Nikki's ministry to pastors and teachers throughout Chile, and through the Schools for Christ International is beyond my ability to estimate in numbers and effect. This is truly a work that God has ordained for His glory. Even after being down here, I realize now that I cannot comprehend the full impact of VIM in Chile through one family, the Gaults.

I praise God that He has allowed me to be a part of this ministry. Runar

Video Instruction Ministries
P.O. Box 1332
Silverdale, WA  98383, USA
www.gault4him.org