Patagonia Reached Again : Chaiten to Caleta Tortel — March 2011

Two years have passed since revisiting our VIM workers in the extreme south this March. The ferry landing, the bay, and river channel in the town of Chaiten had been filled in with volcanic ash, blocking my return last year. The river left its normal course and cut through the center of town, taking our video materials, including the home and church buildings of Pastor Jorge our Rep. in Chaiten, out to sea. The nearby volcano forced the evacuation of all the inhabitants, and our mission lost contact with Pastor Jorge. Recently about 500 people have returned to dig out their homes.

A few weeks ago, on this trip south I took a seven hour trip on a ferry from Castro, Chiloe Island across to Chaiten. After getting my van loaded, I visited the snack bar to buy a cup of coffee. As I was at the counter focusing on my coffee cup, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to find Pastor Jorge of Chaiten standing there with a big smile. What a God appointed reunion! Such a surprise for the two of us, and what a way to start my trip!

Needless to say, we had a lot of catching up to do. I found out that he and most of his church group were living and meeting as a church in Puerto Montt and that now he is an employee of the ferry company, coming and going as the company dispatcher in Chaiten.

Once again he has a fresh supply of video bible classes to use; now in Puerto Montt.

While visiting lay pastor Juan Francisco (photo below) in Puyuhuapi, I once again realized an additional important service our ministry delivers to these isolated pastors. I found that he was in conflict with another member over tithing. It was being argued in the church that it was unspiritual and a curse for members to give. I spent some time with the people dealing with this error.

I have seen not only in the Patagonia but also anywhere a person or any pastor becomes isolated that there is a tendency to start developing erroneous doctrinal positions. It is so important to be accountable to others and remain in fellowship to keep a healthy approach to scripture. Otherwise, I believe we open ourselves to Satan whispering in our ears suggesting that we are an authority unto ourselves and that the authority of scripture is to be questioned. I see that this is how cults spring up. With our DVDs the pastors are getting this needed fellowship and a balanced doctrinal input from other pastors and teachers. Not only is our ministry providing teaching and counseling, but also protection from the roaring lion that is prowling about, seeking whom he may consume.

The photos below show pastor Juan Hilario next to his home and his rural church building outside of Futaleufú. He was really surprised to see me, stating that after an abscence of three years, he was anxious over whether or not I was ever coming back. The last time I made this trip, he and his family were out of town. He is very appreciative of our help. "No help from anyone else."

This area contains a lot of beautiful scenery.

Gladys, a public school director, uses our materials in the the Villa Santa Lucia public school and also in the only village church where she is the lay pastor. The students were shocked when I expained that the government in the States does not allow me to teach Christianity nor use our materials in US public schools.

Again a big thank you to those who make our work possible down here.

Blessings in Christ to All, Larry and Nikki

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