Andrew Levi Sherrill
Missions Report: July, 2010
Puerto Montt, Chile
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August 14, 2010

Pleasant Valley Church of Christ
10900 Rodney Parham Rd.
Little Rock, Arkansas

Dear friends and family,
 
Greetings from far ends of the earth. The work continues down here and I am happy to say the brothers are showing a lot of initiative taking over the responsibilities as I prepare to return to the states. They have planned a youth outing that previously had always been organized by me and have continued with the teaching and outreach during my absence. Those sound like simple things, but I am very proud of them.
 
Winter is starting to lighten up and the temperature isn’t as harsh as it was last month. Some of you probably wouldn’t mind escaping the hot July that I have been hearing about for a 60 degree high. On the days that it doesn’t rain, it is quite beautiful.
 
I have started my last series of lessons for the church here. We will spend the next several weeks talking about self-sacrifice. I felt this was great topic to help young Christians deepen their faith with action and gain a correct perspective. It seems innate for us all to be self-seeking. From birth the most important thing for us is that we have everything that we need and want. It is a challenge for us all to learn to do without. It is hard for most of us to consider others before ourselves, but that is what we have been called to do. (Philippians 2:3)
 
I have really tried to prepare the lessons well as I am not sure how many more times I will be able to speak to them. The time I have spent here has been wonderful and the people have of course become dear to me. I do have one more project that I want to do for Puerto Montt before I move home. Never before have the brothers in this part of South America had a permanent place to meet. I feel that a building is a tool that the brothers and sisters need to better stabilize the work.
 
During my past three years in southern Chile, the number of members in the area has almost doubled and our small rental facility is at full capacity. We are presently ready to begin a building project which will solidify the church and prepare for future growth.

It is exciting to see such a productive work outgrow its meeting place! Not only will this building provide needed space, but it will demonstrate stability to the local community.
 
When completed, the building will provide us with almost 2,500 square footage of space. We will be relying heavily on the volunteer labor offered by the brothers and sisters to keep the price as low as possible. The majority of the building fund will be used to purchase materials. In this way we have kept the cost relatively low. There have already been plans for regular work days each week until the project is complete. Some unemployed brothers have offered their full attention. Even the architectural plans have been drawn up at the expense of the Puerto Montt congregation. (Please see attached diagram) The only thing lacking are the funds to get the project moving.
 
Please let me know if you would like more information on how you can help enable this group of Christians have a permanent home in Southern Chile. Regardless of whether or not you feel led to support this mission financially, please continue to lift it up in prayer.
 
Thanks to all of you that take time to read about the work here. Your prayers are much appreciated and needed. God Bless!

Your servant and His,


Andrew Levi Sherrill

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