Nov 10, 2021 Uruguay: Pray to Save

We had to make the decision to move forward with evangelism projects, despite the pandemic. With prayer, caution, adaptation, and authorized safety protocols, we developed a strategy that would allow us to keep preaching the gospel.

The tactic developed was called Pray to Save. It was a prayer movement that integrated all members and motivated them to identify 5 individuals in their lives that were not saved. The members would then gather and pray over all the names.

At the beginning of the campaign, our church was praying for 82 non-Adventists. Our strategy also involved Bible instructors, Jonny and Yusniel, going house-to-house to conduct surveys about Nuevo Tiempo Radio. In addition, a tent was erected promoting radio program’s interactive Bible studies. These Bible studies were led out by leaders of the Uruguayan Union, Pr. Jorge Wiebusch and Pr. Álvaro Cáceres. Food and clothing were also delivered to families in need. Through these, we obtained 52 Bible students; a mix of listeners, people surveyed in their homes, interests from the tent and contacts of the prayer movement.

We have encountered difficult situations, for example, not being able to reach people because of COVID. For example, one morning we were knocking on doors and found that all the families on the block were sick with COVID-19. Many people yelled at us from inside their homes: “We have COVID.” Other houses are closed due to mourning. However, we proceeded, knowing that our work in the Lord was not in vain.

Another obstacle we faced was that each of the theology students who were helping, would have to have a mandatory week of quarantine. This chipped away at our precious work time. So we adapted, and had Bible studies on Zoom, WhatsApp, and over the phone.

The harvest began in June, after weeks of studies on doctrine and, praise God, 14 people were baptized! This campaign had a positive impact on that community, and now they’re more open and friendly toward the church. It also helped mature and develop current church members.

Next, the campaign continued in El Dorado and extended to La Paz. The churches continued using the Pray to Save plan. The Uruguay Union also sent 5 theology students, who are doing their evangelism practices as biblical instructors. Gonzalo and Maikol are in the El Dorado area, and Williams and Javier are helping in the La Paz area. There are currently 56 people who are being visited. We are hopeful they will accept Bible studies soon, along with the 14 others who are currently studying the Bible.

At the end of September, Pastor Jorge Wiebusch preached for a week in La Paz and El Dorado. At the end of that week, we’re preparing 8 precious souls for baptism.

From October to December, house-to-house Bible studies will continue, and special sermon series will be held in preparation for the end of the year harvest. The area churches will join by contributing with their prayers, food donations, money, and whatever else may be needed.

We thank God for his guidance and protection at all times and for allowing us to be His collaborators: So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. (1 Cor. 3: 7-8).

Summary:
First stage: March to July
2 Bible instructors
52 people contacted
14 baptisms 

Second stage:
September to December
4 Bible instructors
56 people contacted
14 completed Bible studies
8 baptisms in September

Praise God! Is your church ready to reach out to your community with total member involvement? “Revival need only be expected in answer to prayer.” Selected Messages 1:121

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