Dear far flung friends, family and supporters of South American Christian Mission,

May the joy of Christ’s resurrection be reflected by your life, that is our hope and prayer on behalf of each of you.

Holy Week 2017
Lent and “Holy Week” are important parts of the Colombian culture, although Lent has lost a lot of its legalistic power in recent times.  During one of our conversation club meetings we brought up the subject of “what was it like?” and a couple of our older participants gave us a glimpse into their childhood – back in the middle of the last century.  “You must NOT run, play or laugh – this is a SERIOUS TIME we are in!” is the admonition that one of the men recalled. “Why?” he wanted to know.  “Because it’s a SERIOUS DAY!” was all the answer his parents would give him. It was our pleasure to talk to many about that seriousness – but with a look at the joy which Christ’s sacrifice brings to those who love and obey Him.  As we talked to people about the historicity of the resurrection, the fulfillment of prophecies related to that event and the promise of life everlasting with our Creator at His second coming, it was a blessing to see this message start to blossom in their understanding.  Indeed, because Christ has arisen, we have MUCH to be thankful for!

Holy Week in Colombian Culture
Another aspect of “Holy Week” in Colombia is that it is one of the most important times of travel for Colombians.  Thursday and Friday before Resurrection Sunday are holidays, but many companies shut down the whole week which gives people time to travel.  However, this also gives many opportunities to teach and interact with people. This year we had a special gathering at our home on Good Friday, sharing different foods, fellowshipping, playing games and in general taking advantage that people had free time.  It was a great opportunity to share with people and to minister to them in different ways.

Rain, rain
As I type these words, we’re getting reports of the severe flooding in parts of the U.S..  The past month has been very wet in Colombia as well, with a major landslide down in state of Putumayo. It has been wonderful to see the church here in Colombia mobilize to address some of the needs in these situations and to minister to people who are hurting.  THIS is the gospel lived out, to be God’s hands of love to those in difficult situations.

Families in need
A major part of our ministry here is to families.  This year the Lord has brought several families to us with different sets of problems.  We’ve been counseling, discipling and praying with them as they learn to seek God’s way of doing things instead of leaning on their own understanding.  Unfortunately some have not yet learned the importance of Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by  the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” It saddens us deeply  to see people lean upon the traditions of the world and the advice of worldly people instead of listening to Godly counsel. We appreciate your prayers for us as we continue to seek ways to help people overcome the problems that come from ignoring God’s design for our lives.

Gratitude
It is indeed with deep gratitude that we write to you each month.  Gratitude to you, our friends, family and supporters and also gratitude to our Lord and Savior.  When we see lives transformed by the Gospel, lives that we have been able to touch because you help make our ministry here possible, we are filled thankfulness for God and His people who are stretching their arms around the world to touch those in need.  May our Lord and Savior continue to bless each one of you as you serve Him in your own corner of His harvest field.

In Christ,

Paul and Sheri Moreland





--   South American Christian Mission "... to prepare the saints..." Ephesians 4:12 www.sacm.net