South America Mission has a long legacy of ministry, but we continue to ask what effectiveness and obedience look like for us today. To help SAM answer this question, RJ Caswell has joined the US office as COO. RJ brings years of experience in counseling, Christian education, and pastoral ministry. We are thrilled to welcome him as he will help SAM be strong, healthy, and dynamic in this generation.
The phrase, “First of All, Pray!”, inspired by 1 Timothy 2:1, is the name of our prayer ministry. It reflects the prominence of prayer within our community. It’s been a mark of our Mission for more than 100 years. The mark remains. First of all, pray—deliberately, intentionally, and in faith, with praise and thanksgiving.
Kids Outreach in Ayacucho, Peru September 15th, 2023
A group of missionaries-in-training from Lima kicked off an outreach to kids in a local park in Ayacucho. Rick and Donna Martin will be continuing the outreach on Saturday mornings with their church. Please pray that the kids would have fun, make connections, and learn about God’s love for them.
the River Ministry in the Beni September 13th, 2023
SAMAIR Bolivia supports ministry in the Beni, a northern department of Bolivia. Micah Bittner recently traveled with Pastor Enoel to assess and make needed repairs on the boat Enoel uses to serve small communities along the river. They determined that the complicated, rundown system must be entirely removed to install a new one.
Micah and five other men worked 12-hour days, only stopping for quick meals. The five men donated their time and skills. One was the dedicated cook and coffee supplier; another was available to make parts runs; the rest were helping Micah. None of the helpers had any experience with electrical work but had servants’ hearts and a desire to learn. What an excellent opportunity to train these young men in a trade they knew nothing about.
After four full days on the boat, the system was installed. The boat is still not fully functioning as the team decided to replace the batteries, solar panels, generator, and battery charger. As the Lord provides for these components to be changed, the boat will take form and be ready for years of service.
Please pray for the final upgrades and replacements so that Pastor Enoel and his ministry can serve the physical and spiritual needs of the communities on the river.
Henrique and Corina Dias Terena September 11th, 2023
Henrique and Corina have served the Indigenous of Brazil for years in different ministries and roles, including working at Ami Training Center, CONPLEI, ALTECO, and the Three Waves Leadership Team. We are thrilled to have them join SAM as members of our community. They spent several weeks in the U.S. to meet and share with Kingdom co-laborers. What a privilege and honor to hear about their current and past work, including stories of initial contacts with new people groups. Pray that our deepened partnership will help strengthen the Indigenous Church throughout South America.
SAM Academy–Week of Prayer September 9th, 2023
Ask that our students may grow and thrive academically this school year. Pray even more that each may know Jesus as their Savior. Pray with us that wherever their paths lead, each of our students will make a difference in the world because of their love for Christ.
SAM Academy–Week of Prayer September 8th, 2023
Ask God to protect our students and families, covering them in health and safety. Sicknesses thrive in the jungle, roads are known for their crazy driving situations, and life here just has an extra element of uncertainty. Pray that our students and their families will know peace and safety this coming school year.
SAM Academy–Week of Prayer September 7th, 2023
Pray that our school is intentional in shining a light in our community. Lift up our specific outreaches, such as the Christmas Outreach with the elderly, ministry trips to river communities, and connections with local schools, Hosanna and TEC. Also, pray for God to present us with new opportunities. Pray our kids may know no borders in their friendships and relationships.
SAM Academy–Week of Prayer September 6th, 2023
Pray for creativity, energy, and flexibility for our teachers, many of whom have separate ministries on the side, as they navigate whatever the year ahead brings. Please pray for these wonderful people by name, that God may fill their hearts with His Word and speak wisdom and love through them to our student body. This year’s teachers are Mike and Marcy Brown, Bill Carrera, Cristy van Oosten, Krista Hetzel, Cristina Thomas, Crystal Murphree, Robert Busenitz, Minori Lucas, Silvia Shapiama, and Nayelly Tenazoa.
SAM Academy–Week of Prayer September 5th, 2023
Pray for our administrator, Mike Brown, and our principal, Bill Carrera, as they seek to lead our school through a successful year. They both teach full class loads as well as guide our school administratively. Pray they have times of rest and regular time in the Word. Pray for wisdom and support to lead our school well.
SAM Academy–Week of Prayer September 4th, 2023
Pray for our students’ families who bring Christ to the lost in Peru and serve the Peruvian people. This year, we serve families connected to South America Mission, Pioneers, IMB, Ethnos 360, Mision Suiza, plus independent and national missionaries. These ministries have diverse roles but share the common goal of sharing God’s Word in remote areas of Peru and discipling His people to carry it forward.