Sue Vissers undertook a fascinating ministry visit in March, connecting with our missionaries in Central and South America. Missionary work is not always easy. Many leave their field of service before their work is complete. Sue is conscious that MEMBER CARE is a significant way to serve the Lord because it means serving those laboring in His harvest fields.

Vulnerable to stress and living with extra challenges, such as cultural adaptation, language barriers, and the emotional toll of witnessing poverty and suffering, missionaries love it when Sue comes to their home for a day. She listens to them talk, walks with them in their neighborhood, and speaks about the expectations not only they have but many other people too. Member care means warding off burnout, settling team conflicts, and addressing relationship issues. She enjoys helping families balance work and home, listening to individuals speak about their boundaries, and ensuring children receive the time and attention they need. 

During their stay in Quito, Sue and Ken Vissers had the pleasure of spending three days filling two big duffle bags with beautiful textiles from the Artisan Market. Their friends Barry and Maritza's visit added an extra dose of joy to their journey.

Josh, the Visser’s son, and Mariel, their daughter-in-law, live in Medellin, and Josh’s home became their base during this trip. The time spent with family was not just enjoyable, but also refreshing beyond words! 

Two LAM families live in Armenia: Jake and Leidy Paul and their son Oliver; and Ale and Andrés Rincón and their children Violeta and Lucas. These couples work together in a church plant called Reunion, a fast-growing church. Andrés also runs an online Master of Theology course in Spanish, through North-Western University in BC. 

Leidy, Jake, and Natalia Martinez run El Nido, a center for pregnant teens. The girls come during their pregnancy, and after the babies are born, they learn more about how to raise them. 

Brock Martin, a LAM intern, was working with a local church, reaching out to other youth in various ways. He led an English book club with three youth from the church, and his students were advanced enough to discuss issues about Christian life from the book Pilgrim’s Progress. 

Another stop was in Barranquilla, a large city on the coast, where Helen and Daniel Bravo and their two boys, Juan Daniel and Matias, live. The family runs the Doulos (Servant) Foundation, a significant organization that maintains a widespread training program for scores of churches, making a profound impact on the community. Daniel and his helpers maintain a widespread training program for scores of churches. 

Daniel’s parents, Rosa and Hernan Bravo, were the first missionaries to join LAM Canada in 1987. They still have an active ministry, leading to the formation of three to four new churches every year. Rosa worked with Tearfund for many years as a social worker, drawn to the marginalized people around them. In addition to impoverished Colombians, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees have come to Colombia.

Jessie and Judah Rath and their new baby Henry are involved with youth in many creative ways. This summer they keep on with the innovative program that brings Colombian and Canadian youth together for leadership training. 

All these people know how important it is to persist in the vision the Lord gave them.