Punta Arenas stands between two oceans on a stretch of water navigated by Magellan and Drake, whipped by ferocious gales which make for jagged, icy mountains, stunted, hunch-back trees and white horses on the Strait. The city is a former penal colony, then coaling station and today the centre of a wool and meat industry, sending fleeces to China and lamb all over the world.
The hinterland is the low, undulating, grey grassland of Patagonia. The long, long views show up the Corriedale sheep, roamed over by guanaco, pumas, ostriches and flamingos, with dry lakes and tiny wild flowers, all under the unbroken dome of the sky. Driven by the strong winds, low clouds race across it; squalls, blue sky, a shower, then sun followed by hail. The people shrug, “That’s Punta Arenas – five climates every day”.
During the Provincial Synod in Valparaíso, Bishop Greg Venables was unanimously re-elected as Primate for a third term. Give thanks for the fruitful meetings and pray for Bishop Greg and his wife Sylvia in their many responsibilities and varied roles.
The Diocese of San Joaquin (USA) and the Anglican Diocese of Recife have been welcomed into the Province of the Southern Cone. This follows the passing of a motion to allow conservative dioceses that are defecting from the pro-gay American branch of Anglicanism to find a haven there. "This is a pivotal moment in the history of the Anglican Communion. The new realignment demonstrates the depths of the divisions that already exist", comments Bishop Greg. May God’s Spirit guide the practicalities of this alternative primatial oversight and heal the deep hurts.
Julio Cesar, his experience in the seminar Centro de Estudios Pastorales
Julio César Justiniano, a “brother” from Bolivia’s Anglican Church shares with us his experience in the seminar Centro de Estudios Pastorales (CEP) of our church.
Tell us about new friendships or the deepening of some you’ve had along this first semester.
It’s interesting, because you bond with every member of the community. You grow and the moments when friendships deepen most are prayer times. How refreshing they are!
selection of the Latest "SAMS Ireland Prayer News bulletin".
Remember Raquel Greco and Gerardo Gimpel who are studying in CEP in Santiago, Chile. Pray for them as they work in local churches and do outreach work in Santiago and the wider area. Also give thanks for the safe arrival of Gerardo and Suyai’s first child, Tomas, and pray for them as they grow together as a family.
After the Líderes Juveniles 2007 camp six months ago, four young teenagers share with us their experiences. We hope that this can be encouraging for those leaders who wish to grow and share in the 2008 version.
We asked them 1. Almost five months later, how has the youth leadership camp helped you? 2. Were you able to share with people from other churches? Which ones? Do you keep in touch? 3. Is there something you would like to share?
Some chileans in Prayer points of Sams ireland - July
Remember Raquel Greco y Gerardo Gimpel who are studying in CEP in Santiago, Chile. Pray that they will have time to spend with friends and family and not feel “overwhelmed” by the studies. Think especially of Suyai, Gerardo's wife, as their first baby is due in July.
Remember Samuel Lago from Chile, who is preparing to come to Belfast to work in 2008. Pray for him as he finishes his studies and prepares to leave family and friends. Also pray for the congregation of All Saints Parish Church in Belfast, and Rev Bryan Follis, who are making preparations for his arrival and organising his work schedule.
Pablo Ochoa (from Chile) continues to serve alongside the Church in Bangor, Co Down. Give thanks for the impact that he has made in the lives of so many people and pray for his outreach work in the town among the young people.
News from The Curch of the Resurrection, Baltimore
WORDS FROM FR. ELIOT Have you ever had someone try to sell you something you really didn't want? Perhaps it was when you were shopping for a car, or a piece of clothing. Today we don't even have to leave our homes to get these offers; a caller asking if you want aluminum siding or a new roof (and don't even get started on email Spam).
The Revd Richard Pamplin has been appointed Chaplain of St Peter's, Vina del Mar, Chile, in succession to the Revd Philip 'Ben' Bentham. Ben and family returned to the UK at the end of June 2007 and value your prayers for the next stage of their ministry, which is as yet unspecified.
Let’s get to know Armando Fuentes, minister of Iglesia La Trinidad in Temuco.
How is it like to count with a communication space like www.iglesiaanglicana.cl? How often do you visit it? It’s good to count with that space because it gives us the chance to know, be connected and communicate in the world of communications. I visit it every day.
Armando, for more than 20 years you lived in the fifth region. Have you been able to visit it lately? Yes, I go there once every year to visit relatives such as my mother, María; my cousins, my siblings Rodolfo and Ricardo, and my mother-in-law, Lidia.
Let’s get to know Armando Fuentes, minister of Iglesia La Trinidad in Temuco.