"I thank my God every time I remember you…" Philippians 1:3 was basis to our Chilean Mission's National Youth Retreat, the continuation of the Youth Camp held last January, with Bob and Barbara Santilli (from Valley Forge), Kim Kushner (former Volunteers in Global Mission assistant), our family, and 20 youth leaders from 11 different churches representing three of their four districts. We spent a weekend of fellowship, workshops, prayer, praise, and worship as we learned 'how to care for the spiritual life of a youth leader' by studying what Paul shares in his letter to the Philippians. Could not have been a better start of our ninth year in the field, where for two terms we have strived to lead people to faith and train future church leaders.

Together we remembered those in Medford, OR having their Weekend World Mission Conference and the churches in the States that made this youth retreat possible, and we were thankful for how God once again surprised us through His people. We pray that these young men and women who came to the youth retreat will continue to reflect on the lessons learned and will put them into practice for many years to come. We pray for a ripple effect as they share with those who did not come that will make a lasting impression and provide blessings that will overflow providing for a stronger, more committed, and vibrant youth and national conventions that use youth to rescue those who are lost and in need of Jesus Christ.

The last to join was a team of four who got word of the retreat only two weeks before it was to happen and decided they needed to go. They worked on different activities to raise funds. Though they could not make it on time to the rental bus that would take the group to the retreat site, they were determined to arrive. After five different buses and about 10 hours on the road they finally arrived with joyous and eager hearts to receive what the Lord had in store for them. Later they said "what we would have missed had we not come". That was the general comment of those who came. Another young man was confronted by the Spirit to live a truly Christian life. Another said he was determined that he and his generation of youth would finally believe the promises of God to make them a generation that would make a difference for Christ. Bob, Barb, and Kim helped build momentum for continued growth and maturity of these young leaders.

We are joyous to see that after these eight years of ministry in Chile, God is allowing us to see fruits of what He has allowed us to partake in. And you have made it possible with your continued prayers, love, emails, cards, and targeted and specific gifts, which are ways we can see God surprising us through His people. We are constantly surprised as we read the journals of our colleagues; those who began in our mission society before we did, those who came on board in our Class 2000, and those who have joined since. For them we thank God each time we remember them, and for you who make it possible for them as well.

On our next journals we will introduce you to some surprising people who are preparing for ministry and are following Him. Look forward to our series on "His disciples". They are coming, they are growing, and they are changing… their lives and those around them.

Together pressing toward the goal,

Mayra for the Bonilla-Giovanetti family