Overseas Missions
Casilla 991
La Serena, Chile
E-mail: juanhumcanelo@gmail.com
December 5, 2024
Dear brethren,
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support in spreading the gospel in La Serena, Chile, and most importantly God for His blessings. This report covers the month of November.
It is my prayer that all goes well with you and the work of the Lord there. Everything is fine with us and the work of the Lord here in La Serena. Many good things happened in November in the work of the Lord. First of all, Teresa Barrera's decision to become a Christian. Teresa sought the Lord in Catholicism, to which she remained faithful. For a long time, I explained the truth to her in Bible studies at her mother’s home, who obeyed the Lord two years ago. She visited us every Sunday during the last two months after she returned from Mexico because she accompanied her mother to worship. This month, after the sermon "Lessons learned from a Leper" she responded to the invitation. Joy and emotion filled all of us present. With the joy of all who accompanied us, especially her mother, at the end of the service she was baptized in a nearby swimming-pool.
Below are some of the activities carried out during the month of November.
1.-SERMONS PREACHED ON SUNDAY MORNING
I presented the following sermons: “As Shining Lights, Matt. 5:14-16”, “The Gospel In Daily Life, I Cor. 15:1-4”, “Life & Mission Of Jesus, Matt.16:13-18”, “Lessons Learned From a Leper, 2King 5”
2.-BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY MORNING
In the 35-minute Bible study I presented the following topics from the book of Romans: “The Gospel of Christ: The Power of God unto Salvation”, “Rom.1:16-17”, “All Have Sinned, Rom. 3:9”, “ Faith Counted For Righteousness on The Condition of Faith, Rom 4”, “Contrasts Between Adam and Christ, Rom. 5”
3.-"BIBLE SCHOOL" ZOOM PROGRAM ON TUESDAYS AND THURDAYS
- The Minor Prophets. Book of Malachi . In the book was presented lessons, key verses, and a summary as well as a detailed study of each chapter.
- 2nd. Letter Of Paul to The Corinthians. Lessons presented: “Time We Have to Obey The Gospel, 2Cor.6:1-13”, “We Are A Separated People, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1”, “The Offering For The Saints, chapters 8-9”. I presented the following lessons on this section: “How Much to Give?”, and “The Lord's Pattern of “a church helping another church”.
C. The Judgment of Christ. An interesting study based on the record provided by the gospels and divided into seven parts.
We had a very good participation of brothers and sisters in Christ on the Zoom platform. It is always encouraging to see the enthusiasm in learning the word of the Lord. This month Christians from Arica, Santiago, Quillota, Quilpue, La Serena and other countries such as Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Peru, connected to participate in the studies. Classes end on December 12.
4.- HOME BIBLE STUDIES ON FRIDAYS
During November we meet in different homes and areas of the city to study the Scriptures and share the word of the Lord. Three families opened their homes to meet and study the word of the Lord. I presented the following lessons “A Dark day in Israel, 2 Samuel chapters 11-12”, “Three Precious Lessons from the Book of Ruth”, and “Did Christ Literally Bear Our Sins on the Cros
I want to thank those that make it possible for me to work here in this part of the world. I am very thankful for the monthly support that I receive from you; it is a joy to be able to work in God’s vineyard and to tell others the wonderful story of Jesus and His love. Thank you for to have communion with me in the gospel. May the Lord bless you in your labors For Him.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Juan Canelo
Casilla 991
La Serena, Chile
E-mail: juanhumcanelo@gmail.com
December 5, 2024
Dear brethren,
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support in spreading the gospel in La Serena, Chile, and most importantly God for His blessings. This report covers the month of November.
It is my prayer that all goes well with you and the work of the Lord there. Everything is fine with us and the work of the Lord here in La Serena. Many good things happened in November in the work of the Lord. First of all, Teresa Barrera's decision to become a Christian. Teresa sought the Lord in Catholicism, to which she remained faithful. For a long time, I explained the truth to her in Bible studies at her mother’s home, who obeyed the Lord two years ago. She visited us every Sunday during the last two months after she returned from Mexico because she accompanied her mother to worship. This month, after the sermon "Lessons learned from a Leper" she responded to the invitation. Joy and emotion filled all of us present. With the joy of all who accompanied us, especially her mother, at the end of the service she was baptized in a nearby swimming-pool.
Below are some of the activities carried out during the month of November.
1.-SERMONS PREACHED ON SUNDAY MORNING
I presented the following sermons: “As Shining Lights, Matt. 5:14-16”, “The Gospel In Daily Life, I Cor. 15:1-4”, “Life & Mission Of Jesus, Matt.16:13-18”, “Lessons Learned From a Leper, 2King 5”
2.-BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY MORNING
In the 35-minute Bible study I presented the following topics from the book of Romans: “The Gospel of Christ: The Power of God unto Salvation”, “Rom.1:16-17”, “All Have Sinned, Rom. 3:9”, “ Faith Counted For Righteousness on The Condition of Faith, Rom 4”, “Contrasts Between Adam and Christ, Rom. 5”
3.-"BIBLE SCHOOL" ZOOM PROGRAM ON TUESDAYS AND THURDAYS
- The Minor Prophets. Book of Malachi . In the book was presented lessons, key verses, and a summary as well as a detailed study of each chapter.
- 2nd. Letter Of Paul to The Corinthians. Lessons presented: “Time We Have to Obey The Gospel, 2Cor.6:1-13”, “We Are A Separated People, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1”, “The Offering For The Saints, chapters 8-9”. I presented the following lessons on this section: “How Much to Give?”, and “The Lord's Pattern of “a church helping another church”.
C. The Judgment of Christ. An interesting study based on the record provided by the gospels and divided into seven parts.
We had a very good participation of brothers and sisters in Christ on the Zoom platform. It is always encouraging to see the enthusiasm in learning the word of the Lord. This month Christians from Arica, Santiago, Quillota, Quilpue, La Serena and other countries such as Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Peru, connected to participate in the studies. Classes end on December 12.
4.- HOME BIBLE STUDIES ON FRIDAYS
During November we meet in different homes and areas of the city to study the Scriptures and share the word of the Lord. Three families opened their homes to meet and study the word of the Lord. I presented the following lessons “A Dark day in Israel, 2 Samuel chapters 11-12”, “Three Precious Lessons from the Book of Ruth”, and “Did Christ Literally Bear Our Sins on the Cros
I want to thank those that make it possible for me to work here in this part of the world. I am very thankful for the monthly support that I receive from you; it is a joy to be able to work in God’s vineyard and to tell others the wonderful story of Jesus and His love. Thank you for to have communion with me in the gospel. May the Lord bless you in your labors For Him.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Juan Canelo
December 1, 2024
Test Of Faith
James 1:3 For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 17:20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Psalm 91:1-16 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ...
1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Acts 14:22 Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. ...
Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Romans 5:3-4 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
1 Peter 1:7 So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
8 December, 2024
Salt Of The Earth
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Leviticus 2:13 You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.
Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:49-50 For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
December 15, 2024
Why People Choose Darkness Over Light
John 3:19-20 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
Ephesians 5:11-14 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Romans 13:12-14 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1 John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Proverbs 2:13-14 Who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil,
Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
Luke 11:34-36 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”
Matthew 6:22-23 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
December 22, 2024
A Soul To Save
James 5:20 Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 1:9 Obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Ezekiel 18:27 Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
December 29, 2024
Life After Death
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:1-31 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ...
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ...
Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.
John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Romans 10:9-13 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7 And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Acts 24:15 Having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Juan Canelo
Casilla 991
La Serena, Chile
E-mail: juanhumcanelo@gmail.com
November 5, 2024
Dear brethren,
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support in spreading the gospel in La Serena, Chile, and most importantly God for His blessings. This report covers the month of October.
It is my prayer that all goes well with you and the work of the Lord there. Everything is fine with us and the work of the Lord here in La Serena. Spring is slowly arriving this year, but a little different than in other years, with rain and cloudy days. We have some older sisters who are sick and hospitalized. Through social networks like WhatsApp, brethren are connected with Bible studies, hymns, and all information about the congregation and activities. Also, each service on the first day of the week is broadcast via Zoom and people from at least four places in Chile where there is no congregation yet connect to this broadcast.
Below are some of the activities carried out during the month of October.
1.-SERMONS PREACHED ON SUNDAY MORNING
I presented the following sermons: “What Was Jesus Like?, Matt. 16:13-20”, “The Devil, 1Peter 5:8”, “I Have Found The Book, 2 Kings 22:8-20”, “The Prayer Of Paul, Col.1:9-12”.
2.-BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY MORNING
In the 35-minute Bible study I presented the following topics from the book of Acts: “Reactions to the Resurrection - Acts 17:22-34”, “Conversions in Acts 16-19”, “When I Find Time" - Acts 24”.
3.-"BIBLE SCHOOL" ZOOM PROGRAM ON TUESDAYS AND THURDAYS
It is very gratifying to see every Tuesday and Thursday how more brothers and sisters in Christ from Chile and other countries in the area join the Bible studies via Zoom. The following studies were presented:
- The Minor Prophets. Books of Haggai and Zechariah. . In the two books were presented lessons, key verses, and a summary as well as a detailed study of each chapter.
- 2nd. Letter Of Paul to The Corinthians. Lessons presented: “An Introduction - 2 Corinthians”, The Letter Purpose, Contents and Character. I presented the following lessons on the first división of the letter , Chapters 1 to 7 under the title “Paul's Defense of His Ministry”. “The "God of All Comfort" - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11”, “Our Competence Is From God - 2 Corinthians 3:4-4:6”, “Motives for Service - 2 Corinthians 5:1-21”, and “The Ambassador - 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10”.
4.- HOME BIBLE STUDIES ON FRIDAYS
During October we meet in different homes and areas of the city to study the Scriptures and share the word of the Lord for two and a half hours; sometimes a little longer, and have tea together. The topic this month was : “The Value of the Kingdom of Heaven” based on Matt. 13. I send some pictures.
I want to thank those that make it possible for me to work here in this part of the world. I am very thankful for the monthly support that I receive from you; it is a joy to be able to work in God’s vineyard and to tell others the wonderful story of Jesus and His love. Thank you for to have communion with me in the gospel. May the Lord bless you in your labors For Him.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Juan Canelo
Juan Canelo
Casilla 991
La Serena, Chile
E-mail: juanhumcanelo@gmail.com
October 5, 2024
Dear brethren,
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support in spreading the gospel in La Serena, Chile, and most importantly God for His blessings. This report covers the month September.
It is my prayer that all goes well with you and the work of the Lord there. Everything is fine with us and the work of the Lord here in La Serena.
Mid-September is the beginning of the Spring season in this hemisphere and the days are more pleasant in this area of the country, 15°C which is equivalent to 60°F. All is well with the Brethren here in La Serena, Chile. This month we had a visit from Brother Oscar Romero with his wife and daughter. As I informed you a few months ago, Brother Oscar started a new work in Los Vilos, a city in this fourth region located two and a half hours from La Serena. I baptized all of them a few years ago. It was so nice to see him and we will be planning some visits to that city for a series of biblical studies.
Below are some of the activities carried out during the month of SEPTEMBER.
1.-SERMONS PREACHED ON SUNDAY MORNING
I presented the following sermons: “Committed To The End, 2Chron 14-16”, “Where Are You Looking At? Luke 9:62”, “The Man Under the Fig Tree," John 1:45-51”, “Added By The Lord, Acts 2:47” by brother Ricardo Soto “, and Things That Don't Save and Things That Save”
2.-BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY MORNING
In the 35-minute Bible study I presented the following topics from the book of Acts: “The Needs of Every Congregation ,14:23-28”, “Peace Among Brethren ,15:30-41”, “A Time to Grow Again!,Acts 16:5”, “Men Of Decision, The Ethiopian Eunuch, Acts 16: 26-40” Three Responses at Athens, Acts 17: 30-34”.
3.-"BIBLE SCHOOL" ZOOM PROGRAM ON TUESDAYS AND THURDAYS
It is very gratifying to see every Tuesday and Thursday how more brothers and sisters in Christ from Chile and other countries in the area join the Bible studies via Zoom. The following studies were presented:
A. The Minor Prophets. Books of Nahum,Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. . In the three books were presented lessons, key verses, and a summary as well as a detailed study of each chapter.
B. First Letter Of Paul to The Corinthians Chapter 16. “What The Bible Teaches About Church Benevolence”, “Two Areas Of Benevolence”, “The Correct Use of Church Money”, A brief study of the following characters in the passage: Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, Aquila and Priscilla, and “The 5 things mentioned in 1Co 16:13-14 For Our Growth”.
4.- HOME BIBLE STUDIES ON FRIDAYS
Once again some brothers have opened the doors of their homes to gather every Friday and share a moment of fellowship in the study of the Scriptures. The theme for this month was "Satan's Attack on the Church" and was based on Acts chapter 2 through chapter 8:4. We studied some examples in this book that show what the devil did to try to destroy the nascent church and that despite the problems both inside and outside the saints continued to proclaim the glorious gospel.
5.-VISITING OTHER CONGREGATIONS
I was invited once again to present a Bible study with the Venezuelan brothers who meet in another place in La Serena. They have contacted others of their nationality who are meeting in the city of Calama, located 12 hours from La Serena. They are all Christians. There are around 2 million Venezuelans in Chile and the arrival of 400 thousand more is expected, fleeing the communistI was invited once again to present a Bible study with the Venezuelan brothers who meet in another place in La Serena. They have contacted others of their nationality who are meeting in the city of Calama, located 12 hours from La Serena. They are all Christians. There are around 2 million Venezuelans in Chile and the arrival of 400 thousand more is expected, fleeing the communist dictatorial regime of Venezuela. Without a doubt, there is a great work in the Lord that we have to do. The topic presented was "The Spirit of Truth and The Spirit of Error, I John 4:6"
I want to thank those that make it possible for me to work here in this part of the world. I am very thankful for the monthly support that I receive from you; it is a joy to be able to work in God’s vineyard and to tell others the wonderful story of Jesus and His love. Thank you for to have communion with me in the gospel. May the Lord bless you in your labors For Him.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Juan Canelo
Juan Canelo
Casilla 991
La Serena, Chile
E-mail: juanhumcanelo@gmail.com
August 4, 2024
Dear brethren,
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support in spreading the gospel in La Serena, Chile, and most importantly God for His blessings. This report covers the month August.
It is my prayer that all goes well with you and the work of the Lord there. Everything is fine with us and the work of the Lord here in La Serena.
Below are some of the activities carried out during the month of AUGUST.
1.-SERMONS PREACHED ON SUNDAY MORNING
I presented the following sermons: “”, “Five Things that Will End When Christ Returns, 1 Co 15”, “How Many Resurrections Will There Be?”, “Some Be Ye’s”, “Why Seek the Living Among The Dead? - Luke 24:1-53”
2.-BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY MORNING
In the 35-minute Bible study I presented the following topics from the book of Acts:
" Man...Through God's Eyes - Acts 12:12-25", " What Paul Preached - Acts 13:14-43", " Preaching and Persecution - Acts 14:1-7".
3.-"BIBLE SCHOOL" ZOOM PROGRAM ON TUESDAYS AND THURDAYS
This month the following studies were presented:
A. The Minor Prophets. Book of Obadiah , Jonah and Micah. In the three books were presented lessons, key verses, and a summary as well as a detailed study of each chapter.
B. First Letter Of Paul to The Corinthians Chapter 14 and 15 . I presented the following lessons: “Understanding and Order in Church Worship”, “The Resurrection of Christ”, “Consequences of Not Believing in His Resurrection”, “There Will Be A Resurrection Of The Human Body”, and “Characteristics of the Resurrected Body”.
It was a pleasure to participate in each study teaching the word of the Lord. As always, a good group of Christians from Chile and other Latin American countries enjoy the studies. It is worth mentioning my mother who participates every Tuesday and Thursday from the city where she lives, she is a faithful student of the Bible. Each class lasts 90 minutes and is divided into 45 minutes for each speaker. Each class is recorded and then uploaded to the YouTube platform.
4.- HOME BIBLE STUDIES ON FRIDAYS
Every Friday of the month we get together in different homes around the city. classes were from 8:00 to 9:30 PM and then we had a shared snack. This was the topics discussed this month, “Transformed Life”. I presented the following topics: “How to Give Yourself Away - Romans 12”, “The Great Transformation - Romans 6”, “A Christian Personality - Colossians 3:1-17”. Two new people participated in our studies and were guest neighbors in one of the homes where we met. It was very nice to meet them and they were attentive to the classes presented.
5.-VISITING OTHER CONGREGATIONS
The last Monday of the month I was with the brethren in Christ who meet in the upper part of La Serena, as you know most of them are from Venezuela and they are about 12 in total. It was very pleasant to be with them once again and to be able to edify them in the Lord. The study presented was based on : "The Mission and Message of the Lord’s Church, Matthew 28:18-20"
I want to thank those that make it possible for me to work here in this part of the world. I am very thankful for the monthly support that I receive from you; it is a joy to be able to work in God’s vineyard and to tell others the wonderful story of Jesus and His love. Thank you for to have communion with me in the gospel. May the Lord bless you in your labors For Him.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Juan Canelo
Carlos Bello - Work Report
Preaching the Gospel in Puerto Montt, CHILE, S. Am.
July-August, 2024
Dear brethren, my affectionate greetings in Christ. I am happy once again to share news of the progress of the Lord's work in Puerto Montt. As you will see, we are beginning to have some results in the work of evangelism, while also things are going better in our family life. Again, thank you for your support, love and prayers.
TEACHING/PREACHING AMONG THE LOCAL CHURCH IN PUERTO MONTT, CHILE
Sermons that I preach (Sunday, 10:00 AM): In Jul: 07/07, Exhortations in the Book of Hebrews (Heb. 13:22) Pt. 2. 07/14,
Learning from Paul in Evangelism (Rom. 1:14-17). 07/21, The Sermon Felix Heard (Acts 24:24-25). 07/28, The Lord’s Church VS. Denominationalism (Pt. 1). 08/04, Why Do We Serve God? (Job 1:9-10; Mk. 12:30). 08/11, How and Why Did Jesus Save Paul? (1 Tim. 1:11-17). 08/18, Transforming Jacob (lessons in Gen. 25 – 32). 08/25, Be an Example (1 Tim. 4:12-16).
Neighborhood Bible Study (Saturday, 4:30 PM). In May: 07/06, Sermon on the Mount (SOTM), L. 3, Matt. 5:17-20 Pt. 2.
07/13, SOTM, L. 3, Intro to Matt. 5:21-48, “You have heard that it was said…but I say”. 07/27, SOTM, L. 3, Matt. 5:21-26, Murder/Anger. 08/10, SOTM, L. 3, Matt. 5:27-30, Adultery/Lust in the Heart. 08/17, SOTM, L. 3, Matt. 5:31-32, Divorce and Remarriage. 08/24, Church History #1 The NT Church. 08/31, Church History #2, The Post-Apostolic Period (A.D. 100 – 600).
EVANGELISM (Contacts and opportunities to teach the unconverted people)
Olivia and Alejandro. We met Olivia while passing treaties outside a Health Center. Mary and I visited her at her home on Thursday 7/18. She lives with her husband, Alejandro, and three children; two teenagers, and a toddler who has a disability (wheelchair) and a degree of autism. This family is from a Pentecostal background, but are not currently attending the denomination. On our first visit they commented about some practices of their denomination that they do not agree with. We proposed to start a Bible study in their home and they agreed; but so far we have not had a second visit because she has been putting it off, saying she has been busy with medical and other family matters.
Maillette (An older woman, from a Venezuelan family who is residing in Puerto Montt). We also met her in our evangelism work outside the Health Center. From the way she spoke, she seemed to us to be from an evangelical background. She was also willing for us to visit her at her home for some study, but a couple of days later, when we wanted to schedule a visit, she became ill with pneumonia, and that has prevented our visit. However, she has been willing to keep in touch via WhatsApp. We have expressed our concern and prayers, and she has been grateful. We hope that hopefully in September we will be able to have a Bible study visit with her and her family.
Cesar. He is a 34 year old young man, who we met in the parking lot of a Supermarket selling some candy. Cesar has had a drug addiction problem for several years. He is from Santiago, but he is in Puerto Montt residing in a house that takes in people with addiction problems (an evangelical ministry). I visited Cesar on Tuesday 08/20, and spent time with him in a restaurant, and I proposed the idea of getting together on Mondays (his day off) to have lunch at my house and then a Bible study, and Cesar accepted. We had a first study on 08/26, on John 16:1-15, to start teaching him about the work of the Holy Spirit from a biblical perspective, since he has the common Pentecostal misconceptions.
|
My wife and I passing out tracts outside a
Health Center
(a way of
Cesar (a young
evangelism that man trying to
is proving useful overcome drug
for finding addiction) with
contacts in whom we
Puerto Montt).
started a weekly Bible study.
1
Trinity and Yonatan. We met her on Tuesday, 08/20; while we were handing out tracts outside a Health Center. She said that her family used to attend an evangelical denomination, but now they are not. Yonatan, her husband, later contacted us by WhatsApp, to thank us for the tracts and talk a little about his “testimony” (dreams, visions, etc). We invited them to our meetings. We also offered them a Home Bible study, but we must wait for an answer.
David. This is an older man (retired) that we also met at the evangelism work on Tuesday, August 20. He was quite interested in learning more about us and staying in touch. He then attended our Bible study on Saturday the 24th. On this day I presented a general study on the NT church. David told us that he has been reading and studying the Bible for many years, has been involved in several denominations, and is currently in the “apostolic church of the Lord” (a denomination with Methodist background). He said he wants to continue coming to our Bible study on Saturdays.
Sergio (a separated man; Pentecostal background) and Nerlenys (Venezuelan woman livin in Puerto Montt). Our efforts with these two contacts have not prospered much since they have not shown a great interest in stay in touch.
NEWS AMONG THE LOCAL CHURCH IN PUERTO MONTT (Los Pimientos #4803)
Our evangelism work in the congregation. Collectively we are working on two activities: 1) Handing out tracts and inviting people for a home Bible study at the entrance of a health center (photo p. 1) This way is giving us good results so far and we have found some contacts to visit, or people to visit our meetings. And, 2) We have a neighborhood Bible study in our home every Saturday at 4:30 PM.
Gospel Meeting in September. We have invited brother Marcos Munoz, the evangelist of the church in Niebla/Valdivia, to come and preach a series of lessons on September 6-8. We hope that some of our new contacts will be able to attend, and that this activity will be of great strengthening for all of us.
NEWS AND FAMILY ISSUES
Mary (my wife), has been generally in good health. Damaris (our daughter, Christian, single), is following medical treatment and a special diet to overcome a problem with her digestive system. But she is happy because in mid-August she found an opportunity to return to work as an elementary school teacher in a school in Puerto Montt. As for Ezequiel (our son, Christian, 21 years old), there is good news because he has been progressing well in his substance addiction recovery treatment. He completed 5 months in residential care, and now he will continue in outpatient care, living with us in Puerto Montt. He will continue to receive professional care from a psychiatrist (including pharmacological medication) and therapies with a psychologist trained in treating addictions. Of course, he will still need a great deal of care and supervision from us for several months to come. He is having a routine that includes doing some chores around the house, and some sports activities (he and I are going to a GYM 3 times a week, and I am accompanying him to a basketball team training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights), but also spiritual activities as he is participating in a family Bible reading plan, and in church meetings and evangelism work.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT. A church of Christ in China Grove in TX will start giving me $200 monthly starting in
September. Therefore, my support will be $4666 monthly as of this date (coming from 8 churches). But we still need an additional of $300 monthly; so, whoever can help, please contact me at: cbello2@gmail.com
Beloved, we are always praying and thanking the Lord for you. Likewise, we appreciate your continued prayers for my family, for the church in Puerto Montt, and for the people who are opening their hearts to the word of God. -- Your brothers and fellow-workers, in Christ,
Carlos and Mary Bello
cbello2@gmail.com
Los Pimientos #4803, Santuario de la Laguna
Puerto Montt, Los Lagos
CHILE (South America)
Cell. / WhatsApp +56 9 8250 4874 www.carlosrbello.com
2
Carlos Bello - Work Report
Preaching the Gospel in Puerto Montt, CHILE, S. Am.
Sept-Oct, 2024
Dear brethren, greetings in the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope you are all doing well. We continue to see God's mercy in our lives. According to our ability and opportunities (unfortunately, few for now) we continue to preach the word of the Lord in the south of the world. We appreciate your support, love and prayers.
TEACHING/PREACHING AMONG THE LOCAL CHURCH IN PUERTO MONTT, CHILE
Sermons that I preach (Sunday, 10:00 AM): In Sept: 09/15, The Story of the Bible (Revealed in Five Chapters). 09/22,
First Things First (Lk. 9:57-62; Matt. 6:33). 09/29, The Christian's Walk (in the book Ephesians). In Oct: 10/06, Two Ways (Psalm 1). 10/13, “Exercise Yourself toward Godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7). 10/20, “Do not be deceived” (Jas. 1:16; Gal. 6:7). 10/27, The Deceitfulness of Sin (Heb. 3:12-13) - Pt. 1.
Bible Study (Saturday, 4:30 PM). In Sept: 09/14, Study on the Holy Spirit - Lesson 1, Introduction (The Deity and
Personality of the Holy Spirit). 09/21, Group Bible reading: Exodus 28-31; Philippians 2. 09/28, Study on the Holy Spirit - Lesson 2, What is the Role of the Holy Spirit in God's Plan (Pt.1). In Oct: 10/05, What is the Role of the Holy Spirit in God's Plan? (Pt.2). 10/12, What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues? 10/19, Singing Spiritual Songs (Session 1). 10/26, The Sermon on the Mount – Matt. 5:33-37 - Kingdom righteousness applied to lying/dishonesty (oaths).
EVANGELISM (Contacts and opportunities to teach the unconverted people)
Note: In general the people with whom we have had some contact have not yet committed to schedule a personal Bible study; but they are asking some questions and keeping in contact via cell phone (WhatsApp, etc.)
-- Cesar (mentioned in my previous report) is a young man who was in a Community Center for Overcoming Drug Addiction in Puerto Montt, and who we met while he was selling candy outside a Supermarket. After a couple of studies and conversations with Cesar, we unfortunately lost contact in
early September because he returned to live in Santiago, with his parents, and no longer has the same phone number.
-- Joaquin. A young man (23 years old) who stopped by our home on Friday, September 6 selling cleaning supplies- He accepted an invitation to stay for lunch and talk. Joaquin has been abusing drugs, which brought him some problems legally and with his family, so he went to live in a community house for overcoming addictions (from an evangelical group). He wanted to keep in touch with me via cell phone and FB. He said that for now it would be difficult for him to attend our meetings in person due to the schedules of the community house. In October he had a question about “speaking in tongues”, so I sent him a biblical answer, and he responded very gratefully. He is currently working out of town, and now his parents have accepted him back into their home. He has said he would like to attend our meetings and study the Bible with us when he has days off from work and be back in Puerto Montt.
-- Victor. This man is my hairdresser and my son's (Ezequiel), and occasionally we have talked a little about spiritual matters. His family is from a Catholic background, but he is not active in that group. Recently he is going through problems in his marriage, and in talking and trying to give him some words of encouragement, we passed him some tracts, and gave him a Bible, which he said he would start reading. I suggested he read the books of Mark and Genesis first. The plan for now is to keep talking more with Victor every time I have to go to his barber shop.
-- Trinidad and Yonatan. A couple whom we contacted in our evangelism work outside a Health Center in August, they still maintain some interest in keeping in touch. Yonatan had told me about a personal experience (his “testimony”) where he believed he was the object of a supernatural intervention from God, and asked me about 1
whether dreams are a special way in which God intervenes in our lives. I sent him an article entitled “God is Speaking to Us Directly in Dreams Today,” which he said he would read and then comment on.
-- Ely. (a friend of Damaris) that she met earlier this year when they worked together in a coffee shop. Ely is in a Pentecostal denomination, and sometimes when she comes to our home, as happened on October 31, the opportunity sometimes arises to talk about God's word. She had some questions related to the role of women in the church (1 Tim. 2:11-15), and she also wanted an explanation about the phrase “but she will be saved by begetting children...” in 1 Timothy 2:15. So Damaris and I worked together trying to answer these questions with the Bible.
-- From other contacts that I mentioned in previous reports, like Olivia and Alejandro (Marriage with evangelical background), Mrs. Maillette (Venezuelan immigrant with evangelical background), David (retired man, denominational background) and Sergio (retired, owner of a food cart, evangelical background), we have had no further contact nor have they visited our meetings for now, but it is possible that perhaps at some point we will resume contact.
NEWS AMONG THE LOCAL CHURCH IN PUERTO MONTT (Los Pimientos #4803)
Since Josue and Vanessa, unfortunately stopped attending several months ago, currently in the local church of Christ in Calle Los Pimientos #4803 there are only 4 Christians; Mary and I, and our two children, Damaris and Ezequiel.
Our evangelism work in the congregation. We continue to distribute tracts outside of a Health Center, at least once a week (weather permitting) and looking for souls who have an interest in the word of God, or want to accept an invitation for a personal Bible study. (Some of the people contacted are mentioned under the Evangelism heading).
We had a Gospel Meeting on September 6-8 with Marcos Munoz (evangelist of the church in Niebla) who visited us with his wife, Pilar. Marcos taught the lessons “The Great Salvation” (Heb. 2:1-4), “Fight the Good Fight of Faith” (1 Tim. 6:11-12), and the “Character of Joseph”. We did not have visitors, but a couple of unconverted people went online.
NEWS AND FAMILY ISSUES
In my family in general things are going well. Mary (my wife) has not suffered much with her fibromyalgia, because her medications are working, and perhaps because she has been with less worries. On 4/11, Mary and I were able to visit the church in Niebla to attend at least one day of the Gospel Meeting they were having with Ed Rangel. Damaris is working as an elementary school teacher in a place where they have bilingual classes (English and Spanish). She continues to be a good Bible student also in our classes at the congregation, and does her best to preach the gospel to her friends. Ezequiel continues to progress well in his recovery from drug addictions. He has now found a job as a waiter in a Restaurant, and will continue his sessions with the psychologist and psychiatrist, although less frequently.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Currently my monthly support is at $4650/month. In October the church in Franklin gave me an extra support for $1000. The Eastside church in Shlebyville, which supports me with $300/month, notified me that they need to decrease their support by half as of January 2025. So as of January 1 I need to find replacement for $150 monthly. And also if possible an increase of $300 monthly, and thus be in our ideal budget. So, if any church can offer me this $450 monthly, or a part of it, please let me know and contact me at: cbello2@gmail.com
Brothers, we pray that the Lord continues to bless you in every way. Likewise, please continue to pray for my family and that we can find more opportunities for teaching the lost the word of God. Your brother and fellow-worker, in Christ,
Carlos Bello
cbello2@gmail.com
Los Pimientos #4803, Santuario de la Laguna
Puerto Montt, Los Lagos
CHILE
South America
Cell / WhatsApp +56 9 8250 4874 www.carlosrbello.com
2