Four Itchy Feet

February 23, 2025. El Encuentro Church, Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

Once again, we worship with our Argentinian brothers and sisters in Christ. Once again, we are overwhelmed by the love they show toward each other and toward us.

We arrived at El Encuentro (The Encounter) church at 9:50 AM, ten minutes before the service began. We took seats in the last row, which was now about halfway into the room. Immediately, we were greeted—people literally lined up to hug, kiss, and welcome us. The pastor came over and warmly greeted us as well.

Then the music started, and little by little, the room filled. Rows upon rows of plastic chairs were set up behind us until there was standing room only. We worshipped, joining in the loud singing, clapping, and praising. Almost everyone stood in postures of worship, hands raised toward God like children reaching up for their Father to carry them.

As always, the service lasted well over two hours. There are no microwave meals in Argentina, and the Word of the Lord is a meal they take their time to consume. The pastor delivered a powerful message about the mentions of doors in the Bible—how God uses doors both literally and metaphorically to invite us into a relationship with Him. He spoke about how we, too, should be open doors to others as we spread the Gospel.

I pray that this blog serves as a door: for believers, to understand that we have loving brothers and sisters around the world; and for those who don’t yet believe, to see that the doors of heaven are wide open, that the door to a fulfilling life is wide open if we accept Christ.

We will be departing Argentina this Friday, and our hearts are full. We are so grateful to have experienced the love of God, the love of our Argentinian brothers and sisters, and, most of all, the grace He has bestowed upon us in allowing us this time in this beautiful country.