Average Salary in Uruguay

According to resources that became available early this month, the average salary in Uruguay is currently in the neighborhood of $500 per month.  The highest wages correspond to the banking sector and the lowest wages belong to the domestic service sector.  Rural and construction workers average a $350 per month salary, and civil servants average wages over $900 per month.

Average salaries in Uruguay compare favorably to the rest of Latin America.

The River is Flooding...

Recent flooding on the Uruguay River that divides Argentina and Uruguay has left many homes underwater.  According the the news reports we've received, the river hasn't flooded like this since the 1950s.  A local English-language newspaper reports on the situation in Paysandu where our fellowship's campground is located:

"The chairman of the Paysandu Emergency Committee, Ricardo Melo, said they are not going to declare the Department in state of disaster yet. With more than 3,500 evacuees, a state of emergency was declared as a way to raise all citizens awareness about the situation.

According to Melo, the situation is stable since the Uruguay river has maintained its level at 9.7 meters and evacuations have slowed down. Evacuees are housed in family homes, camps and in more than 400 shelters."

Rejoicing in Newness of Life

On the second evening of a three-day evangelistic campaign, the Paysandú church celebrated a baptismal service on Saturday, September 26th. Pastor Ruben Rodriguez baptized eight local believers and three believers from nearby Orgoroso. (The Paysandú church has been responsible for a preaching point in the small town of Orgoroso for many years.) Two other churches sent representatives to this special occasion.

What was particularly encouraging about these baptisms was that more than half of those baptized were older teenagers. Some of the young men, in particular, have developed admirable testimonies at home and at school. What a joyful occasion to witness them publicly identify themselves with their Lord and Savior!

After the service, church members and guests lingered and enjoyed food and fellowship until a satisfactorily Uruguayan, and very late, hour.

Long-Overdue Visit to Colonia

We took advantage of our kids' Spring vacation and made a quick trip to visit Colonia. We had been unable to find an opportunity to do so up until now and knew that we owed the folks there a visit. We served among them for over two years and though we are no longer their "primary care" givers, we wanted to be of encouragement. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and everyone was excited to meet Elias.

Missionary George Black Promoted

Ultra-veteran missionary George Black was promoted to Heaven just a few weeks shy of celebrating his 102nd birthday.  He preached his last message from the pulpit just five or six weeks before his promotion.  He preached with his life until the very end. Who will stand in his stead?

If his ministry was used by God in your life, you're invited to share a comment at this site.

When It Rains...

Up until recently, we had been experiencing a significant drought here that resulted in failed crops and cattle loss. Eventually, of course, the rain does comes. But it often seems to come all at once or, as it did yesterday, in the form of thunderstorms. Yesterday morning we had a strong storm come through that flung quite a bit of hail against the wind-side windows. While I was mopping the rain that leaked through the windows, I took a couple of pictures.

Family Photo

We're working on a new prayer card, but in the meantime, here is a recent photo.