Charlie Smith – November 2012

We praise God that He allowed us to be born in one of two countries based on the Word of God. What a blessing we have in this month of November to celebrate what few countries believe important, a day put aside to express our thanks to God our creator and Saviour!
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14.

We have been in the United States now for almost two months and I still have to remind myself that you can turn right at a red light. It is quite amazing seeing all the items that most of you consider normal, like all the advertising for Black Friday and employees having to give up their Thanksgiving holiday to work. We took a short vacation to the Northeast seeing all the beautiful colors of God’s creation and had some great fellowship with relatives of missionaries we love in Argentina. Please pray that the Lord would give us wisdom in how to spend our time while here and that we would be more than a blessing in truly glorifying God in all the time spent away from those whom God has knitted our hearts to care for spiritually, as their undershepherd.

The work in Buenos Aires is being cared for by another missionary and the reports are good. The mental hospital ministry is growing and the administrator has asked it to be expanded to include another facility. The nurses and doctors are surprised in the changes they see in those who actually have accepted Christ. It is amazing what happens to drug addicts when Christ becomes their personal Saviour!
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

We are now settled in our home church and are enjoying the fellowship with new brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as getting to know our old friends anew. We plan to be here through the holidays. As of yet, we still need to go visit some of our family members and we continue to petition God for their salvation. JoAnn had the blessing of using her air miles to fly down and spend few days with her parents in Mission, Texas. Both of them are so frail which brings up a prayer request as to how we can honor them in their last days, as both have failing health. My sister-in-law is still battling cancer and has come to the conclusion that she will not win. We hope to go visit my brother and her soon and are praying for open doors to minister.
Our plans for the future, as stated, in past prayer letters is to spend a good time here in Casper with the Lord in prayer, getting to know the people of our home church, reporting to each of our supporting churches, and hopefully finding others to lift us in prayer to God. I would prefer not to make any calls for meetings until the beginning of next year so that my pastor and I can spend some special time together. We have been away from this church for some time and thank you for your understanding.

Pastors, we care much for each of you and are praying God’s richest blessing on the ministry that our Maker has given you. I expect that come the first of the year I shall be contacting you concerning meetings but still wish to wait upon the discretion of my Pastor. It is good to be back in the States. JoAnn and I wish to thank you for your many prayers and the love you have shown to us and wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

Charlie & JoAnn Smith

In the heart of Buenos Aires with Buenos Aires in our hearts