photos, page 20-21: Christ Church Montevideo is being transformed by God’ s work. Lisa and Diana celebrate Emotionally Healthy Discipleship in Uruguay.
Confraternidad Unicentro, sent me as an OMS missionary to Uruguay.
“ Many challenges marked my experiences in Uruguay as I found myself in a culturally different environment, despite being Latin American and Spanishspeaking. We arrived as a team to serve both the community and Christ Church Montevideo, which had its own history and culture.
“ After five years, I returned to Colombia with a diagnosis of burnout. I rebuilt my life in every way: professionally, personally, emotionally, and spiritually. I experienced life’ s ups and downs but always felt nostalgic for Uruguay. The idea of returning never left my mind.
“ After a 15-year absence, with some encouragement from OMS missionary Gail Leroy, I returned to Uruguay for closure. As I stepped off the plane, I experienced a strange yet familiar feeling; I felt at home!
“ One of the most exciting moments was my first Sunday back at Christ Church. Despite transitions— people who had been part of the church and are
no longer here— the church was alive! The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable, even though the building hadn’ t changed.
“ A few weeks passed; each day, I asked the Lord for guidance because, instead of wanting to say goodbye to Uruguay, I now longed to stay. John and Lisa’ s emphasis on and integration of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship training helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself.
“ I’ ve observed the changes in John and Lisa as individuals, as a couple, and in their leadership at Christ Church. These are clear examples of what God can do in a person’ s life and those around them when they choose to learn and grow through emotional health.
“ These past two and a half years have shown evidence of God’ s hand at work. Christ Church has become a transformed community, and that healing has extended to me as well.”
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