When I first applied to the World Race, I did not think I would be spending any time in the desert. While I knew Chile would be the first country I was serving in, I always envisioned myself serving in some lush green area with mountains in the background. Now I just received the details of my first ministry site: Calama, Chile.
Calama is a mining city in northern Chile located both in the Atacama Desert and on the Loa River. It is about 954 miles from the capital, Santiago. The bus ride from Santiago to Calama is about 22 hours. Looks like my team and I will definitely have some bonding time! We are the team that is farthest north in Chile, which also means we will be the warmest! Currently the average temp is around 65-75 degrees. Once we arrive, we will be staying at the local church: Iglesia Betel. The Church’s ministry is what we will be supporting. Much of their focus is on being a missionary church. In the words of their pastor, Marcos Ardiles, they want to be a missionary church day to day that focuses on missions and evangelism through building relationships, living and showing the gospel, working with people in the streets, and overall being Holy Spirit led. They also hope to open up a center to help children on Saturdays. My team will help with many of these activities including preaching, evangelizing, sports, and english classes open to the community.
Overall, the area is quite safe. Much of Chile is already Christian and it is cool to be partnering with a church that shares a mission oriented vision. The people are pretty friendly to most “gringos.” Both the food and the water is sanitary and safe to eat/drink. Sometimes we will have to cook for ourselves, which will be quite the adventure! For transportation we will be using the local transportation or the pastor will get us where we need to be. One of the things I’m most excited about is experiencing the many different cultures. Other cultures fascinate me and I want to experience the many diverse people God has created. I’m looking forward to doing life with brothers and sisters of a different culture, helping them to spread the good word and love of Jesus Christ. Plus, as an added bonus, we will have access to showers and laundry!
Originally, I wasn’t necessarily excited to be going to the desert. But God got ahold of my heart pretty quickly and redirected it towards Him. I remembered that this trip is not about my adventure, its entirely about Him and His love. Now, I’m ecstatic about going and I can’t wait to get there! Honestly it sounds like an awesome place with plenty of opportunity.
Keep this ministry and my team in your prayers!
10 fun facts about Chile
1. Their currency is the Chilean peso (CLP)
2. Exchange rate: $1 = 650.40 CLP
3. Chile is home to Easter Island and its famous statues
4. Chile is 2,653 miles long and only 110 miles wide
5. Total Population: 18,145,000
6. It is home to the world’s largest swimming pool
7. The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth
8. The oldest mummy in the world was found in Chile
9. There are 90 active volcanoes
10. Tennis is Chile’s most successful sport
