Circuit Riding

In January we traveled to visit two congregations on the far side the mountains from Córdoba. We realized we are in a new phase of ministry that reminds us some times of circuit riders back in frontier days who went between meetings on horseback. We drove the car, of course. It is about a 4 Hour drive over the highest part of the mountains to Villa Dolores. We saw a condor on the way.

The group in Villa Dolores is led by Fabián Grau. He and his wife, Gabriella, were converted and baptized in our church in Córdoba when they were university students. Fabián was the first person I baptized when we started the church more than 20 years ago. They moved back to their hometown about 10 years ago. They have prayed for a gospel preaching church in Villa Dolores ever since. They began a small group in their home which over the last couple of years has begun to grow. They have about 25 people now. It was a great privilege to be present to see Fabián baptize their first new believer.

Fabián Grau with Sam at Ríos de los Sauces

On Sunday evening we were in Villa Mercedes in the province of San Luis, about two hours south of Villa Dolores. There’s a great group of people there in need of a pastor. Ariel Ficetti, who also leads the congregation in Saldán, has been working with them. Several people from the church in Córdoba have also visited. They have their own rented space and a good group of maybe 50.

That same weekend, the work in La Rinconada where Fabián and Marcela Abregú serve also celebrated their first baptisms. We wish we could’ve been there as well.

Fabián baptizes Mónica en the Río de los Sauces