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Dear Praying Friends & Family,

The total lockdown quarantine has ended in Colombia! After six months of isolation, we’re gradually easing back into a sense of normalcy (whatever that is). We continue to move forward in the ministry in which God has placed us. There are spectacular things taking place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and we get to have a part! Read on for more. 

We Meet Again!

September the 13th is a day I’ll not soon forget. It was the first day we met as a local church body since mid-March. Our gatherings haven’t been the same as before. There are now multiple services, attendance limits, strict safety protocols, per-registrations, masks, social distancing, and the like, but it feels like home. How is it that we don’t fully appreciate something until it is taken away? Though we’re not in the same circumstances, I am beginning to understand the Apostle Paul’s lavish expression of love toward the churches as he wrote letters to them, many times from prison. 

“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.” 

(1 Thessalonians 2:17) 

May we never undervalue the great liberty and joy it is to assemble with other believers! 

Exciting Church Plant News

In mid-August, we got the keys to the building for the new work on our city’s southern side. We are working hard to prepare this building for public services, though there is still much to do. We thank the Lord for how he has already provided the funds and skilled workers amongst our people to repair the electric wiring, structural issues, and other needed renovations. God has also put together a fantastic core group of about eight families, and we have been meeting weekly to work out who we are and plans to launch the Agape Baptist Church very soon. I’m thrilled to see how everything is coming together! We still need some finances to get off the ground. If you’d like to help, any special offerings can be sent through our mission board and marked “A. Vance – Building Fund.” Following is a breakdown of things we still need:

• 120 Plastic Chairs ($1,000)
• Pulpit ($300)
• Church Sign ($300)
• Fans ($200)
• Piano ($500)
• Guitar ($200)
• Water Dispenser ($200)
• Basic Sound Equipment ($2,000)
• Tracts and Literature ($500)
• Basic Office Furniture ($500)
• Security System ($1,000) 
• Additional Building Repairs ($1,000)

Family Funnies

Kids learn new technology so fast! Alethea, our 2-year-old, recently found Aubrie’s cell phone and decided to go on a photo spree while we were talking one day. We looked up and heard her say, “What a handsome man!” She was admiring her photographic skills (and her “good-looking” dad!). 

Keep Holding The Ropes!

Once again, thank you! Thank you to those who support us monthly so we can live and minister in Colombia. Thank you to those who sent in special offerings during the last few months to help us get by and move forward in the Gospel Ministry. Thank you to the countless many who pray without ceasing for us. Thank you for remembering us. How can we pray for you?

By His Grace and For His Glory,
Aaron & Aubrie Vance & Family