News from Missionary Jason Holt in Chile

If you want to read more information about the big earthquake in Chile, visit wikipedia’s article.

Thanks for praying for our family and ministry in Chile!!

Just a first few days after the earthquake, we took a group of eight men from our church into the hardest hit regions of Chile to deliver food and medicine.  We made contact with two pastors who helped distribute the supplies to neediest in the area.

While in the city of Concepción, we also handed out more than 25,000 gospel tracks to the survivors of the tragic quake.   Their hearts were definitely open and tender to the gospel after having been abruptly reminded of the brevity of life.

Please continue to pray that God will use these events to bring more people to a personal relationship with Jesus.

We also want to thank all those who have given to the Chile Earthquake Relief project!!  I’ll post another update soon to show you all that we were able to do with your donations!

Today we got word from some of the hardest hit areas of Chile around the city of Concepcion.  People literally do not have water, bread, food, and in some cases a roof over their heads.  There are people living in one of the local churches because their homes are no longer standing.

To help in the incredible need, we plan to travel from Santiago to Concepción on Thursday morning (in less than 32 hours) with a team of eight men to accomplish two goals:

1. We plan to distribute over 40,000 gospel tracks to those who are suffering and need the hope of Christ.  As God gives us the opportunity we will preach the gospel on the streets and in local parks.

2. We’re also taking food and medical supplies to help many who are suffering through this tragedy.

To accomplish these two goals, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Today you can donate funds to purchase food and medical supplies to help with this urgent need online through Paypal.

Or you can send a check to:

Please help us get the word out about this great opportunity.  We have a very short time frame to organize this project.  If you plan to donate, tell us immediately so we can buy supplies tomorrow!

Thank you for partnering with us to serve the people of Chile.

Last night a massive 8.8 earthquake hit Chile.  Although we are several hours from the epicenter, we still felt 8.0 level shaking for nearly 2 minutes.  Three large buildings and several bridges near are church have collapsed.  Many are injured and more than 120 have died so far.

Thankfully no one in our family was hurt!  As far as we know, no one in our church was injured either.

Be praying that God will use this tragedy to bring many people to Him.  As we drove to the church just a couple of hours ago, we passed dozens of people who were standing in the streets in a state of confusion and shock.  Others have pitched tents in the parks because of structural damage to their homes.  This afternoon we’re having a special prayer service at the church, and tomorrow we’re having 2 morning services and one afternoon service.  Pray will us that many people will come to know the Lord through this difficult time.

We are still without electricity and internet in our home.  Phone connections and cellphone coverage has been spotty throughout the morning.  We’ll give you more updates during the next few days.

Yesterday we 9 people baptized in Chile! It’s wonderful to see new converts take this important step!  Here are a few pictures of the event…

I love kids, and I love the opportunity to share God’s love message with them!! This week we had 165 children attend our Vacation Bible School.  Of that group, 61 made a profession of faith!!!

It was also a privilege to work with a team of over 40 teens and adults to make the VBS possible!  Now we start of the follow-up process with all the families of these kids.  Pray God will allow us to bring many of them to Jesus!!

God has completely supplied the financial need to complete the Sunday School classrooms project!!  It’s amazing to see God work through His people to supply the needs!  I want to give a special thanks to Decatur Baptist Church and to David and Nita Dingess who gave generously this month to help us reach our fund raising goal.

This week during Vacation Bible School we have seen more than 50 children accept Christ!! These new Sunday School classrooms will definitely be used to help these children grow in their new relationship with Christ!  Thank you for praying and giving!!!

This is a picture of our first date 9 years ago today!! It was the annual Valentines Day banquet at Crown College.  I knew when Lori accepted my timid invitation, I was was in over my head… I felt like the street kid with the radiant princess! I definitely married way out of my league!!!

God has given me an incredible wife, and I love her more today than I ever thought possible 9 years ago!

A good friend of mine, Aaron Butner, is leading his youth group to raise money during February for the Chile Baptist College!!  He challenging the teens to give one dollar a day for a month to support church planting and pastor training in Chile.

Imagine, for the price of one Coke, these kids will invest in men who will be used to preach the gospel to literally thousands!!  Thanks to everyone at Lakeview Baptist for investing in the preachers and churches of Chile!!!

What could you do to encourage your teens to be involved in world evangelism??

About 18 months ago I lost my wedding ring!  I know… I’m a looser husband!!  Finally after all this time, we got another ring to replace the lost one.  So, now I really feel married

I love you Lori and thank God for you!!! Tomorrow is a special anniversary for us… I’ll post a picture and tell you guys all about it tomorrow…