In June 2024, Brother Ben and his eldest daughter, Rachel, embarked on a two-week journey to Chile to celebrate the Lord’s work in the country. Brother Ben’s parents originally traveled to Chile as missionaries in 1970 and dedicated nearly two decades to their mission, residing in Arica and Santiago. During their time there, they established two churches, which have since fostered the creation of numerous other congregations across the nation. The first church they founded in Arica, Hebron Baptist Church, marked its 50th anniversary with special celebration services. Due to health reasons, Brother Ben’s parents were unable to make the long journey, so Brother Ben and Rachel attended as their representatives at the festivities.
After enjoying fellowship in Arica, Brother Ben and Rachel traveled south to Santiago, the capital of Chile, with a population of around eight million. There, they visited Las Acacias Baptist Church, the second church founded by Harold and Peggy. The church recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and it was truly heartwarming to witness the remarkable transformation. What began as a humble Bible study in a poverty-stricken squatters’ community has grown into a vibrant, mission-oriented church in a flourishing neighborhood.
There are so many more churches and missions that we didn’t have time to visit, but it was such a blessing to see how mightily the Lord is still working in the country of Chile.