Raising up a new generation of disciples in Latin America
Welcome!
Gilbert, Virginia & Sofia Contreras
We are Assemblies of God missionaries to Argentina.
Thanks for visiting and learning more about our passion for raising up a new generation of disciples in Latin America.
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Links
You may find these links helpful:
• AG World Missions
• So. California District Council
The Latest News
Fall Newsletter
10/22/11 23:22
We wanted to let you know that we just released our Fall 2011 Newsletter.
Some amazing things are happening among students and professionals here in Argentina and our ministry is privileged to be a part of that work. You will find below a link to our most recent newsletter in PDF format. Please download a copy for yourself and print it to share with others.
It is our hope that you will be encouraged by what is happening in university student ministry and our lives.
Thank you once again for your partnership.
Some amazing things are happening among students and professionals here in Argentina and our ministry is privileged to be a part of that work. You will find below a link to our most recent newsletter in PDF format. Please download a copy for yourself and print it to share with others.
It is our hope that you will be encouraged by what is happening in university student ministry and our lives.
Thank you once again for your partnership.
Summer Newsletter
07/02/11 23:48
We wanted to let you know that we just released our Summer 2011 Newsletter.
Click here to read it online or download it and post it in your church.
Click here to read it online or download it and post it in your church.
Scheduling Missions services for 2012
06/15/11 13:22
We will be updating our calendar on a weekly basis in order to provide for you the most current information, make scheduling a service much easier.
After looking at the open dates on our calendar and you want to schedule a service, complete the service request form and we will reserve a date for you.
We are open to coming mid-week, for a youth service, women's rally, BGMC event... we are open to serve in the local church in any way possible so please don't hesitate to contact us.
After looking at the open dates on our calendar and you want to schedule a service, complete the service request form and we will reserve a date for you.
We are open to coming mid-week, for a youth service, women's rally, BGMC event... we are open to serve in the local church in any way possible so please don't hesitate to contact us.
Resources
05/03/11 15:59
Resources
by Virginia Contreras
Having worked in campus ministry since I was myself a university student, I have tried everything in order to evangelize the “La Plata” and “Lomas de Zamora” campuses: mimes, open air skits, concerts, etc. Lots of efforts, not much fruit. In 1990’s I decided another approach: I started to write and print tracks with themes such as: abortion, euthanasia, creation versus evolution, alcoholism, life after death, etc. (many of them were later on reprinted and used by various UAD churches in their own outreaches).
I started to invite Christian professionals to give seminars organized by our group, with themes according to the different tracks. To make it short: I have witnessed the importance of apologetics prior to evangelize this special people group (university students) that God has called us to reach.
Apologetics is a resource and it is a type of pre-evangelism because it prepares the soil for the presentation of the Gospel. On the other hand, to become a Christian does not mean to suppress the life of the mind, but to renew it by the Word of God.
Hence, I developed new resources that we have been using in the last five years. What is new is that lately I have put them in the form of short seminars.
Some of them are:
I have started to present different topics to some CU groups. The CU leaders who attend the seminar get the power point file and the material in order for him/her along with their group to use it as an evangelistic tool in their campus or organized meetings in their local churches inviting unbelieving friends. We have done the “Vocation” seminar in Mendoza and in Buenos Aires with great feedback.
Pray with us that God in his mercy uses our CU national leaders and these seminars to demolish the preconceived notions that some Argentines have of what the “evangelicals” are and that the Holy Spirit makes his way into this generation.
Pray for me to have wisdom, insight and strength to keep on writing and developing resources to reach university students.
by Virginia Contreras
Having worked in campus ministry since I was myself a university student, I have tried everything in order to evangelize the “La Plata” and “Lomas de Zamora” campuses: mimes, open air skits, concerts, etc. Lots of efforts, not much fruit. In 1990’s I decided another approach: I started to write and print tracks with themes such as: abortion, euthanasia, creation versus evolution, alcoholism, life after death, etc. (many of them were later on reprinted and used by various UAD churches in their own outreaches).
I started to invite Christian professionals to give seminars organized by our group, with themes according to the different tracks. To make it short: I have witnessed the importance of apologetics prior to evangelize this special people group (university students) that God has called us to reach.
Apologetics is a resource and it is a type of pre-evangelism because it prepares the soil for the presentation of the Gospel. On the other hand, to become a Christian does not mean to suppress the life of the mind, but to renew it by the Word of God.
Hence, I developed new resources that we have been using in the last five years. What is new is that lately I have put them in the form of short seminars.
Some of them are:
- Vocation (Taller de orientacion vocacional)
- Stewardship of creation (Ecologia y el cuidado del planeta)
- Theology of work (Trabajo: maldicion, bendicion o necesidad?)
- Conflict Management (Taller de resolucion de conflicto)
- Victim mentality (El problema de la mentalidad de victima) and others.
I have started to present different topics to some CU groups. The CU leaders who attend the seminar get the power point file and the material in order for him/her along with their group to use it as an evangelistic tool in their campus or organized meetings in their local churches inviting unbelieving friends. We have done the “Vocation” seminar in Mendoza and in Buenos Aires with great feedback.
Pray with us that God in his mercy uses our CU national leaders and these seminars to demolish the preconceived notions that some Argentines have of what the “evangelicals” are and that the Holy Spirit makes his way into this generation.
Pray for me to have wisdom, insight and strength to keep on writing and developing resources to reach university students.
May Update
05/02/11 19:53
Let me share with you a comment from a university student who attended one of our training seminars:
We share this with you because over the past few months we have been hearing similar reports after every event we have had with university students, future missionaries and Bible school students. We say this not to speak well about ourselves but to let you know that YOU are having an impact on Argentina through your support of this ministry! We can't do what we do without your partnership and we are so thankful for it.
We share this with you because over the past few months we have been hearing similar reports after every event we have had with university students, future missionaries and Bible school students. We say this not to speak well about ourselves but to let you know that YOU are having an impact on Argentina through your support of this ministry! We can't do what we do without your partnership and we are so thankful for it.
Regional Pastor's conventions:
We are working closely with the national leadership to train and equip students within the local church to do the work of the ministry. Not new, just time consuming. These past 6 months have been planning for and executing training seminars in the four regions of the country.
We have participated in two Regional Pastor’s meetings and have been given the privilege of presenting the ministry of CU to the pastors and leaders. Many have approached us for resources and/or request for training.
In order to better serve the church here in Argentina and to gain a better understanding of our fellowship and the number of university students involved in our churches we have begun surveying leadership. Argentina currently has 30 public & 38 private universities with a total of 2,130,367 university students across the country.
We are also gathering information from the governments Ministry of Education as to where the greatest concentrations of students are in the country. Both of these efforts will not only help us in our communication with pastors but direct us as to where we should be focusing our training of churches and students in the coming years.
Both of our colleagues (Dallas and Ben) have invested much time in the provinces this year as the practical application of our training was directed by them. They have been a great blessing and help in extending the work of Contacto Universitario and in training students. Thanks Dallas & Ben.
Contacto Universitario's office:
As of April 2011, our ministry office has relocated to the headquarters of the Union de las Asambleas de Dios, in the center of Buenos Aires. We realized that we needed to be closer to the pastors and leaders and this is one way in which we communicate to them that we are their National Department reaching out to university students.
Upcoming events
One of our projects for the remainder of the year is the development of resources. (see side article) Pray with us for wisdom and guidance as we try to articulate steps for the development of student ministry.
Contacto Universitario training
In the coming month we have more regional training events, please join us in praying for the students who attend and the pastors who will be sending them:
University students and professionals
“… It was really a blessing for the group, we were equipped, and it was a blessing to me personally and ministerially, because I could see concrete things that God has placed in my life to lead and share His Word and it has also been an injection in my studies, it was visible in the weeks following the seminar. It was a very important seminar, I learned many things…I understood that God wants to do much more in me than just going to school and presenting the Gospel, God wants to reveal Himself. He wants to speak to our hearts about what is happening at that place we study. So I am so grateful to God for being a part of Contact Universitario, a ministry that has helped me to discover much more than just a place for support for my career, but has led me to want to serve God with all my heart and at all times. Thank you!”
We share this with you because over the past few months we have been hearing similar reports after every event we have had with university students, future missionaries and Bible school students. We say this not to speak well about ourselves but to let you know that YOU are having an impact on Argentina through your support of this ministry! We can't do what we do without your partnership and we are so thankful for it.
We share this with you because over the past few months we have been hearing similar reports after every event we have had with university students, future missionaries and Bible school students. We say this not to speak well about ourselves but to let you know that YOU are having an impact on Argentina through your support of this ministry! We can't do what we do without your partnership and we are so thankful for it.
Regional Pastor's conventions:
We are working closely with the national leadership to train and equip students within the local church to do the work of the ministry. Not new, just time consuming. These past 6 months have been planning for and executing training seminars in the four regions of the country. We have participated in two Regional Pastor’s meetings and have been given the privilege of presenting the ministry of CU to the pastors and leaders. Many have approached us for resources and/or request for training.
In order to better serve the church here in Argentina and to gain a better understanding of our fellowship and the number of university students involved in our churches we have begun surveying leadership. Argentina currently has 30 public & 38 private universities with a total of 2,130,367 university students across the country.
We are also gathering information from the governments Ministry of Education as to where the greatest concentrations of students are in the country. Both of these efforts will not only help us in our communication with pastors but direct us as to where we should be focusing our training of churches and students in the coming years.
Both of our colleagues (Dallas and Ben) have invested much time in the provinces this year as the practical application of our training was directed by them. They have been a great blessing and help in extending the work of Contacto Universitario and in training students. Thanks Dallas & Ben.
Contacto Universitario's office:
As of April 2011, our ministry office has relocated to the headquarters of the Union de las Asambleas de Dios, in the center of Buenos Aires. We realized that we needed to be closer to the pastors and leaders and this is one way in which we communicate to them that we are their National Department reaching out to university students.
Upcoming events
One of our projects for the remainder of the year is the development of resources. (see side article) Pray with us for wisdom and guidance as we try to articulate steps for the development of student ministry.
Contacto Universitario training
In the coming month we have more regional training events, please join us in praying for the students who attend and the pastors who will be sending them:
- June 3 - Parana, Entre Rios (8 hr training seminar)
- June 11 - Intensive seminar on Emotional Intelligence
- June 17-19 - Jujuy (weekend training seminar)
- June 24-25 Bahia Blanca (mtg with pastors and 8 hr training seminar)
University students and professionals
In July we are beginning a new chapter in our work with university students, targeting the recent graduates and those who have gone through the university system. We will be offering to the local church, as a branch of CU, training for professionals.
As we work with pastors at developing ministry to university students many have asked us if we can help them with their professionals. They are interested in not only how to reach professionals with the Gospel but how to minister to their needs. We will be offering 4 initial seminars to a select group from each church who will in turn be able to offer the same seminar to their peers in their congregations.
The goal is to provide a philosophical base for ministry to professionals with resouces that are both relevant and biblical for the evangelization and disicpleship amonst their equals. Here are the dates, please join us in prayer.
- July 1
- August 5
- September 24
- October 22
April Update
04/10/11 16:07
Spring 2011Newsletter has arrived!We wanted to let you know that we just released our Spring 2011 newsletter. You can click on the image and download your copy today. . . . .>
March Update
03/02/11 14:40
"Seek not to grow in knowledge chiefly for the sake of applause, and to enable you to dispute with others; but seek it for the benefit of your souls." ~ Jonathan Edwards
What a joy to help others grow in their understanding and application of the Gospel - this past month has been filled with opportunities to challenge, counsel, encourage, train and minister to such a wide range of people. We count it a real privilege to be your hands extended to Latin America and beyond.
Answered prayer:
World Assemblies of God Fellowship 2011
Thank you for praying for Gilbert as he traveled to and from India. When he landed in NY one of guards at the immigration stop commented that they were the only plane landing that morning- in the midst of the storm that hit the US, it was God's providence that allowed him to land and make the journey to India.
Highlights:
1. The student ministry breakout session at the WAGF was a two day workshop for two hours each day. We expected 100 per day but to our surprise we had around 500 the first day (since the Indian church pastors who were attending were assigned to our session) and around 200 the second day. It was our hope to connect with world leaders from different countries, but most of them were in meetings during our session so we had a high Indian representation.
In our session our team, pictured to the right (Anita, Jim, Scott, Joyce, John and I) casted a vision for developing university student ministry through their church and implementing the 5 pillars (prayer, evangelism, worship, discipleship and community) to their youth as well.
An interesting note, one of the speakers Ivan Satyavrata mentioned in the Forward session that in a couple of decades, 25% of the international workforce around the world would be Indian, so reaching the Indian student population for Christ will change the world.
2. MEC (Misiones en Conjunto): Gilbert presented two workshops at this missionary gathering: "Conflict Managment and Developing Teams" to help equip the Latin American missionaries working in this part of the world, many of which were Argentine.
One missionary working in the north of India came up to Gilbert after the session asking him to come and teach these two subjects to his group of leaders and pastors, but for a week seminar. His comment, "there is a great need for training in these two areas and we would love to have you come back and teach it to us in October, but with time for reflection and activities to help us learn to apply it."
Open doors. Pray with us about the possibility of returning to India.
3. India Student for Christ Leadership Summit: Following the WAGF congress there was a gathering of the Student for Christ leaders for a 3 day training summit. The commission on student ministries team was teaching these dear brothers and sisters and encouraging them in their work with university students. Gilbert had two workshops at this event as well.
One participant wrote a few days ago a message of thanks for the team:
"I am Jobin Augustine from India. It was a blessing for me to be a part of SFC Summit at Chennai. As I came back Lord helped me to take a step what He has spoken to me through your ministry at Chennai. Thanking you so much for the entire efforts to minister to us and encouraging us to be a torch the light to young lives through Campus ministry.
This is a very very small town, namely MANDLA, where have couple of colleges for higher education. Today Lord helped us to mobilize a Prayer-Walk in main college campus with a professor of the College. It was a Great Blessing to seek the Lord in prayer at the campus.
Thanking You once again for your precious moments with us."
Contacto Universitario training
We want to see a Spiritual Awakening on the University this year and we began with training students in the city of Mendoza.
Friday night was a special session on "Finding your true Vocation" which Virginia taught and all day Saturday we had our CU student training. One of the practical applications of this event was that they begin a habit of prayer walking and evangelism on the campus. In fact, Dallas (our colleague) and Ben (a missionary associate) are walking and evangelizing the campus in Mendoza with these students this week! Pray with us for a great move of God in this city this coming year.
In the coming month we have a few other regional training events, March 12, 19 & 26. Pray with us that new churches would send their representatives to be trained and new groups would begin reaching out to their nearest campuses.
Pre-Field Orientation Argentina Missions Department
Here they are, the 12 Argentine candidates after five intense days of teaching in a Retreat Center in Pilar, ready to go to the mission field.
We taught on themes like: Christian Character; Servant Leadership; Conflict Management; Team Work; Stewardship of Time; Skills for an Excellent Presenter; Reaching and ministering to a Postmodern World; and Ministering Cross Culturally.
Here are a few comments from the candidates:
- "God has spoken so much to my life in these days. I am so thankful for being here. All the classes were very helpful for me." Veronica De la Torre
- "The material covered was very good. I think these classes are going to make a tremendous difference in the way I am going to approach the missionary work." Paola Perez
- "The class on 'Christian Character' was very meaningful to me; I have lots of things to meditate on during my devotionals. I am my own missionary field." Mauro Martinez
- "Thanks so much for sharing not just material but your lives during breaks and meals. Thanks for giving us so many biblical insights and tools to minister more effectively." Alejandra Fioravanti
Answered Prayer
10/21/10 16:20
We wanted to let you know that Sofia has recovered well from the pneumonia that she had. In these past few weeks she did have one week of high fever, the flu, and the doctor's recently diagnosed her with sinusitus, but she has recovered well and is done with all the medication. Thank you for praying for our family. It's amazing and interesting but everytime Gilbert travels it seems like Sofia gets sick! She got sick when he traveled to Cuba, in this recent trip to teach in Cordoba and he has a few more trips. Pray with us for continued health for the whole family.
Leadership
10/16/10 14:15
"Recently another well-known Christian leader in the USA has come under fire for sexual immorality....He denied the allegations and vowed to fight the charges. Why leaders fall so often? According to James Emery White it is because "Ministry is spiritually hazardous to your soul." Why? First, it is because leaders are constantly doing “spiritual” things, and it is easy to confuse those things with actually being spiritual. For example, you are constantly studying the Bible in order to prepare a talk. It’s easy to confuse this with reading and studying the Bible devotionally to apply to your own soul. You’re not. You are praying – in services, during meetings, at pot lucks – and it is easy to think you are leading a life of personal, private prayer pouring out your praise, your confession, your thanksgiving, your needs, to God. You’re not.... What’s at play here? It’s actually quite simple. When you are in ministry, it is easy to confuse doing things for God with spending time with God; to confuse activity with intimacy; to mistake the trappings of spirituality for being spiritual...But there’s a second reason why ministry is hazardous to a leader’s soul, and it’s even more subtle than the first. It is because as a minister you are constantly being put on a spiritual pedestal and treated as if you are the fourth member of the trinity...." James Emery White
Leadership and all its implications, that is exactly what Gilbert was teaching on this past week at the AG Instituto Bible School in Cordoba, "Instituto Biblico Mediterraneo."
Gilbert had the first year Bible School students and had a week to teach on the importance of building Christian character, developing spiritual leadership by developing a spiritual life, and the model of Jesus as leader and servant.
Here are some testimonies:
"I was impacted in every sense of the word by this course, I was especially challenged to know the Scriptures and memorize them as I heard and reflected on the persecution of Christians in other countries." Saul Baldeón
"I have been completely challenged. I would have never thought that the way I view the world would impact my behavior and because of that I need to renew my mind. I have purposed to scrutinize the Scriptures with greater seriousness. Thank you professor for demonstrating to us an example of a spiritual leader." Yesica Luna
"I was confronted with the reality that I am undisciplined. My concept of leader before this class was of someone who only had a title and was like a dictator. Studying the leadership style of Jesus really impacted me." Samuel Luna
These students will become the pastors, christian educators and missionaries of Argentina in the future. It was a real privilege to be a part of their formation this past week. As part of their assignment they had to design a 12 month growth plan in five areas, how they would grow: spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and mentally. It was a challenge for them but they did it and if they put it into practice, with God's grace, we will see a new kind of leadership in the country, going beyond superficiality and simple titles to leadership from the inside out. We need a new generation of leaders who are full of spiritual fruit that resembles our Lord or as Richard Foster states it, deep people:
"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people"
We appreciate your partnership in raising up a new gereration of disciples in Latin America, these Bible school students are part of it.
Leadership and all its implications, that is exactly what Gilbert was teaching on this past week at the AG Instituto Bible School in Cordoba, "Instituto Biblico Mediterraneo."
Gilbert had the first year Bible School students and had a week to teach on the importance of building Christian character, developing spiritual leadership by developing a spiritual life, and the model of Jesus as leader and servant.
Here are some testimonies:
"I was impacted in every sense of the word by this course, I was especially challenged to know the Scriptures and memorize them as I heard and reflected on the persecution of Christians in other countries." Saul Baldeón
"I have been completely challenged. I would have never thought that the way I view the world would impact my behavior and because of that I need to renew my mind. I have purposed to scrutinize the Scriptures with greater seriousness. Thank you professor for demonstrating to us an example of a spiritual leader." Yesica Luna
"I was confronted with the reality that I am undisciplined. My concept of leader before this class was of someone who only had a title and was like a dictator. Studying the leadership style of Jesus really impacted me." Samuel Luna
These students will become the pastors, christian educators and missionaries of Argentina in the future. It was a real privilege to be a part of their formation this past week. As part of their assignment they had to design a 12 month growth plan in five areas, how they would grow: spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and mentally. It was a challenge for them but they did it and if they put it into practice, with God's grace, we will see a new kind of leadership in the country, going beyond superficiality and simple titles to leadership from the inside out. We need a new generation of leaders who are full of spiritual fruit that resembles our Lord or as Richard Foster states it, deep people:
"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people"
We appreciate your partnership in raising up a new gereration of disciples in Latin America, these Bible school students are part of it.
Urgent prayer request
09/01/10 16:50
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:
As you will read, Gilbert made it safe and sound back from Cuba but while he was gone Sofia began with a slight cold, then tonsillitis and on Saturday the doctor confirmed that she has pneumonia! She had a fever most of last week and for the past two days has been without a fever, but today she had a fever of 101.
Will you join us in prayer for health:
As you will read, Gilbert made it safe and sound back from Cuba but while he was gone Sofia began with a slight cold, then tonsillitis and on Saturday the doctor confirmed that she has pneumonia! She had a fever most of last week and for the past two days has been without a fever, but today she had a fever of 101.
Will you join us in prayer for health:
- Sofia has pneumonia
- Gilbert still has a nagging cough from last week's cold
Cuba Update
09/01/10 16:50
Thanks for praying for Gilbert he is back from Cuba!
First, thank you for praying for Gilbert as he traveled to and from Cuba, there were no logistical problems and for that we are thankful. Second, thanks for praying for God to speak through him, as you will see in the pictures below it was a fruitful time.
Gilbert with Alejandro Frias (Right, President of the National Youth department) & Eniberto Lopez (Left, Vice President of the National Youth Department & pastor of the church where we were holding our meetings).
Hungry for God: one way I would describe the students in Cuba is, Hungry. Hungry for God. The response of the students at the alter was amazing, longing for God to touch them, direct them and minister to them.
It was hot! In these days we experienced the hottest days of the years, according to the pastor of the church, still students packed the church and sought after God. See below:
The President and the Vice President of the national youth department in different ocassions said, "please let those who made this trip possible know that we are profoundly thankful." The President of ACEP (the national university student group) was expressing to me that in has been three years since they have been able to hold this kind of meeting, and at the verge of tears, she was saying "Thank you" for making it possible.
Thank you to all who gave a bit extra for to help cover the expenses for this trip. Thank you for praying for God to encourage, equip and minister to these students.
First, thank you for praying for Gilbert as he traveled to and from Cuba, there were no logistical problems and for that we are thankful. Second, thanks for praying for God to speak through him, as you will see in the pictures below it was a fruitful time.
Gilbert with Alejandro Frias (Right, President of the National Youth department) & Eniberto Lopez (Left, Vice President of the National Youth Department & pastor of the church where we were holding our meetings).
Hungry for God: one way I would describe the students in Cuba is, Hungry. Hungry for God. The response of the students at the alter was amazing, longing for God to touch them, direct them and minister to them.
It was hot! In these days we experienced the hottest days of the years, according to the pastor of the church, still students packed the church and sought after God. See below:
The President and the Vice President of the national youth department in different ocassions said, "please let those who made this trip possible know that we are profoundly thankful." The President of ACEP (the national university student group) was expressing to me that in has been three years since they have been able to hold this kind of meeting, and at the verge of tears, she was saying "Thank you" for making it possible.
Thank you to all who gave a bit extra for to help cover the expenses for this trip. Thank you for praying for God to encourage, equip and minister to these students.
Summer 2010 Newsletter has arrived!
07/10/10 23:17
"The Bible is God’s Bible; and when I see it, I seem to hear a voice springing up from it, saying, “I am the book of God; man, read me. I am God’s writing; open my leaf, for I was penned by God; read it, for he is my author, and you will see him visible and manifest everywhere. -Charles Spurgeon
Summer 2010 Newsletter has arrived!
We wanted to let you know that we just released our Summer 2010 newsletter. You can click on the image and download your copy today. . . . .>
Summer 2010 Newsletter has arrived!
We wanted to let you know that we just released our Summer 2010 newsletter. You can click on the image and download your copy today. . . . .>
Spring 2010 Newsletter has arrived!
03/15/10 19:25
Spring 2010 Newsletter has arrived!
It has been a while since our last update and we wanted to let you know that we just released our Spring 2010 newsletter.
You can click on the image and download your copy today. . . . . >
Spiritual tools for transformation
03/15/10 15:45
"Church leaders engage in this endeavor: they must a.) see what is inside other potential leaders, b.) use leadership skill to bring it out, and c.) avoid standing in front of it, once that skill becomes obvious to others." Herb Miller
Spiritual tools for transformation
This year's theme for our monthly equipping seminars is "Transformers of Society" and Virginia began our first seminars last Saturday with the topic of "Herramientas Espirituales" ( spiritual tools). She challenged them to be the tool God can use to transform Argentina and taught them on the spiritual gifts even helping them to discover their own spiritual gift.
One student Carlos Gardenal came to Virginia and said: "I love your teaching. It's always biblical and practical. If I would have known this earlier many things would have been different in my life and ministry."
Prayer request
This weekend we teach on "Clearly presenting vision and mission" to a group of missions promoters. Please pray that God's anointing as we teach.
We are so thankful for your help in reaching Argentina for Christ.
Ministry Flashbites
02/06/10 20:44
| We have begun the year with great expectation and a more determined resolve after a refreshing and inspiring time at our Latin American & Caribbean conference in late December. In January we had two major events: Virginia being the key speaker at the Big Sky SALT conference (a conference for Chi Alpha university students), which was a blessing. The second was our participation at the annual School of Missions in Argentina. For both we are grateful to God for the invitations to equip students and missionaries to boldly declare His name all over the world. This past quarter we expressed a concern over our financial situation and how we had experienced a drop in our monthly support. In response to prayer many gave an additional gift and/or above and beyond their normal generosity. Thanks to you who prayed. Thanks to you who gave. Please continue praying for our finances as we work from Argentina to increase our ministry partners in the months ahead. We truly need a financial miracle to keep on travelling and teaching. Finally, we wanted to share with you a word from one of our colleagues and the director of the National Department of Missions, Brad Walz, on our participation at the School of Missions. Be encouraged at the great response to your prayers on our behalf. |
Christmas Greetings
12/20/09 15:12
For unto us a Child is Born...
Isaiah 9:6
These words found in the Old Testament are still words of comfort and hope to us, we have a hope and a future because of what Christ has done on our behalf. What a joy we have this season and every day of the year. As you gather together with your family and/or friends may you also recall these words and may your heart be filled with awe and wonder at the gift God has given to us.
We have seen much accomplished in student ministries in Argentina this past year and we are thankful for your partnership in all we do. May God surprise us with his grace in 2010!
Join us as we sing...
Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Joy to you this Christmas Season!
Late Fall Newsletter
11/26/09 03:04
It is our hope that you are encouraged by what is happening with university ministry to students in Argentina.
The church was earnestly praying...
11/25/09 18:41
We read in Acts 12 that the church was earnestly praying for Peter while he was imprisoned and God did amazing things. In these past couple of months we have asked you to pray for us and we have seen amazing things happen in our lives as well.
Many have given special financial gifts, others have increased their financial giving, and some have been generous and given their whole year’s pledge in one gift! We feel like Peter when the angel came and opened the door leading him out... we are seeing God opening the door of provision in our lives. Though it is the end of the academic and calendar year and some are slowing down we sense God telling us like Peter, “get dressed and put on your shoes!”... There is a great hope in our hearts for what is yet to come and we know we can accomplish it because of the deep assurance we sense from God: “the church is praying.”
It is time to step out in God’s power to equip the church to reach the 1.5 million university students in Argentina. With today’s choices they can pursue the pleasures of materialism, follow the anti-biblical worldview that they are inundated with daily or catch the vision Christ has for them of being Transformers in today’s society as they live out their lives in faithful obedience to His word.
Many have not heard yet the call to follow Christ; we feel energized to continue communicating it and we sense His power in direct response to the prayer of the saints. The church was earnestly praying... and great things were and are being accomplished.
To read more....
Many have given special financial gifts, others have increased their financial giving, and some have been generous and given their whole year’s pledge in one gift! We feel like Peter when the angel came and opened the door leading him out... we are seeing God opening the door of provision in our lives. Though it is the end of the academic and calendar year and some are slowing down we sense God telling us like Peter, “get dressed and put on your shoes!”... There is a great hope in our hearts for what is yet to come and we know we can accomplish it because of the deep assurance we sense from God: “the church is praying.”
It is time to step out in God’s power to equip the church to reach the 1.5 million university students in Argentina. With today’s choices they can pursue the pleasures of materialism, follow the anti-biblical worldview that they are inundated with daily or catch the vision Christ has for them of being Transformers in today’s society as they live out their lives in faithful obedience to His word.
Many have not heard yet the call to follow Christ; we feel energized to continue communicating it and we sense His power in direct response to the prayer of the saints. The church was earnestly praying... and great things were and are being accomplished.
To read more....
Contreras Fall 2009 Newsletter is now available!
09/01/09 16:33
It’s here!
We just couldn't wait to let you know all that has been happening with university ministries here in Argentina, so our Fall 2009 newsletter is now available! Read it online or download a copy for your times a prayer and intercession.
- Testimony: Don't under estimate the power of Prayer
- Chi Alpha Missions team report
- National University Ministry retreat update
- Training and equipping report
In this issue you will find:
Touching lives around the world
09/01/09 13:50
These past few months we have had the privilege of hosting missions teams from two different universities, as well as two students who have helped us in our ministry here in Argentina. Marissa Hunt (right), a student of Wheaton College and Danielle Chun (left), a student of UC Davis have both been a blessing to us. A month ago we said goodbye to Marissa and this week we say goodbye to Danielle.They have been a tremendous blessing to us in so many ways and we are sad to see them go, but they have to return to complete their studies. Let me share with you some of Danielle's thoughts as she prepares to return to the life of a student in California:
"Last year I was given the opportunity to serve in Argentina for two weeks with a group of university students from California. I knew that it was God answering my prayers. Seeing the love of God and His ministry in the Argentine people and on the university campuses greatly impacted me.
They remained in my prayers as I returned to the States and the Lord opened another door for me to serve in Argentina. As another answer to prayer, I have been able to serve alongside Gilbert and Virginia Contreras in Argentina for the past several months and be a part of the student aspect of the university ministry - “Contacto Universitario”. The Lord has used each person greatly to teach and challenge me regarding my faith and relationship with God. Now that I reflect and look back on this trip, I realize that I started with the mindset of how I could serve and bless others here in Argentina. On the contrary, more than me blessing and serving them, I have been greatly blessed to hear and learn more from the Lord with the community here. I think that many times it is easy to settle, especially regarding our faith, to settle down and not be challenged to grow spiritually; I was there at the start of this trip. To be honest, I did not enjoy to be challenged nor did I desire to be put out of my comfort zone of faith. But having my eyes opened by the Lord through the community here has allowed me to grow spiritually and go deeper in the calling the Lord has placed on my life. Seeing the dedication of the missionaries, student leaders, and the students of Contacto Universitario has been an extreme blessing to me. The discipleship, community, and love of God that they live out has challenged me and has also been a great example to teach me of these important principles as a follower of Jesus.
The Lord is moving greatly and doing awesome works in Argentina and I am filled with thankfulness to have witnessed it. From seeing the dedication of the community here to the fruits of prayer through evangelism, God is working greatly in Argentina and in the lives of the individuals here. They have become my family and to have been able to serve with them has been an inexpressible blessing from the Lord. My heart is filled with gratitude and excitement because of what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do in Argentina.
I can say without doubt that the Lord has changed me and has given me more direction regarding my faith."
What a joy to see the students we have worked with here in Argentina touch the lives of others. Thanks for partnering with us in reaching and equipping the next generation of leaders today.
Training Pastors and church leaders
08/30/09 21:05
Training Pastors and church leaders
We had the privilege of teaching a 16 hour intensive course at one of our Assemblies of God Bible schools, “Instituto Biblico Mediterraneo” in Cordoba this past weekend.
"The course has challenged me and has given me a greater hunger for the correct understanding and teaching of the Scriptures in order to form other biblical teachers. Thanks for your love." Cristina Raquel Gaitan
What a blessing for us to help in the formation of tomorrow’s church leaders.
We had the privilege of teaching a 16 hour intensive course at one of our Assemblies of God Bible schools, “Instituto Biblico Mediterraneo” in Cordoba this past weekend.
- Gilbert taught on Human Relations & Conflict Resolution;
- Virginia taught on Ministry and the Spiritual Gifts
"The course has challenged me and has given me a greater hunger for the correct understanding and teaching of the Scriptures in order to form other biblical teachers. Thanks for your love." Cristina Raquel Gaitan
What a blessing for us to help in the formation of tomorrow’s church leaders.
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer!
08/20/09 16:21
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer!
Earlier this year we received a team of students from Vanguard University and they partnered with our students in prayer walks on our campuses. A few weeks ago we received another missions team from Sacramento and they partnered with us in contact evangelism on the same campuses. The response was amazing.
The Argentine students all remarked at the openness of those surveyed and their willingness to give their contact information. Those who had gone out to evangelize on previous missions teams that we have received said this “openness” was due directly to the prayer that was done by the team a month prior!
We have all read the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 “I [Paul] planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” This verse has become so real to us and our students as they have seen the power of Prayer and its affect on the university students--God makes things grow as we pray!
We are so thankful for your prayers for us and we know that God makes things grow because some water, some till the soil, some plant the seeds and God in time brings forth fruit. Don’t underestimate the power and importance of the time and effort you put into praying for us as your missionaries ... together we are seeing students reached and transformed. Praise the Lord!
Earlier this year we received a team of students from Vanguard University and they partnered with our students in prayer walks on our campuses. A few weeks ago we received another missions team from Sacramento and they partnered with us in contact evangelism on the same campuses. The response was amazing.
The Argentine students all remarked at the openness of those surveyed and their willingness to give their contact information. Those who had gone out to evangelize on previous missions teams that we have received said this “openness” was due directly to the prayer that was done by the team a month prior!
We have all read the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 “I [Paul] planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” This verse has become so real to us and our students as they have seen the power of Prayer and its affect on the university students--God makes things grow as we pray!
We are so thankful for your prayers for us and we know that God makes things grow because some water, some till the soil, some plant the seeds and God in time brings forth fruit. Don’t underestimate the power and importance of the time and effort you put into praying for us as your missionaries ... together we are seeing students reached and transformed. Praise the Lord!
What students are saying
07/07/09 23:59
We just said goodbye to the mission’s team from Vanguard University (pictured) who came to work with us for the past two weeks. They have been doing prayer walks, sharing at our small groups and ministering along with our students here in La Plata. Here is what a few of them have to say about their time here:“I have seen the fruits of their labor, seeing Contacto in action, using their faith to change the lives of students in Argentina. This experience has allowed me to ask God to show me how I can apply this concept of discipleship that Gilbert has given to Contacto back home.” Basia Mosley, Vanguard University
“For two weeks I had the privilege of working alongside students involved in the Contacto ministry. Their devotion. To prayer, fellowship, evangeism and discipleship has inspired me to apply their example at my own university. Thanks again for investing your support and prayers in this ministry.” Jake Dacy, Vanguard University
“Jesus loves you and he also loves the Contreras’ family. Your support allows them to show the love of Jesus Christ to everyone they meet in Argentina. I Garret Wilson with out your support and prayers for them, would not have had the privilege of working with the Contreras. Thanks.” Garret Wilson, Vanguard University
"I had the privilege of working along side the students involved in the Contacto ministry. Seeing their faith in action has given me the passion to apply their example at my own university in California. Their devotion to fellowship, prayer, evangelism and discipleship is irresistibly life changing." Justina Buzza, Vanguard University
"The Contreras' work with Contacto Universitario is very effective and has made a huge impact in the lives of the students involved and mine as well. During my time here I have experienced the awesome community that is being developed. God is at work in this place and lives are being touched. Thank you for being a part of this work." Holly Kennedy, Vanguard team leader
Intense Ministry - Intense opposition
06/25/09 08:58
It seems that every time we are about to begin an intense ministry time, be that prepare for evangelism, preaching or mininstry in some way we receive intense opposition. This past week we have experienced so many random things yet each one causing emotional stress: our car broke down, our dog was sick, our central heating system broke and on the coldest day's of the year, Virginia and Sofia sick... As I said random events, yet all adding a bit of stress to our lives as we prepared to received a ministry team from the US to help us evangelize the universities.
The hardest though is when one of us gets sick.
Pray for healing and health:
Here is Sofia in the bath tub in the early hours of the morning as we try to bring down her fever. She looks great but she had a fever of 102! She continued with a fever most of the day yesterday, even with medication, pray that the fever diminishes and that it won't progress to anything more serious than a common cold. Pray God heals her today.
Virginia has also been battling a cold or flu and yesterday began with a fever as well. She had to travel to Buenos Aires last week by public transportation and we have many cases of Swine flu in the country - pray that this flu/cold/fever will be nothing more than a common cold as well. She needs healing and physical strength, please pray.
Upcoming National Ministry Retreat
06/25/09 07:50
Theme: The Passion of God - A Passion for God
We met with 
some students yesterday in our home to finalize some deatils for our national retreat in August and together we came away with a sense of expectation and anticipation at what God will do in these days. I write this to you to ask if you would begin praying with us for this event.
1. Attendance: pray that students from various parts of the country would attend. Pray that their churches would help them with the financial aspect of the retreat costs.
2. Presence: Our theme is the Passion of God and with that an emphasize on what God loves - missions. Pray with us that as we come together on Aug 14th that we would sense the presence of God in such a tangible way that those who attend would be transformed and empowered to live out their passion for God upon leaving the retreat site.
3. Logistics: As in any conference pray that we would experienc God's grace in working out the logistical side of the event.
4. Finances: Would you consider sponsering a student to this retreat? For $75 you can help cover the whole retreat costs for one student to attend. If you are interested in helping with a whole scholarship or partial scholarship please send us an email and we can let you know how you can send in your gift.
Training Continues
06/12/09 13:10
This weekend we have two events that we hope will impact the lives of many students.
Our monthly training events "Equipando Facilitadores" contines this Saturday (June 13) with a special guest speaker who will challenge the students to live their lives to the fullest during their adacemic years.
The second event is a training of students and pastors but in the Dominican Republic. Gilbert will be there (June 12-14) and will be teaching a couple of workshops to students, pastors and church leaders who are interested in establishing university ministry through the local church. It is a great privilege to be a part of extending the vision for university ministry to other Latin American countries. Pray with us that it will be a fruitfull trip.
AIYS - Philippines
05/18/09 09:32
We made it to the Philippines!
After three days of travel we made it to the conference site in Baguio, Philippines. We are tired but glad to be able to participate in this years AIYS. What is AIYS?
It is Asian Institute of Youth Studies (AIYS) sponsored by Asia Pacific Campus Challenge in partnership with the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary. It is a regional youth and student ministry training targeting the national youth leadership teams from nations across the Asia Pacific region including - Mongolia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Fiji.
It is an honor and privilege to b
e able to be a part of the equipping of these national youth leadership teams. Will you pray for us and those attending as we being the conference on Tuesday (May 19th).
- Pray for our health and strength, that we would quickly overcome any jetlag and that we would remain healthy.
- Pray for wisdom and anointing,for sensitive ears to hear the leading of the Holy Spirit as we teach.
- Pray for Sofia to have a powerful experience in Christ as we teach and minister.
We will let you know how things are progressing.
The Latest Newsletter
05/03/09 21:02
Preaching the whole counsel of God
"It is not enough for the priest and ministers of the future to be moral people, well trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. All of that is very valuable and important, but it is not the heart of Christian Leadership. The central question is, are the leaders of the future truly men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God's presence, to listen to God's voice, to look at God's beauty, to touch God's incarnate Word and to taste fully God's infinite goodness?" Henri Nouwan 
We so appreciate your partnership in preparing ministers in the marketplace as well as the local church here in Argentina and we wanted you to know that we have posted our recent newsletter (Spring 2009). Click here to download it, read it and share it with others.
Equipping Students - Update
03/15/09 17:08
Equipando Facilitadores
raison d’être
The reason for our existence is what we covered in this seminar, defining from an aerial view of 40,000 meters our vision/mission; 30,000 meters our values/ pillars... down to our areas of responsibilities in our day to day activities. It was very interactive and eye opening for our students to see the big picture of our ministry as a resource to the local church.
Students came from La Matanza, La Plata and the newest forming group in Rosario, which is about 4 hours away by bus. Will you pray for Jorge C. (the young man who came from Rosario)? Pray for favor with the leadership of his church; pray for resources; pray for other students to catch the vision for university student ministry; and pray for wisdom.
We will be having one training seminar per month - the next one is April 18th. Thanks for your prayers for yesterday’s seminar - we arrived and immediately experienced “distractions and interference.” There was no power in the house, and I was going to use power point! We went to the back yard and set up table even though it was hot and muggy. 15 minutes later we had thunder, lighting and rain! We prayed. You prayed. God answered and we had an amazing time!
Equipping Student Leaders
03/13/09 22:51
Tomorrow (March 14, 2009) afternoon we will begin our equipping seminars for student leaders. Our work with the local church here in Argentina means that we are a resource to the church to train its students to do the job of the campus pastor. We invest in them and they disciple, evangelize, and build community that extends itself to the university campus.
Pray with us for this student gathering. Pray for a great attendance and pray for receptive hearts.
Pray for Argentina
03/11/09 20:17
Yesterday, we were reading the Argentine paper online (La Nacion) and saw this video that shocked us at the rising cost of lunch in Buenos Aires! You can view it but if you don’t understand Spanish let me summarize. The country is struggling internally between the government and the farmers and the effect is seen by the people in their day to day activity. The video cites that the price of lunch ranges from $30 pesos to $50 pesos. Argentines are struggling to make ends meet and when the price of a cup of coffee is $12 ($4 dollars), that is not included in lunch, it is amazing how they are surviving. One lady in the video says, “I eat crackers and water for lunch!”
Pray with us for God bring transformation to this nation by transforming the hearts of men. We know that tomorrow’s leaders are in our universities, pray with us that God would become the foundation of their lives so that when they get to positions of service they will lead justly and in a God fearing way.
A Note of Thanks
03/07/09 17:15
Our new web design is due in main part to the help of Stephen & Sonia Wallace, AG Missionaries to Argentina. Their focus is Bible School Ministry and like us they are passionate about serving this generation and investing in the next one. Check out their site, click here.
Thanks Stephen & Sonia, we couldn’t have done it without your help!
Get Involved
03/06/09 13:38
A gathering of university students from around the world for an intensive time of training in university ministry. There are different tracks available for new and current campus leaders, pioneers, and students that will provide specialized equipping for outreach. More info coming soon.
Get involved: Click here to find out how you can participate in sending Argentine students to this Encounter
On your mark, get set, start running
03/06/09 11:25
We left the States in early August. After a year’s worth of traveling and visiting churches in California and the neighboring states, and though they recommend a few weeks of down time before re-engaging in activity we just haven’t found those two weeks yet. Upon arrival to Argentina we began “running” once again and our calendar activity has not stopped.
Check out our web site to see what we have been up to. Www.GilbertandVirginia.com