News from Argentina

March 2004

Greetings from your Argentine missionaries. For some time Jim and I have had an “assisted living” arrangement where we help each other. As you know, we are presently in the USA for medical assistance. My “assist” this month includes a letter to bring you up to date on the Stricklands.

Dec. 12, Jim had a heart attack, was hospitalized in Rosario in Critical Care for 4 days, then 4 days in the Cardiac ward. We have one of the best heart Clinics in Argentina, and some of the best cardiologists. He had good care, but after 2 visits to surgery where they did a cauterization, they found that due to a blood clot and scar tissue, they were not able to reach the damaged part of the heart. He also has a blockage in that artery. After 8 days, he was dismissed and then advised that he should return to the U S to a Mayo Clinic. In Argentina, they said they did not have the team of doctors nor the equipment with which to do the type of procedure he needs. So, here we are. We arrived on January 22, and at present we are in an isolated place where we can both get the needed rest. The doctors very definitely advised that he get at least 30 days rest, and in Rosario, that was an impossibility, being summer, camps, Bible schools, and other activities. So, the Lord graciously made it possible for us to return here for one month’s rest and then on to Phoenix, AZ., where they have a Mayo Clinic.

Here, we are definitely resting: no phones, no doorbells, no obligations, no schedules, and we are just doing “sit down” work which we brought with us from home. We left a 96* summer day in Rosario to arrive in Springfield with only 7*. What a change! But we are enjoying the snow!!!

The very next day after Jim’s heart attack, our son in law, Steve Thornton, took over the camp work. Jim was in the process of building on our NEW youth camp near our city of Rosario. He had worked for months, driving the 25 km. (15 miles, 45 minutes) in his Chevy Pick Up, taking out the workers, materials, supplies, etc. for building a dorm, a kitchen, remodeling the swimming pool, cutting grass on 5 acres of land, fixing fences, and all that goes with getting a piece of land ready for a summer camp for the young folks. Our daughter Pamela began planning menus and buying for the 2 weeks and she became the camp COOK. We are so thankful for them as fellow missionaries in Rosario with us. We are also praising the Lord for the national pastors and their wives who were such tremendous help during the camps. There were 6 young folks saved, Praise the Lord. Monica also was a very great help with her Mom, and also taught some of the classes.

Our scheduled return date is April 6. We are anxious! Our service is quite a bit slower, but we are praising the Lord that we are still on the go. It was Dec. 19, 1953 when our church family in Denver, CO. put us and our 3 small children on the train in Denver, going to N Y C and from there by ship to South America. So that adds up to 50 years as missionaries. We are happy and still anxious to keep on the go.

But REST…..yes, and lots of it. We are thankful to have God’s leading and supply to make this all possible. We are thankful for you folks in our supporting churches who are so faithful to make possible the ministry in Rosario, Argentina. We would be little thankful if we could say how much!! God bless and prosper your ministries, also.

“….ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake….” 2 Cor. 4:5