In September a group of almost 20 people from the Blythwood Presbyterian Church in SC, came to help building a church in a little town called PILA, in the province of Buenos Aires.
A pastor friend of mine, began planting a church 10 years ago in that area. He had build a very small room for meetings and a nice grill to make BBQs 
We also had an evangelistic meeting in the town. We had a nice attendance. The pastor told me that it was the first time that so many people gathered for a Christian meeting there.
I was moving from one place to another, translating here and there, dealing with the small hotel owner and all the different tiny things that were difficult to put up with. One afternoon there was no hot water. A dear brother with a big smile said to me: “I just shower with cold water” I said: “Really, why?” he said: “there is no hot water” So I went to the lady in charge and place my complaint and she said: “Today is Saturday, maybe Monday someone could come to fix it…” I started to feel my Italian blood pumping, some clips from the movie “The Godfather”
We had so much fun together and worked a lot. The pastor told me that with the little resources he had, it would have taken 2 years to complete what we accomplished in 4 full work days.
This is before we went and worked there:
This is after we worked there: a 7 by 15 yards meeting room
This was a great time! Everybody had a great attitude and I could spent some very good time talking to some guys, it was great!
I had the privilege of sharing God’s word for devotions each day the team was here. It was a challenge, English doesn’t let me to have the freedom I have in Spanish, perhaps a good thing
I also had the opportunity to listen to one testimony of what God had done in the life of a couple. He had come with a previous group and God delivered him of some deceptions he was believing. This time he came with his wife. My pastor friend and I could listen to the whole story from them. (one of the advantages of translating)
The small print:
1. Claudia and I started another couple Bible study and in 2 days we had 9 couples to go through the course.
2. I lost 14 pounds in 2 months and I’m very happy
3. I almost had my car stolen 2 weeks ago, they try to open it and broke the handle. I do not know how to handle the situation anymore
4. The kids are doing well, MartÃn Jr. is the most challenging (he is 12 years old)
5. We meet as a family every Thursday afternoon to talk about how we feel in the family and share the Word of God. This is very helpful.
6. Right now I have a strong cold, and I feel terrible
7. Thank to all of you for your support. If you think about giving to our ministry, DO IT (as Horace from CSI Miami would say) we still need some money coming in. To give go here: Donation Page
Thanks a lot! God bless you!
The Bonandinis in Argentina
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