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Evangelical Mission to the Unreached Evangelical Mission to Uruguay
PROCLAIMING THE TRIUMPHS OF THE GOSPEL
Volume LXIV August 2021 Number 8
Rick Projects 2021 (sort of)
by Ken Jensen, assistant director of EMU
It was fifteen years ago that my brother, from our churches in Uruguay who gave of
Rick Jensen, made his first work trip their vacation time or simply took time off
to Uruguay. During my visit to Camp from their regular jobs to assist the USA
Emmanuel in Guazuvirá, Uruguay, the work team – including filling our bellies
preceding February to attend the Workers’ with delicious food!
Conference and Family Camp, it became
abundantly clear that the water system at Another inaugural event that year which
camp needed a major overhaul. When I had a lasting effect on Camp Emmanuel –
returned home in March, I contacted my and the EMU ministry in Uruguay – was
brother, who works in the maintenance the entry of Pedro and Pati Donzé into the
Ken & Joan Jensen mission. Pedro has been the brains and
Assistant Director department at the Wilds Christian Camp
in Brevard, NC, asking his advice and powerhouse behind the development of
assistance. He agreed to visit Camp the camp since then, and he and Rick have
Along the Way . . . Emmanuel with me in May 2006 to review worked hand-in-glove together for fifteen
There are two accompanying articles the problems and possible solutions. Thus years now.
concerning Camp Emmanuel in Uruguay began a string of journeys to Uruguay by As was the case with almost everything in
included in this issue of the EMU Rick to oversee a vast host of major and the world in 2020, COVID changed, or at
Newsletter. Though both deal with the minor projects at Camp Emmanuel. Over least rearranged, the Rick Projects Work
camp in Guazuvirá, I wanted to keep the the years, these trips, which henceforth Team. The government of Uruguay closed
messages separate. One article deals with included men and women that Rick knew down entry of non-Uruguayans into Uruguay
camp workdays, two of which have already through the Wilds, became known as the from March 2020 to the end of the year, and
transpired and the last to be held in August. Rick Projects Work Team. During that that prohibition is continuing through 2021.
It is a blessing to see how church members initial ten-day work trip, we were not able If you were receiving this EMU Newsletter
in some of our Uruguay churches have to complete the enormous project, so Rick last year, you know about the number of
given of their time to help with needed and I, along with a plumber friend from projects that were accomplished during
maintenance at the camp. The second Brevard, returned to the camp in October October 2020 and in the months afterward
announces the Rick Projects 2021 for Camp of that year to finish. At that time, October – all projects previously designed and
Emmanuel repair and maintenance, which also became the designated month for approved by Pedro and Rick.
will require a substantial influx of dollars these work trips. During each of these
to initiate and complete. Speaking from almost two-weeks of work at the camp, the However, though Rick was unable to be in
experience, if I read about these two event majority of workers were men and women Uruguay, the Lord “just so happened” to
categories in just one article, there is better (continued on page 3)
than a 50-50 chance I would come away
with incorrect conclusions. So, for the sake
of those on my sub-level of understanding,
the workdays and work-weeks are being
sundered to emphasize the blessings of one
and the financial needs of the other.
The rest of the subjects in this Newsletter
are far less apt to be confusing – maybe.
There are many updates to tell you about.
First, the Crowleys are back home in
Ban Lung following their two weeks of
quarantine in Phnom Penh. Also, Savannah
McPhail, the GFA missionary who arrived
in Cambodia with the Crowleys, is pretty
much settled into her new living quarters
in the town of Ou Reang Ov, Tbong
Rick’s first work trip to Camp Emmanuel Rick Jensen & Henry Castro at
(continued on page 3) in May 2006 Camp Emmanuel in 2019
Page 2
Camp Emmanuel Work-day Opportunities
by Ken Jensen, assistant director of EMU
In addition to the Rick Projects Work with campers as in bygone days, Pedro came
Team this year, the camp leaders decided up with another plan that complies with
to institute what they have labelled Camp the state rules but allows at least some use
Work-day Opportunities. These are one-day of the camp facilities. Individual churches
events when volunteers from our Uruguay have started holding 2-3 day camps this
churches meet at Camp Emmanuel to winter in Uruguay. Gethsemani Church from
accomplish a list of projects that can be Montevideo held a youth camp July 2-4,
accomplished in a day or two. So far this and Siloé Church and Emmanuel Church of
year, two such events have been held: one in El Cerro will be doing the same in August.
May and one in June. The third is scheduled These churches are well under the max
for August. Above: Henry allowable capacity of the camp, and do not
installing the A/C require a full staff to be on site.
On the first of these workdays, eighteen
people from three of our churches donated unit for the new Pedro and Henry have asked prayer for their
their time and effort. The new additions to Cabin 9. wives, too. Henry’s wife works in a medical
the pavilion complex received their first Left: Henry clinic in the city of Pando, about twenty-five
coat of sealer; the fire hydrants around the reinstalling one miles from Camp Emmanuel. She works
property were cleaned, repainted, and some of the refurbished twelve-hour shifts each day, and the drive
new ones added; certain buildings received gas hot water home has been difficult for her at times.
a new coat of paint; and the grounds were tanks Sometimes she is so tired after her shift
cleared of limbs and leaves. that she has to stop along the way home to
take a nap. There are no rest areas or secure
Fewer people showed up for the June places for her to stop, but falling asleep at
workday, but much was accomplished, supply to mitigate the damage caused by the wheel is not a better option! The Castros
including a the extremely hard (mineral filled) water. would very much like for her to aquire work
second coat It is amazing how fast metal parts in the at a closer clinic.
of stain on plumbing system corrode and clog.
the pavilion/ Pedro Donzé informed
snack shop. us that Pati has been
Furniture was experiencing a lot of
also assembled leg pain as a result of a
for the newly back operation. She is
completed Dorm doing some better, but
9. Some new her sleep has been very
security lighting much interrupted. Pain and
was added, and tiredness lead inexorably to
the fire hydrants discouragement. Pray that
got a second layer she will get relief from the
of paint. (These pain and be able to sleep
metal boxes tend Removing the old roof above the bathrooms/lobby soundly again. †
to rust quickly A young lady painting of the chapel
when neglected.) one of many “fire boxes”
The roofs on cabins 7 and 8
Henry Castro wrote an informative letter were recovered. The old asphalt
about other repair and maintenance roofing had to be removed and a
activities that he, Pedro Donzé, and Marcos new “liquid membrane” material
Gomez have accomplished. Several of the was installed. (This is basically
dorm gas water heaters needed cleaning, layers of plastic with a thick
repainting, and new anodes installed. sealer.) Also, the roofs over the
Retention and security valves were also bathrooms in the chapel required
added to the tanks for safety purposes. One stripping and reapplication.
of the tanks was so far gone that it will have
to be replaced. Henry is hoping to install Although the government
regulations still prevent weeks Marcos Gomez leading the singing at the campfire service
a water conditioning system to the water for the Gethsemani Church youth group
These two photos show the sealing of the treated lumber of the finished pavilion & kiosko. At right is the original pavilion; at left is the new.
The kiosko sells snacks, camp shirts, hats, & other items. Ping-pong tables, foosball tables, & other game tables are set up under the pavilion.
Page 3
Rick Projects 2021 (sort of) runoff needs to be shunted away from eat on this porch, grill, heat water and
(continued from page 1) the foundations.) soups, and do a myriad of other things
• Repair the floors in the girls’ cabins there. The porch is already covered but
arrange for Henry Castro and his family to is completely open to the weather – and
move to Camp Emmanuel as the new camp - $3,840 (This is for 3 of the 4 girls’
cabins.) flies. It would be wonderful to have this
caretaker. Rick and Henry have worked area screened in and improved.)
together during many of the October work • Gutters for the chapel - $1,220
teams, and many times Rick has told me • Security Cameras - $6,760 (Most of the
that Henry is one of the most competent current cameras are old, and the salty air
handyman he has ever worked with. is hard on them.)
Earlier this year, Pedro, Henry, Marcos • Fencing around the water tanks - $910
Gomez, Rick, and Jeff Davis came together (About 4 years ago, two very large water
on a conference call to hammer out the storage tanks were installed outside the
projects to be accomplished for the 2021 wellhouse to replace the ancient water
Rick Projects. Though not in on the decision tower tank. The tanks are on a large,
making, I am familiar with what most of above-ground concrete platform with
these projects involve and would like to give connecting pipes underneath. I’m sure
you some insight and/or explanation for it’s a fun place to hide or play, but it
their being included on the list. (These are could be dangerous.) Concrete/stone tables & benches
not presented in any order of importance.) • Fencing for the front of the camp - • Concrete/stone tables and benches for
$2,956 (I am not sure what this entails.) the camp site - $268 x 10 – (This kind of
• Replace the kitchen ceiling and exhaust
• Maintenance of the children’s play table and benches have been purchased
fans - $2,041 (The government is
area - $975 (Almost every piece of at various times for the camp over the
requiring these improvements.)
“equipment” is made of treated lumber. years, but not this quantity. This material
• New sidewalks around the perimeters of holds up very well in the salty, sandy
the cabins - $8,209 (The cabins do not The wear-and-tear from use and
weather necessitate yearly repairs and environment, and they last for many
have gutters, and the terrain is sandy, so decades. The table and benches sets have
replacements to some extent.)
always been a centerpiece for camper
• Repair of the dining room fireplace - fellowship and Bible study.)
$2,266 (This fireplace and chimney are
on the outside of one of the walls of the I mentioned above that the Rick Projects are
dining room. It has never been replaced, usually undertaken in October. HOWEVER,
and – I am told – smoke can be seen this year it was decided to begin the work in
oozing from the cracks in the chimney. September. So, there is not a lot of lead-time
The chimney has also begun to slightly to raise funds. Pedro and the camp oversight
lean away from the dining room wall. committee will have to prioritize these
The fireplace and chimney need to be projects as monies are made available. A
disassembled, a new foundation laid, and team of Uruguayan workers is already being
then rebuilt.) assembled to accomplish as many of these
tasks as are funded.
The water storage tanks on the platform • Remodeling the back porch/open-fire
that need to be fenced in grill area - $12,054 (The kitchen staff Thank you for considering what part you
can have in these worthy projects. †
ALONG THE WAY . . . be quarantined indefinitely. The Jensens
(continued from page 1) remained at the guest house, as they needed
to get other business done. Thankfully, the
Kmum Province, a bike ride away from government basically ignored the guest
the Hancocks’ house. She is in Cambodia house. However, when the Jensens returned
to help this family of seven primarily home to Oyadao in the northeast, they
with homeschooling and assisting Becky self-quarantined for two weeks in their
Hancock with the children. Savannah’s house. This separation and the government’s
schedule, Tuesday to Saturday, is to be at continued mandates against meeting in large
the Hancocks’ house from 8AM to 6PM. groups has delayed the community checking
Homeschooling started for the three eldest of the translation of the Book of Genesis.
children in July. For those of you who enjoy Above: Work continues on the Labansiek
reading a well written missionary letter, I You may remember that EMU was helping Church in Ban Lung, where the Pastors’
highly recommend Savannah’s e-prayer with some of the cost of building a church School will be housed.
letter by contacting her at smcphail@ in Ban Lung that would also house the Below: The main builder (far left) &
gfamissions.org. Pastors’ School, started by JD Crowley. members of the building committee on the
JD sent some photos and gave an update on 2nd floor sanctuary level.
Josh and Amy Jensen’s family traveled to the construction. COVID restrictions have
Phnom Penh for family business and to see greatly impeded the building’s progress, but
the Crowleys at the Christian & Missionary it is basically “in the dry.”
Alliance (CMA) guest house. Unfortunately,
an expat missionary arrived at the guest Also, news from the Bixbys in Sarcelles,
house who had tested positive for COVID France, is that a final agreement for
and was not allowed to check in at the purchase of the Bible Baptist Church
official quarantine hotel. Instead, the family building was signed with the owners. This
was accepted at the CMA guest house and is all part of the legal steps for buying a
given a full floor to seclude themselves. building. The congregation now has the
The Crowleys left the capital immediately, funds, which includes some small loans, to
fearing the guests at the CMA house would (continued on page 4)
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Page 4
ALONG THE WAY . . .
(continued from page 3)
be able to pay for the sanctuary. The final Tom and Connie Chapman, are planning expenses. The goal is to raise $20,000 as a
closing will be at the end of this year. This to drive down from Pennsylvania, where result of their 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike
has been a very long and often frustrating they are spending part of their furlough ride, and 26.2 mile run marathon. As of this
process, so this milestone is a blessing. with their youngest daughter, Karen, and writing a few days before the attempt, just
her family. We don’t yet have a date to have over $18,000 has been pledged. Although
The Bixby family visited the Pessac church them over, but we trust our schedules allow Tim and Lynnette are no longer with EMU,
in Bordeaux, where the Coles minister, our getting together. Tim’s family returns to we love this faithful couple and pray that
for ten days in July. Besides renewing Perú on September 9; because of COVID, this amazing goal will be reached.
friendships, Tim preached and did some we do not have a return date for Tom and
teaching at the church. The family is now Connie to Antofagasta, Chile. Jeff Davis is currently on a trip to Alaska,
back home in Sarcelles, north of Paris. July 22 to August 3, where he has been
Ruth’s mother was able to travel to France Billy Judson informed us that the 360 speaking at various churches and speaking at
to spend a few weeks with the Bixby family Church Leaders Conference in India will the reginal Fundamental Baptist Fellowship.
at the end of July and into August. be held August 25-28. Because of COVID We hope to have a report of his travels in
lockdowns across India, the conference the next newsletter. (You can see photos of
A newsy prayer letter from Alexis will be held virtually. Over the last many Jeff’s trip posted on his Facebook page.)
Shoemaker in Lima, Perú, informed us of months, Billy received 23 half-hour Bible
the happening in Perú on July 28. The runoff teaching sessions from nine Christian As an FYI, Steve Erkens is now working
elections for president of the country in leaders in the USA. These sessions were a full-time job in Greenville, SC, and the
June was won by a far left-wing candidate, translated into Talugu and Hindi, along with family hopes to be able to move into their
who will be inaugurated on the 28th. That transcripts in all three languages. Hopefully, new townhouse on August 11. All five are
same date happens to also be the 200th a report on the conference can be presented adjusting well to being back in the States.
anniversary of the independence of Perú. in the next EMU Newsletter. (And our first grandchild now has his
There will be fireworks – hopefully only learner’s permit!)
peaceful ones! In spite of many continuing At the end of August, Ted Allston will
COVID regulations, small groups at the resume his overseas travels. He plans to Thank you for reading this far – assuming
church in Lima are able to meet, and several be in Kenya for a Bible conference August you didn’t just read the first paragraph and
people have been added to the body of 27 to September 18. There will be other skip to the last! We very much appreciate
believers in recent months. Alexis continues Americans traveling with them. Ted’s knee your interest in and support of the various
her ministries among children, teens, and is doing much better, though still not back to ministries of EMU International. COVID
ladies, as well as teaching an English class full range of use. Pray for continued healing. continues to restrict gatherings in many
to draw in unchurched people. places, but the Word of God continues to be
Tim Chevalier, who was with EMU for a preached and taught through various means.
Tim and Cheryl Chapman’s family is in while but had to resign for health reasons, Thank you for your prayers! †
the States from Lima, Perú. Their base of was able to finally receive a much-needed
operation is in Midland, MI, where their operation for an old shoulder injury. The
sending church and Cheryl’s mother are surgeon said that the problems with the right
located. The Tim Chapmans plan to be in shoulder were about as bad as it gets! Tim
the Greenville, SC, area later in August has many months of recovery and rehab
to bring their oldest daughter, Lauren, to before him. We are not sure when he will
Bob Jones University for enrollment in be able to return to work. Some men at
her first semester of college. Joan and I are our church, Hampton Park Baptist Church, Email: office@emuinternational.org
scheduled to be with this dear family on the are holding a Tri-For-Tim marathon on Website: www.emuinternational.org
day after they arrive in Greenville. It will be the last Saturday of July. This triathlon is Phone: (864) 268-9267
good to see them again! Also, Tim’s folks, being held to raise money for Tim’s post-op
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