Loco Lynches

Additions to WEB

View pictures of weaving project: October 2009

All contributions can now be sent to the new address: UWM PO Box 602002, Charlotte, NC 28260-2002

Locked My Keys in the Truck

I locked my keys in the truck. One moment of distraction and there they sat locked tightly inside in the ignition. I had gone to pick up Brandon from school in our no frills truck which has no special alarms for lights on or keys still in the ignition. Now what! There is no AAA or similar help available. I found a mother of Anna´s classmate who works at the school and we went to the inspector. He said he was sorry but he has never owned a car and had no idea how to get into it without a key. We went to another teacher and he said he would help. We headed back to the car joined by the inspector and a janitor who had some tools. So we began. I met several nice people walking by that offered to help. We tried various keys on the chance that one of them might work. Teens in the park watched with amusement and interest (for at least the first hour or so). I went to the local police office for help but they said they had no way to help and suggested the local mechanic. The mechanic had no tools that would work. We asked several people but no one knew of a locksmith in the area. (There were some in Temuco nearly an hour away but that wasn´t much help.) In total, I had no less than 9 people offering their ideas and help to get in. Finally after close to and hour and a half and very tricky string around the lock method the door opened. My helpers quickly left and I was free to go home.

On the drive home I began to process all that happened. I am pleased to know that my Toyota truck is very difficult to break into. I am impressed with all the help I received especially since most of these people did not know me. I now have new friends. But also could there be a lesson in all of this, besides don't lock the door without the keys being in your hand. My inspector friend that had no idea how to get into a locked car. Someone that had done it before came along and showed him how. But it didn't work on the type of lock in my truck. Someone offered a Toyota key but it didn't work because it wasn't made for my truck. Another person came along and told him how he had done it previously and so they tried it. This continued until they found a way that worked to unlock the lock in my Toyota truck.

We are using a similar approach in our ministry among the Mapuche, We are closely observing other pastors and missionaries to learn what works and what doesn't work. We are also trying different approaches to discover for ourselves a solution. Last week Chad and I began going out to find the churches in our county. Many are on back roads which are not found on any map. One of our goals is to find these churches and map them so that we can strategically plant churches. We also hope to facilitate trainings and distribute resources to mature the rural church with an ultimate goal of planting churches. There are many resources available in Temuco but most of the rural churches are unaware of them. They are the Jesus film, Bibles and trainings to name a few. Not every tool will work in every church but by presenting several options we hope that we can find something will help the existing church multiple itself for God´s glory.

As we seek to find God's will for the Mapuche people, we hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. As we have stated before, we seeking God's solution and not our own. Pray that we would be courageous servants willing to do courageous things in the of Christ Jesus.

Thank you,

Chad and Ruthanne Lynch

Tears of the Saints

Update of Ruthanne's Father

Thank you so much for your prayers this past month. Brandon and I (Ruthanne) traveled to North Carolina for 3 weeks to be with my father, Arlon Wheeler. He is in the final stages of congestive heart failure and the doctors had strongly encouraged the family to come and be with him. When we arrived, his health had deteriorated to the point we thought he might die within the week. Over the last few months he has had many visits from family and friends. All the family (5 sons and 2 daughters) have been able to travel to see him and mom.

During the three weeks with him, his health steadily improved. The doctors have told us that his time is limited and the medication which is keeping his heart pumping strongly will eventually lose its effectiveness but right now he is feeling better with more energy. One nurse described this as the roller coaster ride of congestive heart failure. One day he can feel OK and the next be very ill. We praise God that he is feeling a little stronger at this time and has stabilized. We are so grateful that we were able to travel and spend time with him and my family. Brandon and I enjoyed our time in NC and have many special memories of these weeks with dad that we will cherish.

I am blessed to have a father that has a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and that has encouraged my spiritual walk over the years. He is prepared to meet his maker, although he says he still is not in a rush to go!

Chad, Marcus and Anna did well while staying in Chile. Chad surprised the church members when he showed up to a potluck with fried rice that he had cooked. Although he has shown he can cook, he has informed me "not to get to used to it". He was happy to turn the kitchen back over to me. Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement during this time.

Ruthanne Lynch

Update on Chad's Heart Condition

I find myself very blessed to know that the body of Christ (the church) is active in intercessory prayer for my heart condition. I wish I could write you with a miraculous story of my healing but that didn’t happen.

As we have shared the Gospel message among the Mapuche, we have come to understand that often the Mapuche Christian view a lack of healing as a lack of faith or that something is wrong (sin) in your life. For many, the Gospel is just the transference of their ancestral religious beliefs to a new form. They live in a world where they control God and are unwilling to submit to Him.

Even though my prayers were not answered, my faith stays steadfast because my hope is not in a better (worldly standard) life but in knowing that I will be spending eternity with God. God is God and He is always in control. My situation reminds me of Paul when he talks about his “Thorn in his Flesh.” Even though he desired it to be removed, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9) Paul realized that this thorn humbled him and reminded him of his dependency on God. In a similar way, I must remember that God’s grace, his saving grace, is sufficient for me. My prayer is that I would be able to teach this Gospel truth to the Mapuche.

Just to let you know, I have started the new prescription and it seems to be improving my heart condition. I will be on this medication for the next 3 to 4 months and then I will need to determine if I stay with the medication or have the operation (cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation). For those who prayed for a miraculous healing, I thank you for investing in our lives,

Chad Lynch