Our time in Buenos Aires was invested not only in the Nikkei community, but also with another mission agency, Missão Ponte (in Portuguese). The organization, made up of students, professionals, pastors and missionaries, works among some of the most under-served communities in Argentina. Visit the Missão Ponte (Misión Puente) website. Our own team member, Lígia, previously served as a missionary with this group for 4-1/2 years. For her it was a warm welcome home.
The team of Lígia, Erika and PJ were invited to serve alongside of the missions team there. The missionaries themselves live in the impoverished section of the community, side-by-side with those to whom they are called to serve. I could not help but marvel at the commitment and sacrifice that they were making.
The team at Missão Ponte also work with local groups to assist in a food distribution program. On this day, the distribution was fruit. Other days, the food can be fish, meat and bread.
Our team was able to spend one afternoon offering crafts to the children of the neighborhood. PJ was practically useless without Spanish language skills, but was able to have fun with the children by using his camera.
One of the bonus moments of the ministry was the opportunity to meet Jimena (below with Lígia), who was the first (and only) Nikkei we met outside of the city of Buenos Aires.
Please pray that these first contacts will lead to other opportunities for ministry partnership in Argentina (the La Plata region). Those serving at Missão Ponte (Misión Puente) may be open to possible joint ministry with JEMS in the future.
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