Christmas reminds me that God does not overlook quiet places. The first announcement of Jesus’ birth wasn’t to kings or crowds, but to shepherds in a quiet field, ordinary people doing mundane work in a forgotten place. The Good News met them right where they were.
Recently, our team spent time in Melo, Uruguay, a small and remote town of about 40,000 people near the border of Brazil. Beneath the quiet, many believers there have been carrying a burden of loneliness. Over time, Christians have been pushed out of schools and public spaces, and many have felt discouraged and unsure how to share their faith at all.
In Melo, we saw the Good News meet people right where they were, just like the first Christmas.
We began the week with training, reminding believers that Jesus calls us to be the salt and the light of the world! Throughout the week, the Holy Spirit moved, and courage began to grow in hearts. Believers were reminded that the Gospel is still for all people, and it starts with whoever hears.
Throughout the week, I had the privilege of preaching ten times! At a women’s gathering, nearly twice as many came as we expected. Chairs were added again and again, and some even stood outside, simply wanting to hear what God was doing. There was a calm, holy attentiveness everywhere we went. In retirement homes, even those who struggled to follow conversation grew quiet and listened.
On the festival night, the city gathered and enjoyed the music and energy. As the invitation was given to say “yes” to Jesus, many stepped forward. The next day, our team worshipped with local believers at a church service, celebrating what God had done. Local leaders told us this week felt like a spark. In a place where many were afraid to share their faith, light broke through and Good News brought great joy! Glory to God!
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel this year. Your generosity helps share the same Good News that first came to shepherds in a quiet field, Good News that leads to great joy and new life for whoever hears.
Here is a link where you can view more photos and updates from our time in Uruguay: https://reidsaunders.org/outreach/uruguay-2025/
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
