Category Archives: Argentina

Argentina

Argentine flagIt was Columbus Day weekend 30 years ago that I went to spend 21 months working as an apprentice to the missionaries in Rosario, Argentina.

In October 1989, Carolina and I moved to Córdoba, Argentina, to work with the church there. We returned to the States to live in October 2002.

So it’s been 30 years since I first went to live in Argentina. 26 years since we went there as a family; 13 years since we came back.

15 years there, 15 years here over the last 30.

13 years there, 13 here over the last 26.

That’s what October reminds me of.

Pray for Argentina

protestRecent events have reminded us of how limited a view of the world U.S. news media give us. While the terrorist attacks in France dominated headlines, bigger attacks in Nigeria went virtually unnoticed.

Because of that, I’m fairly confident that most who read this will know next to nothing about the drama unfolding in Argentina. In 1994, a Jewish mutual aid society (AMIA) was bombed in Buenos Aires. 85 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Since it didn’t take place in New York or Paris, you probably never heard about it. But many remember and have been investigating ever since. The trail seems to lead to Iran, but full information has not come forth.

Recently, the prosecutor in charge of the investigation, Alberto Nisman, filed a 300-page document accusing the current president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, of being part of a cover-up; allegedly, Fernández and others conspired with Iran to frustrate the investigations in exchange for oil from Iran.

Nisman was due to present his accusations in court last week, but he never made it. He was found dead in his apartment with a gunshot to the head. Initial reports called it a suicide, but strong public outcry made officials admit the circumstances were suspicious. Fingers were later pointed at the Argentine intelligence community. Last night Fernández announced a dismantling of the current intelligence agency and the creation of a new one.

I won’t take sides in all of this, nor will I claim to have inside knowledge as to what all has transpired these last 20 years. I’d just ask you to pray for the people of Argentina, who are living through a great time of insecurity. There’s a feeling that justice won’t come about in this or many other situations.

photo from Pulsamerica

Are you ready for some futbol?

The 2010 World Cup begins today in South Africa. It’s the biggest sporting event in the world. In the United States, we like to call our sports finals “world championships,” but most of the world couldn’t care less who wins them. Contrast that with the World Cup of soccer, with the 2006 tournament drawing a total of over 26 billion viewers. (I’m guessing that’s adding all the games together, unless we had a lot of extraterrestrials watching the game)

My real introduction to World Cup soccer came in 1986. I had been in Argentina for less than a year when the tournament rolled around. Argentina ended up winning it all, which was really something to experience. It’s amazing to see how the streets empty and the city grows quiet during games, until the roar of “Goal!” sweeps across the town.

In 1990, Argentina came in second, losing in the final minutes of the game. I thought people would be pretty disappointed, but they celebrated even more in 1990 than they did in 1986. In a tournament like that, second place is still an incredible achievement.

I’d like to predict an Argentine victory this year, but I hesitate to do so. They probably have the most talent, but their coach, Diego Maradona, leaves a lot to be desired. He was an incredible player, but has not impressed as a coach.

Whatever happens, the tournament should be great fun. Every game is being televised by the ESPN/ABC networks, so you should be able to catch some of the games. I can’t wait!

Saludos

Happy weekend everybody! I’m in Buenos Aires for a Herald of Truth campaign… I ask for your prayers as we will be inviting people Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, as well as Sunday morning. (Yes, I’m writing this Thursday afternoon) Pray that the church will be able to help many get closer to God.

Thought I’d show you a picture of what I gave myself for my birthday yesterday. Incredible steak with “puffed” potatoes, dessert and drink for under $10. You gotta love Buenos Aires eating.

I will say that, after the Ecclesiastes study, I really tried to focus on eating the food with a thankful attitude. I need to do that more often, instead of just wolfing down my food. (Some are wondering… no, I didn’t take the Ecclesiastes experience the whole way. I drank sparkling water)

Anyway, see you next week! Have a great weekend.