Taking the Church Service Outdoors

During the pandemic, churches in Chile had been unable to meet in person for many months. When restrictions began to be lifted, strict protocols had to be followed for public gatherings. The church in Antofagasta, Chile where Pablo Ramírez is the pastor meets in a house. Normally, they use the largest rooms in the house for church services. The new protocols meant that no more than 10 people could gather for each service. That made corporate worship complicated, but God provided a great solution to the problem.

An Opportunity Outdoors

“It almost never rains in Antofagasta,” on the edge of the Atacama Desert. “Why not hold our services outdoors?” Pastor Pablo checked with the neighbors who made no objection. They ordered some large blue canopies to provide shade. They set up a sound system and all their chairs on the sidewalk and street outside the house.

Visitors Feel Free to Drop In

Amazingly, more people than ever attend the services. Neighbors passing by stop in to participate and listen. People notice the church in their community. Some of the visitors keep coming Sunday after Sunday. Pastor Pablo and his wife Lisette have started new discipleship groups. The new disciples include Chilean families and families from Bolivia and Venezuela.

We Need More Chairs

Lately, all the chairs are filled, and some church members stand to make room for visitors in the church service outdoors. 

“Thanks to God there have been several new families attending, and that has left us without enough chairs for everyone, so we are praying to be able to buy more chairs.” 

Pastor Ramírez and the church are raising money for 60 more chairs, some for adults and some for children. Maybe you can help. Each chair costs them about $20. If God is leading you to give, click here. 

Pray for God to continue to draw people to Christ in Antofagasta, Chile through the church service outdoors.