By Marlene Murschel
I grew up attending a C&MA church in Montana. My mom had a major role in encouraging me to give to missions through the Great Commission Fund. She was a big supporter to missionaries—praying for them, having them stay at our house, and giving toward their work.
My husband, Mike, and I believe that God calls some to go and some to pray and give. We felt that supporting Chuck and Betty Ostlie’s ministry in Chile was the least we could do for them after they had opened their home to me as a young woman.
A Part of Us
When we started giving to the Ostlies more than 30 years ago, we didn’t know how long we would give—it just became part of us. We enjoyed hearing about how God was using them and changing so many lives in Chile. It was gratifying to know that we had a tiny part in the work He was doing there.
When our kids were in grade school, they were excited to receive letters from Chuck and Betty—from Chile with Chilean stamps. Our children would use these as “show and tell” items at school. The letters opened doors to tell their classmates who the Ostlies were and that they tell others about Jesus.
Last year, our daughter, CJ, went to Chile to teach English and see firsthand what God was doing through the Ostlies’ ministry. Shortly after she arrived, CJ encouraged me to join her. Since the Ostlies were preparing to transition out of Chile, this would be my last chance to visit them there. After I prayed about it, God opened the doors for me to go.
To be with Chuck and Betty in their home and meet Chilean believers was a wonderful blessing. The women at the Reñaca church are prayer warriors and great supporters of each other. Sunday morning worship was “heaven on earth.” I didn’t understand most of it because of the language barrier, but I could definitely feel the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Coming Full Circle
The time in Chile with the Ostlies opened my eyes to see that Christ is alive in people outside the United States. As CJ and I traveled around the country with the Ostlies, they shared stories of people with whom they had shared the gospel—so many seeds planted! We visited one family that couldn’t get enough of talking about Jesus. I left their home with so much joy.
We also met a man for whom we had prayed after reading about his illness in one of the Ostlies’ newsletters. He was living proof of answered prayers. I continue to connect with him and his family through Facebook.
It’s exciting to see the work of the C&MA come full circle in Chile. As The Alliance transitions out of Latin America, the opportunities in the more-difficult areas of the world still need our prayers and support. Mike and I will continue to give to the Great Commission Fund.
We are reminded of what Matthew 6:19–21 says about not storing our treasures on earth but in heaven. Where our treasure is, our heart is. We can’t think of a better place for our hearts to be than in the work of missionaries.
What You Can Do
Pray
Pray for the transitioning of the national church in Chile and the new church plant in Chicureo, Santiago. Join in praying for the work of Alliance people worldwide by using our weekly Alliance Prayer requests.
Give
- Give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) to support Alliance workers like Chuck and Betty who are extending the hope of Christ to the lost and discipling new believers.
- Give now