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On behalf of our SIM team in Chili and the church, THANK YOU!

Located in south-central Chile, the Koyamentu Retreat and Training Center is a well-loved venue for Christian retreats, and conferences.

Koyamentu, which means "place of the oaks" in the Mapuche language, was established in 2004. It received its first group in January 2005. Already 30 congregations and several non-denominational ministries have used the facilities.

	A group prays together during a pastors' retreat

A place for strengthening and equipping Christians, Koyamentu offers many seminars:

• Sunday school teacher training
• World Mission training retreats
• Events for pastors in world mission
• Rural church leaders Bible institute (3 consecutive days per month)

Expanding Ministry

Koyamentu has been so well received that a second phase of construction is planned.

The addition will be a one storey, 322 square meter building with:

• two classrooms,
• a prayer room,
• a multi-purpose room,
• a kitchen, and
• bathrooms with showers.

The expansion will allow two groups to use the center at the same time. Smaller groups can sleep on mattresses in the classrooms. A second storey with sleeping space for 35 people is planned for the third phase of construction.

One Church Leader's Testimony

"Koyamentu is a blessing to every one of us who uses it to have time beside the Lord's refreshing waters," says John Sobarzo, a church leader in nearby Temuco, and a member of the Koyamentu Advisory Committee. He has brought his youth group and other church groups to Koyamentu for nine different retreats, and plans to return for several more in 2007.

	Isaac, a student at the Rural Bible Institute

John and his wife Paola are preparing to take a group of youth on an evangelistic trip to Spain in 2008. They are helping the young people develop servant hearts by bringing them to Koyamentu to work. The group has gotten their hands dirty by helping move earth for a future pond.

"Koyamentu definitely has something important to offer to the local Body of Christ," Sandvig says. "My wife Sharon and I love this wonderful place and what the Lord has called us to do here. We're excited about the possibilities for the future, both short and long range."

Give

You can minister to Chilean Christians through your partnership with Koyamentu. This project has received two generous grants which will cover nearly 80 percent of the budget for building phase II of the project. Would you consider a financial gift to strengthen your Christian brothers and sisters in Chile? You may give online or by contacting your nearest SIM office.