Church is the body, not the building

Grace Bible Church of Uruguay celebrates 29 wonderful years of ministry. Their theme: Unity in the Body of Christ. (Photo courtesy of Addison Berry)


Uruguay (MNN) ― Twenty-nine years of ministry was celebrated recently by Grace Bible Church of Uruguay.

The church has been working closely with Grace Ministries International since their inception in 1982. Their mission is to minister the name of Christ to the people of Uruguay, both encouraging believers and reaching lost souls for His name.
In celebrating their 29th anniversary, Grace Bible Church of Uruguay focused on unity in the Body of Christ. The passage used to illustrate this theme was 1 Corinthians 12:14-27.

Verses 25-27 of that passage read, "There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (NIV)

Following God's command to share in the joy and pain of others, the congregation of Grace Bible Church of Uruguay collected food for the needy and spent time in prayer during their anniversary celebration.

As people gave gifts specifically for the church, they witnessed their gifts encouraging and uplifting other members within their church body. Such a joyful celebration of unity in Christ was refreshing, especially considering the spiritual climate of the country.

Uruguay has undergone severe separation of church and state since laws were enacted for this purpose in 1918. Roman Catholics and atheists dominate the religious scene of the country, with evangelicals claiming just over six percent of the population.

Grace Ministries International currently has two missionaries working with Grace Bible Church of Uruguay. Ricki Anne Zanella, a graduate of Grace Bible College in Michigan, works with the women's and children's programs in the church. A newert GMI missionary, Aimee Johnson, also works alongside Zanella in her efforts.

Please pray for this church to experience continued growth and strength. In following God's command to pray for members of the body, please also pray for a woman in the congregation who has received troubling news from doctors following a recent surgery.