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Tag: Uruguay

When Two Worlds Collide: A Glimpse of God’s Global Church

Written by danl on . Posted in Globalscope, Uruguay.

This story is written by Sophie Anthony who serves with our Globalscope campus ministry in Montevideo, Uruguay, called La Ruta. Their mission is to create a community that reflects the unconditional love of God to every university student in Montevideo and that invites them to explore what it could look like to follow God in their own lives.

This past July, two worlds close to my heart collided when two La Ruta students, Camila and Paola, traveled with me to the Dominican Republic to volunteer at the Vacation Bible School at Templo Bíblico Villa Faro—a church I grew up visiting. There, we also met up with a group from my home church, Calvary Church of West Lafayette, Indiana.

I met Camila and Paola shortly after arriving to work at La Ruta, and I’ve been lucky to have a front seat to everything God has been doing in their lives. Both girls dedicated their lives to Christ and were baptized in the past year. They’ve become incredible leaders within the La Ruta community and actively share their faith with friends outside of La Ruta. The growth that I’ve witnessed in them is truly only something that can happen when the Holy Spirit radically changes one’s life. They’ve even expressed interest in working in ministry one day – Camila is even now studying worship arts at a local institute in addition to her university degrees.

Earlier this year, my mother (who is the Missions & Outreach Pastor at Calvary Church) invited me to meet her and a group from the church in

Santo Domingo for Templo Bíblico’s Vacation Bible School. When I was in high school, I volunteered at this camp every summer. I presented the idea of bringing Camila and Paola along, knowing that the cost would be the greatest barrier. Calvary generously offered to fund the girls’ trip, allowing them to experience traveling outside of Uruguay for the first time and doing ministry in an international context.

Camila and Paola were elated. We began anxiously preparing for the trip, which included getting both girls' passports.

On July 3rd, 2026, we flew together (both girls’ first flight!) to Santo Domingo. In the airport, we found the group from Calvary and everyone welcomed the girls with open arms. Some of the people in the group partner financially with me as a missionary, so it was amazing for them to meet two students impacted by La Ruta.

Every afternoon, we had VBS for children aged 3-12, and every evening we had VBS for teenagers. Camila and Paola, as native Spanish speakers, were able to connect incredibly well with the children and teenagers. During the teenage VBS, both girls were able to share their testimonies from the stage, and Camila led worship for the first time in her life. We also delivered groceries to families in need in the church neighborhood and hosted a mother’s and kids’ craft day.

I loved seeing American, Uruguayan, and Dominican cultures mix. For me, it was a little glimpse into what Heaven will be like when we’re with people from all nations.

Now that we’ve been back in Montevideo for a few months, both girls continue to be inspired by the trip and remain in contact with the friends they made. Paola is hoping to return this upcoming year, and Camila is planning to complete another international mission by interning at a Globalscope in Europe in 2027.

 

Learning to Preach in the Middle of the Journey: Claudia Ossa on The Peter Way

Written by danl on . Posted in Globalscope, Uruguay.

When Claudia Ossa reflects on preaching, she doesn’t start with polished sermons or confidence. She starts with tension—the kind she has seen in countless students and young leaders, and in herself: people who love God deeply but feel unprepared or unworthy to preach. That tension became the spark for her new book, The Peter Way, a guide shaped by years of campus ministry and her own ongoing formation.

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New Cultures, New Challenges, New Joys: Meet Our Newest Missionaries

Written by danl on . Posted in Ethiopia, Globalscope, Thailand, Uruguay.

Serving as a missionary is a profound privilege — filled with the joy of new friendships, cultural discovery, and sharing the hope of Christ. But it also comes with real challenges: language barriers, homesickness, and the emotional weight of starting fresh in a new place. We asked three of our newest missionaries — Micah Smith (Thailand), Anna Thormodsgard (Ethiopia), and Joy Reks (Uruguay) — to share a glimpse into their first few weeks on the field and how you can support them during this crucial season.

Micah arrived in Chiang Mai on October 8 and is already diving into ministry. “The Thai people are incredibly friendly,” he shares. “They’re always happy to include me in whatever they’re doing.” He’s especially enjoying collaborating with Thai Christians to create spaces where youth can encounter Jesus.

Adjusting to the tropical climate and navigating transportation during heavy rains has been a challenge — especially since he drives a Modo, which isn’t ideal in a downpour. Language learning has also proven more difficult than expected. “It takes a lot of time and dedication,” he admits.

Micah says the best way to support him is simple: “A quick reply to my updates or a text means a lot. It reminds me I haven’t been forgotten back home. And of course, prayer!”

Since arriving in August, Anna has embraced the rhythms of Ethiopian life — especially her usual 40-minute walk home from language school. “It’s my language route,” she says. “I stop to drink coffee, play games, chat with shop owners, and practice Amharic. It’s a fun way to connect with the community.”

But the transition hasn’t been without difficulty. Illness, cultural fatigue, and the mental toll of constant adaptation have been real. “I didn’t expect to be this exhausted every day,” she says. “But I’ve never been more aware of God’s grace and provision.”

Anna loves receiving photos from friends back home. “They’re a quick way to say, ‘I’m thinking of you.’ And I always need prayer.”

Joy joined the Globalscope campus ministry team in Montevideo in early September. “From day one, the team has been incredible,” she says. “There’s something special happening here — students are curious about faith, and I’ve had so many meaningful conversations already.”

Despite having interned in Uruguay before, this time felt different. “I didn’t expect to need so much help with everyday things — like finding an apartment or buying a lamp,” she laughs. “And ordering a kilo of ground beef in Spanish? Not as easy as it sounds!”

Joy has also fallen in love with Uruguayan culture — especially its music. “Candombe festivals fill the streets with rhythm and joy. It’s impossible not to smile and join in.”

She says the best support is engagement. “When people interact with my updates, it reminds me I’m not alone. And prayer — always prayer.”

Thank you for being part of something so much bigger than yourself — God’s global mission. Your support makes these ministries possible.

Globalscope Service Trips are Life-Changing for Students and Communities

Written by danl on . Posted in Chile, Globalscope, Mexico, Uruguay. No Comments on Globalscope Service Trips are Life-Changing for Students and Communities

For the fourth straight year, several Globalscope campus ministries from Latin America have teamed up to travel to a different location to serve together. Claudia Ossa, campus minister with the team in Montevideo, Uruguay, shares how Proyecto La Paz continues to be an amazing experience.

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Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Globalscope, campus ministry

Latinscope 2020: ‘We arrived as four teams but slowly became one!’

Written by mikaela on . Posted in Chile, Globalscope, Mexico, Uruguay.

Although they are spread out over three different countries, the CMF Globalscope campus ministers in Uruguay, Chile and Mexico share a common language and similar context and mission. The idea of getting together to share dreams and ideas that has been on the back burner for a couple of years finally gelled into the first-ever Latinscope in Lima, Peru, in early February.

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