Peter Blowes, CMS missionary in north-eastern Argentina, has been part of a ground-breaking initiative to see Bibles and study notes distributed to Corrientine schools and universities.
The idea first developed during a Wednesday morning breakfast for local pastors.
One of the pastors persuaded his relative, the Minister for Education, to support the distribution which, according to Peter Blowes, "was seen as a positive step in addressing the increasing problems of violence and terrible behaviour especially in high schools. The directors (Principals) are desperate for anything that will help."
The project was a great example of teamwork.
Pastors made arrangements with the Bible Society, drew up receipts and organised freight for the nearly 4 tonnes of literature (including some big discounts!)
Mr. Blowes organised copies of the ‘Libro de vida’ (called ‘Book of Hope’ in English) and a YWAM staffworker produced press releases and articles.
The CMS missionary was also involved in organising a display of Bible Society materials and an evangelistic conference in the exhibition rooms of the University’s Extension department.
"The Pastors put in the main effort, visiting schools and getting permission notes signed by school principals, and are were out distributing the materials in the class rooms, talking to students and staff," Mr. Blowes said.
"After Day 4 of the distribution, 18 pastors had approached 39 primary and high schools which were willing to receive the materials. A couple more rejected it, some of them in disbelief that the Minister had actually agreed to this project!"
Peter Blowes is describing the result as a miracle of God’s grace and timing.
"There is some suspicion, prejudice and ignorance in the community about evangelicals - so the pastors needed great wisdom and tact. We are so grateful to the Bible Society which donated around AR$2000 worth of Bibles and booklets for school principals and libraries, along with the $2000 Argentine pesos (worth approx. $1000 AUD) we received from the government."
