December 2010 - December 2010 - January 2011
JM IN BA
Christmas
For Christmas in Argentina, we STINTers
decided to have a quiet, intimate time with just
our team. On Christmas Eve, we cooked dinner,
watched a Christmas movie; then we went to
the roof of our building to watch the fireworks (It
is the custom here to shoot fireworks at
midnight on Christmas Eve). On Christmas
morning, we cooked breakfast, read the
Christmas story, and exchanged gifts. We left
the rest of the day open to be able to
communicate with our families back home. It
was difficult being away from my family, so staying
focused on the true meaning of Christmas during
this time was key for me to keep my spirits lifted.
Reminding myself that I am celebrating the birth of
the Savior of mankind and that God loves us enough
to sacrifice His son for us was so refreshing and
encouraging.
Everyone gathered before our day of evangelism.
Over 120 people accepted Christ that day!
My Contact Info:
Email:
jmskinner87@gmail.com
Maling Address:
Rio De Janeiro 840, Dept. 4A
Capital Federal 1405
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Blog:
http://
johnmarkonstint.blogspot.com
Summer Camp 2011
Every summer Vida Estudiantil (Campus Crusade for
Christ in South America) puts on a camp for South
American college students who want to learn how to make
a difference by sharing their faith in Christ. It is held near
Cordoba, Argentina at a hotel called Casa Grande, or “Big
House.” The camp lasts one week and is similar to a CCC
Christmas Conference in the States. Seminars and break-
out sessions focused on different topics are all geared
toward teaching students how to share the Gospel and
start a movement in their area of influence. There is also a
day of evangelism, where everyone goes out into the
communities to share the Gospel and puts into practice
what they’ve learned. This year, there were about 300
students and staff members involved with the camp; and,
as a STINTer, I got to take part in every step – from
planning to execution. It was incredible. Not only was it
great to meet people from other places, but it was also
encouraging to know that they all have a heart for the lost
and want to share their faith. This camp was a great
source of energy for me and an awesome way to start off
2011.
 Mapuche Project
Proyecto Mapuche has been my favorite undertaking since I have been here in Argentina. It consisted of about 65 STINTers,
staff, and students forming small teams and going to remote areas to interact with communities of an indigenous tribe of
Indians, called the Mapuche. My team of eight people lived in a school in the small community of Lago Rosario for about two
weeks. We were the first people associated with this project to be sent there, and I was excited to have the opportunity to
share with a somewhat unreached people – basically in the middle of nowhere. Our time among the Mapuche exceeded all
my expectations. During our days in Lago Rosario, we put on events for the community to attend, went door to door to
distribute donated clothes, and most importantly shared the Gospel. The Mapuche were very accepting and would always
invite us in to drink mate or eat tortas fritas (one of their typical dishes). They were a kind and generous people, willing to
share what they had with us even though they had very little. I have never seen poverty to this extent in person, and this
experience really gave me a burning desire to share the Gospel with these people. I realize that I’ve been entrusted with the
Good News – news that can give them eternal bliss, despite their sufferings on this earth. The truth of the Gospel is the best
thing anyone can ever hear but was especially poignant for them due to their present hardships. To be able to give suffering
people a hope and a vision of eternal life was not only an incredible experience, but it also re-emphasized to me that
evangelism is my duty as a Christian. Like I said, this trip completely exceeded my expectations and gave me an energy and
zeal to start the new school year. Lago Rosario and the Mapuche people will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Young Mapuche Children

Two of the ladies on our team sharing with the Mapuche women

Our team with a Mapuche woman named Maria