The Underwood Family

Missionaries to Argentina

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August 2014 Prayer Letter: Reflections From Our Survey Trip

It’s almost here! We are but 31 days away from kickoff! For many of us, our favorite time of the year is quickly approaching. It means cooler weather, cooking hamburgers and hotdogs over a bed of coals, and…

Saturdays in the South, especially throughout the fall are know for one thing…FOOTBALL! (SEC specifically… cough* cough*)

Saturdays in South Africa, however, are known for something much different. As much as Saturdays in the United States are known for football, Saturdays in South Africa are known for their FUNERALS.

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During the days leading up to a funeral, elders will have been in constant communication with ancestral spirits, preparing the way for the deceased to be accepted into the beyond when his spirit arrives there. Early on the day of the funeral, an ox (or a smaller animal, depending on the importance of the person) is slaughtered as a sacrifice for the umkhapho ritual. The ritual is intended to help the spirit to the beyond so the deceased can return as an ancestral spirit later to be worshipped.

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The Xhosa believe that if they are faithful in animal sacrifices, and worship of their ancestors, they will never do without. They believe they will always have their needs met, their health will be good, and that one day, they too will be worshipped as their ancestors. This is the Xhosa hope of eternity!

However, you and I KNOW… “in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”

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I would ask each of you to continue to pray for the Underwood family as we raise our support to get to the field. Our urgency to reach the Xhosa people with the gospel of Jesus Christ has never been greater. Every week, Saturday rolls around, the funerals come, sacrifices are made, and folks slip into eternity, lost without Christ. Would you ask God what He would like you to do to be involved in reaching the Xhosa people with the gospel of Jesus Christ?!

Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, and Eli Underwood
Acts20:24

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July 2014 Prayer Letter

Molweni bafundisi (Xhosa for Greetings Pastors),

Over the next serval prayer letters and updates, I would like to highlight the events of our survey trip to South Africa and share with you the opportunities God has given us to minister to a neglected people.

Ashlee and I arrived in Port Elizabeth midday on a Wednesday, had a quick bite of lunch, and changed for the midweek service at Madiba Bay Baptist Church. It had been almost a year since the last time I had seen the folks there and it was a wonderful reunion! That evening, Ashlee and I discussed how awesome it is that even acquaintances and strangers can love one another through fellowship in Jesus Christ! Certainly, the bonds of brotherhood we have are a precious gift that one can only find in Jesus!

The next four days were filled with many other services in the various churches in the different townships, each with the same warm and friendly welcome! On Sunday, we had the privilege to worship and fellowship in four different churches and attend a weekly pastor’s training class. From 10:00 am until 7:00 pm, we were able to hear and receive the Word of God!

I am truly thankful that my wife and I had the opportunity to see and experience the field in which God has called our family! Our survey trip has since given us a greater urgency to continue raising our support so that we may begin this new chapter of ministry.

As 2015 draws closer and closer, I would ask you to consider having the Underwood family come by to share our burden and encourage others to carry the gospel to a lost and dying world. The greatest lie the devil ever told was to convince us that time yet remains! Our hearts are heavy and we are energized more than ever to reach South Africa!

Thank you for praying and following along as God provides every need we have for the furtherance of His gospel!

Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, and Eli Underwood
Acts 20:24
stephenunderwood.net

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Underwood Family June 2014 Prayer Letter

With every month of deputation that passes, I am amazed at how quickly time can go by. To think about how quickly seven months of deputation has passed, is humbling and sobering. In fact, with each church we visit, every town we see, and each mile driven; my burden to reach the Xhosa people with the gospel of Christ continues to grow.

In the same breath, I praise the Lord for His provision and protection in our lives. Our deputation schedule is very full and there are many other exciting opportunities around the corner! To put it in perspective; we will spend one night in our own bed throughout the entire month of June!

Here is a sample of what the next few weeks look like:

• This week, my family and I are in Mobile, AL for a missions conference.

• Next week, I have the privilege and opportunity to teach and preach at the Our Generation Camp being held at Sand Mountain Bible Camp in Trenton, GA. I am very excited about this week as many young people will be challenged and encouraged to be involved in world missions!

• After camp; Ashlee and I will be leaving for our survey trip to South Africa! This is certainly a milestone for the Underwood family and we are very excited about what God has planned for us.

• With all of these events; we still have a total of eight meetings scheduled to present our burden for South Africa! The Lord certainly is good to us!

I would also like to mention that we have had three new churches partner with us financially within the last month, and one already this month! If the Lord lays it upon your heart, would you consider scheduling with us to come by and encourage your church family throughout 2015?

I believe with all of my heart that God has a work to be done in South Africa and that He wants you to be involved! Please continue to pray with us as we continue to follow the Lord’s direction to take the gospel to South Africa.

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
stephenunderwood.net