The Underwood Family

Missionaries to Argentina

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Special Announcement to Start the New Year!

We just purchased tickets for Arequipa, Peru!

That’s right! We are doing our diligence to begin language school, and prepare for ministry in Spanish speaking South America!

After much counsel and advice from my pastor, and the leadership of Vision Baptist Missions, we want to get ahead of any potential delays in the coming weeks and begin training as soon as possible.

We are not yet certain when Argentina will open it’s borders to Americans, and there are mixed reports ranging from a month to six months. With that said, we are excited about the opportunity to be involved in ministry on the mission field and look forward to God using this time in our lives for His glory!

It has been 18 years since I have been in Peru, and I look forward to seeing some familiar faces, reminiscing on old times, and seeing familiar places. Please continue to pray with us as we take any step we can during these uncertain times! We are continuing to pay for our house in Argentina, and will now be paying for a furnished place in Peru; so please pray with us about this additional cost. However, He is worthy!

I had this thought as I was typing this announcement: to us, these days seem unprecedented, and uncertain; but I’m thankful to know that the Creator of this universe is not caught off guard, He is not at all surprised, and His will will be done to accomplish that task of world evangelism! May God’s name be magnified by our lives and actions as we take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth!

Thank you all for you faithful love, prayers, and support for our family!

Your Missionaries to Argentina,

Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, Eli, and Neyland
The Underwood Family
Acts 20:24
argentinamissions.net

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January 2021 Prayer Letter

January 2021 Prayer Letter PDFDownload

Well, we are still here. We found out just 10 days before we were supposed to fly that our flight was cancelled, and Argentina extended their border closure to American tourists until January 31st.

Some of the steps we have taken, and continue to take are: a request for a special exception from Argentina to complete the visa process here, and be able to fly before the borders open. We have also looked into other South American countries in order to begin some language learning. As we gather information about this possibility, we are also watching the possibilities of these countries closing borders to Americans as well.

In the mean time, I was privileged to preach in several churches last month and had a wonderful time of worship with some of the sweetest people! Ashlee and I are truly humbled by the love shown to us by so many. In the midst of COVID, the frustration of being delayed and all the uncertainty has been greatly reduced by God’s people being so gracious, understanding, and encouraging to our family.

Our home in Argentina is nearly set up. There will be just a few odds and ins we will need to purchase when we arrive. We have a vehicle waiting on us, and will need to purchase a second. However, we are excited and anticipating arriving as soon as possible.

Please pray that this will soon be over and passed as we do everything we possibly can to get to the field!

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support for our family!

Your Missionaries to Argentina,

Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, Eli, and Neyland
The Underwood Family
Acts 20:24
argentinamissions.net

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December 23rd Quick Update

I wanted to give a quick update and timeline on our attempts to arrive in Argentina. This year, along with everyone else, has been several road blocks and detours; however, we are continuing to research and exhaust every avenue we can to get to the field.

  • March 31: original departure date, canceled
  • July 15: Rescheduled departure, canceled
  • Sept 20: President of Argentina extended border closure until Oct 30
  • Oct 30ish: Argentina announced Nov 15ish they would open to neighboring countries and residents of Argentina only
  • Nov: we researched the possibility to fly to Uruguay, ferry across the bay to Buenos Aires. Migraciones in Argentina said we would be turned away at the border.
  • Nov 28: rescheduled flight for Dec 31st on word that borders would be open for tourism Dec 20
  • Dec 20: Border closure extended until Jan 31, 2021

    – We have expedited all documents needed to apply for visas.
    – We have paid for FBI Background checks and apostille service twice.
    – We were told by Argentina Migraciones that we could apply at the Atlanta Consulate for our visas.
    – The Atlanta consulate requires a special exception by Migraciones in order to process visas from here.
    – Migraciones will not except any paperwork, or requests concerning visas currently.
    – We have been refunded our tickets for Dec 31 and are researching any other possibilities in order to leave ASAP…Though I have no idea when that will be at the moment.

Please continue praying with us that the Lord will open this door, so that we can get to the field He has put on our hearts.

I’m thankful for the opportunities that God has given me to preach and serve here during our time of waiting. I am working every avenue possible, studying, and continuing training. We, more than anyone else, desire to be on the mission field doing what God has called us to do! We desperately covet your prayers as we strive to get to the field!

Your Missionaries to Argentina,
Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, Eli, and Neyland
The Underwood Family
Acts 20:24
argentinamissions.net