The Underwood Family

Missionaries to Argentina

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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

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December 2020 Prayer Letter

December Prayer Letter PDFDownload

I cannot express just how much God has blessed our family throughout the month of November! November is a month of Thanksgivings, gratitude, and reflecting on God’s goodness. He certainly has given me more than what I deserve and I want to praise Him!

We were privileged to be in several churches in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Lord brought in several new supporters that have committed to help us reach Argentina with the gospel of Christ. Several extremely gracious and generous love offerings were given to help meet travel expenses, and cover some of our set up fund costs.

One of the highlights of the month for me was our Unity Men’s Retreat! We had the opportunity to spend a few days hearing from Pastor Austin Gardner, and Missionary Jim Roberts III on several topics like; team work, forgiveness, expectations, and bearing one another’s burdens. My heart was stirred to be a better friend to our co-laborers taking the gospel to the world.

I do have a few special prayer requests that I’d like to ask you to join me in prayer with:

1) David Gates and family. (Church planter to Muslims) David’s mother passed away recently. Ask God to comfort them during this time of loss.

2) Keith Shumaker and family. (Church planter in Burkina Faso) Keith’s dad passed away after a long fought battle with cancer. Pray for comfort for them as well.

3) Lori Holt and her family. (Church planters in Chile) Lori’s mom is undergoing cancer treatment and is trusting God during her battle. Pray for her, pray for Lori as she tries to care for her mom, pray for Jason as he tries to lead and encourage his wife during this trial.

4) Blake and Bridgette Young. (Church planters in Colombia) This young couple suffered a miscarriage. Pray for their hearts to be comforted during this time.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers for us! Knowing how faithful you pray for us encourages me that you will also lift up our friends in their time of need!

God bless you all,
Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, Eli, and Neyland Acts 20:24
argentinamissions.net