Deep in the Andes Mountains, a group of missionaries drove a bumpy, winding road on their way to visit believers in remote, nearly inaccessible villages. To get to their destination, they had to cross a river. But on this day, recent storms had caused the river to overflow its banks. Its current was too fast, the water was too deep, and it was impossible for the truck to cross.

Rather than turn around, however, the missionaries found another route. But this involved leaving their truck behind and continuing on foot on a safer, but inaccessible-by-vehicle, path. They walked for thirty minutes to reach the first village on their list, arriving safely to meet with believers there.

Following that visit, they continued on for forty minutes to reach the home of Maribel and Edgar, an elderly Christian couple whose five adult children moved away long ago. “In these rural and remote regions, young people marry and go to the cities to look for work and a better life,” the ministry leader said. “They no longer want to work in agriculture.”

Maribel can no longer walk long distances due to illness, and she was overjoyed when the missionaries arrived at her home. She knew they had traveled a difficult road in order to visit with her and Edgar.

Hastily putting away the blanket she had been weaving, she welcomed them inside, and she and Edgar sat together as the missionaries led them in a worship service. “We sang praises, shared the Word of God, and prayed for them and their children,” the ministry leader said. “This elderly couple was very pleased with our visit.”

Pray that believers like Maribel and Edgar will feel the presence of God, especially when they are unable to fellowship with a local church. And please consider making a donation today. You can support local missionaries who travel long distances to encourage and disciple believers living in remote places. Their visits to these isolated villages bring joy to believers, reminding them they are not alone.

*Name changed for security