We are based in Juárez, a small town in the remote north of Argentina, but a relatively central location for visiting the 150 or so small Anglican churches scattered across the area known as the Chaco.
Most of these congregations are Wichí-speaking, though there are also Chorote and Toba-speaking churches, as well as Spanish-speaking. All are led by local leaders.
The next few years will be critical in developing sustainable training for leaders and deepening the discipleship of believers.
David and Shelley Stokes - Argentina
Call
To serve Christ by accompanying the mainly Wichí-speaking congregations at a time of massive transition.
Role
David visits and encourages church leaders and helps develop sustainable training while Shelley works with Wichí women, en-couraging them to love the Lord and their neighbours.
More about David and Shelley Stokes
David has been coordinating the training for new and existing church leaders, as well as helping revise the service book and courses for Wichí-speaking church members.
Shelley has been helping with AMARE, which is the Argentine branch of Mothers’ Union. AMARE encourages women to put their faith and love into action.
Living in Juárez is challenging; the climate is very hot, and in this settler town there is an uneasy mix of criollo (Argentine settlers), Wichí and Toba cultures. Travelling on dusty or muddy roads and staying in communities is always an adventure.
David had a background in teaching and Shelley as a violinist before marrying and serving with the South American Mission Society in Chile and then in northern Argentina (1988-1999).
We lived in a Wichí community as a family, and David was involved in leadership training across the diocese.
After a decade back in England, we were invited to return to serve in northern Argentina with Church Mission Society in 2010.
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