Uruguay: The Switzerland of South America and a Hunger to Walk with Jesus
DCA Announcement near the end.
There are some trips that leave you with beautiful pictures. Others leave you with a deeper appreciation for what God is doing around the world.
Our recent visit to Uruguay did both.
Uruguay is often called “The Switzerland of South America.” The nickname comes from its long history of political stability, strong democratic traditions, and high quality of life. Riding through Montevideo, it wasn’t difficult to understand why. The city was clean, beautiful, and inviting. The streets, parks, and waterfront are full of people enjoying life together, even in the cold. Markets buzzed with activity, families strolled together, and conversations seemed to happen everywhere.
I travelled with my friend, coworker in the Kingdom, and brother in Christ, Blake. One thing that stood out to us was the warmth of the people. They had an Italian vibe, in charge and yet humble. In Uruguay, it’s customary to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek. While this was different for us, it quickly became clear that this simple gesture reflected a culture that values people and relationships. Even as they welcomed us according to their customs, they were thoughtful and respectful of our boundaries. Their kindness made us feel at home from the moment we arrived.
The fellowship throughout the week was unforgettable. The church we visited, led by a faithful family, was charming and full of life. We shared wonderful meals around tables filled with laughter, encouragement, and conversations about ministry and following Christ. Food has a way of bringing people together, but what united us most was our shared desire to know Jesus more deeply in His Word.
Our purpose for visiting Uruguay was to teach the Simple Discipleship Method. While every group is different, one common thread emerges wherever we go: people want to know how to genuinely walk with Jesus day by day. They’re not looking for another program or a new ministry trend. They ask sincere questions about growing in Christ, growing in His Word, and making disciples in groups.
That hunger is always encouraging.
Even more encouraging was seeing the leaders. I sensed they are ready—not merely for another conference or another curriculum—but for a genuine movement of the Holy Spirit. They understand that real transformation cannot be manufactured. It is God’s work. Our responsibility is to remain faithful to Christ, obedient to His Word, and available for His Spirit to work through ordinary believers.
One moment that continually stood out to me was watching the groups gather. There was an expectancy, a longing in the room. People weren’t simply attending another meeting. They understood that they were gathering to meet with God Himself. That kind of expectation changes everything. Worship becomes more than music. Bible study becomes more than information. Fellowship becomes more than conversation. When God’s people gather expecting His presence, hearts become ready to hear and obey.
Scripture reminds us:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
This verse is not a promise that God is distant until we earn His attention. No, it reminds us that God delights in fellowship with His children. As we seek Him with humble hearts, we get to experience His presence in fresh and transforming ways. That is exactly what I witnessed in Uruguay. There was a deep desire to draw near to Christ.
Simple discipleship is not about doing less because less is easier. It is about returning to what Jesus intended from the beginning….walking closely with Him and helping others do the same.
As we boarded our flight home, I found myself thanking God for the privilege of serving alongside believers so far from home who have become brothers and sisters in Christ. We may be separated by language, customs, and geography, but we share the same Savior, the same mission, and the same hope.
Please continue to pray for the churches and leaders in Uruguay. Pray that their hunger for Christ would continue to deepen. And pray that God would use ordinary believers across Uruguay to spark a movement (a bunch of people making moves) centered on Jesus.
The world does not need more complicated strategies.
It needs more people who simply walk with Jesus.
Pray for our DCA Students as they prepare for our first-ever School Mission Trip with our Ambassador Program. Ecuador, here we come!
Shh. I have a book coming out in November/December that I pray will help people walk closely with Jesus: “The Quiet Way”…more coming soon.