‘I lift up my eyes to the hills—
From where does my help come?’ (Psalm 121:1)

I clung to Psalm 121, repeating it over and over in my head and heart during my eight months in Santiago, Chile (October 2024 – June 2025). Santiago is surrounded by hills and mountains, which are a constant reminder of the beauty and vastness of God’s creation. As I looked out at them, I often felt a mix of awe and uncertainty. I was far from home, in a new culture, speaking a second language and stepping into the world of full-time ministry. And yet, I found deep comfort in the truth that my help doesn’t come from within or from my surroundings – it comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I was in Santiago for a short-term mission placement, serving with Iglesia Santiago Apóstol (ISA). I spent the time immersed in the life of the local church and full-time ministry: leading Bible studies and serving at church services. I received theological training, and I was involved in discipleship and the pastoral team. From day one, I was welcomed with open arms. The church family were incredibly loving and generous and there was something so encouraging about being on the other side of the world and yet meeting brothers and sisters who share the same faith, the same gospel, and the same Saviour. It reminded me that the Church is global, that we are one body yet many nations. There’s a deep unity in Christ that transcends borders.

Harry Clarke serving in Santiago, Chile

That’s not to say everything was easy. My Spanish was decent before I arrived, but there’s a big difference between knowing grammar and holding deep, meaningful conversations surrounded by Chilean accents! Chileans are famously warm and hospitable, and they love spending time together. I’ll never forget my first night in the flat. I arrived, tired after a 24-hour-plus journey. At 7pm I was told that there weren’t any social plans, so it would just be a quiet night. By 9pm there were over fifteen people in our living room – my flatmate’s band, plus other friends, food, music, laughter. I remember sitting on the sofa, absolutely exhausted and slightly overwhelmed, thinking, ‘this is going to be very different’. And it was.

But I discovered that different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. My new friends were full of love and wanted to make me feel welcome, and I ended up falling in love with the spontaneity of life in Chile. All of the cultural challenges were hugely overshadowed by immense joy, growth, and encouragement. I saw the church build each other up whilst serving God and one another faithfully. Being a member of the ISA pastoral team, I experienced many of the ups and downs of ministry. I learnt that being family in Christ means trusting God through it all: rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.

Pastoral meetings at Iglesia Santiago Apóstol

It was impactful to see the power of the word of God. Whether it’s preached from a pulpit, studied in small groups, or shared over coffee, God’s word convicts, transforms, and encourages, no matter the language. Discipleship holds many similarities across cultures. It’s about walking alongside others, and ultimately, always pointing others and yourself to Jesus. Loving people, sharing the gospel, building up the Church – it’s all rooted in the same gospel truth, no matter the country or culture.

My time in Chile didn’t just encourage me, but others too. Some people in ISA told me that they were reminded that the Church is bigger than just Chile, that God is working far beyond their country. Mission, I learnt, isn’t just about going to give – it’s about sharing, learning and growing together. It’s the unity in Christ that enables us to fulfil the Great Commission of making disciples of every nation.

Harry Clarke’s farewell party

In the end, leaving Chile filled me with the same emotions as leaving the UK had, eight months ago. Saying goodbye to people who had become like family wasn’t easy. And there is still some personal uncertainty too – what’s next? However, through all the highs and lows, one thing is clear: the Lord is at the centre. As Psalm 121 ends: ‘The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore’ (Psalm 121:8). He is the one who keeps and helps us, no matter the context or time we find ourselves in.

So, whether you’re going out or coming in, or anywhere in between, God is the same. He is faithful, present and powerfully working to bring people to salvation and to build his Church across the globe, now and forevermore.

Have you been inspired? Could you serve cross-culturally on a short-term mission placement?

Our aim is to offer a challenging and realistic experience of cross-cultural mission, with its sacrifices and encouragements, struggles and joys. Start a conversation with us: short-term@crosslinks.org