Ron Bauman - Short term Mission

TeamWorkers Missions Report – Mercedes, Uruguay
Submitted by Ron Bauman

As many of you know, TeamWorkers is a ministry associated with MSC Canada, focused on sending volunteer teams to support missions workers around the world. These short-term mission teams provide practical help—what we call "helps ministry"—to both foreign and local missionaries who request assistance in their area of service.

When a request is received, a TeamWorkers leader coordinates with the missionary to confirm the time frame and scope of the project. Once those details are settled, the opportunity is posted online and shared with local churches to invite participation. Former team members are also contacted. Individuals who feel led can apply through the TeamWorkers website to join a particular project.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported this initiative—your prayers and contributions made a real difference.

This year, a team was sent to Mercedes, Uruguay, a town about the size of Elmira. On the outskirts of Mercedes lies El Ombú, a Bible camp surrounded by farmland. If not for the occasional palm tree, you might think you were in southern Ontario—there are no mountains or jungles in this part of the country. El Ombú serves as a children’s camp but is also used by adult groups, and currently hosts a discipleship centre with four students.

Our primary project was to construct a 24-foot cement tower to support a large elevated water tank, approximately 4 feet high and 10 feet in diameter. While part of the team built the concrete forms, others worked on electrical upgrades and painting some of the camp’s bunk rooms. Once a form section was ready, everyone pitched in for the classic “bucket brigade” to pour the cement. This process was repeated over four separate pours across several days until the full height was reached.

The tank was then lifted into place using a truck with a boom arm and securely mounted. The connecting pipes were scheduled to be installed after our departure, and the forms will be removed once the concrete is fully cured.

Aside from a few minor health hiccups, everything went smoothly. The missionaries at the camp were deeply grateful—even surprised—by how much was accomplished. It was a privilege to serve alongside the local believers and to be an encouragement to them. It’s always inspiring to connect with more of the global family of God.

If you're serious about serving the Lord in a hands-on way, I highly recommend participating in a TeamWorkers project as God leads. It’s a powerful experience that not only blesses others but also strengthens your own faith.

Blessings,
Ron Bauman

Water tank

Electrical upgrade

Filling forms

Tower poured

Painted dorm

Finished rooms