Peru May Trip - Report #3

Well, yet another report from Peru. This internet cafe has proven itself handy, as it will for the Summer Missionaries to keep us all updated (we will limit their time on it though).

Last night we visited Lucian and Susan, but Susan has come down with probably a cold. Lucian was able to get some medicine for her, so we did not get to story with them last night. We checked on her today - she is still in bed sick, but her daughter (Milagra´s mother) was running the store while she´s ill and said tht Susan was still recouperating.

However, we had set up a time to story with a younger couple named Luis and Gumericinda (that took a while to get correct). They just opened up their restaurant 4 days ago. Judging by the portions and free coffee they gave us, we are spreading the word and sending the SMs there!

This became quite the interesting night. Luis and Gumericinda had been quite interested in some of the things John Grady had been doing on other visits. They were by far the most receptive and open people we´ve met in Conima. We plan to head back to story with them again tonight doing the Flood and the 10 Commandments. Pray these teach them about God, our sinfulness, and our need for him. Our hope is to share the Fast Track Gospel story I am working on right now. After we left last night, John G. said he could see that place becoming a church here in Conima! I can see this happening as well. Please pray for this to happen as we continue to pave the way for our SMs and the July trip ... and then we´ll see what God has in store for us after that.

One of the most interesting things about last night was our encounter with a young Aymara man named Alex. Yesterday morning we hiked a "small hill" to scope out a small village near by. Hal and Les took a breather at the top and ran into Alex on his motorcycle. Les said he was amazed at how well Hal could communicate to Alex even with the language barrier. Later that afternoon (while I was updating the blog), Les, Hal, and John G. ran into Alex on the street and told him we would be storying at the restaurant of Luis and Gumericinda. Lo´and behold, he showed up! By his demeanor, I figured he did not want to listen (I did not recognize this was Alex at the time). However, customers showed up, so Luis and Gumericinda had to work, so Alex became the main person we spoke to. He was answering questions, discussing the Bible, ASKING questions about the Bible, and said he wanted to study the Bible!!! You have no idea how amazing this is to hear!

John G. and Les kept conversation going until almost 10 p.m. We are praying for Alex, and hope to give him a Spanish Bible in a good translation for him to understand by the end of the week.

In my quiet time this morning, my heard kept being burdened for Alex as I read about God calling Samuel to be his priest. How in a place when the religious leaders (Eli´s sons) did not know God, God called up a young man to be His priest. I´m with John G. on this, I can see the restaurant becoming the first church ... get that - the FIRST evangelical church ... in Conima: a place where the Catholic church is locked up and the priest comes in but once a year to bless the beer for a festival. Keep praying for Luis, Gumericinda, Alex, and any others who THEY or WE invite to hear the gospel tonight and tomorrow. We appreciate all your prayers - they are being felt and answered!

Until He Comes,
Jonathan

PS - Tomorrow (Friday) is our last day in Conima. We leave early on Saturday to head back to Huancane and Juliaca to catch our late afternoon flight home, so pray for the Spirit to keep moving this last day and a half in Conima. We miss you families!