We have made it Conima! The house we are staying in is definitely a blessing from the Lord. Why you might ask? Because we have hot water ... but only between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. The water is heated via solar panels. Needless to say, the Summer Missionaries will have it much nicer and more comfortable, as far as living conditions are concerned, as compared to most others.
Now to the ministry. We had the pleasure of meeting a couple yesterday afternoon while walking around the town. Their names are Lucian and Susan. They take care of their three year old niece, Milagro. She is mostly paralyzed on her right side. Her mother lives in Juliaca and only comes to visit from time to time. The most we can figure is that she became a whole lot of work for a single mom, and her mother needed to continue working in Juliaca.
After Les struck up a conversation, or "conversacion" with the family, we asked if we could come back that evening to tell them a story. The invited us back!! Jon Ratzlaff, Les Lopez and myself went back at 7:00 p.m. (when it is very cold and dark) and Jon shared the Creation story with them while Les translated. They were able to repeat the story back, at least the main points. Susan was muttering the words as Les translated the story while Lucian remembered most of the main points. Lucian recognized, "that´s in the Bible." They had formerly attended the Adventist church down the road, but not in the past 5 years. We asked what they liked about that story and what it told them about God. Lucian loved the part about fruit trees, and said that the story stirred up an emotion in his heart and he felt much gratitude. We know that is the Holy Spirit beginning to work in him and soften his heart.
We all ask that you continue to pray for Lucian and Susan as we go back to their house/shop tonight to tell them the story of the fall of man. Lucian mentioned last night that he had felt far from God. I told him I felt that way too one time, and at many times, and wanted to tell him a story of why we all feel far from God. Our hope is that by the end of the week one or both of these will come to salvation. The other stories we´ll share with them are the Flood and the 10 Commandments. I am currently crafting what John Grady calls a ´"Fast Track" gospel presentation so we do not leave them with the 10 Commandments only. The Adventists here are very OT based in their practice. They mostly read and teach the OT and Revelation, and MISS the rest of the NT. Therefore, the gospel will be VERY new to these people ... if not brand new ... and we don´t want to leave them feeling they have to obey the 10 Commandments to get to heaven - they need Jesus for that.
Keep praying, as we know you are. Your prayers are felt, and it appears being answered. Health is doing well for all - Hal just gets a little tired from time to time. Ministry is being done, and with continued prayers from the saints and the work of the Spirit, some Aymara may come to Christ on this week-long trip: what a start that would be for our Summer Missionaries.
We all can´t wait to be home with our families, but are blessed to see the Lord moving while we´re here.
Until He Comes,
Jonathan
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