This blog is a recap of the trip 4 youth, myself, and another adult took to Peru. I've been meaning to post it for ... oh ... only 2 months now. Better late than never I say. I hope for the other 5 that went, this helps them to re-live our adventures, and reminds us of how we have hope in Christ and for the Gospel in the lives of some of the children in Conima Peru. I hope you enjoy reading about our "tough travels," being "cold in Conima," "McDonald's at midnight," and the "glimmers of Gospel hope." I hope you take the time to read this (even though it's long), because the end is worth it. Also, we'd really appreciate your prayers for those listed at the bottom, that they would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Showing posts with label FBCWP Peru. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FBCWP Peru. Show all posts
6/21/11
So I'm a failure at blogging...
Given the fact that the LAST time I updated this was just at a year ago, I fail at blogging.
However, to any who read this thing, it is that time again. One camp down, one out of country mission trip, one more camp, and one in-state mission trip to go. Ahhh... it's summer time in Student Ministry.
However, to any who read this thing, it is that time again. One camp down, one out of country mission trip, one more camp, and one in-state mission trip to go. Ahhh... it's summer time in Student Ministry.
7/11/10
Summer-time in Student Ministry ...
Well, blogging for me has hit a slow time because of the season of summer ... a.k.a., the busiest time in Student Ministry. Thus far this summer I've gone to Peru for a week-long mission / vision trip, preached a 5 day revival in Iowa, graduated 12 seniors from our ministry, took 10 students to Super Summer, vaca'd w/ the family in New Mexico, was the MC for VBS, just returned from Journey Youth Camp w/ 20 students, and tomorrow morning I head to Peru leading a team of 2 students and 2 adults.
5/12/10
Last night in Conima
I decided to "fast" from the internet for a few days at the end of our trip to Conima. I wanted to blog two more times about our May 2010 trip to Conima. Here's the entry from my journal:
"We met Pastor Reuben and his wife, Luisa, today along with their daughter, Edit (Edith). It was so encouraging to see a believer in this area. He was full of life and light. He will be going with John Grady back to visit more with Luis and Gumercinda early next week - they were so open and receptive to God's Word.
Getting to share the gospel across the table from someone whom I cannot even communicate with was amazing. With Les translating, you could see that Luis and Gumercinda were captivated by the gospel - that Christ died for them.
When we shared the 10 commandments with them, John Grady asked if their culture worshiped idols, or anything other than God (Comm #1 & 2). They could see and acknowledge that they do. (Pachi mama and pap [mother and father earth], various virgins, etc.)
We left New Testaments with them as well as the Jesus Film translated into Aymara. John Grady told them to read John or Luke - they caught on to Luke, which corresponds with the movie, or "pelicula." If they actually read, John Grady and Reuben will give them a full Bible! This could be the beginnings of hte first church we plant in Conima!
Luis took extensive notes while Hal told the Flood and Les the 10 Commandments. I told him to just listen to me, since I would be telling a summary of the NT / Gospels. If he wanted to know more, he could read it. It truly was a thing from God to participate in and be a part of and witness. Jesus was so fresh and new to them - they didn't take hearing the Word of God for granted ... so refreshing."
After this entry, I couldn't help but write out this prayer, which I'm still asking God to answer:
I beg you to ask the same question - if Christ has saved you and He's changed you from the inside out, is your life really showing that He's made a difference? Are you on mission, sharing the gospel? If I can via a translator, surely we can to those God's placed in our lives that speak our language and we don't have to travel to another hemisphere to witness to them ... what needs to change?
"We met Pastor Reuben and his wife, Luisa, today along with their daughter, Edit (Edith). It was so encouraging to see a believer in this area. He was full of life and light. He will be going with John Grady back to visit more with Luis and Gumercinda early next week - they were so open and receptive to God's Word.
Getting to share the gospel across the table from someone whom I cannot even communicate with was amazing. With Les translating, you could see that Luis and Gumercinda were captivated by the gospel - that Christ died for them.
When we shared the 10 commandments with them, John Grady asked if their culture worshiped idols, or anything other than God (Comm #1 & 2). They could see and acknowledge that they do. (Pachi mama and pap [mother and father earth], various virgins, etc.)
We left New Testaments with them as well as the Jesus Film translated into Aymara. John Grady told them to read John or Luke - they caught on to Luke, which corresponds with the movie, or "pelicula." If they actually read, John Grady and Reuben will give them a full Bible! This could be the beginnings of hte first church we plant in Conima!
Luis took extensive notes while Hal told the Flood and Les the 10 Commandments. I told him to just listen to me, since I would be telling a summary of the NT / Gospels. If he wanted to know more, he could read it. It truly was a thing from God to participate in and be a part of and witness. Jesus was so fresh and new to them - they didn't take hearing the Word of God for granted ... so refreshing."
After this entry, I couldn't help but write out this prayer, which I'm still asking God to answer:
God - what do I take back to the states with what You've shown me here? Change what You will in my life. What makes sense right now is that how I've been living, my calling, etc. has been reaffirmed. It's like Your Word came to life - I feel like I've been participating in the 1st century church. This feels right to do this - be on Mission and share the gospel - what have we missed in the states? What needs to change? What do You want me to do ... what can I do?
I beg you to ask the same question - if Christ has saved you and He's changed you from the inside out, is your life really showing that He's made a difference? Are you on mission, sharing the gospel? If I can via a translator, surely we can to those God's placed in our lives that speak our language and we don't have to travel to another hemisphere to witness to them ... what needs to change?
5/6/10
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!
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!
5/5/10
Peru May Trip - Report #2
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
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
5/3/10
Peru May Trip - Report #1
Well, we made it safely to Huancane and just had a marvelous dinner with the Grady's (local missionaries to the Aymara). Travel was LONG! We landed in Lima Peru at 4:30 a.m. this morning, but our next flight was not until 2:35 p.m. So what did we do? Explored Lima for a bit. We took a very safe cab (green cab) to "Mira Flores" and visited the beach and coastline. Of all things to be in the shopping center, we found a Tony Roma's and a Chili's (but they aren't open at 6:00 a.m.) After breakfast at "Cafe Z," we traveled to a park and saw a very pretty cathedral / Parrish church (pictures to come of all of this, by the way). I will post more about this experience when I return.
We were met by a large group of drunk people when we arrived in Huancane. This is the tail end of one of their BIGGEST festivals of the year celebrating "The Cross of May." Alcoholism is rampant among the Aymara. Recess in the elementary schools consists of teaching the children the dances they will eventually do as adults ... as they drink. Sonia Grady even had a difficult time finding eggs to make us cornbread today because all of the stores are closed due to the festival - no one is sane/sober enough to run their business.
This is part of the culture we are entering into in order to share the gospel with them. There is a small house church in Huancane w/ Pastor Reuben, but the bulk of the Aymara are lost. We are praying for more evangelism and for Pastor Reuben and a few other house churches scattered around this time.
Our hope as FBCWP is to be able to help train these men. We may not be able to have the most consistent presence with the Aymara when the Grady's leave in the Fall, but with the Holy Spirit being poured out and moving among these few house churches, and with willing people to reach the Aymara and train the pastors, we could see more and more come to Christ, thus growing the Kingdom of God (the ultimate goal of all of us).
It's bed-time, because we're all exhausted. Tonight we're staying in the hostel next door to the Grady's and will be falling asleep to the sound of the music of the festival. Tomorrow, we head to Conima - the town our church has adopted for the next 3 years, and where our Summer Missionaries and team in July will be staying and ministering. Continue to pray for us.
Psalm 96:2-3, 10
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Until He Comes,
Jonathan
We were met by a large group of drunk people when we arrived in Huancane. This is the tail end of one of their BIGGEST festivals of the year celebrating "The Cross of May." Alcoholism is rampant among the Aymara. Recess in the elementary schools consists of teaching the children the dances they will eventually do as adults ... as they drink. Sonia Grady even had a difficult time finding eggs to make us cornbread today because all of the stores are closed due to the festival - no one is sane/sober enough to run their business.
This is part of the culture we are entering into in order to share the gospel with them. There is a small house church in Huancane w/ Pastor Reuben, but the bulk of the Aymara are lost. We are praying for more evangelism and for Pastor Reuben and a few other house churches scattered around this time.
Our hope as FBCWP is to be able to help train these men. We may not be able to have the most consistent presence with the Aymara when the Grady's leave in the Fall, but with the Holy Spirit being poured out and moving among these few house churches, and with willing people to reach the Aymara and train the pastors, we could see more and more come to Christ, thus growing the Kingdom of God (the ultimate goal of all of us).
It's bed-time, because we're all exhausted. Tonight we're staying in the hostel next door to the Grady's and will be falling asleep to the sound of the music of the festival. Tomorrow, we head to Conima - the town our church has adopted for the next 3 years, and where our Summer Missionaries and team in July will be staying and ministering. Continue to pray for us.
Psalm 96:2-3, 10
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Until He Comes,
Jonathan
4/30/10
The Beginning of Crazy
Sunday afternoon, May 2, is the beginning of crazy for Alyson and I.
Shortly after entering into the ministry, I wondered what it would be like to travel and preach, teach, and share the gospel all over the world. I began to have a desire for one part of my ministry to be itinerant, but had no idea what this really involved. Years later, God has allowed me the chance to experience this desire during this summer. I think ... No, I know … that I used to want to travel and preach so I could be “the guy on the stage,” but I’ve learned that’s not what it’s all about. This Sunday afternoon begins the busiest summer of my life thus far – 7 weeks of travel from May through July. Come August, I’ll tell you if I still desire to travel as much as I thought I did.
I leave for Peru on Sunday. Recently, our church adopted an Unreached People Group called “the Aymara” in the town of Conima. “Unreached” means less than 2% of their population are Christians. Our Music Minister, myself, and two men from our church will be gone for a week doing follow up on some work our Pastor and two other men from our church did alongside a Medical Team in April with the Aymara. Our trip will consist of prayer walking, building relationships with the Aymara in Conima, following up with contacts already made by people from our church, and getting a house ready for 6 Summer Missionaries we’re sending to Conima through June & July.
Five days after we return from Peru, I leave for Iowa to preach at the revival I’ve already blogged about (see previous post). That will be followed by 2 back-to-back Super Summer Camps in June, another Youth Camp in July, Peru Trip #2, and wrapping up the summer with our church-wide / family mission trip to Beaumont / Port Arthur, TX. August will consist of me actually getting to spend time with my wife, and maybe catching up on some sleep.
So why blog about this? Well, I mentioned earlier that being “the guy on the stage” is not what this is about – nor is it about me bragging of my travels and opportunities. What this is about is the Kingdom of God and the gospel. At the end of time there will be believers “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev 5:9) in Christ’s Kingdom. That means people will be praising Jesus in the language of Aymara. I want them to be there. This trip to Peru is far beyond a good experience for me or for all those who go. Leaving the country is a privilege – sharing the gospel even more so. Evangelism is a privilege and a command ... and should be a burden deep within the heart of every believer. The Great Commission is world-wide (Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
This trip, and all the others, is about God and Him inviting me alongside what He’s doing through His Son by the power of His Spirit on a cosmic level and it has eternal significance. That changes the way we view mission trips. That changes the way we view evangelism. That should change the way we view day-to-day interactions with people. God’s inviting you alongside Him into something far beyond anything you or I could ever imagine or think up.
Some of my favorite verses to dwell on are Acts 17:26-27,
And he (God) made from one man every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
God has ordained this trip to Peru. God has ordained who your and my neighbors are. All for the purpose of making Himself known. I challenge you to partake in this ministry and message that God invites us into (2 Cor 5:20-6:1).
Prayer Needs
Secondly, I write to ask for your prayers – not just while I’m in Peru, but for the whole summer. Here are some specifics:
- Pray for Alyson. I’ve traveled, but never this much. There will be extended periods of time Alyson and I are apart from one another, with only a few days in between that we actually see each other. Please pray for my wife & our marriage.
- Pray for my health. Typically, Satan attacks me with a stomach-bug just before big mission trips and ministry events like Peru. Thus far, I’ve been OK. However, “chicken-foot-soup,” “foot-stomp potatoes,” or guinea pig may do me in while in Peru. When my body is ill, I become very grumpy emotionally and lazy spiritually. Pray for my health & His energy (Col 1:29).
- Pray for safety. Any kind of travel is dangerous, especially when going to a foreign place. Please pray for our safety while traveling to, in, and from Peru (Alyson would really appreciate these prayers).
- Pray for boldness in evangelism despite language differences. I don’t speak Spanish, much less Aymaran. However, God’s Spirit can do amazing things for the spread of the gospel (see Acts 2:1-41). Pray that the language barrier would not be an issue, but that the church would be built up (1 Cor 14:5, 22).
(Note: we will have Les Lopez from our church as well as the local missionary, John Grady, as our interpreters, so we should be alright). - Pray for evangelism while we travel. When someone’s stuck next to you for a few hours on a plane, the question is bound to come up, “So why are you going to Peru?” Pray for these open doors (Col 4:3-4).
- Pray for salvations. A lot of what this trip involves is follow-up and preparation, but when the gospel goes out, it’s powerful, and people respond. Pray for lost to be saved on this trip and on those to come. (Rom 1:16-17, Isa 55:10-11).
- Pray for growth. For myself, those on the trip, for our church (FBC Willow Park), and for THE church (Christ’s body).
- Pray that we don’t shift from the hope of the gospel (Col 1:23).
Scriptures to reference & pray through
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Col 4:2-6)
and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.’ (Rom 15:20-21 / Isa 52:15)
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Col 1:28-29)
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (Eph 3:7-12)
4/12/10
FBCWP Peru Trip #1
This is the first e-mail I've received about the trip Pastor Kyle, Justin & JD Lee are on RIGHT NOW in Peru with the group from FBC Port Nechez. Our church recently adopted the Aymara people of Conima, Peru. These 3 men are on the first trip of many this year. I will be going twice: May 2-10 and July 12-19. July will be with several youth from our church. We covet your prayers on this endeavor - and the teams there now do as well.
"From the Ayaviri Team...
Sunday
Great day! Several miracles to share later. Dentists saw 25. Optometrist - 40, Doctor - 40. Tonight almost 50 people came to hear God´s Story. Many responded to the Good News. Everyone on the evangelism team did a great job sharing their portion of the story. The leaders of the Barrio let us use the their building to share the story. We just met them today for the first time. It was much bigger than the house where we are carrying out the medical clinic. We are developingpositive relationships with th people of Pueblo Libre. Also, the leaders of the established church in Barrio L Rinconada in the city of Ayaviri came and helped us tonight. They brought a singing group of four teenagers that sang and played the traditional Andean instruments. These leaders told us they want to help disciple the new believers and help start a new congregation in this Barrio on the outskirts of Ayaviri. Keep praying for God to touch the hearts of the people. Several on our team have headaches, but all worked the entire day. Nobody is sick. The youg adults on our team really energize the team. The two teenager translators from Cusco, Peru are really fun to be with. All the translators are doing a great job. Daniel, from Lima Peru did great tonight translating God´s Story. More news later.
From the Conima Team...
What day is today? Oh yeah, it´s Monday. It´s hard to keep the days straight when you stay up for 48 hours and don´t go to church on Sunday. lol
Everyone is well, and we praise God for that. Some of us are still waking with headaches, but nothing a little bit of Tylenol can´t handle.
We´ve had a bit of a problem with the transportation, so it´s been quite interesting going back and forth between Moho, where we are staying, and Conima, where we are ministering.
The roads between Moho and Conima are narrow, one lane, mountain roads, fairly treacherous at night. I sat on the left side of the bus last night...not a good choice, although the views straight down to the water were magnificent, if you like that sort of thing. lol
We learned this morning that during the night a bus ran off the road north of Conima, down the mountainside, plunging into the very cold water. At least 13 people died. As we were walking to the internet cafe, a small car passed us on the road with 4 caskets on top, probably on its way to pick up some of the bodies.
The doctor at the local clinic where we are working was called to the scene since he was the closest doctor, and was still at the accident scene this morning when we opened the clinic.
The medical teams are working well together. Many of us didn´t know one another until we boarded the plane for Lima, but we have one goal in common, and our foundation is Jesus.
The clinic is going well. Many of these people have never seen a dentist or eye doctor. The dentists are pulling lots of teeth, unfortunately. I am working in the optometry dept and it´s rewarding to see the people smile when they are able to see with their new glasses.
We came back to the clinic last night to present the Gospel in the form of Bible stories. There were about 12 people. We are hoping for more tonight. We will be meeting in the Municipal auditorium, closer to the center of town.
Please continue praying for our safety and health. Pray for the people in Ayaviri and Conima to receive Christ.
Blessings,
Peru Teams"
"From the Ayaviri Team...
Sunday
Great day! Several miracles to share later. Dentists saw 25. Optometrist - 40, Doctor - 40. Tonight almost 50 people came to hear God´s Story. Many responded to the Good News. Everyone on the evangelism team did a great job sharing their portion of the story. The leaders of the Barrio let us use the their building to share the story. We just met them today for the first time. It was much bigger than the house where we are carrying out the medical clinic. We are developingpositive relationships with th people of Pueblo Libre. Also, the leaders of the established church in Barrio L Rinconada in the city of Ayaviri came and helped us tonight. They brought a singing group of four teenagers that sang and played the traditional Andean instruments. These leaders told us they want to help disciple the new believers and help start a new congregation in this Barrio on the outskirts of Ayaviri. Keep praying for God to touch the hearts of the people. Several on our team have headaches, but all worked the entire day. Nobody is sick. The youg adults on our team really energize the team. The two teenager translators from Cusco, Peru are really fun to be with. All the translators are doing a great job. Daniel, from Lima Peru did great tonight translating God´s Story. More news later.
From the Conima Team...
What day is today? Oh yeah, it´s Monday. It´s hard to keep the days straight when you stay up for 48 hours and don´t go to church on Sunday. lol
Everyone is well, and we praise God for that. Some of us are still waking with headaches, but nothing a little bit of Tylenol can´t handle.
We´ve had a bit of a problem with the transportation, so it´s been quite interesting going back and forth between Moho, where we are staying, and Conima, where we are ministering.
The roads between Moho and Conima are narrow, one lane, mountain roads, fairly treacherous at night. I sat on the left side of the bus last night...not a good choice, although the views straight down to the water were magnificent, if you like that sort of thing. lol
We learned this morning that during the night a bus ran off the road north of Conima, down the mountainside, plunging into the very cold water. At least 13 people died. As we were walking to the internet cafe, a small car passed us on the road with 4 caskets on top, probably on its way to pick up some of the bodies.
The doctor at the local clinic where we are working was called to the scene since he was the closest doctor, and was still at the accident scene this morning when we opened the clinic.
The medical teams are working well together. Many of us didn´t know one another until we boarded the plane for Lima, but we have one goal in common, and our foundation is Jesus.
The clinic is going well. Many of these people have never seen a dentist or eye doctor. The dentists are pulling lots of teeth, unfortunately. I am working in the optometry dept and it´s rewarding to see the people smile when they are able to see with their new glasses.
We came back to the clinic last night to present the Gospel in the form of Bible stories. There were about 12 people. We are hoping for more tonight. We will be meeting in the Municipal auditorium, closer to the center of town.
Please continue praying for our safety and health. Pray for the people in Ayaviri and Conima to receive Christ.
Blessings,
Peru Teams"
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