Sunday, June 17, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Packin' day today
Before you get too excited, NO the team is not packing to go to Pomacochas yet. No, they are not packing to go back home. They are packin' in as much as possible every single day and this husband and wife are struggling to keep up with these kids!
It was a very full day of activities today and God blessed the TEAM's commitment to stay focus, strong and continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. The school we visited for over 3 hours this morning (where Martin, C/W dear friend, teaches English) was a fabulous school, modern, clean, well equipped, strong in English, with warm, inviting classes. The staff was wonderful to us, many spoke English, and we had the privilege to do it all in their school. Yes, we worshipped the Lord, shared the Gospel, and prayed. We explained the gospel with the salvation bracelets and every child and teacher took one and the spanish explanation card along with it. And to think, this was just the start of the day!
After lunch, they went to a couple of small community squares (parks) to share the gospel. When arriving at one, and no one was there, they began to wonder if it was the right place. They contined to walk by faith, set up the equipment, and enjoy themselves and sure enough one after another the Peruvians arrived and hung out. Over 20 individuals responded to the casting of the net and counselled with the TEAM or one of the Peruvian pastors. It was very encouraging to everyone.
But it didn't stop there! They moved onto another ministry site and did a repeat performance and the reports were that over 30 showed an interest, raised their hand, were individually prayed with and shared their names and addresses on a card, so that followup could contine.
It was not even dinner time yet, but since the schedule included a marriage conference, the TEAM headed back to the hotel, freshened up, and headed to the church. The school hosted a Father's Day program and the parents were told a message on marriage was included in this special night along with music and a skit. CrossWave went to work and also received the blessing of watching the school children perform. The TEAM young people had a craft and story time for the children while their parents were in the conference. The worship center was packed full. The gospel was declared. The message was right on. The Holy Spirit moved. After the invitation, about 15 people were accompanied to the counselling room as Bill & Julie, Karl & Jeanie greeted them and agreed to be praying for them.
We are not the keeper of the Book of Life, but we know we need to have some numbers for reference purposes, so although we have no idea home many salvations took place today, we share the above for you to better grasp the lives your friends and family members have touched! Glory be to God!
Keep praying - we are not half way through the trip yet! The cameras have been capturing so much more than I could ever share with you. The change in countenance on the faces of those touched we have seen. Believe me, prayer makes a difference!
It was a very full day of activities today and God blessed the TEAM's commitment to stay focus, strong and continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. The school we visited for over 3 hours this morning (where Martin, C/W dear friend, teaches English) was a fabulous school, modern, clean, well equipped, strong in English, with warm, inviting classes. The staff was wonderful to us, many spoke English, and we had the privilege to do it all in their school. Yes, we worshipped the Lord, shared the Gospel, and prayed. We explained the gospel with the salvation bracelets and every child and teacher took one and the spanish explanation card along with it. And to think, this was just the start of the day!
After lunch, they went to a couple of small community squares (parks) to share the gospel. When arriving at one, and no one was there, they began to wonder if it was the right place. They contined to walk by faith, set up the equipment, and enjoy themselves and sure enough one after another the Peruvians arrived and hung out. Over 20 individuals responded to the casting of the net and counselled with the TEAM or one of the Peruvian pastors. It was very encouraging to everyone.
But it didn't stop there! They moved onto another ministry site and did a repeat performance and the reports were that over 30 showed an interest, raised their hand, were individually prayed with and shared their names and addresses on a card, so that followup could contine.
It was not even dinner time yet, but since the schedule included a marriage conference, the TEAM headed back to the hotel, freshened up, and headed to the church. The school hosted a Father's Day program and the parents were told a message on marriage was included in this special night along with music and a skit. CrossWave went to work and also received the blessing of watching the school children perform. The TEAM young people had a craft and story time for the children while their parents were in the conference. The worship center was packed full. The gospel was declared. The message was right on. The Holy Spirit moved. After the invitation, about 15 people were accompanied to the counselling room as Bill & Julie, Karl & Jeanie greeted them and agreed to be praying for them.
We are not the keeper of the Book of Life, but we know we need to have some numbers for reference purposes, so although we have no idea home many salvations took place today, we share the above for you to better grasp the lives your friends and family members have touched! Glory be to God!
Keep praying - we are not half way through the trip yet! The cameras have been capturing so much more than I could ever share with you. The change in countenance on the faces of those touched we have seen. Believe me, prayer makes a difference!
Celebrating!
Today we celebrated life! We celebrated with some of our Peruvian brothers and sisters as we spent our 'free day' with our family of God here in Peru, not on a ministry schedule, but learning, laughing and loving together making memories and taking tons of photos!
It started with our verse for the day, Isaiah 50:4 and continued with morning worship and praise led by the C/W mini band. Some of us even learned some new music. What a celebration it was. Short, simple and sweet. Being in His presence somehow always is! Then off to a park in downtown Lima for personal devotions.
We celebrated:
- a first wedding anniversary, a 19th birthday and a 38th wedding anniversary and His faithfulness in each of these people's lives, with silly decorations and photo opportunities!
- with some American food - a visit to Pizza Hut!
- remembering our family and friends who supported us on this trip, by shopping for specific gifts and souveniers to bring home.
- choosing Christmas presents for family and friends!
- witnessing a team member seeing the ocean for the first time (ever!) in her life! She was amazed, her jaw dropped open, and her eyes were as big as saucers. The waves were large, and getting a little wetter than she planned, but having a blast was fun for all of us!
- with singing!
- on separate busses - the gals bus and the guys bus! Another unique way of getting to one another better.
- with Dunkin Donuts, or Starbucks, and ice cream while visiting the Pacific Ocean.
- making and enjoying 'meals on wheels'! As the busses were driving through the city streets in heavy traffic, braking for all sorts of reasons, pb&j sandwiches were made and our box lunch was enjoyed.
- by playing at the water fountain park!
- the girls' bus even had a visit from M&M the clown and we were entertained.
- quietness on the gals bus on the way home as two girls read 9 chapters of Job out loud.
- a male choir as the guys sang on the way home at 10:00 pm!
It is late - very late, but I do want to leave this one thought with you. Life is to be celebrated, not just a Christmas or a birthday of yours or a friends. But we have so much to be excited about, and to be thankful for. Every day remind yourself, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." We may have not ministered through drama and conferences today, but we were the only Jesus many may have seen.
It started with our verse for the day, Isaiah 50:4 and continued with morning worship and praise led by the C/W mini band. Some of us even learned some new music. What a celebration it was. Short, simple and sweet. Being in His presence somehow always is! Then off to a park in downtown Lima for personal devotions.
We celebrated:
- a first wedding anniversary, a 19th birthday and a 38th wedding anniversary and His faithfulness in each of these people's lives, with silly decorations and photo opportunities!
- with some American food - a visit to Pizza Hut!
- remembering our family and friends who supported us on this trip, by shopping for specific gifts and souveniers to bring home.
- choosing Christmas presents for family and friends!
- witnessing a team member seeing the ocean for the first time (ever!) in her life! She was amazed, her jaw dropped open, and her eyes were as big as saucers. The waves were large, and getting a little wetter than she planned, but having a blast was fun for all of us!
- with singing!
- on separate busses - the gals bus and the guys bus! Another unique way of getting to one another better.
- with Dunkin Donuts, or Starbucks, and ice cream while visiting the Pacific Ocean.
- making and enjoying 'meals on wheels'! As the busses were driving through the city streets in heavy traffic, braking for all sorts of reasons, pb&j sandwiches were made and our box lunch was enjoyed.
- by playing at the water fountain park!
- the girls' bus even had a visit from M&M the clown and we were entertained.
- quietness on the gals bus on the way home as two girls read 9 chapters of Job out loud.
- a male choir as the guys sang on the way home at 10:00 pm!
It is late - very late, but I do want to leave this one thought with you. Life is to be celebrated, not just a Christmas or a birthday of yours or a friends. But we have so much to be excited about, and to be thankful for. Every day remind yourself, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." We may have not ministered through drama and conferences today, but we were the only Jesus many may have seen.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Sowing & reaping
This good news you may already have heard, but here it is
again for those who haven’t. Tuesday night
drama on the streets resulted in 20 new babes in Christ! Now tell me, don’t you think the angels are
rejoicing? Well, the TEAM is! The neat thing is the testimonies shared spoke
loud and clear and one of our translator’s college friends who had heard the
gospel time and again, turned her life over to Christ after hearing the
testimonies. The Louis Flores family has
continued to pray for her for a long, long time. She is now not just a friend, but a sister!
The team had fun today in chapel with all the students from
the school at the host church. They sang
songs with action, did skits and acted out the story of the Good Samaritan with
Carla telling the newest version I’ve ever heard! Almost everyone participated and had a
wonderful time together. During recess,
the TEAM played with the students and I’m not sure who had the most fun, but I do
know the Peruvian children were loved on!
The streets of SJL will never be the same. Praise God!
The dramas this afternoon were in schools. We cannot count the number of children from
both public and private schools who heard the gospel. We just know that today the seed was sown by
the TEAM. Let’s continue to ‘water it
with prayer’ so one day there will be a great harvest.
Carla made friends with a lady a few years ago, and she was
in an accident and remains in a wheelchair to this day. It was Carla’s desire to see if she could
find her friend today as they were ministering in that neighborhood. Praise God, she did! I heard they had a great time
reconnecting.
The prayer conference tonight reminded us all why we pray –
and the example of the Flores family praying for their daughter’s college
friend who came to know the Lord last night will be long remembered by those
who were here. Let us never forget;
PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Praising, praying, practicing, picking, praising, praying, and presenting...
Spending today with the TEAM gave us the opportunity to participate with them in the above mentioned "p's". The day began by praising and praying together. About 28-30 of us spending time with the Lord. It was a sweet time together and a time to begin to ponder what God might want of us these next couple of weeks. A few of the young people shared their thoughts regarding the "change" God would make in our lives and the lives of those we minister to, should we only allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. "Change" is the keyword for each one of us.
Practicing the dramas with passion provided fun, work, new challenges, and working together as new teammates. While the youth were practicing, another team of adults was working with Mary picking and sorting through all the donations the folks back home sent with the team members. It was amazing how much came in those extra suitcases. We prayed for you, the home team who provided these items. We prayed for the Peruvians who would receive your gifts of love. Again, there was fun involved with this part of the work. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in this part of the ministry. While the youth had some final practice time, the adults began to practice what they preach and visited a little 10 year old girlnamed Madelynn from the church school. She was hit by a moto taxi the other day, and has several broken bones, is on pain medication, and in bed. Her mother is angry at God. This was an opportunity for practical ministry by visiting her, taking a few little gifts and praying with the family.
Late afternoon we had an hour of praising and praying again. This time we broke into small groups after a discussion period, and the following were the requests of the team members. To pray for our translators, for change in our own lives, for divine appointments that we would recognize, for an immediate "transition" so we don't lose time adjusting to Peru. We also had requests that we hear God's voice and be led by the Holy Spirit, not be distracted in our sharing the gospel, we would remain passionate even when doing the dramas time and again. And finally that we would encourage one another, enjoy and maintain a spirit of unity, and in all things that we glorify God. Those are the prayer requests of your family members and friends on the C/W team!
And tonight was the first time for presenting the drama and the gospel. There was a crowd gathered to watch the Americans, and to hear their personal life stories. One of the pastors from the church accompanied the team along with 7 others to help counsel those who responded to the casting of the net. Tomorrow I will share a report of the decisions for Christ with you. At this writing, we have returned home to post this blog while the team is still at the outreach site.
Please continue to pray for the team and share the blog with family and friends.
Joy
Practicing the dramas with passion provided fun, work, new challenges, and working together as new teammates. While the youth were practicing, another team of adults was working with Mary picking and sorting through all the donations the folks back home sent with the team members. It was amazing how much came in those extra suitcases. We prayed for you, the home team who provided these items. We prayed for the Peruvians who would receive your gifts of love. Again, there was fun involved with this part of the work. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in this part of the ministry. While the youth had some final practice time, the adults began to practice what they preach and visited a little 10 year old girlnamed Madelynn from the church school. She was hit by a moto taxi the other day, and has several broken bones, is on pain medication, and in bed. Her mother is angry at God. This was an opportunity for practical ministry by visiting her, taking a few little gifts and praying with the family.
Late afternoon we had an hour of praising and praying again. This time we broke into small groups after a discussion period, and the following were the requests of the team members. To pray for our translators, for change in our own lives, for divine appointments that we would recognize, for an immediate "transition" so we don't lose time adjusting to Peru. We also had requests that we hear God's voice and be led by the Holy Spirit, not be distracted in our sharing the gospel, we would remain passionate even when doing the dramas time and again. And finally that we would encourage one another, enjoy and maintain a spirit of unity, and in all things that we glorify God. Those are the prayer requests of your family members and friends on the C/W team!
And tonight was the first time for presenting the drama and the gospel. There was a crowd gathered to watch the Americans, and to hear their personal life stories. One of the pastors from the church accompanied the team along with 7 others to help counsel those who responded to the casting of the net. Tomorrow I will share a report of the decisions for Christ with you. At this writing, we have returned home to post this blog while the team is still at the outreach site.
Please continue to pray for the team and share the blog with family and friends.
Joy
Monday, June 11, 2012
They've landed!
Word has reached us here in San Juan de Lurigancho, that the 2012 CrossWave Mission TEAM has landed in Lima and the Perurian support team is ready for them. Well, most of them. The 4 guys who went to Argentina first, will arrive later tonight.
Earlier today, two of the C/W TEAM members flying from Arizona arrived and spent the evening with us preparing the hotel for the weary travellers. They had the awesome opportunity to serve the Lord in many unexpected ways. First of all, we live on the 5th floor of an apartment building - without an elevator. So, we were thrilled to have a Peruvian help us carry supplies down and then the two early arrivals along with our Peruvian friend, Carlitos, Heather, Don & I managed to get everything up to the 3rd floor of the hotel in one trip.
That was just the beginning as we needed to blow up 11 air mattresses! We had to rearrange the furniture in the rooms to make space for these extra sleeping accommodations and make up the 11 beds after we distributed the linens, blankets, and pillows to each room. Following that we left a bottle of water, and a little note and surprise on each pillow. Finally we took time to pray specifically for each person in each room by name. It was a 2.5 hour task made easy by many hands, willing hearts, and laughter as together we got to know one another and share in getting these housekeeping details completed.
Let me share something I saw on the internet just this evening. Jesus was a servant to all. It's easy to talk about serving. To serve others, we must take the spotlight off ourselves and focus on other people. We do this through simple acts of service. They make the difference.
Tonight Ben & Taylor started their 'trip with a mission' by serving Don & I and their 2012 C/W Team members they have yet to meet. How cool is that! We felt it was a privilege to have this hotel preparation time with them.
Earlier today, two of the C/W TEAM members flying from Arizona arrived and spent the evening with us preparing the hotel for the weary travellers. They had the awesome opportunity to serve the Lord in many unexpected ways. First of all, we live on the 5th floor of an apartment building - without an elevator. So, we were thrilled to have a Peruvian help us carry supplies down and then the two early arrivals along with our Peruvian friend, Carlitos, Heather, Don & I managed to get everything up to the 3rd floor of the hotel in one trip.
That was just the beginning as we needed to blow up 11 air mattresses! We had to rearrange the furniture in the rooms to make space for these extra sleeping accommodations and make up the 11 beds after we distributed the linens, blankets, and pillows to each room. Following that we left a bottle of water, and a little note and surprise on each pillow. Finally we took time to pray specifically for each person in each room by name. It was a 2.5 hour task made easy by many hands, willing hearts, and laughter as together we got to know one another and share in getting these housekeeping details completed.
Let me share something I saw on the internet just this evening. Jesus was a servant to all. It's easy to talk about serving. To serve others, we must take the spotlight off ourselves and focus on other people. We do this through simple acts of service. They make the difference.
Tonight Ben & Taylor started their 'trip with a mission' by serving Don & I and their 2012 C/W Team members they have yet to meet. How cool is that! We felt it was a privilege to have this hotel preparation time with them.
Friday, June 1, 2012
One year later...
Hello friends!
I'm looking at the calendar and see that the CrossWave 2012 team will be here in exactly 10 days! And this is one year later. I recall last year the Pre-Team that was led by Carlos and Christina Salinas arrived here on the 11th of June, and this year the team will also be arriving on the 11th of June. As I said, one year later.
What has happened in this year? In your life? In the states? Here in Peru? We may all look back and recall several significant events that are memorable. But I'm here to suggest we look forward and upward! God is at work and He has called this 2012 TEAM for a specific purpose to be here at this time and in this place.
You may not be part of the TEAM traveling to Peru, but you are interested enough in what's going on to read this blog. Maybe you've already been helping them with their fundraising or you've made some donations to their much-needed ministry supplies. If not, it's not too late to jump on board and be part of the TEAM. Pray for the TEAM members, encourage them with notes, emails, F/B posts, financially give them the final boost they need for those last minute, unexpected expenses, share with them a love offering for them to share with the Peruvians, offer to take care of some of the loose ends they are still trying to tie down. Be their understudy fulfilling some of their roles of responsibility in their absence. There's lots to do as part of the TEAM.
If you check back and read this blog on a regular basis, you will see that I will be posting updates from the TEAM members themselves. Pastor Bill has asked that I do this again this year. Yes, one year later... You see, there are all kinds of ways of serving the Lord and each other.
Pastor Bill shared some thoughts with me yesterday, and I want to leave them with you as food for thought as you pray for the TEAM. In Philippians 1:6 we read "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." God, the Expert Craftsman, the Great Healer, and Comforter of souls, is working within us to transform our lives and the lives of those we touch with His gospel. God has started His work, and He will continue it, especially when the TEAM is in Peru.
The countdown is on for those who are preparing to leave you there at home, and it's on for us as we prepare for their arrival and the ministry they will be participating in. Let's begin to daily lift up the 2012 TEAM.
Praying and serving together to build the Kingdom!
I'm looking at the calendar and see that the CrossWave 2012 team will be here in exactly 10 days! And this is one year later. I recall last year the Pre-Team that was led by Carlos and Christina Salinas arrived here on the 11th of June, and this year the team will also be arriving on the 11th of June. As I said, one year later.
What has happened in this year? In your life? In the states? Here in Peru? We may all look back and recall several significant events that are memorable. But I'm here to suggest we look forward and upward! God is at work and He has called this 2012 TEAM for a specific purpose to be here at this time and in this place.
You may not be part of the TEAM traveling to Peru, but you are interested enough in what's going on to read this blog. Maybe you've already been helping them with their fundraising or you've made some donations to their much-needed ministry supplies. If not, it's not too late to jump on board and be part of the TEAM. Pray for the TEAM members, encourage them with notes, emails, F/B posts, financially give them the final boost they need for those last minute, unexpected expenses, share with them a love offering for them to share with the Peruvians, offer to take care of some of the loose ends they are still trying to tie down. Be their understudy fulfilling some of their roles of responsibility in their absence. There's lots to do as part of the TEAM.
If you check back and read this blog on a regular basis, you will see that I will be posting updates from the TEAM members themselves. Pastor Bill has asked that I do this again this year. Yes, one year later... You see, there are all kinds of ways of serving the Lord and each other.
Pastor Bill shared some thoughts with me yesterday, and I want to leave them with you as food for thought as you pray for the TEAM. In Philippians 1:6 we read "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." God, the Expert Craftsman, the Great Healer, and Comforter of souls, is working within us to transform our lives and the lives of those we touch with His gospel. God has started His work, and He will continue it, especially when the TEAM is in Peru.
The countdown is on for those who are preparing to leave you there at home, and it's on for us as we prepare for their arrival and the ministry they will be participating in. Let's begin to daily lift up the 2012 TEAM.
Praying and serving together to build the Kingdom!
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