The thread of comments from the Action Groups meeting on Saturday, before leaving for the airport, was amazing. Each and every one related the most meaningful and memorable experience of the trip. It was one of those "you had to be there" moments. Thank you Lord for allowing me to "be there". These TEAM members encouraged me beyond what I ever expected. But it was exactly what I needed! Thank you TEAM for being the light and life of Jesus to not only a dark world, but to those of us who are "here" in Peru.
The Action Groups had names, and I thought it appropriate to share them with you. Maybe you can talk to some of the group members and find out how they determined what to call themselves. They were: Pure in Heart, Forgiven, Hungry, Thirsty, Joyful, and Peacemakers. These names they selected in themselves are an encouragement.
The Action Groups had themes to what they felt God had taught them this week and they were: Unity, Trust, Drawing closer to God, Everyone has something to offer, Healing - physical,emotional, and spiritual and lastly Praying first not as a last result. The experience also opened their eyes and hearts to living for Christ in America. These are comments recorded that YOUR teenagers shared!
Finally, one of our bus drivers, Edgar, was held in high esteem as he was recognized as being a servant of God, trustworthy, a man of integrity, one who we need to not forget, but look up to!
I know pictures say a thousand words, but they do NOT say what I have tried to share in these blogs. The word picture takes a little more thought on both the writer and the readers part, but I do suggest the best way to learn more about the trip is to talk one on one with some of the TEAM members. They have so much more to share personally how Christ worked in and through their individual lives.
To God be the glory!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The beginning and the end
Friday, yesterday, was the beginning and the end! It was the beginning of the last day of ministry on the streets of San Juan de Lurigancho for the TEAM. It was the beginning of the last day of the mission trip.
It was the beginning of a life joined together by God - Caroline and Martin - as we witnessed them take their vows before God and man (the church family and friends. It was the end of their individual lives and they have chosen to 'leave and cleave'. It was a wonderful night to celebrate with them.
It was (or should I say, today IS) the beginning of a new life for those who have been on this trip. This life is a new and totally different perspective of Christ in us. The question is, what will we do with Jesus?
The mission trip as such may be winding down. The mission itself must continue. We are called, to different places in different seasons of our lives, but we are called to be His ambassadors.
This is the end of one assignment and the beginning of the next. Pray for us!
It was the beginning of a life joined together by God - Caroline and Martin - as we witnessed them take their vows before God and man (the church family and friends. It was the end of their individual lives and they have chosen to 'leave and cleave'. It was a wonderful night to celebrate with them.
It was (or should I say, today IS) the beginning of a new life for those who have been on this trip. This life is a new and totally different perspective of Christ in us. The question is, what will we do with Jesus?
The mission trip as such may be winding down. The mission itself must continue. We are called, to different places in different seasons of our lives, but we are called to be His ambassadors.
This is the end of one assignment and the beginning of the next. Pray for us!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Stories and Testimonies Shared
A few more stories/testimonies were shared and they are here for you to pray about and praise God for the work in progress!
Good Shepherd Orphanage - the kids (Peruvian and American! big and small!) had a blast playing together! The salvation bracelets and cards were explained and given out. The children knew what the colors stand for. They have learned this from other visitors. It was an opportunity to hide God's Word in their hearts.
Pachacutec - Three teenage girls, one young man, a lady, all accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior at one drama site. Many responded after the other TEAM shared the drama as well. One lady was angry because she missed her bus. She stopped to watch the drama. She shared afterwards that she is a Christian, but needed prayer. She was thankful to God (that she missed her bus!)
San Auagustin School - We were not allowed to present the Gospel. Andy did what we could. Not open to our presence. There appeared to be spiritual opposition. The sound system started having problems at the point of Jesus' death.
On the street - At the end a couple came forward in order to get the crowd to come forward. They are Christians and renewed their wedding vows 5 months ago. They pray that God will use them in marriage ministries.
Have you ever thought about similar opportunities there at home in the states? We may not have a skit or drama to do. We may not draw a crowd on the street corner. What can we do? We can walk and talk boldly for and about Jesus. Wear our Christian t-shirts. Share what He is doing in our lives. Give Him the glory publicly. Offer to pray with those we know are hurting. Such opportunities abound. We just need to look for them, seize the moment, and pray for discernment in using the time God has given.
Good Shepherd Orphanage - the kids (Peruvian and American! big and small!) had a blast playing together! The salvation bracelets and cards were explained and given out. The children knew what the colors stand for. They have learned this from other visitors. It was an opportunity to hide God's Word in their hearts.
Pachacutec - Three teenage girls, one young man, a lady, all accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior at one drama site. Many responded after the other TEAM shared the drama as well. One lady was angry because she missed her bus. She stopped to watch the drama. She shared afterwards that she is a Christian, but needed prayer. She was thankful to God (that she missed her bus!)
San Auagustin School - We were not allowed to present the Gospel. Andy did what we could. Not open to our presence. There appeared to be spiritual opposition. The sound system started having problems at the point of Jesus' death.
On the street - At the end a couple came forward in order to get the crowd to come forward. They are Christians and renewed their wedding vows 5 months ago. They pray that God will use them in marriage ministries.
Have you ever thought about similar opportunities there at home in the states? We may not have a skit or drama to do. We may not draw a crowd on the street corner. What can we do? We can walk and talk boldly for and about Jesus. Wear our Christian t-shirts. Share what He is doing in our lives. Give Him the glory publicly. Offer to pray with those we know are hurting. Such opportunities abound. We just need to look for them, seize the moment, and pray for discernment in using the time God has given.
Two of many, many reports of encounters by the TEAM this week!
There have been many salvations on the streets this week and pastors have been with the TEAM as they ministered and shared the gospel so they now have contacts to follow up. Very encouraging when Wednesday a young man was led to the Lord through a drama, and he came to the "prayer crusade" that night at our church and brought 3 family members!
Yesterday a school teacher saw the TEAM in costumes and asked (in English) what it was all about. He asked if he could bring his class of 20 students. Talked with him later and he is a new believer of less than 2 years. We connected him with the Pachacutec Church pastor and he plans to visit their AWANA Club this Saturday.
Yesterday a school teacher saw the TEAM in costumes and asked (in English) what it was all about. He asked if he could bring his class of 20 students. Talked with him later and he is a new believer of less than 2 years. We connected him with the Pachacutec Church pastor and he plans to visit their AWANA Club this Saturday.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Free Day!
Our free day was Tuesday. This is the day that we get to do some sightseeing, shopping, and hanging with our friends. But let me tell you, "Free Day" is NOT a day off from serving the Lord or being a testimony to others.
We began the morning with personal devotions and praise and worship in a city park! This was cool because Jesus was praised by our brothers and sisters from the church who accompanied us, Crosswave and Arrows Team members jointly. In the middle of our walking tour of the city of Lima, we were observed by hundreds of people and we believe our appearance and attitude was positive and honoring our Heavenly Father. In the market we were able to see arts and crafts items up close, make personal choices, bargin a little, and use our best "Spanglish". Wait until you see what we are bringing home! Such great finds.
We went out to lunch - at Pizza Hut! And then it was off to the beach so we could see, smell, touch, and photograph the Pacific Ocean. After playing there for quite some time we visited an upscale, modern, (expensive!) mall with a large patio and many shops and restaurants. Our time was short, but Mary seized the opportunity to speak with a young man using the pastor's wife, Marita, to translate. A short time later, Mary was introducing Michael as a new believer to Pastor Bill. How cool was that.
It was a long bus ride home through the city at a high peak traffic hour, but we were welcomed to fried chicken, rice and vegetables prepared by the awesome kitchen staff. Our "Action Groups" went into action and spent some time in prayer followed by our team time and the final leg of the journey from the church to our hotel.
We continue to praise God for His protection our His ambassadors!
We began the morning with personal devotions and praise and worship in a city park! This was cool because Jesus was praised by our brothers and sisters from the church who accompanied us, Crosswave and Arrows Team members jointly. In the middle of our walking tour of the city of Lima, we were observed by hundreds of people and we believe our appearance and attitude was positive and honoring our Heavenly Father. In the market we were able to see arts and crafts items up close, make personal choices, bargin a little, and use our best "Spanglish". Wait until you see what we are bringing home! Such great finds.
We went out to lunch - at Pizza Hut! And then it was off to the beach so we could see, smell, touch, and photograph the Pacific Ocean. After playing there for quite some time we visited an upscale, modern, (expensive!) mall with a large patio and many shops and restaurants. Our time was short, but Mary seized the opportunity to speak with a young man using the pastor's wife, Marita, to translate. A short time later, Mary was introducing Michael as a new believer to Pastor Bill. How cool was that.
It was a long bus ride home through the city at a high peak traffic hour, but we were welcomed to fried chicken, rice and vegetables prepared by the awesome kitchen staff. Our "Action Groups" went into action and spent some time in prayer followed by our team time and the final leg of the journey from the church to our hotel.
We continue to praise God for His protection our His ambassadors!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Our Plan - His Plan Part 2
Another day dawns, we are ready!
This morning in our praise time we sang "I will never be the same again, Do whatever YOU have to do in me, Lord." This time it was the TEAM who God was speaking to and the changes in individual lives only He knows! But, as the TEAM gathered together, poured out their hearts to the Lord, confessed their sin, accepted His grace, and were renewed by the Holy Spirit, the day's schedule indicated our plans, but His plan was greater. And it was for our good! Thank you Lord for stopping us and directing our steps.
In brief, let me share some of the drama site experiences....because I know you have been praying for the TEAM as they share the gospel and introduce the community to Jesus. The dramas have been going very well. Even when there are obstacles that need to be broken through. The school visit was cut short, but the gospel was still presented and even the Principal raised her hand during the casting of the net. Some sites have not been what we anticipated, but that hasn't stopped the TEAM from focusing on completing their task of presenting the gospel! A night time drama at a skate park was a new experience for the TEAM, and some gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ! The salvation bracelets have been used to re-enforce the gospel and are in great demand when the TEAM members bring them out of the bus. Everyone wants one!
From the "Blessing Books" TEAM members write...Thank you Lord for: sleep, no one was hurt, the dog only bit my pant leg, a hot shower, opportunities to pray for others, the healing You provide, this time with our family, guiding me, Your love, those people praying for me, our prayer partners, being appreciated by the Peruvians, our safety, new believers, giving me the words when I was casting the net, good health.
From the 2nd Blessing Book....Thank you Lord for: our safe arrival, our bus drivers, new friends, teaching me patience, the prayers of others as I give my testimony, my spiritual eyes, being with me in my spiritual battle, new believers, YOU are in control of everything, knowing a little Spanish, time with the kids, the new family brought into the church, seeing a little girl I met several years ago, using the salvation bracelets to help share the gospel, God being all powerful, Jesus is our hope.
Here's one blessing book quote for you to tuck in your memory bank and remember in prayer...."I am thankful that Jesus called a man, Samuel, who said he knew and believed in God and that Jesus came to die for us. He said he had one question. 'How can I have peace?' We continued to help him understand he needed to surrender control of his life. He prayed and a church member got Samuel's contact information. God is good"!
We are laborers together - Those in North Carolina, Indiana, and San Juan de Lurgiancho. Praise God for the support of His family as the TEAM ministers.
This morning in our praise time we sang "I will never be the same again, Do whatever YOU have to do in me, Lord." This time it was the TEAM who God was speaking to and the changes in individual lives only He knows! But, as the TEAM gathered together, poured out their hearts to the Lord, confessed their sin, accepted His grace, and were renewed by the Holy Spirit, the day's schedule indicated our plans, but His plan was greater. And it was for our good! Thank you Lord for stopping us and directing our steps.
In brief, let me share some of the drama site experiences....because I know you have been praying for the TEAM as they share the gospel and introduce the community to Jesus. The dramas have been going very well. Even when there are obstacles that need to be broken through. The school visit was cut short, but the gospel was still presented and even the Principal raised her hand during the casting of the net. Some sites have not been what we anticipated, but that hasn't stopped the TEAM from focusing on completing their task of presenting the gospel! A night time drama at a skate park was a new experience for the TEAM, and some gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ! The salvation bracelets have been used to re-enforce the gospel and are in great demand when the TEAM members bring them out of the bus. Everyone wants one!
From the "Blessing Books" TEAM members write...Thank you Lord for: sleep, no one was hurt, the dog only bit my pant leg, a hot shower, opportunities to pray for others, the healing You provide, this time with our family, guiding me, Your love, those people praying for me, our prayer partners, being appreciated by the Peruvians, our safety, new believers, giving me the words when I was casting the net, good health.
From the 2nd Blessing Book....Thank you Lord for: our safe arrival, our bus drivers, new friends, teaching me patience, the prayers of others as I give my testimony, my spiritual eyes, being with me in my spiritual battle, new believers, YOU are in control of everything, knowing a little Spanish, time with the kids, the new family brought into the church, seeing a little girl I met several years ago, using the salvation bracelets to help share the gospel, God being all powerful, Jesus is our hope.
Here's one blessing book quote for you to tuck in your memory bank and remember in prayer...."I am thankful that Jesus called a man, Samuel, who said he knew and believed in God and that Jesus came to die for us. He said he had one question. 'How can I have peace?' We continued to help him understand he needed to surrender control of his life. He prayed and a church member got Samuel's contact information. God is good"!
We are laborers together - Those in North Carolina, Indiana, and San Juan de Lurgiancho. Praise God for the support of His family as the TEAM ministers.
Our plan - His plan
So sorry I couldn't write last night -- way too tired!
Our plan - His plan! Our verse we shared earlier this week was an example of our day yesterday. We plan our course, He directs our steps. The schedule allowed for some time to help at the church "Family Festival". Let me share briefly what different team members did to 'help'. None of these were in our plan but they were all part of His plan. Some TEAM members participated by:
peeling potatoes, visiting a prisoner, assisting in the dental office, delivering a stove, making picarones (fried donuts) helping in the eye clinic, taste testing typical Peruvian food including cebichi, praying for a girl in a wheelchair and others at the church, stacking chairs, unstacking chairs, setting up tables, carrying meals from one floor to another and serving them, holding a roof top prayer meeting, team tagging while walking from the hotel to the church.
How did this fit into the plan? The TEAM continued to worship the Lord through their service to Him and others. Sure they had a plan to attend the morning church service, to help when called upon, and to share the drama and testimonies. But when we are totally available, we find our steps are directed by the Lord!
Last night street dramas were in two separate locations. We have yet to hear all the reports of what God did during that time and will blog them later today. Continue to pray for the TEAM. As would be expected, the pace is fun and furious, but it can cause us to fall into areas that we need to avoid - like shortness with one another, losing focus, tiredness, or other unkind attitudes and actions. We can honestly say the TEAMs are doing GREAT! God is with them. Just continue to pray for them!
Our plan - His plan! Our verse we shared earlier this week was an example of our day yesterday. We plan our course, He directs our steps. The schedule allowed for some time to help at the church "Family Festival". Let me share briefly what different team members did to 'help'. None of these were in our plan but they were all part of His plan. Some TEAM members participated by:
peeling potatoes, visiting a prisoner, assisting in the dental office, delivering a stove, making picarones (fried donuts) helping in the eye clinic, taste testing typical Peruvian food including cebichi, praying for a girl in a wheelchair and others at the church, stacking chairs, unstacking chairs, setting up tables, carrying meals from one floor to another and serving them, holding a roof top prayer meeting, team tagging while walking from the hotel to the church.
How did this fit into the plan? The TEAM continued to worship the Lord through their service to Him and others. Sure they had a plan to attend the morning church service, to help when called upon, and to share the drama and testimonies. But when we are totally available, we find our steps are directed by the Lord!
Last night street dramas were in two separate locations. We have yet to hear all the reports of what God did during that time and will blog them later today. Continue to pray for the TEAM. As would be expected, the pace is fun and furious, but it can cause us to fall into areas that we need to avoid - like shortness with one another, losing focus, tiredness, or other unkind attitudes and actions. We can honestly say the TEAMs are doing GREAT! God is with them. Just continue to pray for them!
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