Just a quick update to say that the Amazon Jungle team made it back. Those that are staying over night and flying out in the morning are at the hotel and the few that are flying home today are at the airport waiting on their flights home.
Well, the team is headed into their final week which consists of their last days of ministry and debrief. The team continues to strive after "finishing strong" and taking advantage of every opportunity to be Jesus with skin on to the people they encounter.
As the team wraps up they are involved doing a lot of manual labor for one of the local pastors in Nauta. There is a large children's camp after the team leaves and they are doing all they can to help the church prepare for that. The team has been digging wells, doing landscaping, building shelters to meet and sleep under, and also helping to build a home at a missionary training center. Recently the team has also been involved in lots of door to door evangelism ministry, VBS/back yard bible clubs, and open air events.
Overall the health of the team is much better. There are still a few team members who are struggling with illness but are getting better each day. I know it seems I have mentioned health issues a lot on this trip. In reality, this has actually been one of the healthiest teams that AIM has sent to the Amazon Jungle/Peru. This particular area is just very susceptible to illness and this is typically Satan's greatest attack on teams trying to do the Lord's work. Teams in the past have struggled greatly with health issues so this team has actually been very fortunate and blessed to have overall had good health throughout the course of the trip. Praise God!!
The team asks for your continued prayers to finish strong and that the Lord would give them strength and physical healing. Please pray that they would stay engaged, end their time well, and have an incredible time on their debrief processing and reflecting on all that God has done.
I just spoke with the Peru team and want to pass along their update. Overall, things continue to go very well. This is the last village stop they will be making before they go to Nauta for the final week of their trip and then debrief in Iquitos.
Recently, the team has had some awesome VBS ministry. They also had the opportunity to work in a one room school house for grades 1-6. It was just an awesome opportunity to go into the school and really be Jesus with skin on to the kids. The team has also led some great bible studies, topical studies, and gener specific studies. They actually had churches come from different towns and villages to take
part in the studies that the team led. It was just a really cool picture of the body of Christ coming together to learn, grow, encourage each other, and exalt the name of Christ.
The biggest prayer need for the team is their health. As the trip winds down the team is very tired and more susceptible to illness. They just ask for quick healing for those who are sick and for continued good health for those who are well. While various people have been sick the team has really united together to help carry each others burdens and they are definiately follwing Christ's servant leader model.
The team also asks for prayer to finish strong. They will be leaving this last village on Friday and heading to Nauta. Their trip began in Nauta and that is where they will be wrapping up as well. However, when the arrive into Nauta they still have a solid week of ministry and they desire to take advantage of every opportunity. Please pray for continued strength, unity, and the desire to push through and finish strong.
Hey there, I'm sorry I am just now updating the Peru team blog. My wife and I are leading a one week trip with AIM down in New Orleans and my internet time has been limited. I was able to catch up with the leaders of the Peru team today via the satellite phone and I have their update for you.
The health of the team has been much better since their mid-trip debrief. The leaders said there really hasn't been any illness over the past week or so. They will be in the village they are in currently until Thursday and then they have two more villages they will be visit for 3-4 days each. They will spend their last week in Nauta and then spend their debrief time in Iquitos before they head back to the States.
Some highlights from the past week or so are as follows:
Since the team has two Canadians on their team they celebrated Canada day (July 1). The team got some unexpected "fireworks" when a couple of lighters exploded because the cooks left them too close to the heat source. Everyone was startled at first but then had a good laugh when they realized what had happened.
The team also was able to celebrate the 4th of July with the 1 month Ambassador (high school) team from AIM. The sang the nation anthem and had a sweet time of prayer for our country. The biggest highlight for the team though was definitely the ice cream that they had. You have to understand, the team has not really had anything cold (ice, ice water, ice cream, anything frozen etc.) since leaving the States on June 3rd. Although the ice cream wasn't really all that good, everyone from the team had multiple servings because it was such an unexpected surprise. The vendor was also thrilled because of the amount of ice cream that he sold!
Another highlight was an beautiful place they found in the river where they were able to swim, chill out, and bath AND the water was cold there as well. Another interesting experience that comes from bathing in the Amazon River are these tiny little fish that nibble at your skin. Apparently it is a very interesting experience!
Last week the students hosted a soccer and volleyball tournament in one of the villages they were in. This was a huge hit with the locals and everyone wanted to win the "trophy" which were big 3 liter bottles of Coke. They also hosted an open air event in this village and 5 people accepted Christ!! Praise God!! While in this village the team also battle through some tough spiritual warfare and the Lord was victorious. The team has been learning the lesson that spiritual warfare is not something they have to be afraid because of the freedom and victory that we have in Christ.
One of the girls on the team built a friendship with a lady in one of the villages. On this participants birthday the lady wanted to give her a birthday present and this lady gave her a baby alligator and a baby turtle!! Needless to say, she accepted the gift and after having the alligator and turtle as pets for a few days the team was able to give them to someone else who could properly take care of them.
In the village the team is in currently they felt the Lord directing them to divert from the ministry opportunities that they had planned and to just trust his leading. As a result the team had a since that this village just needed an opportunity to experience and learn about joy. So, the team planned game events, skits, and one of the leaders preaches on the topic of joy. This was exactly what this village needed and they have seen lot's of fruit as a result of laying down their plans and following the Lords leading.
A final highlight for the team was that in the past week, they were actually able to put toilet paper in the hole in the ground that is the toilet. This is the first time in several weeks that the team has not had to put used toilet paper in plastic bags and dispose of it later. One of the leaders said that being able to use and flush a toilet is the thing he is looking forward to most when he returns to the States.
Well, I hope this blog has given you a better picture of what the team has experienced in recent days. The Lord has truly been good and continues to blow the team away with is goodness and all the ways he is working. Please continue to keep the team in your prayers and I should have another update in the next week or so.
I have another update from the leaders of the Peru team. The team overall continues to be doing great and is just blown away by all that God is doing. One of the leaders said it's hard to verbalize the things they are seeing and experiencing. Here is just a small picture of how they are seeing God move:
The team saw two men who struggling with homosexuality accept Christ as Lord and Savior and turn from that lifestyle.
In one village the guys from the team did a lot of ministry with men on how to be leaders in their community, how to be the spiritual leaders of their homes, and how to better love their wives. While this was going on the girls from the team did a lot of ministry with the women on helping provide a godly home and raise godly families. In the midst of this there was lot's of discipleship and encouragement that went on.
God placed team members in the right place at the right time to help a man who was choking to death. After performing the heimlich maneuver on the man and making sure he was ok, he gave his life to the Lord as well as his daughter.
The team prayed over a man who was on his death bed and had not walked in over three months. The Lord miraculously healed him and he got up and walked!!
The team is seeing lots of people come to know the Lord for the first time, others re-centering their lives on Christ, the guys are doing a lot of preaching, and the team just continues to be amazed with all that the Lord is doing. On average the team is spending 3-4 days in each village that they are in and what the Lord does in that time is so awesome.
The leaders asked that you pray specifically for the health of the team. It seems the strongest attack Satan is waging on the team is slowing them down due to illness. They ask that you please pray for strength, strong bodies, deep rest when they sleep, and that when they do get sick for very quick healing and recovery.
I wish you could hear the excitement and joy in the leader's voices because of all that the Lord is doing in and through the team!! You should be so proud of your students because the Lord is clearly using them in mighty ways.
I just spoke via satellite phone with the leaders of the Peru team. The team is doing very well and will be headed down river to a new village in the morning. The leaders assured me that they are safe and have not had any problems do to the unrest in Peru.
Earlier in the week the team was in a village that was very challenging. The team experienced a lot of spiritual warfare, challenging ministry, had some minor illness, and really just struggled with keeping positive attitudes about the weather, food etc. However, the team has spent the last few days in a different river village. While in this village the Lord has given them a time of refreshment, rest, fruitful ministry, and a renewed focus and joy, despite food, weather, mosquitoes etc. This is exactly what the team needed as they near the end of month one in the Amazon Jungle of Peru and head in to month two.
The team asks for your continued prayers. They desire to grow deeper in their walks with the Lord, to continue to pursue rich community with the team, and that God would tune their hearts with his and his plans for the people they encounter.
The internet is always a funny thing over-seas. The team couldn't get their blog posting to go through so they sent it to me to post for them.
Blessings,
Chad M.
Tuesday, June 16
We're in Requena
and leaving for Yanallpa on June 17th. When we first arrived in
Requena, we felt the spiritual and physical darkness. The people were
not welcoming and the weather was dark and gloomy. In spite of all
this, there is no doubt that God is moving in this town. We have seen
God work through healings of both physical and spiritual nature. On
Sunday night we had a church service outside as the inside was too
small to hold all of us. Deacon preached on God's power to salvation,
and then we asked if anyone would like prayer for healing. Three
people came forward and all were healed right there! Then five young
men received Christ and came by the place we're staying today to get a
Bible. Later that night as we were debriefing, we had the chance to
help out a neighbor who had a severe head injury - he also received
Christ today... his name is Angel, please keep him in your prayers.
Yesterday in the morning five members of the team held a
conference for the pastors in the area and each shared something from
God with these servants of God in Requena. Jesse Boldt, Bethany, Jesse
Newton and Isaac shared about grace, unity, a pastor's responsibility
to their family, and shared a good word against religion. At the end
the pastors here were hugging one another and asking for forgiveness...
it was beautiful! We are looking forward to hearing what God does here
after we go! Yesterday was also a hard day emotionally for some
members of the team who met a family who had just lost their 3 month
old baby, but we were brought comfort in the form of a beautiful
rainbow. It started off as only part of the arc, but as the sun shone
through the clouds brighter and brighter, the full rainbow appeared.
The colors were weak at first but they grew stronger as the clouds
parted.
God is breaking our pre-conceptions of what church should look
like, who He is, and who we are in Him - I am grateful for all that He
is doing here, though it seems a bit messy at times, He is without a
doubt in control, and it is such a privilege to be part of His work and
see Him use your sons and daughters in such powerful ways to bring the
truth, light and healing of His kingdom to the hearts and bodies of the
people here in this place. (Crystal, team leader, with help from team)
God is continuing to break us, but through it he strengthens our
team's bond. We have truly become a family. We look out for each
other, and care for one another, to any extent. No matter how small a
problem or situation is, we always turn to the Lord first. I want to
thank you all for your prayers. God is definitely showing off here in
Peru and it is amazing! He is continually breaking my heart
for the people here, and teaching me the compassion He has for all.
Please pray for us as we continue traveling and sharing God's love. I
miss you all very much! Please don't forget to pick me up at Charlotte
at 9:30 on July 29th :) Love Ashley
Mom and Dad
(mom mom, pop pop) I'm alive and doing wonderful! God is good and He is
doing big things! IM iss you, kid! Aaron - I'm praying for you and I
miss you! Amanda Mike and the Gibsons - thanks for the prayers, love
you all! - Ana
Jill and Greg: Everything is great. I smell foul. Haven't stopped
sweating since I got out of the car in Gainesville. Bathing in the
river tomorrow. No toilet seats, but also no holes. Love you and I'm
staying with the team on the 28th so figure something out - Eric
Schneider (son)
Dearest mother and family, (Karen Smith)
I have much to write you, but I do not want to use paper and ink.
Instead I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our
joy may be complete (2John 12). Love you and miss you...
In Him,
Jason
Hey y'all! :) Thi sounds cheesy, but honestly I can't put in words
what God is doing here and I definitely cannot put it on paper. It's
been difficult but so beautiful at the same time God is alive in Peru!
Mom - I'm still alive :) Dad- you were right, you would love it here.
Grandma - your letter blesses me everyday. To the chirren - I'm
working on your jungle souvenirs! Love and miss all of you and to my prayer warriors - keep fighting! The Lord is hearing and working. Be blessed and see you all soon! - Amanda
Dear Brenna, Mama and Daddy,
I'm not married to a Peruvian man yet, but the prospects are
looking good! Just kidding! :) I'm doing well physically and
emotionally - I still miss you, though. God is definitely working in
this place. The children here have won my heart. Please continue to
pray for me and my team... Speaking of the team, I love them! We are
becoming a real family. Not that I'm replacing you all or anything. I
honestly feel very safe - we girls constantly love on each other and
the guys look out for us. In closing, here are some verses that bring
me comfort: I Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 11 and James 1:2-4. I LOVE YOU! (Give Missy and Romeo a love for me) - Molly
Liz: I lvoe you. Mom: I love you too. Everyone: I miss you. Having lots of fun! - Isaac
Hi Mom, Dad, Jessica, Tyler and Jordan,
I'm still alive, no worris. Gos is good and see you soon! love, Bethany
Hey Mom, DAd, and Marcus - God is moving in Peru! Can't wait to tell ya all about it! - Chelsea
Hi mom and dad, I am alive and impetigofrec. Christina remember
that rain you talked about. It happened here and it made me happy.
Love, Jon
Howdy family and friends, Peru
is Awesome and God is Amazing! I'm learning so much and experiencing
things I thought only happened in the Bible. Praise to God! Love y'all,
Sharina
Hey everyone, I'm alive and doing great. I'm actually getting pretty tan... who would have thought?! love, Alex
"Hola!" I wish I could tell you how much God has been moving
through this trip! He's amazing! Thank you for all your lvoe and
prayers! Love you all! Josh K. :)
Thank you for all your prayers, God is doing big things down here.
Family, I lvoe you so much and thank you for being so amazing. Bing,
if you get to see this, I miss you a ton, I am praying for yor summer
and I love you! Deacon
God has definitely been showing up in pwoer down here. He has
done too much to try to describe with words. The only thing I can say
is that God is here, and He is at work. I thank you all for your
continued prayers. God has already changed almost everything in me,
praise be to His glorious Name. There is no need to worry as God is
protecting us all. - Chris
Buenas tardes from Nauta! For all of you concerned mothers...we're all alive! After a long flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Lima, we hopped on a plane to Iquitos, where we stayed for a few short nights. And we have now been residing in the city of Nauta (Crystal's home town) since Friday. Tomorrow we will be heading out on the river to the next village.
The Holy Spirit is moving in mighty way throughout Nauta. Although our time here is short, our team has broken up into different zones all over the city, looking to the Lord to lead us to people who either do not know the Lord, or people who simply need some encouragement and love. Each day, different people come back with amazing stories. On the first day of street ministry, a couple who had lost a baby just three weeks ago came to know the Lord, praise God! Also many people in the city are suffering from illnesses, and we have jumped in to pray for them. It's amazing to see how a simple game of futbol (soccer) can show God's love to the children. We can also see God's presence in that he is breaking the language barrier. Some of us are being stretched outside our comfort zone, speaking a language that we are not completely comfortable speaking, and others are quickly learning bits and pieces of the language. However, there are many places in Nauta that are in desperate need of the Lord's intervention. I am in awe of how you can walk through one neighborhood and feel the love of the children, and then you turn down another road, and there is evident darkness. Please pray for the people of Nauta, as we will be leaving them soon.
The team would also like to tell you all how blessed we are to be here. On one of the first days in Nauta, we led a children's program, and during the program there was a downpour of rain. So what do we do? We grabbed the kids by the hand and played in the rain! However, it didn't stop there. The inner-child in ourselves came out in full force...we got a little muddy---well that's an understatement, we got extremely muddy. And we may have been having more fun than the children at times...but it was a blessing to just "be a kid" an laugh with the children. One of the things that touched us the most was that, after playing in the mud, the little girls followed us to the well so we could clean up, and they were so kind and focused on getting us clean. I will never forget the girls' hands wiping my face and fingers going into my ears to make sure the mud was completely gone. Also, we've had many interesting food experiences: alligator (it's awesome to most of us), chicken, fish, lots of rice and eggs. It's all amazing---although some are ready for a nice American meal. But we will survive. Also, one team member (Eric) celebrated his birthday this week and the cocineras baked a birthday cake, which was very delicious. They are a blessing.
The team continues to draw closer to each other. So many victories were won at training camp, and more occur each day. God has truly brought us together for a reason, and it's not accident that each member is here. We thank you for your continued prayers, and can't wait to share more experiences with you soon.
As some of you may be aware, there is a bit of unrest in Peru at the moment that is making the news headlines. Myself and other AIM staff have been reading up on the news and want to assure you that your students are safe and far from harms way.
According to news reports, most of the unrest is in the western part of Peru, in the surrounding areas/regions of the city Chachapoyas. Our Amazon Peru team is in the northeastern part of Peru near Iquitos. A large mountain range and jungle region separates where the unrest is from the area where the team is located. In general terms, this would be like something going on the west coast of the U.S. and our team being on the east coast.
The safety of our teams is a primary concern of ours. Please be assured that we remove any team from harms way as quickly as possible. We have the support and help of local people who are in tune with what is going on and who are a valuable resource and help to us.
I should be posting an update from the team later today.
