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