Our month back in Peru has been a reminder that there is “always something” when you are in ministry. I guess that is true of any way of life though isn’t it?! I called a fellow missionary to complain: “I’m having a “Pucallpa kind-of-day.” Pipes clogged with jungle roots, delayed visas, power outages, school equipment gone bad…The list goes on and on. But in the midst of the chaos that is life, God sent me two beautiful moments to remind me of His faithfulness and His purpose in directing us here.
The first was sitting in chapel our first Monday back. I had just finished running to make sure the bathroom had toilet paper for the week and plopped down in a seat, my mind on my lessons that would start in a mere thirty minutes. And then our students started singing, praising God, led by a few students playing the keyboard and guitar. It was a beautiful sound…not because it was perfect…but because they were genuinely praising with open hearts. My heart skipped with new love for the kids that we minister to and thirty minutes later I entered the classroom with a smile and a heart again ready to serve.
The second moment was during a small group time of prayer we had one Wednesday night with fellow SAM missionaries. Our prayer focus was the other missionary organizations in Pucallpa and the work they are doing. As we prayed for our friends and fellow workers, my heart almost burst at the work being done…and the obstacles they are fighting to see God’s Word carried to the far reaches. Each struggle, though very real in its challenges, was another testament to God’s glory and how He was using His people to as one other person put it shine into “a very dark place.” How blessed we are to see and hear of God’s Word being spoken and disciples being made in places that have been consumed for so long by darkness.
These were just tiny, little reminders, but to me, they were a meaningful encouragement that His mercy IS new every morning and over-eager roots that spread into our pipes are just a little hiccup when you look at the big picture.
In family news, Mike and Ella were able to take part in a Missionary Kid camp in Lima for a week with other MK’s from all over South America. Their time there was really meaningful to Ella and the large group of middle-school and high-schoolers from our school that went so we were very thankful for this opportunity. (Can you see what they are trying to spell in the picture?)
You can join us in prayer for the kid’s visa process. After a few unexpected set-backs, we are praying we can get the kids their Immigrant Visas like Mike and I have. This visa is less restrictive than a Religious Visa and would be a blessing for us.
Also, we have been super blessed to begin taking part in a new church–La Iglesia Evangelica Misionera. This church is closer to the port and allows us to get off our mission base and out of our little bubble. We are really praying to be involved there and to build some strong relationships, so please pray for us and especially the kids as they adjust to a new church home.
In all things, GOD IS SO GOOD and we praise Him that every challenge we have faced, He has provided and cared for us. May you be reminded of His constant love, even in the midst of your own struggles as well! And if your struggles include being unable to stand the icy winter temperatures, come on our way…our door is always open and our weather (mostly) always warm! 🙂
Family of 4 Serving 1 