Family of 4 Serving 1

Tomorrow begins our 2020-2021 school year and though it looks different, we pray that this year may bring glory to God and may bring all of us, our students especially, closer to Him!

Restrictions in Peru have changed very little over the past few months. Though more things are open and there are less restrictions on adults being out and about, children under 14 and elderly are still not allowed outside of their homes for more than a brief 30 minute time of exercise. Groups are also banned which has stopped school attendance and church meetings. Because of these two mandates we have made the hard decision to begin school virtually as many in the States are doing.

This year begins with many complications. We are entering the school year less than refreshed after a stressful summer. With international borders still closed, teams that usually would bring us updated school books were cancelled. Many of our volunteer teachers (us included) are having to make adjustments as we attempt to teach virtually while having our own kids at home. We know our problems are not unique to our school this year…but more than that we know that God is in control and whatever the obstacles before us, we will work to be a service to our missionary families here in Pucallpa.

So pray with us! Please pray for a great school year that blesses all of us in surprising ways. Pray for a smooth start. (High school and middle school start tomorrow while elementary will begin September 1st to give us a little more time to work out kinks.) Pray for the continued health of our students, families and staff as the COVID virus and dengue are serious issues in our area this year. Also pray for our parents…all parents really…who will have a more active role at home with their children’s schooling while also trying to creatively continue ministry with the restrictions in place. Pray for wisdom and energy, and above all, that our staff may bring gory to God while pouring His love into the lives of our students.

We are grateful for your prayers and thankful to again be active in the ministry we love. Though the world seems some days to be spinning out of control, may we remember who is in control and hold even more tightly to His Word and Spirit which continue to lead us through. Abrazos dear friends.

I’m not sure when quarantine life become just part of life, but here we are. In the midst of mask wearing and limited venturing for the kids, we are plugging along, prepping the school for the new school year and praying fervently that the new year will begin with all our students physically in front of us, not peering at us through a computer screen.

Things here are a calm-kind of different. All stores are open, but entering requires a temperature check and limited access which often means long lines. Moving around is easier now but children and senior citizens are still not allowed in public places. The kids have gotten to see some of their friends and even venture off base by car once or twice which has been huge for their spirits. They are still mainly restricted to the base and we have many doubts about school being able to open on time under the current restrictions. There is a good bit of uncertainty about what is “ok” and the best ways to adjust to our current life. The virus is still very much an issue here. Currently SAM Air has one pilot flying and his main task has been transporting COVID patients in to town from remote areas. This requires lots of precautions and prepping of the pilot, patient and plane. It is a weird kind of paradox…much is becoming open and available but so much is still uncertain. A new kind of norm.

Our biggest life lesson though has been that we can’t wait for things to become “normal” again. Somehow we have to find a way to do life and ministry right here in this moment. So we are. We have found renewed encouragement working on school projects. Mike, Robert and John, our three guys living on base, have been tackling a huge renovation of a very old, dilapidated storage room. This will become Mike’s new science lab allowing for more space to hold our larger high school class, and better adherence to child safety as his old room was apart from the rest of the classrooms. Olivia and I, two teachers on base, and several volunteers have been working on uploading and cataloging all our library books into a new system that will allow us to keep track of our precious books better. We are super excited to have this new system. The kids will actually use a library card to check out books. One student remarked, “It is like in the States!¨ It is a project that never would have happened without all this extra time and we love that it will help us manage more carefully our English books that are brought here from the States.

With all of this time physically out of the classroom, I have realized even more how precious the ministry God gave us is. I miss our wonderful kids and our daily interactions with them. The end of our school year saw the graduation of a beautiful, amazing young lady named Baylee. In the true, crazy fashion of the current time, we celebrated her via zoom, with her and her family in a hotel room in Lima after a full two days of unconventional road travel as they sought to get to the capital for a repatriation flight to the States so Baylee can begin college in the fall. The graduation was absolutely wild and informal, with Baylee in her pj pants and all of our SAM Academy school families squished together in front of computer screens, and yet it was absolutely beautiful and personal as several of our SAM teachers (physically across two continents) poured out their love and admiration for this amazing young lady. She is why we are here…the families pictured in each little zoom box are why we are here. Whatever comes this school year, we will continue to serve them in whatever way we can.

Pray with us that we can do that in person! Our biggest prayer is that restrictions will lift so all of our students can physically come to school for classes. If that doesn’t happen, pray for what that looks like for us as a school, that we may be just as effective outside the physical classrooms we minister to and teach our students. Pray for the continued health and safety of our staff and students. Pray for our kids as they have experienced so much during this time. Pray for Peru and its people as they recover from a horrible economic hit. Pray for our churches that are not yet able to meet but yearn to be together. Pray of our indigenous communities that are being hit by the virus. Pray for our missionaries as they creatively find ways to serve. And above all, pray with us, that God’s name be glorified throughout Peru and all countries in the midst of all that is happening in the world right now. We love you our dear friends! We pray that your new “normal” is blessed and good. Share with us how we may pray for you.

We introduced the kids to the movie Groundhog Day last week. It was terribly appropriate. Last week I sent out birthday wishes to my dear friend….only to realize a minute into my message that I was in the wrong month. I have absolutely no concept of what day it is. But the alarm keeps going off and thankfully at least it isn’t “I’ve Got You Babe” that I am subjected to every morning. (If you don’t get that reference, maybe it is time you were introduced to Groundhog Day as well. May I recommend Friday Night?)

We have settled into a cautious rhythm. I admit my first few weeks were punctuated with worry and fear. We would be going about as normal, and then some news report or rumor weed or message from a friend would send that stab of fear into my heart. It is hard to believe sometimes that the day can be so sunny and beautiful and yet so much hurt be swirling around us. There are now over 900 cases of the virus in Ucayali, our region of Peru. That’s just the ones who have been able to be tested. Testing is limited here. The hospitals are already overwhelmed and are hindered by fear and lack of supplies. Two hospitals have had doctors infected from lack of proper equipment. Probably more dire though are the physical needs not being met. Families are without work and therefore without food. Savings isn’t something many people have to rely on here.

I think like Bill Murray’s character in the movie, we have our good days and our bad days. Each morning we wake up and take a step forward, giving ourselves grace to start over. I have taken to putting scripture around the house. One of the one’s I posted came from the series “The Chosen” on Youtube. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. We are four episodes into eight and are loving this look at Jesus’s life through the eyes and backstories of the disciples. In the the first episode, there was a powerful moment, when Jesus looked at Mary Magdalene and called her by name, reciting Isaiah 43:1: Do not be afraid. I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.

HE KNOWS OUR NAME. Can we just sit on that a minute. Not just our name, but our emotions, our fears, our most intimate feelings…and is right here with us in it. “Do not fear…YOU are mine.” We are not an impersonal collection of created souls…He calls us out and claims us by name.

I don’t know about you, but I need that kind of familiarity right now. I need a God who knows not just my beginning and end, but all the in between…AND holds me in it. In the midst of storm, I praise Him for all that is good:

-We are safe and healthy. Our family is well provided for and cared for.

-We have been blessed with extra that we have been able to share with others around us. Thank you God for the provision to be able to do that!

-School has been able to continue. It has been a challenge, but thanks to internet that has worked and available technology, we have been able to continue teaching the kids of SAM Academy. We’ll finish out the school year this way. Though not ideal, we are so thankful to keep connecting, teaching and ministering to our students.

-We have an amazing community here on our base that has been looking out for each other. Our temporary music teacher, Carolyn, was able to secure one of the last repatriation flights out which is a great blessing for us and her…we are happy she can be home with family and finish her college studies back in the States. That leaves two families and two single teachers here on the base. Unfortunately for Ella and Liam, they are the only kids so they are aching to see and play with their friends.

Through all this, we praise him in thanks…and then we turn to prayer:

-We pray for the hurting people around us. We pray for provisions for the most vulnerable and that work will open up soon so that people may again feed their families.

-We pray for healing and a stop to this virus. Hospitals here are overwhelmed and short on supplies. We pray for God’s overwhelming peace for families who are grieving without the comfort of being surrounded by family and friends. A mass grave has been dug outside of town for those who have died from the virus. My heart hurts for those who won’t even be able to visit a marked grave for their loved one.

-We pray for the future as the country begins to open back up, that leaders would be wise in their decisions. Already we are realizing some of the consequences of this time. Mike is struggling to find ways to fill our book orders and get them delivered as all of our planned summer teams have cancelled. We also pray that by August we will be allowed to meet in large groups so we can reopen school physically.

As we pray all these things, we pray the same for you. Though the details may look different, it has been a unique time knowing that our own struggles and being faced all around the world, not just in our tiny part of it. We lift up our churches that they may be able to connect and spread light in unique ways. We pray for your health and safety. Most of all, we pray that God meets you right where you are in this crazy mess and that you hear His distinct whisper calling, “Do not be afraid. I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. YOU are mine.”

First off, we are ok. Thank you so much to those of you who reached out and checked on us. Peru has handled the Coronavirus very strictly, dealing out restrictions for citizens almost immediately. Schools were closed on March 16th and will remain physically closed until at least May 4th. We are independent of the Board of Education here, but out of respect for the Peruvian government we voluntarily shut down SAM Academy and shifted to teaching and sending assignments electronically.

At this time we have a curfew and are not allowed to be on the streets for any reason between 6pm and 5am. Peru’s army is out and enforcing this lock-down. During the day, only one person from a family is allowed out for essential business. Essential business is limited to banking, grocery shopping, food delivery to vulnerable families and medicine pick-up. All other stores are closed. Children and elderly are not allowed out and stores are not allowing entry without a face mask and temperature check.

To be honest, we are very grateful for these restrictions. Our greatest prayer is that as the number of those infected rise in Peru and in other parts of the world, these measures will curb the reaches of this deadly virus. Our ultimate prayer is that the virus will be stopped in its tracks.

Though effective in limiting the reaches of the virus, these heavy restrictions have hurt many of our Peruvian neighbors who live day-to-day and are unable right now to work to feed their families. We are very, very grateful that thanks to our wonderful supporters, we are not only provided for, but we have also been able to share our resources with others who are in need during this quarantine.

Our “un-normal” has resulted in some unexpected blessings.

I am extremely grateful for my time in the Word and quiet time before the Lord. Our busy-ness is often a major distraction, and I feel like the forced slow-down has refocused us. Normally before bed, Mike and I each do a devotion with one of the kids. With so much time though, we have also started reading the bible together in the mornings as a family. I love hearing both kids read and speak truth on their own and pray this encourages them in their own walk.

Not sure if it is a blessing or not, but our creative juices are also being brewed a little as we figure out how to modify schooling to fit with the current situation. For two weeks we did online schooling with our students, sending assignments via email and checking pictures/files that were sent back. We are currently in our two week spring break period and though no one is going anywhere, it is a good pause to allow us teachers to re-evaluate how this online learning module is going to look when we begin again on the 13th, especially if President Vizcarra extends the closure of schools past the May 4th date as many schools in the States have been doing.

In praises, Ella and Liam both were approved for their permanent visas which allows our whole family to have less restrictions on travel in and out of the country. Though approved, their cards are physically stuck in Lima until the quarantine is lifted but we are very thankful the paperwork and process has been completed successfully. As Mike said…we won’t be traveling out of country any time soon anyway!

To end on a positive note, the Friday before quarantine began, we were overwhelmingly grateful to sneak in one last organized school event: Mother/Son Night. We moms had an amazing evening spending some much needed time with our sons doing a scavenger hunt and building sandcastles. The fun pictures below showcase one of the most incredible groups of ladies ever. They each are here, with their families, working in different avenues to shine the light of God into the remotest of places. I am so glad they were able to let their hair down a bit and enjoy the time with their sons.

Dear friends, we are so grateful for you. As the world seems to be consumed by so much negative, know that you are one of the POSITIVES we are overwhelming blessed by. We want to be one of you positives too. Max Lucado’s book “Anxious for Nothing” was a good read that I didn’t realize would become so quickly relevant. He encourages us with Philippians 4:6-7 to remains C-A-L-M. Celebrate God, Ask God for help, Leave the problem with Him, and then Meditate on good things. As you do this, we’d love for you to share with us. Can we celebrate with you? And lift up in prayer your concerns? Now more than ever I believe we need to be united. Please let us know how you are and how we may be in prayer for you. As you face the changes and challenges before you during this season, know we keep you close at heart even from afar.

Love from Pucallpa…

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! 🙂

I am writing surrounded by our suitcases…packed to the brim. We are maxed out of space and there is always one more thing I want to take…one more person I wanted to call…one more moment I want to have with our families. I meant to write all about our beautiful Christmas and all our hopes for the amazing New Year ahead. But as I try to wedge my last thing in the carry-on, I’m also wishing I could wedge in more time. We have loved every minute with our friends, churches and loved ones here in the States and we are so thankful we have had this time. As we get ready to head back to life and ministry in Pucallpa tomorrow, I’d like to leave you with this prayer I found in an old journal from 2017. It felt like I was reading someone else’s words as I read it because these are words I very much needed to hear again as we re-enter life on the mission field and a New Year. I pray they may be a blessing to you too.

4-1-17

Father, life has been crazy.

I don’t even know where to start.

Not just my life–the whole world has seemed to have fallen off its axis.

I feel so empty and I know that’s the problem. I have begged and pleaded for you to take stuff away. Take away the water and internet issues, my sickness, my insecurities, conflicts with my kids and husband. But the world is messed up–there will always be SOMETHING.

So instead of asking you to take away, I ask you this. Will you PUT IN? Put into my life love. Unnatural love that sees past flaws and exhaustion and cares immensely for those You bring into my life.

Put in grace. Grace that heals wounds, covers our short comings and pulls us out of bed each morning. Grace that says “We can do this”–not just survive it, but do it in a way that gives glory and honor to You.

Put in strength. Holy strength. Strength that doesn’t conquer each item one by one but strength that blossoms and builds character and states loudly to Satan “You are not welcome here.” Strength that leads my family…that teaches my family no matter what comes–YOU are HERE.

Put in peace Lord. Peace that calms storms…not because they go away, but because my focus is on your face. That I may step out of the boat and walk with you on the depths.

Put in Father, so that as my cup runs over, I can pour into others.

If you take out anything, let it be the anger and judgement and sin that I have let fill my heart so that I only have room for You and nothing else. Give me what I need for today and let me in faith step in to that light with you–eyes only on You, ignoring the darkness of tomorrow until it is before me and I am ready to face it with all you have poured into me.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heed! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

It’s not often I get to say that phrase. Our balmy Pucallpa doesn’t usually incite thoughts of a nip in the air. But there is definitely a nip in the air here in Southwestern PA…and get this…snow on the ground! It was gone as soon as it came with the sun melting away the tiny little bit that fell, but it was definitely snow. Liam was a little boy in awe watching the flakes coming down. We were hoping to see snow in December but were surprised to get to see it already in November. November. Now there is another surprise. Each time we come to the States I vow it will be a calm, quiet, relaxing time…and each time I am reminded about one week in that it is actually going to be filled to the brim and the time is going to pass by quicker than I will be able to believe.

And it has. As I looked over my planner, I realized I am already on the page of “things to do/get before leaving the States” that I had brainstormed before leaving Pucallpa. However, the time that has passed has been absolutely wonderful! We have spent the last few months immersed in family and friends…and “US life.” During the week, I have played “stay-at-home mom,” a new role for me, and have filled my time managing the kids’ activities, much-needed Spanish refresher classes and the mound of laundry that seems to be present whatever country you live in! My adventures have also included doctors appointments and lab work. A special diet and some medication changes are helping but I’m still trying to figure out how to control my unexpected stomach flare-ups and fatigue. We keep working on it! Mike, who can’t sit still, helped his Uncle winterize boats for a couple of months and has even gotten to fish a few times. As our departure approaches though, he’s back to school planning for next semester at SAM Academy.

The kids have been having a great time while here in the Northern Hemisphere. Ella has done so amazing with her riding lessons that I’m trying to figure out how to pack a horse in our suitcases. Liam finished up baseball, his new passion, and moved into Cub Scout meetings. He’s working diligently trying to earn his Bear rank before we leave in January. My mom and sister took the kids to Washington DC for a weekend where Liam was absolutely fascinated with the soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In ministry news, it has been so wonderful to share time with our supporting churches. Our Sundays (and some Wednesdays) have been spent worshiping and sharing with our wonderful supporting churches. We were able to share meals of Aji de Gallina, a Peruvian dish, with a few congregations. I think we cooked a over 10 gallons of aji sauce! With others we were able to share the wonderful things that were happening at SAM Academy and the continued need for our school as a support for the missionary families of that area. While it’s good to be in the States, our time sharing renewed our desires to return to Pucallpa and our students! Our heart’s work has been reignited after this time of rest and we are immensely excited to be into ministry again soon.

As we head out the door to help bake pies this Thanksgiving-Eve, our hearts our full knowing we will be surrounded by our loved ones this special day of thanks. But even more, as we type this, our hearts are full of thanks for YOU, our partners and friends. Our prayer for you is that your season may be filled with JOY. That all the stresses of life, work, health, family, all the worries of this life, may be eclipsed by the wonderful love of our Father as you celebrate the many blessings He has given us. From our family to yours…Happy Thanksgiving!

We really celebrated an amazing end to our 2018-2019 school year. The festivities began in May when practically the entire student body took part in a production of Beauty and the Beast. It was an elaborate event made special by their incredible talents and dedication. The students put on two showings, one for parents and friends, and the other for English language classes from the surrounding area schools. It was definitely an event to remember!

This end-of-school-year saw the graduation of three seniors and six eighth-graders. We are so proud of our seniors and excited for their next steps! Graduation is particularly emotional for us at SAM Academy because while we are excited to see our seniors grow and step out in their own lives, we mourn the loss as a school body and a mission community. This graduation was particularly emotional for Ella as one of the seniors, Natalie, was her guitar teacher. Join us in prayer for these amazing young adults as they step out away from their families and the lives they have known in Peru and move forward into wonderful things ahead.

As one school year ended, we immediately jumped into prep for the next. One of the more exciting preparations involved renovating our much-used dining hall which we call the comedor. Besides being our dining area, this space is frequently used to host school classes, after school events, dance classes, prayer meetings, and our Monday morning chapels, as well as various bible classes for the church Mil Palmeras. We are SUPER thankful for the donations of time and money from several churches that allowed us to put up insulated walls, new glass windows and the incredible addition of air conditioning in this greatly frequented space. When our dear friends and fellow missionaries Joy and Bill Carrera traveled to the US unexpectedly, we took over hosting a team from their supporting church Faith Community Church in Davis, Illinois. This wonderful group of people blessed us with their energy, hard work and encouragement, accomplishing an incredible amount in just a week’s time. Several other short term teams and missionaries donated a day or two from their own projects and ministries to put finishing touches on the room and it is now blessing the students of the school. It takes a village!

In July, we began our furlough in the United States. We will be in the States visiting family, sharing with supporters and taking care of doctors’ visits, etc. until January 3rd. We are excited to get to share Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as a couple birthdays with family this year! Ella and Liam have started school at Mt. Moriah Christian School for the semester, Ella in 7th grade and Liam in 3rd. They are also taking advantage of being in the States to do some extra things they don’t get to do in Peru. Ella is taking horse-riding lessons and Liam is playing on a Fall Ball baseball team.

We have the following dates in place for ministry presentations and are continuing to expand our calendar to include others. We hope you will join us at one of these events or that we get to see you personally at another time. We’d love to hear from you! mmbrown@southamericamission.org

• September 15: (Smithfield, PA) Mt. Moriah
• September 22: (Mill Run, PA) Indian Creek Baptist Church
• September 29: (Parkersburg, WV) Emmanuel Baptist Church
• October 5-6: (Covington, VA) First Christian Church
• October 13: (Altoona, PA) First Church

Prayer focus

As always we thank you for your prayers for our family and the school! We ask that you pray for SAM Academy during this first semester as they are stretched thin on staff but are off to a great start! Please pray a special prayer for our fellow teacher, Olivia, who is filling in as director during Mike’s absence.

Sometimes the best option is to start afresh.

Five years ago when we began this journey of serving as missionaries with South America Mission, we began a blog, mainly to share with friends and family a bit of our lives “overseas.” In fact, we aren’t overseas at all, just south a little bit, living and working in the jungle city of Pucallpa, Peru. As teachers, we were incredibly blessed to be able to use our gifts in the service of the Kingdom at SAM Academy, a school for missionary kids.

As time passed, our ministry grew and changed: We realized our role was a lifetime service not just a temporary season and we would continue working at SAM Academy as long as God called for us to be there. Mike “upgraded” to school administrator, while continuing to teach. Our own kids grew and developed into their own little personalities. And then, one day I logged on to our blog and realized I hadn’t updated in TWO YEARS!

Two years! How is that even possible?

They’ve been two amazing years though. God has continued to walk with us and bless us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Even through the storms of health issues and other challenges, He has shown us His incredible love in so many ways.

So, after a two year hiatus, we decided now was a good time to start writing afresh, with a new look and a new site. We pray that this space might be used to share all the wonderful ways God is leading us through this journey of ministry and might connect us to those who are walking with us in it.