Hello!
Let’s jump right into it! July and August have full of NEW! New ministry opportunities, new friends, new kids, new plans and some new stuff (but also a lot of the “older” as well).
July started off with an opportunity to test my Spanish in a way I hadn’t before. A friend of mine from a camp where we worked years ago came to Peru as part of a medical missions team, and I got the opportunity to interpret for several of the doctors and medics and well as fill in here and there on the evangelism team for the three days they were in Manchay. It was a wonderful chance to gauge my Spanish abilities, and stretch them (and myself) in new ways. It has also been a wonderful reminder of what it is like to not be my own. Years ago I looked at one of our summer interpreters here at the orphanage and told her, “thank you for giving up your voice this summer to be the voice of others.” There were a few times in conversations I found myself wanting to interject something, but had to remember, I wasn’t there to be Pam, but to be the voice of someone else. It’s a small, but powerful illustration of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. There are times the flesh of Pam wants to rise up and do something, but I have to remember I was bought with a price and I am not my own. It was a wonderful reminder, but the 3 days were also encouraging in letting me know I am doing well in comprehending and communicating in Spanish (in areas of medicine, directions, and the gospel), but also to see several thousand faces come through and be helped in areas physical and spiritual in such a short time was exhilarating. I was very much encouraged.
Throughout the summer I had a few different churches communicate with me in regards to VBS offerings, and I cannot tell you how timely and encouraging that has been as well. One church raised enough money to purchase nice Bibles (study or devotional Bibles as opposed to dollar store style gift Bibles) for my teens in Manchay as well as the older kids in several ministries I work with. Throughout June, July and August, the kids have been memorizing Bible verses and doing devotional pages to show they will use and care for the Bibles, and have been learning a lot. Six of the teens and three kids have earned their Bibles and another ten are set to get theirs in the next two weeks. I have started receiving texts from some of the kids throughout the week with questions regarding what the verses mean, or how a particular person fits into the historical timeline of the Bible – questions I haven’t prompted. It tells me they are exploring the Bible for themselves and willing to reach out for answers.
Another two churches sent me some money to use in any way that was needed, and I cannot express the blessing that those funds have been as well. I began noticing some issues with my car and ended up spending approximately $1520 to replace my tires, windshield, brakes and the majority of my door handles. (They were literally falling off in people’s hands!). While it isn’t always the easiest thing to promote to kids in a VBS, these funds have literally made it possible to travel to a new Bible study that got started a few weeks ago, and made it possible to get in and out of my car without having to climb in from the backseat (because of the inability to open some doors)!
In August I received a message from Mike Kennedy letting me know there was a women’s rehab center wanting someone to come teach a Bible study. The study has been going for three weeks now and has been a huge blessing. A friend of mine I used to disciple is coming with me each week, and we travel about 30 minutes into the middle of nowhere to meet with 20 ladies ranging from 14-50 who struggle with substance abuse or eating disorders. We spend about an hour and a half with them each week, playing games, singing, studying the Bible, and then enjoying a snack. We have so far been studying what it means to give glory to God, to be made in His image, and why we need a Savior. Several have been very responsive to the gospel, others a bit unsure. Please be praying as this ministry is continuing to form that we can be a blessing to the ladies there and above all that they would come to a saving understanding of the gospel.
Approximately every two years I head back to the US to report to 1/2 of my supporting churches. This upcoming March – May I will be back in the US, so please be praying as I try to schedule meetings with churches, places to stay, and figure out transportation. I am looking forward to being able to catch up with so many of you in person! Thank you again for your communication, support, and prayers. They are all so very needed and a big encouragement.
Pam Drout