Hello Everyone,
Well, I can now officially say that I have my first Peruvian summer under my belt. Most often we hear the word summer closely followed by the word break; “summer break,” but I can assure you, for me a break this summer most definitely was not. But, for those of you who know me well, I absolutely thrived in the fast-paced, extremely busy schedule of my summer. I had the opportunity to participate in several different ministries, and each one brought me such joy, allowed me to impact the eternity of someone, and helped me with my language skills.
Treasure Hunters Bible Memory Club / Cazadores del Tesoro
As you may recall, I spent much of November and December developing a Bible memory club called “Treasure Hunters.” Our club met 2 evenings a week at New Life Children’s Home throughout January and February, and the children totally surpassed my expectations. My goal was that each child would finish their first book (15 sections) before the end of the summer. Many children finished three books, and a few went on to memorize the book of Titus. We had a 9 year old young man finish Titus, saying 103 verses in 53 days. In the picture to the left you see a young man who moved into the home partway through the summer saying his first ever memory verse!
Junior Church / Culto Infantil
In church this summer, we combined all the children’s classes to create one large junior church. It is extremely helpful as the teachers like the opportunity to travel on vacation with their families. I was asked to teach in Children’s Church and had 4 other single, college and career age people join me. The church’s theme this year is “Rooted in Christ,” so I focused the lessons on comparing our roots (our thoughts and beliefs) to the roots of a tree. We had anywhere from 30-45 young people in junior church consistently throughout the summer, and several made different decisions regarding their relationships with Christ.
English Class
New Life Christian School held summer school classes in Math and Communication for any students who needed it, but then alongside those classes, NLCS offered English classes to kids in the church or school who would like to take them. I taught 3 different classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to a combined total of about 33 different kids. As they were learning English I also took one of the songs we were singing in church, taught them to sing it in English as well as Sign Language. This opened up the doors not only to expose them to another language (which a few of the kids are interested in pursuing in the future,) but also opened up another unexpected door. My kids were asked to sing and sign in church on a Sunday morning. I had several kids in my classes who attended the Christian school, but did not attend any church, or attended a Catholic church with their families. Several of these kids came to church that Sunday morning with their families and heard the gospel. I have seen one family back a few times since then.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support, and please continue to pray for me here. God has shown me in so many ways this last month now only how much your prayers are needed, but how much they really do change things. Thank you so very much. ~Pam Drout~
Praises
~ Through the different ministries this summer, I am beginning to build relationships with the kids and teens in the church and school.
~ I am beginning to speak Spanish at times without having to think through exactly what I am going to say first!
Prayer Requests
~ Starting next week I will be regularly teaching a kid’s class in church at night. Please pray that God will give me wisdom regarding the best material to use for this class period.
~ Please pray that he finances will become available so that I can purchase a vehicle.
