Hello Everyone!
A few months ago I was watching a church service online and heard a testimony from a veteran missionary about something he had learned after many years on the field. I found myself in awe of that missionary for his willingness to be so publicly transparent. The next day while reading John 3 and a few other passages, God reminded me that when we allow others to see who we really are, then HE can get the glory for the fruit. He’s such a faithful God, continually reminding me that it is not my personal name that matters but His.
The last several months have been FULL of lessons, learning, small and great victories, friends and answers to very specific prayers.
Visa – Thank you to all who prayed or encouraged me regarding the annual extension of my visa. The process ended up going fairly smoothly and everything was approved. I ask for prayers in advance of next year’s renewal (not just an extension, but a much more involved process) because with the changes the current president has made it may require a trip to the US for some new legal documents and paperwork. Please pray as I work through those decisions.
Car – Cars have always been a “stressful” issue for me as they often tend to break down in the most inconvenient (and costly) ways and at the worst times. I began to notice an issue with my car here so we had a mechanic come and look at it. (Yes, he came to the Home, one blessing of MANY!). As I went to hear the diagnosis I saw my entire engine out of the car, open all over the ground and my heart sunk. But God. What would have cost thousands of dollars to fix in the US only cost me about $400 AND the car was ready to drive literally 2 minutes before I needed it for a special event in Manchay. I did get a flat tire the next morning, but that was also a very easy fix, with wonderful help from the guys who work here at the orphanage, and only $5!
Manchay – Attendance at both the ladies’ Bible study and the kids’ Bible club in Manchay continues to steadily increase. We had a celebration for the first day spring (big here in Peru), a month late, but wonderful just the same. The women have been studying through the characteristics of a godly woman, and ended up doing a princess night including electing a queen, a woman actively demonstrating those characteristics. The kids and I had a pizza party, where they they once again demonstrated their selflessness and caring for their families and I got to spoil them and love on them in a way that they rarely experience… more pizza than they could eat. Several new kids came that night and have consistently attended since, some having accepted Christ as Savior in the weeks following.
Please be praying as I consider a few more ways to minister to these kids and their families including devotional materials and other possibilities. Most of these kids will not receive any gifts for Christmas and their families will struggle to come up with the money for basic school supplies in March. Two years ago I ran a program in our Bible club where the kids earned points by attending, showing up on time, memorizing verses, participating, etc. and they used those points to “buy” school supplies. Many felt so proud to be able to help their families in that way and were careful to choose only the more practical, needed items over some of the fun additions. Funds permitting, I would love to be able to do that again this upcoming summer (end of December through first of March).
More – There is so much more to tell, and so little space. My fridge has been acting up for a few months but God keeps it going. I had been praying about a specific lesson series for my Sunday AM class but was very unsure, and the week prior to the new series God used a 6-year old in the class to reassure me – during the activity time he asked questions for 10 minutes non-stop regarding that exact topic. God gave me the opportunity to begin learning Peruvian Sign Language from a visiting missions team and then a way to continue studying after they leave. I was provided with some much needed space that I will be able to use for ministry storage, piano lessons, discipleship, and as a gathering place for small groups of people, etc. I’m looking forward to slowly but surely put it all together. I’ve begun teaching a Sunday night kids class at the church again and the intelligent questions the kids ask every week keep me on my toes and continually studying.
Thank you all so much for your prayers, support, and encouragement. I LOVE getting to see the small and great things God does all around me – and He uses you all to do them. Thank You.