Update #4

Hola from your Team below the Equator,

Things have been amazing! There have been at least 9 kids who have accepted Christ. Tomorrow we will do our second day of sport sessions. Keep us in your prayers for health and energy. Here is a short word from Joe.

"A Sun Filled Day", describes day four in Peru. Today we went to the beach and had a blast, except for the fact that the ocean water was FREEZING cold and that Kris ended up losing his sunglasses in the ocean after body surfing, luckily Jeremy ended up finding them later. We also went to the Inca Ruins, which was awesome, because we got to know this culture a little bit more. Afterwards Juan took us to dinner at Tony Roma's, which was very good. I'm looking forward to getting to know the campers better and the staff. The campers have such a desire to play Futbol(soccer) that they literally play every minute they can. The campers also seem to have an interest in going to chapel and church. Playing games with them, going to church with them, and just hanging out with them in general is just a blessing that we all enjoy. Good bye for today from our team here in Lima, Peru.


In Christ,
Joe Warner and the Team

P.S.
After an afternoon of sightseeing we returned to the camp for the evening service. The leadership team had prepared an incredible drama that clearly communicated our desperate need for Jesus Christ. The young man in the drama, playing the lead role, was tempted and indulged in many passions of the world (violence, greed, sensuality, religion, etc). After being driven to the depths of immorality and rebellion against God, he realized these worldly passions left him empty and nearly destroyed. Finally a Christian friend with the gospel message broke through to his heart and he decided to turn his life over to the One that could utterly and forever fill his heart. We are praying deligently that the remaining young people that have not asked Christ into their lives will have had their hearts peirced by this powerful presentation of our Saviours love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update #5

This camp is just phenomenal. Sometimes I feel like I am one of the campers and not a coach. We have a sweet group of older kids who have just been a blast to get to know. We have a tight knit group of girls, most of whom speak a fair amount of English. Between my Spanish and their English we have been able to have some deeper discussions. At first I was somewhat apprehensive about the age of our campers but coaching has actually been a breeze. We separated the chicas and chicos and the girls actually don't know much soccer so Janelle and I are able to teach a bit. After lunch we played crazy games and the campers had a lot of intense discussion times with their counselors. The counselors are incredible. I really appreciate how the staff stresses the gospel and the need for all to repent and accept Christ. I have been able to discuss this with two campers and one has sincerely believed in Christ and the others are so so close. Thank you all for your prayers. I am dreading leaving the great friendships we've made.
Yours for the Master,
Maria and Team

P.S. Here is another incredible testimony from last night:
Several unsaved families of the campers came to see the drama and one mother in particular made a decision herself to invite Christ into her life. Her daughter who was attending the camp had earlier in the week accepted Christ and was thrilled to see her mother follow in her footsteps. They will begin attending Iglesia La Roca as a family and continue to watch the Lord transform their lives.

Update #6

As I right the final update for our trip and team, we are in route to Denver from Atlanta. The trip home has gone very smoothly and we all are looking forward to seeing our families and friends. However, there is not one of us that would not have stayed an extra week or two. The impact this week of evangelism has had on the team was extremely powerful in so many ways, 25 young people accepted Christ! The evangelism of the world is only part of the story though. For some of us, we were re-energized for the cause of The Gospel to all Nations and others, awakened for the first time to the call of the Great Commission. As we shared with one another over the past day, this World Mission's experience has fueled the flames to be fishers of men and to not get caught up in the American Dream, just waiting for Jesus to return. I believe more than ever that this is one of the greatest rewards in short-term missions.

The faithful prayers and support of our friends and families made this trip not only possible, but a success! Please continue your prayers for the church planting ministry of Inglesia La Roca. The work of follow up and discipleship has just begun. Two more teams will work with La Roca in March and six teams are in the makings for 05-06. Perhaps God will stir in your heart to be a part of this Great Commission work in Lima. "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:38

dfgsdfgfs* The Team at Denver International Airport

Hello Team!

What an incredible week be have all experienced in Lima, Peru. I hope all of us have been challenged to make significant changes in our own lives to apply ourselves as World Christians.

Alexis sent us a recap of what God did in the lives of our SR campers. There was a total of 43 campers. Thirty-three campers came as unbelievers. Ten campers came as believers. Thirty decisions were made for Christ. Please continue to pray for Claudia Cornejo, Jhonatan Ayza, and Gerson.

Kelly has passed onto us the web-site mentioned in our team time which will allow us to pray specifically for a designated oversees ministry. Here is the link to the BPPP project. Once you are done reading the quick overview, in the 4th paragraph click on the contact page link. On the contact page fill out your info and check the ‘I would like to commit to the Bibleless Peoples Prayer Project' box.

May we continue to encourage each other in living for Christ, Jesus our King!

Gayle Gerkensmeyer