UPDATE
#1
Here
we are on the plane and about an hour and a half from
Lima. After we go through customs, we’ll still have
a two hour bus ride to Juan’s place. My thoughts are
with my family. I fear that I am not as talkative
and sporadic as the rest of my team. I hope no one
thinks I’m avoiding anyone.
I just read James 3:8 and it talked about how no one
can tame the tongue. Maybe this is a negative verse,
but I believe the positive is God can tame the tongue.
My prayer is that God would tame our tongues and give
us His words to share to the Peruvians. I know He
will.
The neat thing about looking at my teammates across
the plane is that everyone is different. It’s obvious
God put this team together. I believe God will accomplish
great things through us. How different are we? Scott
– not a huge outgoing person, but very skilled in
organization and has a heart for people. God has picked
a great person to head us up. Jeff – a lot like Scott.
Very easy going and has excitement beaming from his
body. Tara – very team oriented and easy going. Holds
the team together and wants to know if everyone’s
all right. Aaron – a lot like Jeff. It’s great to
see him and Andrea in a special stage of their lives.
Andrea – she has an addictive laugh. Perry – fun,
energetic, and loves to laugh. He’ll be a great asset
to the team as children will look up to him. Weston
– a little shy and nervous I think, but he shows anticipation
and wants to get the week started. Andrew – such a
businessman. Really enjoyed talking business and also
enjoyed watching him read his Bible. Zach – fun, goofy,
crazy. Poor guy had to share a bed with me. Abbie
(sp) – calm and easy going. She’ll be great with the
Peruvian girls. It’s been great watching her grow
through the years. Bonnie – mother hen. She’ll hold
the ladies together. She loves to have fun and will
play silly games such as surfing on the concourse.
Amanda – shy, but knows what she wants. I feel God
will use her in a mighty way this week. Betsy – she
seems fun and sure of herself. She goes with the flow.
Scott – world traveler. Knows the ropes and he’ll
have good wisdom. What’s so amazing is to see all
the young people on the trip. What an awesome thing.
It will be amazing to see what God will do in their
lives.
As for me and the rest of the “not so young” people,
God is going to move in our lives as well. He will
impact the world through us if we let Him. I pray
that we let Him.
Ben
Dishman for the Team
UPDATE
#2
We
had an awesome experience with the entire team. Each
night we share our insights and “God Sightings” for
the day. It is a great honor to hear and know the
depth of the hearts of each of these men and women
here. The Lord has formed a team of individuals who
are truly committed to serve and to reach and to preach.
“They don’t have anything by American standards and
they are so happy.”
“God has blessed us with a huge team for the trip.
Both the La Roca staff, the men preaching and Juan
and Eva are truly touching lives for eternity.”
“We need to reach our circles of influence back in
our neighborhoods. This has challenged me to become
bolder in my work place and more courageous in sharing
the Gospel always.”
“It
seemed like we were at a picnic in the neighborhood,
or a family reunion. I stood on the rock and dirt
and saw not the run down houses and the poverty, but
faces of my brothers and sisters in Christ. We were
a family-all drawn together by our heavenly Father.
And some day, the language and ability to communicate
will not exist….only worship and praise to our God!”
“Brian
has such a passion when he preaches. They all listen
and even though we cannot tell what he is saying,
our spirits stir within us and we marvel at the Spirit
which uses him to share the gospel.”
Pray
for us as we embark on day 2 with the body. We go
in your place to reach and save the lost.
Godspeed,
For
the Team.....Scot
UPDATE
#3
Dearest
Friends and Family,
Well, at the beginning of the day today, we weren't
sure how things would go. There were not very many
children when we got to the first site; but we ended
up breaking up into groups and walking through the
village inviting children to come. Eventually we had
a better crowd and we ended up having a great time.
Abbie brought wordless book bracelets to make with
the children. They gave us the opportunity to share
how to become a Christian. It was so good to see so
many of the children praying to receive Christ after
that. We did this again in the afternoon at the second
site and had even more children pray. It was truly
exciting.
Last
night Alexis taught us a "sketch" (skit)
to mime for today. There was a main character who
is drawn to a chair that represents sin...but he gets
stuck in it. Various people try to help him out of
the chair with their strength, love, music and witchcraft
(which is common here in Peru). Finally, someone comes
along and shares God's Word -- the only thing that
can get him out of the chair. It was a powerful skit,
and fun to watch!
Later
this evening we had a special reflection time as a
team. We all shared about the things we have been
learning through our time here. Abbie shared specifically
how it is possible to connect with the kids without
having to use words. Like sharing a hug, smile or
a laugh. How awesome it is to see God overcoming this
barrier. What a blessing to be a part of a group that
has come together so well. The Lord truly orchestrated
this specific team to minister here in Peru together.
God
Bless,
Andrea
and Abbie (for the team)
UPDATE
#4
We
have had another excellent and very HOT day. Each
night I go to bed thinking that tomorrow will not
be as great as the next, but each day has surpassed
the next. This morning started out bright and early
at 5:00 AM when 12 of us went for a little hike up
a local mountain before breakfast. The country side,
sunrise, and group bonding time was a great way to
start the day.
Following breakfast and the recovery from our hike,
we split into two groups for sports camps through
the community. Today, camp focused on the soul which
I feel was very effective and seemed to touch a lot
of lives. In the afternoon, we invited everybody to
the compound(church) for an afternoon of games, food,
and the presentation of the gospel. The games and
obstacle courses were fun, but the sketch(drama) that
the local Peruvians presented was absolutely great.
They utilized music and a silent drama to present
the gospel.
Today we were able to see 12 individuals turn their
lives to Christ. I particularly was interested to
see those same 12 be discipled by the members of La
Roca. Please pray for the continued development of
each of the 12. The general concern and drive to spread
the gospel that the Peruvians have is something that
I wish all of you could see.
Like
I say, today was great and we are looking forward
to seeing what is in store for the next couple of
days. I would also like to thank you for all the prayers
and concerns for our trip.
Respectfully,
Peru
Team 4
Aaron
Weinberg
Hello
from Peru,
Today is our final day within Peru. Tonight we plan
to arrive at the Lima airport at 10:00PM. Please pray
for no problems through customs and for safe travels.
This week has been an amazing week. We each have numerous
stories that we are looking forward to sharing upon
our arrival. Some highlights:
Weston
leading Miguel to Christ!
Noah
and his family accepting Christ!
Lessons
learned from the Peruvian staff!
Worship
time with the Peruvians!
SportReach
fellowship time and coming together as a team!
Serving
Christ!
Souls
won!
We would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers
as we travel home. The week has been a great week
for Jesus Christ.
"When
you go home tell them for us and say for tomorrow
we gave our today to the glory of Jesus Christ."
John
Piper "Don't Waste Your Life"
