Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Well, I leave Peru for the United States in about 5 hours from now. So far my flight is on time. We will just see how long that lasts!
The past few days have been very relaxing. I have enjoyed good fellowship with the Reap South team, the journey people, my team and of course my Peruvian friends. The Lord has been so good and I just can't complain.
I am trying to find words to tell you guys how my summer has been and all that the Lord has taught me, but I just can't right now. My emotions and anxiety about leaving Peru has overwhelmed me. Please excuse my lack of words.
I ask for your prayers as I go through this re-adjustment time. I am very nervous and somewhat scared about going back to the States. Does that sound bad? I have a rought time expressing how I feel sometimes and most of the time, I just can't find words to express my thoughts and feelings. I really do not want to return, but at the same time, I know the Lord has called me to return and I have a peace about that.
So, as Peru 2007 comes to a close, I continue to ask for your continued prayers as I return to Peru and for the future that lies ahead for me there. Not sure what this semester will become or where I will be. God knows!...I havn't found out yet...anyone out there know?
Lol...Thank you all for your continued prayers and support of the ministry the Lord has called me to be a part of. This summer has been amazing to have all of you by my side in prayer and I feel blessed.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Done with Reports!
Hello Everyone!
PRAISE THE LORD THE REPORTS ARE DONE!! It was a long and tiring task to get all 28 reports done. In total, we wrote about 300 some pages. It was well worth it though. We enjoyed it, but we are glad that they are done. We finished yesterday right before Mike Weaver (IMB missionary) left for Atlanta for stateside assignment. He had to take them with him to promote adoptions. If anyone is interested in knowing more about the REAP South ministry and the part that I played in it this summer and last summer, send me an email at josuesarco7@hotmail.com. Now we are just hanging out in Lima before we all fly out. Keep praying for us. Re-adjustment back to the USA is always hard for me and we all 3 know that it is going to be hard for us and to leave each other also.
BIG PRAYER REQUEST!
Ok, so my mom is having partial historectomy surgery tomorrow and today she goes in for pre-op. Please pray for her and her health. Also, please pray for my grandmother (my moms mom). She is not doing well and no longer has control of her bodily functions. Also, pray for encouragement for all of my family during these times and with what has all passed.
Thank you all for your prayers! They are greatly appreciated. May the Lord bless you all!
PS. I will post one more time before I leave Peru on Thursday.
PRAISE THE LORD THE REPORTS ARE DONE!! It was a long and tiring task to get all 28 reports done. In total, we wrote about 300 some pages. It was well worth it though. We enjoyed it, but we are glad that they are done. We finished yesterday right before Mike Weaver (IMB missionary) left for Atlanta for stateside assignment. He had to take them with him to promote adoptions. If anyone is interested in knowing more about the REAP South ministry and the part that I played in it this summer and last summer, send me an email at josuesarco7@hotmail.com. Now we are just hanging out in Lima before we all fly out. Keep praying for us. Re-adjustment back to the USA is always hard for me and we all 3 know that it is going to be hard for us and to leave each other also.
BIG PRAYER REQUEST!
Ok, so my mom is having partial historectomy surgery tomorrow and today she goes in for pre-op. Please pray for her and her health. Also, please pray for my grandmother (my moms mom). She is not doing well and no longer has control of her bodily functions. Also, pray for encouragement for all of my family during these times and with what has all passed.
Thank you all for your prayers! They are greatly appreciated. May the Lord bless you all!
PS. I will post one more time before I leave Peru on Thursday.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Returned to Lima
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Well, after a difficult time trying to get to Huanca Sancos, the Lord gave us peace about not going. It was hard for us three (my team and I) to accept that we could not get to our last leg of research. We all wanted so bad to finish all of our assignment, but it just wasn't possible with all the strikes occuring. Nevertheless, we have 28 villages to write reports on. We are thankful for that! The Lord has worked so mightly this entire summer. Through the heart ache, cold, pain, cacti, weird food, loving people, awkward people and well, just imagine the other things, this summer has been amazing and the Lord has taught me so much more about myself, about people and about only trusting in Him.
Thank you all for your many prayers! Continue to pray for us to be able to get all of our reports finished in time.
Love you guys!
Well, after a difficult time trying to get to Huanca Sancos, the Lord gave us peace about not going. It was hard for us three (my team and I) to accept that we could not get to our last leg of research. We all wanted so bad to finish all of our assignment, but it just wasn't possible with all the strikes occuring. Nevertheless, we have 28 villages to write reports on. We are thankful for that! The Lord has worked so mightly this entire summer. Through the heart ache, cold, pain, cacti, weird food, loving people, awkward people and well, just imagine the other things, this summer has been amazing and the Lord has taught me so much more about myself, about people and about only trusting in Him.
Thank you all for your many prayers! Continue to pray for us to be able to get all of our reports finished in time.
Love you guys!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
28 down 3 to go!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Well, let's just say that our God is Amazing! We were able to research 7 villages in 4 days with the help of the Barnabus team. God opened up all kinds of doors. Peru is in a state of strikes and road strikes, so it has been difficult to research with everyone refusing to work. Please continue to pray for that here in Peru. Nonetheless, we have been able to get all the information we needed plus more because our God is WOW! Lol...we are now in Nazca and will be in Huanca Sancos tomorrow night sometime if all goes as planned. Not sure how well that will turn out.
We got another official document from the Mayor in Lucanas to give to the mayor in Huanca Sancos. Again, he stated that he gave us all authority over his province and recommends that the mayor in Huanca Sancos does the same thing. We feel so important.
Continue to pray for the people in the district of Huanca Sancos and for our safety. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do in these last few days we have researching.
Well, let's just say that our God is Amazing! We were able to research 7 villages in 4 days with the help of the Barnabus team. God opened up all kinds of doors. Peru is in a state of strikes and road strikes, so it has been difficult to research with everyone refusing to work. Please continue to pray for that here in Peru. Nonetheless, we have been able to get all the information we needed plus more because our God is WOW! Lol...we are now in Nazca and will be in Huanca Sancos tomorrow night sometime if all goes as planned. Not sure how well that will turn out.
We got another official document from the Mayor in Lucanas to give to the mayor in Huanca Sancos. Again, he stated that he gave us all authority over his province and recommends that the mayor in Huanca Sancos does the same thing. We feel so important.
Continue to pray for the people in the district of Huanca Sancos and for our safety. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do in these last few days we have researching.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Wow how the Lord works!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
I hope and pray that this email finds you all doing super well!
So, I have a lot to write about it seems. Get ready to laugh because as usual, life on the research team is always filled with laughter and funny things happening.
We were able to get on a bus from Nazca around 12:30am to get to Puquio. They kept telling us that the bus could come from 10:30pm till 2:00am. So we had no clue what was going on. Finally one came! Praise the Lord! After a horrible 3 hours of bus ride...our research notebook somehow came out of the bag we had it in and went all over the bus. Thank God we were able to find every page. It was the entire summer's research information. We got kind of scared when we saw what happened. That poor notebook has had it. Then, my fash wash bottle thing...exploded. Not sure why it waited until this far into the summer to do so. SO much stuff was well, coated in fash wash. We arrived to Puquio at 3:30am in the morning. We went around for 2 hours trying to find a place to sleep. Either the people didnt want to get out of bed or they didnt have rooms. We chose to go to this one place last because we stayed there last time we were in Puquio and the guy tried to rip us off and we did not end on good terms with him. So, we go there. He tells us that if we check in at that time, then we have to pay for two nights. BUT, if we wait until 8 something then we just have to pay for one night. We really are hating this town at this point. I am not even going to try and lie and say that we enjoy being here. He told us to go wait in the Municipal building until then. We went there and walked in. We found an empty room and just went in there to chill. (Remember...IT IS FREEZING!!) I go to close the door to help keep the cold out and there right infront of me is an attack dog! I freaked out as it was drooling and grawling and all. It was huge too. I slam the door shut and the dog is trying to get through the door. There was a person outside sweeping the steps and this didnt fase him at all. He sees Jenna and asked her if something was wrong. In a high piched voice she said, "Um...hay un perro...mas grande ... um...all." Haha...I just started laughing. (remember it is like 5:30am and we are delirious) It took me a while to quit laughing. THe dog finally left and we were able to get out. THen it started to chase us and the guy sweeping decides to control the dog then. Well, we were able to find somewhere to just put our things down and rest. Jenna and Sarah were so sick. They get motion sick really easy and after the day befores travel. Wow! We got up and went to the place where the guy told us to come back at 8 and found out that he gave our room away. We had to wait until 3 to get one. We were honestly...Not happy.
We get some sleep and then the Barnabus team arrived and we went to have some amazing chicken. We rested that night and decided to just go to bed. Steve and I had to find a room because there were not any more at the place the girls were at. He gave another one away. Well, today we wake up and Steve and I go to get tickets to go to one of our villages...San Pedro and find out about more Huelga action (this means strike) So, the lady told us to come back around 11 or after to get tickets when the combi leaves at 12. It was 10:30am then. So we both had the feeling that there were not going to be 6 seats. WEll, we decide to just research Puquio today. THat was an amazing thing because GOd had so much lined up for us.
We go to the Municipal building and ask for the mayor. As always, he was on a trip and so we were able to speak with the Atiende. THis is the person that stands in when the mayor is gone. He was not from there so he went and got another guy for us. HE was so nice. He was giving us the hook up on information. There are 20,000 people here! He is also going to have the Atiende, who we spoke with about the situation, line up transportation for us to the rest of the villages we have to go to. He gave us official documents signed from the Atiende. And, he is going to contact the mayors in all of those villages and have them have a place for us all to sleep and meetings set up to research there town. God is so AMAZING!!! Gosh, He truly rocked ours socks off today.!!.
In the morning, we leave at 5am to go research Santa Lucia, Saisa, San Cristobal and San Juan. We are doing it in two days because the Atiende said that is the only way we could do it. We trust his judgement. Please pray for us as we travel and for the villages as well.
Another thing we found out is about the Paros and Huelgas. The creative ministry team traveled to Puquio tonight and we went to pick them up at the bus station. We are having a great time together. Good times! Lindsay, the leader of the team, contacted me yesterday to tell me that they need to go to Cusco. So we all went and asked around to see which buses go to Cusco. We found out that only Palomino goes there from Puquio. WE also found out because of the Paro and Huelgas, there are not going to be any that go that direction for a while. So now the Creative ministry team is sort of stuck. They will go to Nazca tomorrow night and then look for a bus that can take them to Puno. We are hoping the Huelgas and Paros stop. THey have been such a pain as well with researching because most Saluds and Schools are closed due to the Huelgas. So we cant go visit those places and find out informaion from them. BUT, the Lord has been so merciful and we have been able to get all the information we need.
Thank you all for your prayers! Will update upon our return! Blessings!
I hope and pray that this email finds you all doing super well!
So, I have a lot to write about it seems. Get ready to laugh because as usual, life on the research team is always filled with laughter and funny things happening.
We were able to get on a bus from Nazca around 12:30am to get to Puquio. They kept telling us that the bus could come from 10:30pm till 2:00am. So we had no clue what was going on. Finally one came! Praise the Lord! After a horrible 3 hours of bus ride...our research notebook somehow came out of the bag we had it in and went all over the bus. Thank God we were able to find every page. It was the entire summer's research information. We got kind of scared when we saw what happened. That poor notebook has had it. Then, my fash wash bottle thing...exploded. Not sure why it waited until this far into the summer to do so. SO much stuff was well, coated in fash wash. We arrived to Puquio at 3:30am in the morning. We went around for 2 hours trying to find a place to sleep. Either the people didnt want to get out of bed or they didnt have rooms. We chose to go to this one place last because we stayed there last time we were in Puquio and the guy tried to rip us off and we did not end on good terms with him. So, we go there. He tells us that if we check in at that time, then we have to pay for two nights. BUT, if we wait until 8 something then we just have to pay for one night. We really are hating this town at this point. I am not even going to try and lie and say that we enjoy being here. He told us to go wait in the Municipal building until then. We went there and walked in. We found an empty room and just went in there to chill. (Remember...IT IS FREEZING!!) I go to close the door to help keep the cold out and there right infront of me is an attack dog! I freaked out as it was drooling and grawling and all. It was huge too. I slam the door shut and the dog is trying to get through the door. There was a person outside sweeping the steps and this didnt fase him at all. He sees Jenna and asked her if something was wrong. In a high piched voice she said, "Um...hay un perro...mas grande ... um...all." Haha...I just started laughing. (remember it is like 5:30am and we are delirious) It took me a while to quit laughing. THe dog finally left and we were able to get out. THen it started to chase us and the guy sweeping decides to control the dog then. Well, we were able to find somewhere to just put our things down and rest. Jenna and Sarah were so sick. They get motion sick really easy and after the day befores travel. Wow! We got up and went to the place where the guy told us to come back at 8 and found out that he gave our room away. We had to wait until 3 to get one. We were honestly...Not happy.
We get some sleep and then the Barnabus team arrived and we went to have some amazing chicken. We rested that night and decided to just go to bed. Steve and I had to find a room because there were not any more at the place the girls were at. He gave another one away. Well, today we wake up and Steve and I go to get tickets to go to one of our villages...San Pedro and find out about more Huelga action (this means strike) So, the lady told us to come back around 11 or after to get tickets when the combi leaves at 12. It was 10:30am then. So we both had the feeling that there were not going to be 6 seats. WEll, we decide to just research Puquio today. THat was an amazing thing because GOd had so much lined up for us.
We go to the Municipal building and ask for the mayor. As always, he was on a trip and so we were able to speak with the Atiende. THis is the person that stands in when the mayor is gone. He was not from there so he went and got another guy for us. HE was so nice. He was giving us the hook up on information. There are 20,000 people here! He is also going to have the Atiende, who we spoke with about the situation, line up transportation for us to the rest of the villages we have to go to. He gave us official documents signed from the Atiende. And, he is going to contact the mayors in all of those villages and have them have a place for us all to sleep and meetings set up to research there town. God is so AMAZING!!! Gosh, He truly rocked ours socks off today.!!.
In the morning, we leave at 5am to go research Santa Lucia, Saisa, San Cristobal and San Juan. We are doing it in two days because the Atiende said that is the only way we could do it. We trust his judgement. Please pray for us as we travel and for the villages as well.
Another thing we found out is about the Paros and Huelgas. The creative ministry team traveled to Puquio tonight and we went to pick them up at the bus station. We are having a great time together. Good times! Lindsay, the leader of the team, contacted me yesterday to tell me that they need to go to Cusco. So we all went and asked around to see which buses go to Cusco. We found out that only Palomino goes there from Puquio. WE also found out because of the Paro and Huelgas, there are not going to be any that go that direction for a while. So now the Creative ministry team is sort of stuck. They will go to Nazca tomorrow night and then look for a bus that can take them to Puno. We are hoping the Huelgas and Paros stop. THey have been such a pain as well with researching because most Saluds and Schools are closed due to the Huelgas. So we cant go visit those places and find out informaion from them. BUT, the Lord has been so merciful and we have been able to get all the information we need.
Thank you all for your prayers! Will update upon our return! Blessings!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Travel Update - On the move!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
So, we got to Huanca Sancos and wow was that a Long ride. I had a Quechua lady all up in my business. Imagine the smell...wow. Yep..The Lord is good!
We decided to go on to our next leg of villages (4) and then return to research the other three with the Barnabus team. We were able to research all the villages with Great Success! THe Lord placed people before us and took such good care of us all! We had to do a couple in the same day due to the fact that there are only taxi's that run in that area.
Funny Story: We were on the way to our last village to research...I was cramped in the back with a doctor from a previous village we had researched. God was saying...talk to him about me! I told God, "God, my junk is all up in this guys personal space and we barley have room to breath, much less talk!" Well, God kept on at my heart for a while. I still refused. I mean, it was just an awkward situation already. Suddenly, this guy starts talking to me. I am thinking, "this is awkward". To my supprise, he jumped right into Jesus. I was like..."WOW". Come to find out. He is a christian and the church he attends when he is in Lima is a carasmatic catholic church. He was telling me how good Jesus is and all of his favorite Bible verses were. He pulled out his bible and we began to have church. WEll, he had to get off aventually, so we asked him if he had anything that he wanted us to pray for him about. He told us to pray for his work (He got an offer in Lima-big Deal!) and for his girlfriend. They want to get married. His name is Jesus. That was kind of Ironic! Well, I learned that no matter what the circumstance, I can still talk about Jesus. Even if you are stuck in the back of a taxi and you business is all up in someone elses business.
We are now in Nazca again. We found out as we were going to an anex to catch another village to head back to Huanca Sancos, that there might not be one. There was no place to stay, so the driver suggested to continue down about another 45 minutes to Palpa (a town on the pan american) and wait there. We decided to go on to Nazca (30 minutes away) and head on to Puquio. WE are getting on a bus at 12:30am and will arrive around 4am. We seem to always get the EARLY or LATE routes. Oh well...the Lord is still good!
Continue to pray for my team and I. We have 9 villages left to research and then we will be back in Lima to write up our reports from this summer and make advocacy books for the regions we researched.
Also please continue to pray for the Lords direction in my life for next semester. I want to accept the amazing offer that I received from Mike Weaver (IMB missionary), but I still havn't felt the Lord's GO on it yet. I have also not received any more word about support as of yet.
Thank you all for your prayers and I look forward to letting you know what the Lord is up to here in Peru!
GOd Bless you all!
So, we got to Huanca Sancos and wow was that a Long ride. I had a Quechua lady all up in my business. Imagine the smell...wow. Yep..The Lord is good!
We decided to go on to our next leg of villages (4) and then return to research the other three with the Barnabus team. We were able to research all the villages with Great Success! THe Lord placed people before us and took such good care of us all! We had to do a couple in the same day due to the fact that there are only taxi's that run in that area.
Funny Story: We were on the way to our last village to research...I was cramped in the back with a doctor from a previous village we had researched. God was saying...talk to him about me! I told God, "God, my junk is all up in this guys personal space and we barley have room to breath, much less talk!" Well, God kept on at my heart for a while. I still refused. I mean, it was just an awkward situation already. Suddenly, this guy starts talking to me. I am thinking, "this is awkward". To my supprise, he jumped right into Jesus. I was like..."WOW". Come to find out. He is a christian and the church he attends when he is in Lima is a carasmatic catholic church. He was telling me how good Jesus is and all of his favorite Bible verses were. He pulled out his bible and we began to have church. WEll, he had to get off aventually, so we asked him if he had anything that he wanted us to pray for him about. He told us to pray for his work (He got an offer in Lima-big Deal!) and for his girlfriend. They want to get married. His name is Jesus. That was kind of Ironic! Well, I learned that no matter what the circumstance, I can still talk about Jesus. Even if you are stuck in the back of a taxi and you business is all up in someone elses business.
We are now in Nazca again. We found out as we were going to an anex to catch another village to head back to Huanca Sancos, that there might not be one. There was no place to stay, so the driver suggested to continue down about another 45 minutes to Palpa (a town on the pan american) and wait there. We decided to go on to Nazca (30 minutes away) and head on to Puquio. WE are getting on a bus at 12:30am and will arrive around 4am. We seem to always get the EARLY or LATE routes. Oh well...the Lord is still good!
Continue to pray for my team and I. We have 9 villages left to research and then we will be back in Lima to write up our reports from this summer and make advocacy books for the regions we researched.
Also please continue to pray for the Lords direction in my life for next semester. I want to accept the amazing offer that I received from Mike Weaver (IMB missionary), but I still havn't felt the Lord's GO on it yet. I have also not received any more word about support as of yet.
Thank you all for your prayers and I look forward to letting you know what the Lord is up to here in Peru!
GOd Bless you all!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Family Update/Prayer Update/Travel Update
Hello Everyone!
Family Update - I just received word that my mother will be having a partial historectomy at the end of this month. As far as I have been told, everything is ok, but as good as to be expected considering the fact that she needs surgery. You ladies can understand why. Guys, ask your mom or your wife. I don't want to go into detail. I am sure you all appreciate that. ;) The other family update is my grandmother. I know I have been going back and forth with she is fine, she is sick, she is fine again, but here is the real story i just found out. My grandmother has passed into the dementia stage and so much that she has passed beyond the half way mark. Her mind is telling her that she already ate and that she is not hungry. Her thyroid is not right and her blood count/level is off. She returns to the doctor on Monday for a check-up to see what to do next and how things are. Her husband, my grandfather, is also loosing weight and his health is suffering due to him taking care of my grandmother. My dads leg is healing properly. My sister's broke arm/wrist is also healing properly. So, praise the Lord on that!
Prayer Update - Continue to pray for my family of course. Pray for the pain my mother is experiencing to vanish. Also pray that her surgery goes well at the end of the month. And that she will make it until then without any problems. Please continue to pray for my grandmother. I have no clue what to ask for pray about, but just that the Lord works and His will is done. I would love for her to be around for a lot longer. And it is hard thinking of the possibilities. Praise the Lord that He has given me an amazing Peace about whatever happens. I am not freaking out anymore and the Lord has calmed my spirit. I do feel as if I should be freaking out, but now I know that the Lord is and has been working. Continue to pray for healing with my fathers leg and my sisters arm/wrist. Also continue to pray for the Lord's direction in my life. People have already mentioned that they would help support if the Lord leads me to return to Peru. Not enough for me to return yet, but I am confident that if He wants me to go, then it will come. One lady mentioned to me that she is unable to go on missions but wants to joyfully give towards missions. That really touched my heart. She didn't give an estimate, but just her willingness to help someone she doesn't even know, blessed my heart. I can tell the Lord is moving and it excites me to know that I have no clue what He is doing, but He sure does!
Travel Update - Tomorrow we have to rise at 3am to catch our combi to Huancasancos. We were told it is a 12 hour ride. Lord, we pray not. Jenna gets motion sickness easy and well, 12 hours in a combi is like being in a can for that many hours. Not much room at all. So, please pray for us. We were also told that the village we are going to next is a very poor province. There is not much food. So, we have went to the local grocery store here in Ayacucho and bought many things such as bread, jelly, dried fruits (banana) and peanuts. We have also bought yogurt and peanuts. So, we are good if we have to fast for a little while. We are also confident that the Lord will take good care of us!
Thank you all for your prayers and e-mails. THey are always encouraging and uplifting as well.
Blessings!
Family Update - I just received word that my mother will be having a partial historectomy at the end of this month. As far as I have been told, everything is ok, but as good as to be expected considering the fact that she needs surgery. You ladies can understand why. Guys, ask your mom or your wife. I don't want to go into detail. I am sure you all appreciate that. ;) The other family update is my grandmother. I know I have been going back and forth with she is fine, she is sick, she is fine again, but here is the real story i just found out. My grandmother has passed into the dementia stage and so much that she has passed beyond the half way mark. Her mind is telling her that she already ate and that she is not hungry. Her thyroid is not right and her blood count/level is off. She returns to the doctor on Monday for a check-up to see what to do next and how things are. Her husband, my grandfather, is also loosing weight and his health is suffering due to him taking care of my grandmother. My dads leg is healing properly. My sister's broke arm/wrist is also healing properly. So, praise the Lord on that!
Prayer Update - Continue to pray for my family of course. Pray for the pain my mother is experiencing to vanish. Also pray that her surgery goes well at the end of the month. And that she will make it until then without any problems. Please continue to pray for my grandmother. I have no clue what to ask for pray about, but just that the Lord works and His will is done. I would love for her to be around for a lot longer. And it is hard thinking of the possibilities. Praise the Lord that He has given me an amazing Peace about whatever happens. I am not freaking out anymore and the Lord has calmed my spirit. I do feel as if I should be freaking out, but now I know that the Lord is and has been working. Continue to pray for healing with my fathers leg and my sisters arm/wrist. Also continue to pray for the Lord's direction in my life. People have already mentioned that they would help support if the Lord leads me to return to Peru. Not enough for me to return yet, but I am confident that if He wants me to go, then it will come. One lady mentioned to me that she is unable to go on missions but wants to joyfully give towards missions. That really touched my heart. She didn't give an estimate, but just her willingness to help someone she doesn't even know, blessed my heart. I can tell the Lord is moving and it excites me to know that I have no clue what He is doing, but He sure does!
Travel Update - Tomorrow we have to rise at 3am to catch our combi to Huancasancos. We were told it is a 12 hour ride. Lord, we pray not. Jenna gets motion sickness easy and well, 12 hours in a combi is like being in a can for that many hours. Not much room at all. So, please pray for us. We were also told that the village we are going to next is a very poor province. There is not much food. So, we have went to the local grocery store here in Ayacucho and bought many things such as bread, jelly, dried fruits (banana) and peanuts. We have also bought yogurt and peanuts. So, we are good if we have to fast for a little while. We are also confident that the Lord will take good care of us!
Thank you all for your prayers and e-mails. THey are always encouraging and uplifting as well.
Blessings!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Stuck
Hello Everyone!
So...don't forget to read the blog below this one.
I also wanted to let you all know that my team and I are stuck in a village until Thursday. Upon arriving yesterday to Ayacucho City after a long and eventful overnight bus ride, we found out that a "Paro" was about to start. This word means "road strike". There has not been and wont be any form of vehicle movement until thursday morning. (they say) So, we are stuck in a (really nice) village until we can get out to continue research. God is so good because we can now write all of our reports and get them prepared to be printed once we arrive back in Lima.
Don't worry, although they are rioting, we are not in any form of danger. We just stay inside and write basically all day. And of course we go out to grab so food once in a while.
Please pray that everything will end smoothly and we will be able to get back on the road.
Thank you all for your prayers!
So...don't forget to read the blog below this one.
I also wanted to let you all know that my team and I are stuck in a village until Thursday. Upon arriving yesterday to Ayacucho City after a long and eventful overnight bus ride, we found out that a "Paro" was about to start. This word means "road strike". There has not been and wont be any form of vehicle movement until thursday morning. (they say) So, we are stuck in a (really nice) village until we can get out to continue research. God is so good because we can now write all of our reports and get them prepared to be printed once we arrive back in Lima.
Don't worry, although they are rioting, we are not in any form of danger. We just stay inside and write basically all day. And of course we go out to grab so food once in a while.
Please pray that everything will end smoothly and we will be able to get back on the road.
Thank you all for your prayers!
God and His Curve Ball
I received an awesome e-mail from one of the missionaries here in Peru. (Mike Weaver) ANd this is what he had to say to me. Really hit home ;)
Do you like baseball? Well, how do you hit a curve? I hope you would say, "be patient and wait on it to straighten out" and then "step into it making full contact with all I have". After reading your blog I want you to begin to believe the Lord for something which might seem like "God pitching you a curve". Be patient....wait...let it come to you...step by faith into what He delivers! Make sure that it is a strike though (from Him).
This really made sense to me and I believe it with all my heart. He went on to invite me to return back to Peru next semester and serve on an ESL (English as a Second Language) team. Wow...the Lord knows that I would love to return to Peru and serve Him in any fashion He sees fit. It honestly does feel like home here to me. I am taking his invitation and bathing it in prayer.
One of the main obstacle's I see is the financial support part of it. I do not have any of the support in order for me to live in Peru from the end of August until the end of December. It's quite a large sum of money. I don't know or see how I can raise that in a little over a month and being in Peru while doing it. I do have a peace that if the Lord leads me to go, He will provide the finances.
The other obstacle is schooling. I have felt the Lord's leading in registering for classes for next semester. Which, I have already done and it is such a knock off my shoulders. All of the classes that I have registered for, I can take online via my schools virtual college program. So now, school is not an obstacle because I can take classes over the internet. And the best part is that my schooling is paid for!
I am still praying and sitting in that waiting room for God to come out and say something. So far, Peru has jumped out and that is an open door that I would love to enter if the Lord provides. You know...I am beginning to enjoy the waiting because God nurtures the heart in such and amazing way during the waiting process. God may decide to keep me in Miami. I am perfectly fine with that. I just want what He wants. First and foremost.
If anyone has any ideas, thoughts or concerns about raising support and or "the waiting room", I would love to hear them.
josuesarco7@hotmail.com
God Bless everyone!
Do you like baseball? Well, how do you hit a curve? I hope you would say, "be patient and wait on it to straighten out" and then "step into it making full contact with all I have". After reading your blog I want you to begin to believe the Lord for something which might seem like "God pitching you a curve". Be patient....wait...let it come to you...step by faith into what He delivers! Make sure that it is a strike though (from Him).
This really made sense to me and I believe it with all my heart. He went on to invite me to return back to Peru next semester and serve on an ESL (English as a Second Language) team. Wow...the Lord knows that I would love to return to Peru and serve Him in any fashion He sees fit. It honestly does feel like home here to me. I am taking his invitation and bathing it in prayer.
One of the main obstacle's I see is the financial support part of it. I do not have any of the support in order for me to live in Peru from the end of August until the end of December. It's quite a large sum of money. I don't know or see how I can raise that in a little over a month and being in Peru while doing it. I do have a peace that if the Lord leads me to go, He will provide the finances.
The other obstacle is schooling. I have felt the Lord's leading in registering for classes for next semester. Which, I have already done and it is such a knock off my shoulders. All of the classes that I have registered for, I can take online via my schools virtual college program. So now, school is not an obstacle because I can take classes over the internet. And the best part is that my schooling is paid for!
I am still praying and sitting in that waiting room for God to come out and say something. So far, Peru has jumped out and that is an open door that I would love to enter if the Lord provides. You know...I am beginning to enjoy the waiting because God nurtures the heart in such and amazing way during the waiting process. God may decide to keep me in Miami. I am perfectly fine with that. I just want what He wants. First and foremost.
If anyone has any ideas, thoughts or concerns about raising support and or "the waiting room", I would love to hear them.
josuesarco7@hotmail.com
God Bless everyone!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
On the move again
Hello everyone!
So after a week in the touristy town of Nazca for our Reapsouth Mid-Summer Debriefing, we are waiting until 11:00pm to head back to Ayacucho city (where we started off our research). We have to go there to get to our next cluster of villages to research.
Praise the Lord for an amazing time we had in Nazca with all the other 50 some college missionaries. We got to spend time in the word, in song, fellowship, eat good food and just relax. The best part was...ENGLISH! Yay! Now don't get me wrong, I love Spanish, but there is just something about doing all those things in your own heart language. It was also amazing to see the Weaver's and the Austin's again. THose are the two missionary families here in Lima, Peru. Both families treat us all like there own and take such good care of us. THey are such a blessing!
So some prayer requests:
1) Continue to pray for my grandmother. She is not in the hospital, but when I called her this past week, she was very disoriented and could not answer my questions. The doctors are getting her medication worked out and her body just needs time to rest and work itself out. God is really teaching me how to trust in Him and increase my prayer life.
2) Well, my family has been on a braking and injuring rampage. Within this past few months, my brother has split his skull at work, my brother and sister have broken there fingers, my dad has torn something in his knee and had surgery and I just found out that my little sister broke her wrist. So...please pray for there safety, protection and health.
3) As is obvious, Satan is not happy. Ever since God called my family into the ministry, Satan has tried to stop everything. Please pray against the enemy and for relief. My mother (I can imagine) is pretty stressed having to be the one who takes care of things. (everyone else is immobile)
4) Have you ever been in the situation where you know the Lord is working, but you also know that you are in the waiting room not knowing anything? Well, I am in the waiting room right now. Honestly, it is driving me nuts. Again, the Lord is increasing my prayer life. I feel a peace about registering for classes in the fall in Miami. However, I don't have a peace about returning to the ministry I am a part of there. I don't know why, but God hasn't given me that peace. I know that if the Lord doesn't somehow show or tell me where I am suppose to be, then I will definitley be back in Miami. The Lord knows that I cannot function if I am not somehow serving Him in active ministry. My heart would love to return to Peru for whatever time the Lord desires, but all I know now is that I do not have the finances to support myself in returning. If the Lord provided, I know that the classes I need to take next semester can be done online. Then again, He might do something totally different. So, please pray for me as I am praying for myself about what the Lord would have me to do. If it is to return to Miami, then I am perfectly fine with that, if it is to return to Peru, then I am Ecstatic(!), if it is to do whatever, then fabulous! The great thing is that I have a peace about whatever the Lord will have me do. Is that weird? I just know He is in control and whatever He decides for me to do will be amazing. It may take me a while to learn that it is amazing, but He will NEver leave me or forsake me. Gosh...that was a long prayer request. THank you for reading this...I know it is long.
PS. Please know that I am praying for you all and your prayers are always felt and appreciated. :)
So after a week in the touristy town of Nazca for our Reapsouth Mid-Summer Debriefing, we are waiting until 11:00pm to head back to Ayacucho city (where we started off our research). We have to go there to get to our next cluster of villages to research.
Praise the Lord for an amazing time we had in Nazca with all the other 50 some college missionaries. We got to spend time in the word, in song, fellowship, eat good food and just relax. The best part was...ENGLISH! Yay! Now don't get me wrong, I love Spanish, but there is just something about doing all those things in your own heart language. It was also amazing to see the Weaver's and the Austin's again. THose are the two missionary families here in Lima, Peru. Both families treat us all like there own and take such good care of us. THey are such a blessing!
So some prayer requests:
1) Continue to pray for my grandmother. She is not in the hospital, but when I called her this past week, she was very disoriented and could not answer my questions. The doctors are getting her medication worked out and her body just needs time to rest and work itself out. God is really teaching me how to trust in Him and increase my prayer life.
2) Well, my family has been on a braking and injuring rampage. Within this past few months, my brother has split his skull at work, my brother and sister have broken there fingers, my dad has torn something in his knee and had surgery and I just found out that my little sister broke her wrist. So...please pray for there safety, protection and health.
3) As is obvious, Satan is not happy. Ever since God called my family into the ministry, Satan has tried to stop everything. Please pray against the enemy and for relief. My mother (I can imagine) is pretty stressed having to be the one who takes care of things. (everyone else is immobile)
4) Have you ever been in the situation where you know the Lord is working, but you also know that you are in the waiting room not knowing anything? Well, I am in the waiting room right now. Honestly, it is driving me nuts. Again, the Lord is increasing my prayer life. I feel a peace about registering for classes in the fall in Miami. However, I don't have a peace about returning to the ministry I am a part of there. I don't know why, but God hasn't given me that peace. I know that if the Lord doesn't somehow show or tell me where I am suppose to be, then I will definitley be back in Miami. The Lord knows that I cannot function if I am not somehow serving Him in active ministry. My heart would love to return to Peru for whatever time the Lord desires, but all I know now is that I do not have the finances to support myself in returning. If the Lord provided, I know that the classes I need to take next semester can be done online. Then again, He might do something totally different. So, please pray for me as I am praying for myself about what the Lord would have me to do. If it is to return to Miami, then I am perfectly fine with that, if it is to return to Peru, then I am Ecstatic(!), if it is to do whatever, then fabulous! The great thing is that I have a peace about whatever the Lord will have me do. Is that weird? I just know He is in control and whatever He decides for me to do will be amazing. It may take me a while to learn that it is amazing, but He will NEver leave me or forsake me. Gosh...that was a long prayer request. THank you for reading this...I know it is long.
PS. Please know that I am praying for you all and your prayers are always felt and appreciated. :)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Arrived in Nazca
Hello Everyone!
The past few days have been very amazing! Thank you all once again for your prayers for my grandmother. I really appreciate it!
My team and I went to the village I was in last year for a few days. We were close to it doing research and Jenna (one of my teammates) has been wanting to see how ministry is done after the research, vision trip, and a couple of years ministry in an area looks like. She wanted to see what the almost end result looked like. So we went and had a great time with Cindy and with the people in Pausa and the Paucar de Sarasara. We had a few american things from Cindy's "american closet". Yum Yum they were!
We left Pausa on Saturday after about 2 days there. We arrived back in Chaviña. This is the town we had begun research in. We finished it up that night and then we were off to Puquio on Sunday. We got to Puquio and found out the bus schedules for when we return to go to other villages and then we were off to Nasza. Wow...although it is really touristy here, I am loving the ice cream and some what american food! Thank you Jesus!
God Bless you all!
The past few days have been very amazing! Thank you all once again for your prayers for my grandmother. I really appreciate it!
My team and I went to the village I was in last year for a few days. We were close to it doing research and Jenna (one of my teammates) has been wanting to see how ministry is done after the research, vision trip, and a couple of years ministry in an area looks like. She wanted to see what the almost end result looked like. So we went and had a great time with Cindy and with the people in Pausa and the Paucar de Sarasara. We had a few american things from Cindy's "american closet". Yum Yum they were!
We left Pausa on Saturday after about 2 days there. We arrived back in Chaviña. This is the town we had begun research in. We finished it up that night and then we were off to Puquio on Sunday. We got to Puquio and found out the bus schedules for when we return to go to other villages and then we were off to Nasza. Wow...although it is really touristy here, I am loving the ice cream and some what american food! Thank you Jesus!
God Bless you all!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Urgent Prayer Request Update
Hello to all of my prayer partners...
Praise the Lord my grandmother is doing very well. It honestly was a big scare. She has a severe bladder infection and her medications are taking a toll on her. The doctors are running some tests and said that everything will be fine.
Please continue to pray for my grandmother and for my family. Although everything appears to be fine now, she still suffers from many illnesses. But praise the Lord that He is in control and I have found comfort in that.
Thank you all for your e-mails and prayers that you sent me in regard to this situation. I had a good cry and really appreciated how much you all care.
Blessings to everybody~
Praise the Lord my grandmother is doing very well. It honestly was a big scare. She has a severe bladder infection and her medications are taking a toll on her. The doctors are running some tests and said that everything will be fine.
Please continue to pray for my grandmother and for my family. Although everything appears to be fine now, she still suffers from many illnesses. But praise the Lord that He is in control and I have found comfort in that.
Thank you all for your e-mails and prayers that you sent me in regard to this situation. I had a good cry and really appreciated how much you all care.
Blessings to everybody~
Monday, June 18, 2007
Urgent Prayer Request
Hello to all my faithful Prayer Partners...
I just received word that my grandmother is in the hospital with a fever and is having a very hard time breathing. Her name is Mona Hodge. Please pray for her health and for my family.
For those of you who don't know. Last summer, my grandfather on my father's side passed away unexpectingly. My grandmother on my mother's side was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's after already having a bipolar disorder. My heart has been troubled thinking about "what if".
I so terribly do not want to be out of the country again when one of my dear loved ones pass away. Last summer, the Lord led me home for the funeral and led me back to Peru to finish the work He called me to do last summer. I have been praying even before I left the country for the same situation not to happen again.
As you can imagine, my heart is troubled and burdened. I ask you to pray for my grandmother first and foremost, my family second and for me to remain focused thirdly. My team and I are suppose to leave tomorrow on another research trip and I feel as now I could not emotionally handle it.
I just received word that my grandmother is in the hospital with a fever and is having a very hard time breathing. Her name is Mona Hodge. Please pray for her health and for my family.
For those of you who don't know. Last summer, my grandfather on my father's side passed away unexpectingly. My grandmother on my mother's side was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's after already having a bipolar disorder. My heart has been troubled thinking about "what if".
I so terribly do not want to be out of the country again when one of my dear loved ones pass away. Last summer, the Lord led me home for the funeral and led me back to Peru to finish the work He called me to do last summer. I have been praying even before I left the country for the same situation not to happen again.
As you can imagine, my heart is troubled and burdened. I ask you to pray for my grandmother first and foremost, my family second and for me to remain focused thirdly. My team and I are suppose to leave tomorrow on another research trip and I feel as now I could not emotionally handle it.
Friday, June 15, 2007
An Amazing Birthday and Many Adventures
Hola Mis Prayer Partners!!
Let me tell you, rugged does not even begin to describe it. First of all, there are no toilets in half the towns, and if there is one, it has 3 walls and two rotting boards over a hole. Also, I almost ran into a chicken carcass that was hanging in our hostel this morning. We are having a blast, and are so blessed with people who want to help us that we have to hike a mountain to get away from them. That poses a problem because I fall on cacti, a lot! I am not even kidding, it happened yesterday.
My Birthday went extremley well. There was a small store in a town called Morcolla that we ended up in on my birthday to do research. The store had a pack of Oreos. Wow..my favorite snack. God is so good. I slept outside on a roof of an adobe house the night of my birthday with 8 blankets and my 15 degree sleeping bag. The stars we so amazing. It was like glitter above. Today, we found a "cake"...peruvian. It was so good though and Sarah and Jenna (my teammates)sang me happy birthday and we enjoyed half of it. Wow how we miss sweets.
Have you ever met a lady with way too much peace? WEll let me tell you. Part of our research includes finding a person of peace. Our lady in the the previous village would not leave us a lone and brought us every official in the town...plus more. This is a good thing, but when it turns into all day and that they won't leave you alone, you get kind of annoyed. WE call her...la mujer con bastante paz. WE were thankful for her.
Ok...so yes i fell in a cactus. I have fallen in a lot of cacti while I have been here in this beautiful land of Peru. Well, yesterday we had to hike up a small mountain to take a picture of the town we were in for our research. WHile Sarah and I were hiking, i suddenly fell through a whole and a cactus caught my fall. I have no idea where the hole came out of. It was DEEP. All but my shoulders and head were in the hole and I was freaking out. I thought something was going to eat me underneath. The earth around me also fell through and I was honestly just freaking out. Sarah started laughing and didn't know what happened because she was infront of me. Well, i spent the rest of the day with a nife in many areas of my body taking out "espinas"...cacti whatever the word is in english. I forgot. I am still getting the out of my shoes.
Don't freak out...I am fine. Just very well ventalated. (from the many holes i have in me)
The day before yesterday, we were in a hostel that had a pet parrot. That was interesting. It would charge me and peck at me. I ended up kicking it our of instinct because it sort of scard me once. It was an interesting friend to have at the hostel. IT also served as our hostel guard "dog". It sounded like it was barking when it cherped sometimes.
God has been doing amazing things. WE have meet with most of the mayors and have found many people of peace. WE have been able to gather lots of information and plus more from the amazing people our Lord and Savior have put in our place. Tomorrow we got to Andamarca and then on to Puquio from there.
OH:::we get Ducha calliente tonight. That means a hott shower. You have no idea how long it has been since we bathed. Yes, we smell. I lost track after about two weeks i think.
Well, until next blog...Blessings to you all!
Let me tell you, rugged does not even begin to describe it. First of all, there are no toilets in half the towns, and if there is one, it has 3 walls and two rotting boards over a hole. Also, I almost ran into a chicken carcass that was hanging in our hostel this morning. We are having a blast, and are so blessed with people who want to help us that we have to hike a mountain to get away from them. That poses a problem because I fall on cacti, a lot! I am not even kidding, it happened yesterday.
My Birthday went extremley well. There was a small store in a town called Morcolla that we ended up in on my birthday to do research. The store had a pack of Oreos. Wow..my favorite snack. God is so good. I slept outside on a roof of an adobe house the night of my birthday with 8 blankets and my 15 degree sleeping bag. The stars we so amazing. It was like glitter above. Today, we found a "cake"...peruvian. It was so good though and Sarah and Jenna (my teammates)sang me happy birthday and we enjoyed half of it. Wow how we miss sweets.
Have you ever met a lady with way too much peace? WEll let me tell you. Part of our research includes finding a person of peace. Our lady in the the previous village would not leave us a lone and brought us every official in the town...plus more. This is a good thing, but when it turns into all day and that they won't leave you alone, you get kind of annoyed. WE call her...la mujer con bastante paz. WE were thankful for her.
Ok...so yes i fell in a cactus. I have fallen in a lot of cacti while I have been here in this beautiful land of Peru. Well, yesterday we had to hike up a small mountain to take a picture of the town we were in for our research. WHile Sarah and I were hiking, i suddenly fell through a whole and a cactus caught my fall. I have no idea where the hole came out of. It was DEEP. All but my shoulders and head were in the hole and I was freaking out. I thought something was going to eat me underneath. The earth around me also fell through and I was honestly just freaking out. Sarah started laughing and didn't know what happened because she was infront of me. Well, i spent the rest of the day with a nife in many areas of my body taking out "espinas"...cacti whatever the word is in english. I forgot. I am still getting the out of my shoes.
Don't freak out...I am fine. Just very well ventalated. (from the many holes i have in me)
The day before yesterday, we were in a hostel that had a pet parrot. That was interesting. It would charge me and peck at me. I ended up kicking it our of instinct because it sort of scard me once. It was an interesting friend to have at the hostel. IT also served as our hostel guard "dog". It sounded like it was barking when it cherped sometimes.
God has been doing amazing things. WE have meet with most of the mayors and have found many people of peace. WE have been able to gather lots of information and plus more from the amazing people our Lord and Savior have put in our place. Tomorrow we got to Andamarca and then on to Puquio from there.
OH:::we get Ducha calliente tonight. That means a hott shower. You have no idea how long it has been since we bathed. Yes, we smell. I lost track after about two weeks i think.
Well, until next blog...Blessings to you all!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Our Plans Always Change
Hey Prayer Partners!
You know...our plans are never GOds plans it seems. However, we know that His are WAY better!
On Friday, we were at dinner at this amazing restaurant called "Miranda's". After eating at all other restaurants, we decided that place is the best. That restaurant also serves as the central convi station and transportation place. We needed to ask them about getting to the rest of the villages on our Sucre (one of the provinces) list. When we asked them about one of our "legs" of villages, he said that there is only one convi that goes that direction once a week. The roads are nearly in-passable. The only way we could research those 4 villages was to rent a driver for a day. After prayer and thought, we knew that was the only way. By car, the first village was 3 hours away uphill. We climbed about 3 to 4 thousand feet. We would have passed out hiking that.
Our plans were to go there day by day and hike to each one and pray for a vehicle to pass. God had different ones for us.
We started off yesterday with casino cookies, water, tangerine's, bread and only our research material. The first two villages were fairly close to each other in distance. At both of them, the mayor's invited us into there offices and told us all about there towns and what it needs and what it has and just about everything. We were able to research those very well. The Puesto's de Salud (Central Health Clinic in each town) also had maps in every village that we were able to look at and draw our maps of the villages. God places people of peace in our foot steps and really made our job of gathering information very easy.
We were also thankful that we had rented a driver because there were no hostals for us to stay in any village. There were also no restaurants except in one village what was rarely open.
So, we now only have one more "leg" of 4 villages left to research in the Sucre Province. Tomorrow ( My Birthday!) we head to Morcolla and then by Friday, we will be in Puquio (google it).
Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for my team as we travel. We can get pretty sick traveling every day. SO far, only Jenna has trown up on our bus/convi rides. I am sure she could use your prayers as well because I don't think she likes trowing up. Hehe.
Also, Please be praying for my family and my dad. He is having knee surgery on June 14th. He did something at work and is having to have surgery on it. I am anxious being 4,000 miles away from home during this. Please pray that I will have a peace about it all. Pray that the Great Physician will be with the doctors hands.
Also pray for a fellow missionary friend of mine. He is a part of the creative ministry team here in Peru this summer. He just found out that his good friend was in an accident and the doctors have performed two surgery's but nothing is looking promising. My friends name is Brian and his friends name was not given.
Until next entry...God Bless!
You know...our plans are never GOds plans it seems. However, we know that His are WAY better!
On Friday, we were at dinner at this amazing restaurant called "Miranda's". After eating at all other restaurants, we decided that place is the best. That restaurant also serves as the central convi station and transportation place. We needed to ask them about getting to the rest of the villages on our Sucre (one of the provinces) list. When we asked them about one of our "legs" of villages, he said that there is only one convi that goes that direction once a week. The roads are nearly in-passable. The only way we could research those 4 villages was to rent a driver for a day. After prayer and thought, we knew that was the only way. By car, the first village was 3 hours away uphill. We climbed about 3 to 4 thousand feet. We would have passed out hiking that.
Our plans were to go there day by day and hike to each one and pray for a vehicle to pass. God had different ones for us.
We started off yesterday with casino cookies, water, tangerine's, bread and only our research material. The first two villages were fairly close to each other in distance. At both of them, the mayor's invited us into there offices and told us all about there towns and what it needs and what it has and just about everything. We were able to research those very well. The Puesto's de Salud (Central Health Clinic in each town) also had maps in every village that we were able to look at and draw our maps of the villages. God places people of peace in our foot steps and really made our job of gathering information very easy.
We were also thankful that we had rented a driver because there were no hostals for us to stay in any village. There were also no restaurants except in one village what was rarely open.
So, we now only have one more "leg" of 4 villages left to research in the Sucre Province. Tomorrow ( My Birthday!) we head to Morcolla and then by Friday, we will be in Puquio (google it).
Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for my team as we travel. We can get pretty sick traveling every day. SO far, only Jenna has trown up on our bus/convi rides. I am sure she could use your prayers as well because I don't think she likes trowing up. Hehe.
Also, Please be praying for my family and my dad. He is having knee surgery on June 14th. He did something at work and is having to have surgery on it. I am anxious being 4,000 miles away from home during this. Please pray that I will have a peace about it all. Pray that the Great Physician will be with the doctors hands.
Also pray for a fellow missionary friend of mine. He is a part of the creative ministry team here in Peru this summer. He just found out that his good friend was in an accident and the doctors have performed two surgery's but nothing is looking promising. My friends name is Brian and his friends name was not given.
Until next entry...God Bless!
Friday, June 8, 2007
The Lord Does Provide!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
We have now researched one of our "legs" of one of the provinces that we are researching. We are off today to a different "leg".
We went and researched San Salvador de Quije and were amazed at what the Lord had waiting for us there.
We had to take a convi to Potongo. This was the scariest convi I had ever been in my life. Packed to the max and cargo that was taller than the convi itself. The poor vehicle was falling apart. THe door didn't close. Haha...but we made it to Potongo! Ps...the driver was a maniac!
We were told from Potongo that the hike down to San Salvador de Quije was only 30 minutes. Well, that turned into 3 hours. We ended up hiking in the dark. That was interesting! But WOW so beautiful as we got to see the stars. It was like glitter. Well, we were about to give up and sleep outside under the stars when we saw the village from the top of the mountain. We were so happy! We aventually got down to the village and this lady was hollaring...Gringos...hospedaje aqui! This means...white people...here is a place to say. Well, basically that is what she was saying. I don't know how to translate hospedaje.
As I was climbing up the stairs to get to our room, i saw a man reading his Bible! We later began to conversate and found out that he was a christian and he is the brother of the lady who owns the hospedaje. He lives in Lima, but travels there often. We had an amazing time with other believers. We also found out that there is a pentacostal house church there and about 30 or less attend.
Well, my time at the internet cafe is up...Please be praying for us as we travel these next five days or so.
Also, I turn 21 Monday! Praise the Lord for another year!
Blessings to everyone!
We have now researched one of our "legs" of one of the provinces that we are researching. We are off today to a different "leg".
We went and researched San Salvador de Quije and were amazed at what the Lord had waiting for us there.
We had to take a convi to Potongo. This was the scariest convi I had ever been in my life. Packed to the max and cargo that was taller than the convi itself. The poor vehicle was falling apart. THe door didn't close. Haha...but we made it to Potongo! Ps...the driver was a maniac!
We were told from Potongo that the hike down to San Salvador de Quije was only 30 minutes. Well, that turned into 3 hours. We ended up hiking in the dark. That was interesting! But WOW so beautiful as we got to see the stars. It was like glitter. Well, we were about to give up and sleep outside under the stars when we saw the village from the top of the mountain. We were so happy! We aventually got down to the village and this lady was hollaring...Gringos...hospedaje aqui! This means...white people...here is a place to say. Well, basically that is what she was saying. I don't know how to translate hospedaje.
As I was climbing up the stairs to get to our room, i saw a man reading his Bible! We later began to conversate and found out that he was a christian and he is the brother of the lady who owns the hospedaje. He lives in Lima, but travels there often. We had an amazing time with other believers. We also found out that there is a pentacostal house church there and about 30 or less attend.
Well, my time at the internet cafe is up...Please be praying for us as we travel these next five days or so.
Also, I turn 21 Monday! Praise the Lord for another year!
Blessings to everyone!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Still ALive!
God is so good and faithful. His mercy endures forever and his protection is some what humorous.
We just arrived back from a long journey where we researched 3 villages. We hiked 2,000 feet up in 12,000 feet altitude. Wow...that was hard. We found some amazing people of peace.
On the down side, the last village we were researching did not want us there. THey did everything possible to get us to leave. THere was definitley an evil presence there. We barely were able to get beds to sleep in. They all told us they were occupied. One man in the plaza felt sorry for us because it was FREAKING COLD:!! I had on all my clothes and the wind was blowing. The guy went to the hostal and found us some beds and we sleep there. We did as much research as possible and then we left out this morning on the only bus that leaves that town. (one per week on Sunday) So we didn't want to get stuck there and the convi's are so sporatic. Nevertheless, we were able to find some restaurants and map out the city, take some pictures and ask the waitress all the questions we had and she was able to answer them.
We just arrived back from a long journey where we researched 3 villages. We hiked 2,000 feet up in 12,000 feet altitude. Wow...that was hard. We found some amazing people of peace.
On the down side, the last village we were researching did not want us there. THey did everything possible to get us to leave. THere was definitley an evil presence there. We barely were able to get beds to sleep in. They all told us they were occupied. One man in the plaza felt sorry for us because it was FREAKING COLD:!! I had on all my clothes and the wind was blowing. The guy went to the hostal and found us some beds and we sleep there. We did as much research as possible and then we left out this morning on the only bus that leaves that town. (one per week on Sunday) So we didn't want to get stuck there and the convi's are so sporatic. Nevertheless, we were able to find some restaurants and map out the city, take some pictures and ask the waitress all the questions we had and she was able to answer them.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Arrived in First Village (Querobamba)
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
So my team and I arrived in our fist village last night after an eventful convi ride. Praise the Lord one of the christians in Huancapi where we stopped after leaving Ayacucho was able to find us a way here. We also got to meet up with some other "gringos" there. It was nice. We thought that we would not be able to get to where we are now, but the Lord provided and we also got special treatment. The christian lady gave the driver a nice "pow-wow" before we got on. So he made sure we were all ok.
This might be the last update for a while because the towns we are going to next are small and we don't think we will have internet there.
Please pray for us as we gather vital information that will aide future missionaries to come and plant churches in these areas. Also pray for our health as a few of us are battling stomach problems and sinus mess. I am battling a cough and lots of mucous in the nasial area. Lol...but nothing hurts, so I am fine with that. It is just kind of anoying.
Also pray for us to find somewhere to sleep and eat in these next few villages, for people of peace and for use to gather as much information as possible.
Through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ we are making it through each and every day!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and communication!
My time at the internet cafe is up so I have to go for now. Until next time, God Bless you all!
So my team and I arrived in our fist village last night after an eventful convi ride. Praise the Lord one of the christians in Huancapi where we stopped after leaving Ayacucho was able to find us a way here. We also got to meet up with some other "gringos" there. It was nice. We thought that we would not be able to get to where we are now, but the Lord provided and we also got special treatment. The christian lady gave the driver a nice "pow-wow" before we got on. So he made sure we were all ok.
This might be the last update for a while because the towns we are going to next are small and we don't think we will have internet there.
Please pray for us as we gather vital information that will aide future missionaries to come and plant churches in these areas. Also pray for our health as a few of us are battling stomach problems and sinus mess. I am battling a cough and lots of mucous in the nasial area. Lol...but nothing hurts, so I am fine with that. It is just kind of anoying.
Also pray for us to find somewhere to sleep and eat in these next few villages, for people of peace and for use to gather as much information as possible.
Through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ we are making it through each and every day!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and communication!
My time at the internet cafe is up so I have to go for now. Until next time, God Bless you all!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Long Update
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
I do apologize for the long delay in me updating the blog. Just let me tell you what all has been going on.
After arriving safely in Lima last Sunday, I went with one of the Reapsouth team members to the airport to begin picking up the SMT 07 (Summer Missions Team 2007). What a night!...This was one airport night of many.
On Monday, I helped with more preparation and with errands as well. Then at 9pm, some of the reapsouth team and translators went to the airport to pick up the 50 or so that was coming in that night. Wow..what fun.
"Hey do you speak english? Are you a missionary? Are you with Reapsouth? Then you're with us!" This is mostly what I was saying as I held the great big sign that said Reapsouth SMT 07 on it. You should have seen some of the faces of the people coming through. Everyone probably thought what in the world is this tall gringo doing. I had an advantage over most of the people there hold signs because I was taller than them. It was histarical, but I guess you have to be there to understand and get it ;).
After a LONG night, we head back to the office and I began helping collect passports and visas and escorting people to the hostal and translating for them as they wanted to get a little something before bed.
Wednesday came! "The Amazin Grace for the Unreached" began. A few of the Reapsouth team members had organized an amazing immersion day for orientation. The theme came from the TV show "The Amazing Race". This involved us finding clues and getting to the next one as fast as we could. WE could break or fasforward, but we had to do it wisely. We also had to complete a task when we received the clues. Some of those tasks included: taking pictures with random people that had certain stuff on, getting birds to land on your shoulder, getting directions (in spanish), bargaining with taxi driver's, drinking a frog milkshake (yes i didn't mispell here), visiting the fire department and sliding down the pole, and getting our team members safely to Chosica (two ours away) for orientation. Haha...it was so much fun. We were all teamed up with translators, but when we got to the clue to get to chosica, i was the only person that spoke spanish and there were 6 non-speakers with me. We were in a Convi where there is always room for one more! Haha...you can imagine. I was pushed to the back of the bus and the non-spanish speakers were towards the front and had no idea what was happening. The frog juice was interesting. THe worst part was watching them kill the live frog. Gross...! The shake was sweet with honey and things in it. Wasn't that bad. If you want to know more about immersion day, send me an e-mail josuesarco7@hotmail.com because my time in the internet cafe is running out...lol.
After orientation (i got sick, but it was amazing), we were back in Lima and me with stateside partners to review summer ministry and then the research team (that would be me)stayed until yesterday and we just arrived to Ayacucho. THis is our first stop of MANY! So keep praying for us as we travel the mountains of Peru and go where no white person as gone (that we know of!) ... haha...we are very excited.
My team mates names are Jenna Hilles (Raleigh, NC) and Sarah Anderson (Chicago, IL).
They are a blast and awesome people of the Lord!
Please pray for our health and safety as we continue to travel for our Lord Jesus Christ and make His name know among the nations.
We give all the glory, honor, praise and humor to HIM!
I do apologize for the long delay in me updating the blog. Just let me tell you what all has been going on.
After arriving safely in Lima last Sunday, I went with one of the Reapsouth team members to the airport to begin picking up the SMT 07 (Summer Missions Team 2007). What a night!...This was one airport night of many.
On Monday, I helped with more preparation and with errands as well. Then at 9pm, some of the reapsouth team and translators went to the airport to pick up the 50 or so that was coming in that night. Wow..what fun.
"Hey do you speak english? Are you a missionary? Are you with Reapsouth? Then you're with us!" This is mostly what I was saying as I held the great big sign that said Reapsouth SMT 07 on it. You should have seen some of the faces of the people coming through. Everyone probably thought what in the world is this tall gringo doing. I had an advantage over most of the people there hold signs because I was taller than them. It was histarical, but I guess you have to be there to understand and get it ;).
After a LONG night, we head back to the office and I began helping collect passports and visas and escorting people to the hostal and translating for them as they wanted to get a little something before bed.
Wednesday came! "The Amazin Grace for the Unreached" began. A few of the Reapsouth team members had organized an amazing immersion day for orientation. The theme came from the TV show "The Amazing Race". This involved us finding clues and getting to the next one as fast as we could. WE could break or fasforward, but we had to do it wisely. We also had to complete a task when we received the clues. Some of those tasks included: taking pictures with random people that had certain stuff on, getting birds to land on your shoulder, getting directions (in spanish), bargaining with taxi driver's, drinking a frog milkshake (yes i didn't mispell here), visiting the fire department and sliding down the pole, and getting our team members safely to Chosica (two ours away) for orientation. Haha...it was so much fun. We were all teamed up with translators, but when we got to the clue to get to chosica, i was the only person that spoke spanish and there were 6 non-speakers with me. We were in a Convi where there is always room for one more! Haha...you can imagine. I was pushed to the back of the bus and the non-spanish speakers were towards the front and had no idea what was happening. The frog juice was interesting. THe worst part was watching them kill the live frog. Gross...! The shake was sweet with honey and things in it. Wasn't that bad. If you want to know more about immersion day, send me an e-mail josuesarco7@hotmail.com because my time in the internet cafe is running out...lol.
After orientation (i got sick, but it was amazing), we were back in Lima and me with stateside partners to review summer ministry and then the research team (that would be me)stayed until yesterday and we just arrived to Ayacucho. THis is our first stop of MANY! So keep praying for us as we travel the mountains of Peru and go where no white person as gone (that we know of!) ... haha...we are very excited.
My team mates names are Jenna Hilles (Raleigh, NC) and Sarah Anderson (Chicago, IL).
They are a blast and awesome people of the Lord!
Please pray for our health and safety as we continue to travel for our Lord Jesus Christ and make His name know among the nations.
We give all the glory, honor, praise and humor to HIM!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Arrived In Lima!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Cindy and I have safely arrived in Lima. After another LONG 24 hours. We are back!
It was an eventful trip. WOW! Haha...but it was good. God definitley has a sense of humor.
We got 4 flat tires. There are always fun when you are on the side of a cliff and they are pumping the bus up to change the tire. Then you fell a big jolt when they let you down from changing it and the bus moves side to side. Lol...but we knew that God had everything under control. :)
When we arrived in Cora Cora (5 and a half hours from Pausa), we had to get off the bus. The bus driver told me bajar....segundario. I knew that bajar meant get down, but segundario didn't make sense to me because it means secondary. Well, after an hour of waiting, I began to wonder what is going on. I went and stood by one of the bus driver's and his friends. Yes...i was eavesdropping! Haha. This guy was really mad and from his fast speaking, all I could understand was that he was upset because he had been driving for a long time with no sleep. At first, I assumed that they were protesting, but once I saw the police guy come up and go behind the bus, i figured it was something else too.
Come to find out, we could not go anywhere until the bus tire was removed and a new one was put on. The police guy was boarding the bus and said that the bus could not go anywhere until the tire was changed. In my past travels, this tire looked GOOD. Well, three hours later, the bus came back and we were off to Lima.
Let's just say that Cindy and I were so glad to be back in Lima!
I went to Starbucks and Friday's today :) yum yum yum
Thank you all for your prayers! They really do mean a lot and can definitley be felt!
Cindy and I have safely arrived in Lima. After another LONG 24 hours. We are back!
It was an eventful trip. WOW! Haha...but it was good. God definitley has a sense of humor.
We got 4 flat tires. There are always fun when you are on the side of a cliff and they are pumping the bus up to change the tire. Then you fell a big jolt when they let you down from changing it and the bus moves side to side. Lol...but we knew that God had everything under control. :)
When we arrived in Cora Cora (5 and a half hours from Pausa), we had to get off the bus. The bus driver told me bajar....segundario. I knew that bajar meant get down, but segundario didn't make sense to me because it means secondary. Well, after an hour of waiting, I began to wonder what is going on. I went and stood by one of the bus driver's and his friends. Yes...i was eavesdropping! Haha. This guy was really mad and from his fast speaking, all I could understand was that he was upset because he had been driving for a long time with no sleep. At first, I assumed that they were protesting, but once I saw the police guy come up and go behind the bus, i figured it was something else too.
Come to find out, we could not go anywhere until the bus tire was removed and a new one was put on. The police guy was boarding the bus and said that the bus could not go anywhere until the tire was changed. In my past travels, this tire looked GOOD. Well, three hours later, the bus came back and we were off to Lima.
Let's just say that Cindy and I were so glad to be back in Lima!
I went to Starbucks and Friday's today :) yum yum yum
Thank you all for your prayers! They really do mean a lot and can definitley be felt!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Leaving for Lima
Hello to all! Hola a Todos!
My time here in Pausa and the surrounding areas has been just amazing! It has been good to see old friends and meet new ones. Continuing ministry here has also been amazing. I have enjoyed traveling to the villages around Pausa and assisting Cindy and Pastor Antonio with what the Lord has laid upon there hearts to do here.
Please continue to pray for the people here and for them to have a hunger and a want to know the Lord more and more. Pray that they will want more than a ritual mass. Pray that they will want to KNOW (Conocer) Jesus Christ, not just know (Saber) of Him. Also Pray that the people here will continue to be encouraged and that they will not loose sight of what the Lord is doing here in the Paucar de Sarasara region of Peru.
Well, tomorrow Cindy and I get on another one of those fun bus rides to Lima. 24 hours!!! I wonder what this bus ride will intel? If you were reading my blog last summer, you remember when I got left? Haha. That was funny. My wonderful team leader Logan, told the bus driver that all of the gringos were on the bus. Well, he forgot this gringo. We had stopped to take a bathroom break and I was trying to find a place to use the bathroom in the Middle Of Nowhere at 3 o'clock in the morning (freezing cold, 15,000 feet). Haha...I never will forget that. Good times. Good times.
Well, I ask for your prayers for Cindy and I to have safe traveling mercies and also for the Summer Team 2007 that is coming on the 21st and 22nd. They are around 45 in total I believe. Maybe more. Pray for them to get all they need to come and for there safety in travel as well.
Blessings to everybody and thanks again for all the prayers. You have no idea how much they mean!
My time here in Pausa and the surrounding areas has been just amazing! It has been good to see old friends and meet new ones. Continuing ministry here has also been amazing. I have enjoyed traveling to the villages around Pausa and assisting Cindy and Pastor Antonio with what the Lord has laid upon there hearts to do here.
Please continue to pray for the people here and for them to have a hunger and a want to know the Lord more and more. Pray that they will want more than a ritual mass. Pray that they will want to KNOW (Conocer) Jesus Christ, not just know (Saber) of Him. Also Pray that the people here will continue to be encouraged and that they will not loose sight of what the Lord is doing here in the Paucar de Sarasara region of Peru.
Well, tomorrow Cindy and I get on another one of those fun bus rides to Lima. 24 hours!!! I wonder what this bus ride will intel? If you were reading my blog last summer, you remember when I got left? Haha. That was funny. My wonderful team leader Logan, told the bus driver that all of the gringos were on the bus. Well, he forgot this gringo. We had stopped to take a bathroom break and I was trying to find a place to use the bathroom in the Middle Of Nowhere at 3 o'clock in the morning (freezing cold, 15,000 feet). Haha...I never will forget that. Good times. Good times.
Well, I ask for your prayers for Cindy and I to have safe traveling mercies and also for the Summer Team 2007 that is coming on the 21st and 22nd. They are around 45 in total I believe. Maybe more. Pray for them to get all they need to come and for there safety in travel as well.
Blessings to everybody and thanks again for all the prayers. You have no idea how much they mean!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Mother's Day/Prayer Request
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Sorry I know it is a little late, but yesterday was a busy day and the internet was almost impossible to use.
Yesterday, there was a huge festival here in Pausa. There were dancing, food, drunk people(not uncommon) and lots of music. At 3pm, there was a Christian service led by pastor Antonio for the mother's. It lasted 2 hours. Cindy and I had no clue what was going on. We just sat and enjoyed it. They made BarB'Que. It was really good. Pastor had invited everyone from each house church to come and be part of the service. About 60 people came! It was an awesome turn-out! Although there were many who did not come, it was great to have those that did. Pray that the people will be encouraged from seeing all the believers come together at one time.
I have a few prayer requests also:
1) Please pray for my grandmother on my mom's side-Mamaw. She has alzheimers and is not doing to well. I knew she was not doing well before I left, but I still felt God's leading and came. Last year, my grandfather passed away on my father's side(unexpected) and I went home for the funeral and then came back to Peru 6 days later. Although God did amazing things through that, it was a painful experience and I really don't want it to happen again. Also pray that the Lord will give me a peace about the health of my loved ones while I am here. I guess it is human nature to worry.
2) Pastor Antonio and Claudia are sick. Pastor's throat is really bothering him and he has lost his voice. Claudia has been having stomach problems for about 15 days. Please pray that they will get to feeling better. Cindy and I encouraged them to rest today and not go to Cacire. They agreed and stayed at home. Cindy gave Pastor a large bottle of hunny and tea. The tea is suppose to be good for both of them. It is some sort of herb that is grown here. Pray that the Lord will strengthen there bodies.
Thank you all so very much for your prayers and support!
Ps. Thank you for your comments! I really enjoy them!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Sorry I know it is a little late, but yesterday was a busy day and the internet was almost impossible to use.
Yesterday, there was a huge festival here in Pausa. There were dancing, food, drunk people(not uncommon) and lots of music. At 3pm, there was a Christian service led by pastor Antonio for the mother's. It lasted 2 hours. Cindy and I had no clue what was going on. We just sat and enjoyed it. They made BarB'Que. It was really good. Pastor had invited everyone from each house church to come and be part of the service. About 60 people came! It was an awesome turn-out! Although there were many who did not come, it was great to have those that did. Pray that the people will be encouraged from seeing all the believers come together at one time.
I have a few prayer requests also:
1) Please pray for my grandmother on my mom's side-Mamaw. She has alzheimers and is not doing to well. I knew she was not doing well before I left, but I still felt God's leading and came. Last year, my grandfather passed away on my father's side(unexpected) and I went home for the funeral and then came back to Peru 6 days later. Although God did amazing things through that, it was a painful experience and I really don't want it to happen again. Also pray that the Lord will give me a peace about the health of my loved ones while I am here. I guess it is human nature to worry.
2) Pastor Antonio and Claudia are sick. Pastor's throat is really bothering him and he has lost his voice. Claudia has been having stomach problems for about 15 days. Please pray that they will get to feeling better. Cindy and I encouraged them to rest today and not go to Cacire. They agreed and stayed at home. Cindy gave Pastor a large bottle of hunny and tea. The tea is suppose to be good for both of them. It is some sort of herb that is grown here. Pray that the Lord will strengthen there bodies.
Thank you all so very much for your prayers and support!
Ps. Thank you for your comments! I really enjoy them!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Back from the Trip!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
I am back in Pausa! Out time traveling around the surrounding villages was good.
When we arrived in Quilcata, of course it was already cold, we met up with Pedro. He is the town's mayor and also one of the christians in that town. Pedro is also currently being equipped to lead a house church. As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, Pedro had an ancident and broke his leg. We were pleased to see that it was not as bad as we thought it was, and that he will be traveling to Lima to have some pins put into it and have it taken care of properly. I also met up with Yulbert. I finally learned how to spell his name and pronounce it. He is also a believer and is there helping Pedro with his broke leg and learning the techniques of the Peruvian artisians. He is studying the weaving and all that is done here. We got along very well since we are around the same age. He also wanted me to help him learn english. You know, i have been teaching english a lot it seem since I have been here. Maybe that is a sign of some sort? ANyways, all of us enjoyed the day together and then we had service at night. At 6pm was the childrens service where 38 kids came (praise the Lord!) and then at 7:30pm was the adults service where only 9 came (but still Praise the Lord!). This was a great time of Bible study, singing and fellowship. After the service, it was time for bed! And WOW it was then FREEZING. I slept in all my clothes and my sleeping bag that is graded down to 15 degrees. I woke up nice and warm!
We woke up very early and ran to catch Lopez (a bus going to Marcabamba). We cought it just in time to experience the bus hitting one of the adobe houses in Quilcata as it was making a turn to go down the hill. You should have heard the people in the bus hollar. Wow. Well, we had to make a pit stop in Pausa (it is on the way), so Cindy and I ran to Cindy's room, had some quick coffee and a bit of breakfast, used the bathroom and then we were off back to the bus. Well come to find out, the "short time(30 mins)" we had turned into an hour and something. Oh well. We got to Marcabamba and went straight to a fellow sister is Christ's house. Her name is Fanny. This was my first time meeting her. She is such a sweetheart. I call her the "Nature Woman". Everywhere we went (at her house and in town), she told us what each plant is good for and such. It was pretty interesting. She made an amazing meal for lunch. Wow...it was delicious! After we ate, Pastor and Fanny told us that we are going to go visit some people. Well, we start climbing this mountain and Cindy and I are wondering where we are going. This thing went straight up. Well we asked him again where we were going and he said to visit some people. Well once we got to a small plain on the mountain, we saw a house. Cindy and I thought it was it, but no it wasn't. Pastor then said for us to Return back to fanny's house. We were like..."are we not going to visit?" Haha...we think he didn't visit those peple because Fanny wasn't with us due to Claudia was tired from hiking and took a break down the hill and she stayed with her. Oh well..it was a fun hike though. Later that night, we had Bible study at Fanny's house. Only a few people came, but it was a good service. Fanny had all sorts of questions and I could really tell that she is growing in the Lord so much.
When I awoke the next morning, I heard my name in English (JOSH!). I was like...it's got to be Cindy. (My name in Peru is Josue) I was like, "Yeah!". "The bus is leaving, we got to go...NOW!!" So I jumped up...threw on my clothes and ran out the door. Wow...you know that drunk feeling you get when you get up way too fast and then run? Well..i don't know how I survived running down the stairs, but i did. I sure did have a headache after that though. Well we run and catch the bus as it was leaving. Then-we were almost out of town when the bus stops. They were waiting on some people. I was so upset. Lol...i could have went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, put on some more deodorant and had time to wake up. Haha...I guess the Lord had something else in mind. Haha..no worries...It was fun! We arrived in San Sebastian and waited for Tania and Wilman to wake up. Once they woke up, we had breakfast. Weird breakfast I must say. Black olives, lettuce, a hot corn and milk drink, potatoes and bread. Tetracycline became Cindy and I's best friend. Haha. We wouldn't have taken any, but if you would have seen them prepare it and how they cleaned, you would have too. For example, for lunch, the same water that was used to rinse the chicken (organs and all) was the same water used to wash the dishes we ate out of. But...We are not sick! Praise the Lord! And we also thanked him for the nutrition ;) During the day, Tania educated me on the people of Ayacucho. I told her that I will be spending two months in the "state" of Ayacucho and she immediatley told me that she needed to tell me some things. She told me about the 20 year long war that occured and how that war is still a part of the people there. She said that a key part in witnessing to these people was understanding where they have been and what they have endured. It was really interesting and I am glad that she told me all that stuff. Later on, we had our service and no one came, but we were still able to talk with Wilman and Tania. The service lasted 2 and a half hours. We sang, prayed for each other (in english and spanish) and studied the Bible and answered tons of questions. It was very awesome. We also studied the Bible in Quechua some. It seems like Tania understands Quechua more than castellano (spanish).
Well, as you can tell, the trip was AMAZING! God is working and it is evident in the lives of the people in each village. Plesae continue to pray for the believers in these villages as they face percecution for not being Catholic like everybody else and believing in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that the desire to know Jesus Christ will spread like wild fire amongst the people in these villages.
Thank you for your continued prayers! Until next time -
I am back in Pausa! Out time traveling around the surrounding villages was good.
When we arrived in Quilcata, of course it was already cold, we met up with Pedro. He is the town's mayor and also one of the christians in that town. Pedro is also currently being equipped to lead a house church. As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, Pedro had an ancident and broke his leg. We were pleased to see that it was not as bad as we thought it was, and that he will be traveling to Lima to have some pins put into it and have it taken care of properly. I also met up with Yulbert. I finally learned how to spell his name and pronounce it. He is also a believer and is there helping Pedro with his broke leg and learning the techniques of the Peruvian artisians. He is studying the weaving and all that is done here. We got along very well since we are around the same age. He also wanted me to help him learn english. You know, i have been teaching english a lot it seem since I have been here. Maybe that is a sign of some sort? ANyways, all of us enjoyed the day together and then we had service at night. At 6pm was the childrens service where 38 kids came (praise the Lord!) and then at 7:30pm was the adults service where only 9 came (but still Praise the Lord!). This was a great time of Bible study, singing and fellowship. After the service, it was time for bed! And WOW it was then FREEZING. I slept in all my clothes and my sleeping bag that is graded down to 15 degrees. I woke up nice and warm!
We woke up very early and ran to catch Lopez (a bus going to Marcabamba). We cought it just in time to experience the bus hitting one of the adobe houses in Quilcata as it was making a turn to go down the hill. You should have heard the people in the bus hollar. Wow. Well, we had to make a pit stop in Pausa (it is on the way), so Cindy and I ran to Cindy's room, had some quick coffee and a bit of breakfast, used the bathroom and then we were off back to the bus. Well come to find out, the "short time(30 mins)" we had turned into an hour and something. Oh well. We got to Marcabamba and went straight to a fellow sister is Christ's house. Her name is Fanny. This was my first time meeting her. She is such a sweetheart. I call her the "Nature Woman". Everywhere we went (at her house and in town), she told us what each plant is good for and such. It was pretty interesting. She made an amazing meal for lunch. Wow...it was delicious! After we ate, Pastor and Fanny told us that we are going to go visit some people. Well, we start climbing this mountain and Cindy and I are wondering where we are going. This thing went straight up. Well we asked him again where we were going and he said to visit some people. Well once we got to a small plain on the mountain, we saw a house. Cindy and I thought it was it, but no it wasn't. Pastor then said for us to Return back to fanny's house. We were like..."are we not going to visit?" Haha...we think he didn't visit those peple because Fanny wasn't with us due to Claudia was tired from hiking and took a break down the hill and she stayed with her. Oh well..it was a fun hike though. Later that night, we had Bible study at Fanny's house. Only a few people came, but it was a good service. Fanny had all sorts of questions and I could really tell that she is growing in the Lord so much.
When I awoke the next morning, I heard my name in English (JOSH!). I was like...it's got to be Cindy. (My name in Peru is Josue) I was like, "Yeah!". "The bus is leaving, we got to go...NOW!!" So I jumped up...threw on my clothes and ran out the door. Wow...you know that drunk feeling you get when you get up way too fast and then run? Well..i don't know how I survived running down the stairs, but i did. I sure did have a headache after that though. Well we run and catch the bus as it was leaving. Then-we were almost out of town when the bus stops. They were waiting on some people. I was so upset. Lol...i could have went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, put on some more deodorant and had time to wake up. Haha...I guess the Lord had something else in mind. Haha..no worries...It was fun! We arrived in San Sebastian and waited for Tania and Wilman to wake up. Once they woke up, we had breakfast. Weird breakfast I must say. Black olives, lettuce, a hot corn and milk drink, potatoes and bread. Tetracycline became Cindy and I's best friend. Haha. We wouldn't have taken any, but if you would have seen them prepare it and how they cleaned, you would have too. For example, for lunch, the same water that was used to rinse the chicken (organs and all) was the same water used to wash the dishes we ate out of. But...We are not sick! Praise the Lord! And we also thanked him for the nutrition ;) During the day, Tania educated me on the people of Ayacucho. I told her that I will be spending two months in the "state" of Ayacucho and she immediatley told me that she needed to tell me some things. She told me about the 20 year long war that occured and how that war is still a part of the people there. She said that a key part in witnessing to these people was understanding where they have been and what they have endured. It was really interesting and I am glad that she told me all that stuff. Later on, we had our service and no one came, but we were still able to talk with Wilman and Tania. The service lasted 2 and a half hours. We sang, prayed for each other (in english and spanish) and studied the Bible and answered tons of questions. It was very awesome. We also studied the Bible in Quechua some. It seems like Tania understands Quechua more than castellano (spanish).
Well, as you can tell, the trip was AMAZING! God is working and it is evident in the lives of the people in each village. Plesae continue to pray for the believers in these villages as they face percecution for not being Catholic like everybody else and believing in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that the desire to know Jesus Christ will spread like wild fire amongst the people in these villages.
Thank you for your continued prayers! Until next time -
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Going Off on a Trip
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Wow! Things have been so amazing! Yesterday we rested after the LONG trip here. And let me say...it was truly a gift from God to rest. It was so nice. Today, Cindy and I went and made reservations at the hotel for the team coming at the end of the month. We also spoke with Giselle (daughter of restaurant owner) about feeding the team for dinner a few times while they are here. Cindy and I got things squared away for breakfast for the team as well. We had an amazing time with Pastor Antonio and Claudia. It was my first time meeting sister Claudia and wow...she is so precious! She is truly a woman of peace and the Holy Spirit just fumigates off of her. We all enjoyed each others company and shared some memories and the excitment of a new year and new people coming.
Oh!...last night, I got to see Santi and Silvana. They are my landlords two children. I havn't saw them in so long and it was awesome to see the expressions on there faces. Santi ran to me and gave me the biggest hug! Cindy and I have them spoiled. We give them american sweeties. Lol...they love coming to visit us.
Ok...back to today. :)
Giselle came around 11:00am to study english. She asked me yesterday if I could help her with her pronounciations and if we had anything that teaches fonetics. Cindy had some CD's and she gave them to her to use. During our study time, we both learned new words. She had some words on a piece of paper that Americans don't use. Those words are only used in places like England. So, it was funny because some of them I had to look up...haha...but nonetheless ... it was an amazing time. Giselle is a strong woman of God and has a very humble spirit and a servants attitude. Please pray for her as she continues to grow in the Lord. I am hoping that when Brittany comes, she will be able to disciple her more and more.
Tonight, we went to Cruz Misionario. It was amazing to see some of my friends from last summer. Although most were not there because of the cold, the time spent was a joyous time. We sang songs to the Lord and worshiped Him. I always enjoy sitting amongst believers that are passionate about what they sing. Please pray for Cruz Misionero as they continue to grow in the Lord and leaders rise up in the church.
Ok...so as the Title of this blog says....I am going off on a trip tomorrow.
We (Cindy, Pastor Antonio, Claudia (?) and I) will be first going to Quilcata (THE COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH)...staying the night...then to Marcabamba...staying the night...then to San Sebastien..staying the night and then to Miramarca and maybe staying the night. If not, we will hike back to our village. We will either be back late Saturday evening or sometime on Sunday.
Please pray for our travels and for the people that the Lord has in place for us to minister to. Pray that there hearts will be open to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and the love He has for them. Also, please pray for leaders to rise up in each place as we continue to share God's love to each person.
Praise Report!!~San Sebastien has taken a stand to build there own church. It is currently being built and the people there decided they needed a larger area to meet and also just a place to come together. How awesome! God is SO working in the lives of each believer here and I am excited to see what He is going to do next!
Thank you for your prayers...they are definitley felt ;) I love you all!
-joshua-
Wow! Things have been so amazing! Yesterday we rested after the LONG trip here. And let me say...it was truly a gift from God to rest. It was so nice. Today, Cindy and I went and made reservations at the hotel for the team coming at the end of the month. We also spoke with Giselle (daughter of restaurant owner) about feeding the team for dinner a few times while they are here. Cindy and I got things squared away for breakfast for the team as well. We had an amazing time with Pastor Antonio and Claudia. It was my first time meeting sister Claudia and wow...she is so precious! She is truly a woman of peace and the Holy Spirit just fumigates off of her. We all enjoyed each others company and shared some memories and the excitment of a new year and new people coming.
Oh!...last night, I got to see Santi and Silvana. They are my landlords two children. I havn't saw them in so long and it was awesome to see the expressions on there faces. Santi ran to me and gave me the biggest hug! Cindy and I have them spoiled. We give them american sweeties. Lol...they love coming to visit us.
Ok...back to today. :)
Giselle came around 11:00am to study english. She asked me yesterday if I could help her with her pronounciations and if we had anything that teaches fonetics. Cindy had some CD's and she gave them to her to use. During our study time, we both learned new words. She had some words on a piece of paper that Americans don't use. Those words are only used in places like England. So, it was funny because some of them I had to look up...haha...but nonetheless ... it was an amazing time. Giselle is a strong woman of God and has a very humble spirit and a servants attitude. Please pray for her as she continues to grow in the Lord. I am hoping that when Brittany comes, she will be able to disciple her more and more.
Tonight, we went to Cruz Misionario. It was amazing to see some of my friends from last summer. Although most were not there because of the cold, the time spent was a joyous time. We sang songs to the Lord and worshiped Him. I always enjoy sitting amongst believers that are passionate about what they sing. Please pray for Cruz Misionero as they continue to grow in the Lord and leaders rise up in the church.
Ok...so as the Title of this blog says....I am going off on a trip tomorrow.
We (Cindy, Pastor Antonio, Claudia (?) and I) will be first going to Quilcata (THE COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH)...staying the night...then to Marcabamba...staying the night...then to San Sebastien..staying the night and then to Miramarca and maybe staying the night. If not, we will hike back to our village. We will either be back late Saturday evening or sometime on Sunday.
Please pray for our travels and for the people that the Lord has in place for us to minister to. Pray that there hearts will be open to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and the love He has for them. Also, please pray for leaders to rise up in each place as we continue to share God's love to each person.
Praise Report!!~San Sebastien has taken a stand to build there own church. It is currently being built and the people there decided they needed a larger area to meet and also just a place to come together. How awesome! God is SO working in the lives of each believer here and I am excited to see what He is going to do next!
Thank you for your prayers...they are definitley felt ;) I love you all!
-joshua-
Monday, May 7, 2007
Arrived In Pausa!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Well...after a LONG 24 hours, Cindy and I are once again safely in Pausa. Let me tell you some funny things about this trip. Haha...yeah...well maybe it won't be funny to you all, but I sure laughed a whole bunch!
Ok..so we left around 8:00am yesterday morning. We got one block down the road and we pull over...the tire went flat..isn't that a great way to start the trip?! Amazingly enough, it didn't take them too long to fix it. We then arrive at the other side of Lima to find that we waited an hour and a half for them to load the truck with all the cargo there was, plus the people. So we wait...haha...then we were off! Then we stopped for lunch...Cindy and I are thinking...are we ever going to get on with it?! Well at lunch, we had to go to the bathroom....well we came to find out that the mens and womens were not separated...haha...we felt a little awkward...but oh well...we felt better after making a donation! After that, I began to feel sick...I think this was the first time I have ever gotten motion sickness. Well after a few more hours, we arrived for dinner. Of course we had to go again, but praise Jesus!...this time we had privacy! I was so tired, i fell in the little whole we had to do our business in...thank God for wipes! I am sure you all wanted to know that...but just imagine...a tired gringo (dumb blonde) trying to use the bathroom in the middle of the night in a boxed square with a whole in the ground! haha...yeah...you probably arn't laughing, but I laughed at myself! Then we got on the bus and went some more...the engine over heated...that took forever. When we arrived at Quilcata, Cindy and I had to pee like we had been shot...wow...i was in pain. So we go to use the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom, I met a fellow christian. Haha...weird place to meet one, but anyways...God knew what He was doing! I can't spell his name, but he is from Ayacucho and he came to Quilcata to help out a fellow brother in christ. Pedro (Quilcata house church leader) had broken his leg. The guy was around my age and was so humble. He got on the bus and rode into town with us. He helped us with our things (more like Cindy's stuff ... LOL) and we were able to have just good fellowship!
After this, cIndy and I went shopping for some food and then we hit the bed! Gosh...we were so tired.
Thank you all for your prayers!
It is so good to be back!!!
-joshua-
Well...after a LONG 24 hours, Cindy and I are once again safely in Pausa. Let me tell you some funny things about this trip. Haha...yeah...well maybe it won't be funny to you all, but I sure laughed a whole bunch!
Ok..so we left around 8:00am yesterday morning. We got one block down the road and we pull over...the tire went flat..isn't that a great way to start the trip?! Amazingly enough, it didn't take them too long to fix it. We then arrive at the other side of Lima to find that we waited an hour and a half for them to load the truck with all the cargo there was, plus the people. So we wait...haha...then we were off! Then we stopped for lunch...Cindy and I are thinking...are we ever going to get on with it?! Well at lunch, we had to go to the bathroom....well we came to find out that the mens and womens were not separated...haha...we felt a little awkward...but oh well...we felt better after making a donation! After that, I began to feel sick...I think this was the first time I have ever gotten motion sickness. Well after a few more hours, we arrived for dinner. Of course we had to go again, but praise Jesus!...this time we had privacy! I was so tired, i fell in the little whole we had to do our business in...thank God for wipes! I am sure you all wanted to know that...but just imagine...a tired gringo (dumb blonde) trying to use the bathroom in the middle of the night in a boxed square with a whole in the ground! haha...yeah...you probably arn't laughing, but I laughed at myself! Then we got on the bus and went some more...the engine over heated...that took forever. When we arrived at Quilcata, Cindy and I had to pee like we had been shot...wow...i was in pain. So we go to use the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom, I met a fellow christian. Haha...weird place to meet one, but anyways...God knew what He was doing! I can't spell his name, but he is from Ayacucho and he came to Quilcata to help out a fellow brother in christ. Pedro (Quilcata house church leader) had broken his leg. The guy was around my age and was so humble. He got on the bus and rode into town with us. He helped us with our things (more like Cindy's stuff ... LOL) and we were able to have just good fellowship!
After this, cIndy and I went shopping for some food and then we hit the bed! Gosh...we were so tired.
Thank you all for your prayers!
It is so good to be back!!!
-joshua-
Saturday, May 5, 2007
On the road again...
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Time in Lima so far has been good. I have been able to rest and fellowship with old and new friends before I head off to Pausa. Cindy and I were planning on leaving yesterday for Pausa, but we couldn't get tickets until Sunday, so we are leaving bright and early in the morning for our 24 odd hour bus ride (or more-please God no!)
While I have been here in Lima, I have had more of Mama Kathy's good home cooking, well...a carrot cake, but still!WOW...it was good:)
I have also been to the dentist. After talking with a friend I have made here last year (she is a dentist), i realized that I have not been to the dentist in two years or more. I figured it was about time for me to go. I am glad I went because my old fillings had cracked and she had to drill them out and put some new ones it. That was an interesting dential visit!
Well, tomorrow I am off to Pausa and I ask for your prayers as I travel 24 hours or more to my Peruvian home. Please pray for safety on those Peruvian mountain rodes and cliffs and for Cindy and I's health as we travel and continue traveling as we arrive.
I will send you an update as soon as I can once I arrive in Pausa!
I love you all and WOW! Thanks for all of your prayers...they are truly felt!
Until all have heard,
-joshua-
Time in Lima so far has been good. I have been able to rest and fellowship with old and new friends before I head off to Pausa. Cindy and I were planning on leaving yesterday for Pausa, but we couldn't get tickets until Sunday, so we are leaving bright and early in the morning for our 24 odd hour bus ride (or more-please God no!)
While I have been here in Lima, I have had more of Mama Kathy's good home cooking, well...a carrot cake, but still!WOW...it was good:)
I have also been to the dentist. After talking with a friend I have made here last year (she is a dentist), i realized that I have not been to the dentist in two years or more. I figured it was about time for me to go. I am glad I went because my old fillings had cracked and she had to drill them out and put some new ones it. That was an interesting dential visit!
Well, tomorrow I am off to Pausa and I ask for your prayers as I travel 24 hours or more to my Peruvian home. Please pray for safety on those Peruvian mountain rodes and cliffs and for Cindy and I's health as we travel and continue traveling as we arrive.
I will send you an update as soon as I can once I arrive in Pausa!
I love you all and WOW! Thanks for all of your prayers...they are truly felt!
Until all have heard,
-joshua-
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
I Have Arrived!
Hello Everyone! Hola a Todos!
Well, I am here! Yay! My flight was amazing! Lan is such an elite airline. I slept about two hours, so I am dead tired now. The airport was super easy with no problems. I got the green light at customs, so that is always a relief! Well, I will write more later because I am going to take a nap and then eat...Yay for food!
God Bless you all!
-joshua-
Well, I am here! Yay! My flight was amazing! Lan is such an elite airline. I slept about two hours, so I am dead tired now. The airport was super easy with no problems. I got the green light at customs, so that is always a relief! Well, I will write more later because I am going to take a nap and then eat...Yay for food!
God Bless you all!
-joshua-
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Heading to Peru
Hello Everyone!
I know it has been ForEvER since I have written...i apologize! Now I will be writing a lot more!
Today I will be finishing up all my packing and errands. Then tonight!....i will be heading to the airport to fly out to Peru! I so can't wait! My flight leaves MIA at 1:35am and then I arrive in Lima in the morning!
Prayer:
1-Safety
2-Spiritual Readiness
3-Open hearts of the people
4-That the Lord will be glorified and NoOne else!
I will update again when I get to Lima tomorrow! Mucho Amor (Alot of Love)!!!
-joshua-
I know it has been ForEvER since I have written...i apologize! Now I will be writing a lot more!
Today I will be finishing up all my packing and errands. Then tonight!....i will be heading to the airport to fly out to Peru! I so can't wait! My flight leaves MIA at 1:35am and then I arrive in Lima in the morning!
Prayer:
1-Safety
2-Spiritual Readiness
3-Open hearts of the people
4-That the Lord will be glorified and NoOne else!
I will update again when I get to Lima tomorrow! Mucho Amor (Alot of Love)!!!
-joshua-
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Mission Information
Hello to All!!
Miami
So first of all, I would like to tell about the how the Lord led me here to Midtown(downtown) Miami, FL.
Since my 2006 spring semester, I have felt in my heart that I needed to be seeking the Lords direction in taking the next step. I knew this next step would include moving and felt that it was time for me to begin praying and asking the Lord for his guidance.
It just so happened in March of that same semester, I was sent to a church planting conference for my church planting internship I was doing with Southern Country Fellowship(Marianna, FL). At this conference, there was no one my age and the closest person to my age was around 30 something. So...I just kind of wondered around and took notes during the seminars and things. I believe it was on the second day that I saw a couple with there child that was very Hispanic and they were speaking Spanish. I was like, "I have got to go talk to them!"! So I did and that began my journey to Miami.
Arturo and Lizbeth Salcedo are church planters in Midtown Miami, FL. We spent the rest of that conference together and began forming a relationship.
In May, I drove one of my friends from Brazil, Sarah, to the airport in Miami. Before arriving, I called the Salcedos to tell them of this news and after dropping my friend off at the airport I went to meet them. Arturo showed me around Miami and told me about the ministry there and that they were needing some help. I didn't think about me going down there at that moment. So...I went to Peru the week after my trip to Miami and the entire time, I prayed about moving for the fall semester to where ever the Lord wanted me. Peru was drawing near to the time for me to leave and I had a contentment to stay at BCF (Baptist College of Florida) for the fall semester.
During the fall semester, the Lord began to speak to me about Miami very strongly. After much time in prayer, I just knew that is where the Lord desired me to be. Time began to go buy and the Lord provided me a free place to stay and he also called a close friend of mine to move down with me. My new school is just one mile down the road and I get to speak Spanish everyday!
www.midtownministries.org is the churches website.
Walk the World
The Lord began to speak to me about having a name for the ministry that I do overseas. Although I go and serve with other organizations, I felt He wanted me to start the beginning stages of a ministry. Walk the World will be in direct cooperation with my families ministry, Go Teach Ministries. Later on in the future, Walk the World will become a non-profit organization working with Go Teach Ministries and other Ministries as well. Once this is established, I will no longer have to use other churches or organizations for taxes and deductible purposes. This could be 6 months to 3 years from now. I am just waiting on the Lord's timing to continue with the processes. But none the less, the Lord has given me the name.
Ecuador www.globaloutreach.org
Ever since I heard, read, and watched about the five martyred missionaries in Ecuador, I have wanted to go there and minister. This past fall semester, I met a good friend named Evan Smith. He was the one who also moved here to Miami with me. Evan has ministered in Bolivia and Ecuador. His calling is to be a missionary pilot and he is all about Ecuador and "End of the Spear." He has asked me to begin praying about going to Ecuador since the day I met him and of course I said I would pray about it. I got all excited and began praying. The Lord wasn't responding for so long and I was like, "Um...does this mean no?" So..I decided to leave it at rest and if the Lord wanted me to go, then I would know. During the Christmas break, God placed a burden on my heart for that country and for the work we would be doing. I knew then that He had affirmed me going.
We will be working with Global Outreach International and the missionaries name is Steve Thompson. We will spend 8 days in Ecuador and be taking some youth and the pastor from our church down there with us also. Our main task is to reach the un-reached tribes along a few different rivers connecting to the Amazon. We will be leading in Praise and Worship and working with the Children. These two tasks are what the missionary uses for a better affect on the tribes. Of course...we will be ministering in several other different ways that only occur in the moment you are there. We will be taking pick-up trucks, canoes, and hiking in order to reach these un-reached pocket tribes and tell them about our Lord Jesus Christ!
Peru http://thetask.org/students/Projects/ProjectDetails.asp?JobID=82457
Once again, the Lord is sending me back to Peru and I am so excited about going back and serving Him again! This time, I will be doing research with two other team members. My task is: to research, investigate, and identify unreached populations by gathering ethnolinguistic and demographic information; meeting men and women of peace, being gatekeepers and bridgemakers; and acquiring maps and documents which will aid USA entities in the planting of indigenous churches that plant indigenous churches. I will be part of a team that travels all over Peru to go to places that have possibly not had heard of the Good News of Jesus Christ. This trip will be even more ruffer conditions than this past summer. We will only be bringing three outfits and a sleeping bag. We will receive material in Peru and then we are sent out! I am so excited. I never pictured myself "ruffing it" like I have done and will do again in Peru. Although Ecuador will be ruff also, Peru is for 10 weeks.
Pray
Please continue to Pray for me, the people I will come in contact with and for the people I will be working with as we go out and proclaim the Love of Jesus Christ.
Also, Please pray for the finances. None of this could be possible without the generous support of family and friends like you!
Contact
If you wish to contact me about anything, please feel free.
Joshua Keever
1790 NE 2nd Court
Miami, FL 33132
josuesarco7@hotmail.com
334-797-2057
Don't forget to continue reading updates on this site for each trip!
May the Lord Bless You and Keep you!!
Because of His Grace,
Joshua Keever
Miami
So first of all, I would like to tell about the how the Lord led me here to Midtown(downtown) Miami, FL.
Since my 2006 spring semester, I have felt in my heart that I needed to be seeking the Lords direction in taking the next step. I knew this next step would include moving and felt that it was time for me to begin praying and asking the Lord for his guidance.
It just so happened in March of that same semester, I was sent to a church planting conference for my church planting internship I was doing with Southern Country Fellowship(Marianna, FL). At this conference, there was no one my age and the closest person to my age was around 30 something. So...I just kind of wondered around and took notes during the seminars and things. I believe it was on the second day that I saw a couple with there child that was very Hispanic and they were speaking Spanish. I was like, "I have got to go talk to them!"! So I did and that began my journey to Miami.
Arturo and Lizbeth Salcedo are church planters in Midtown Miami, FL. We spent the rest of that conference together and began forming a relationship.
In May, I drove one of my friends from Brazil, Sarah, to the airport in Miami. Before arriving, I called the Salcedos to tell them of this news and after dropping my friend off at the airport I went to meet them. Arturo showed me around Miami and told me about the ministry there and that they were needing some help. I didn't think about me going down there at that moment. So...I went to Peru the week after my trip to Miami and the entire time, I prayed about moving for the fall semester to where ever the Lord wanted me. Peru was drawing near to the time for me to leave and I had a contentment to stay at BCF (Baptist College of Florida) for the fall semester.
During the fall semester, the Lord began to speak to me about Miami very strongly. After much time in prayer, I just knew that is where the Lord desired me to be. Time began to go buy and the Lord provided me a free place to stay and he also called a close friend of mine to move down with me. My new school is just one mile down the road and I get to speak Spanish everyday!
www.midtownministries.org is the churches website.
Walk the World
The Lord began to speak to me about having a name for the ministry that I do overseas. Although I go and serve with other organizations, I felt He wanted me to start the beginning stages of a ministry. Walk the World will be in direct cooperation with my families ministry, Go Teach Ministries. Later on in the future, Walk the World will become a non-profit organization working with Go Teach Ministries and other Ministries as well. Once this is established, I will no longer have to use other churches or organizations for taxes and deductible purposes. This could be 6 months to 3 years from now. I am just waiting on the Lord's timing to continue with the processes. But none the less, the Lord has given me the name.
Ecuador www.globaloutreach.org
Ever since I heard, read, and watched about the five martyred missionaries in Ecuador, I have wanted to go there and minister. This past fall semester, I met a good friend named Evan Smith. He was the one who also moved here to Miami with me. Evan has ministered in Bolivia and Ecuador. His calling is to be a missionary pilot and he is all about Ecuador and "End of the Spear." He has asked me to begin praying about going to Ecuador since the day I met him and of course I said I would pray about it. I got all excited and began praying. The Lord wasn't responding for so long and I was like, "Um...does this mean no?" So..I decided to leave it at rest and if the Lord wanted me to go, then I would know. During the Christmas break, God placed a burden on my heart for that country and for the work we would be doing. I knew then that He had affirmed me going.
We will be working with Global Outreach International and the missionaries name is Steve Thompson. We will spend 8 days in Ecuador and be taking some youth and the pastor from our church down there with us also. Our main task is to reach the un-reached tribes along a few different rivers connecting to the Amazon. We will be leading in Praise and Worship and working with the Children. These two tasks are what the missionary uses for a better affect on the tribes. Of course...we will be ministering in several other different ways that only occur in the moment you are there. We will be taking pick-up trucks, canoes, and hiking in order to reach these un-reached pocket tribes and tell them about our Lord Jesus Christ!
Peru http://thetask.org/students/Projects/ProjectDetails.asp?JobID=82457
Once again, the Lord is sending me back to Peru and I am so excited about going back and serving Him again! This time, I will be doing research with two other team members. My task is: to research, investigate, and identify unreached populations by gathering ethnolinguistic and demographic information; meeting men and women of peace, being gatekeepers and bridgemakers; and acquiring maps and documents which will aid USA entities in the planting of indigenous churches that plant indigenous churches. I will be part of a team that travels all over Peru to go to places that have possibly not had heard of the Good News of Jesus Christ. This trip will be even more ruffer conditions than this past summer. We will only be bringing three outfits and a sleeping bag. We will receive material in Peru and then we are sent out! I am so excited. I never pictured myself "ruffing it" like I have done and will do again in Peru. Although Ecuador will be ruff also, Peru is for 10 weeks.
Pray
Please continue to Pray for me, the people I will come in contact with and for the people I will be working with as we go out and proclaim the Love of Jesus Christ.
Also, Please pray for the finances. None of this could be possible without the generous support of family and friends like you!
Contact
If you wish to contact me about anything, please feel free.
Joshua Keever
1790 NE 2nd Court
Miami, FL 33132
josuesarco7@hotmail.com
334-797-2057
Don't forget to continue reading updates on this site for each trip!
May the Lord Bless You and Keep you!!
Because of His Grace,
Joshua Keever
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