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!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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-
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