Thursday, January 26, 2012
Life Missions 2012 Begins in Brussels
Thursday, January 26:
“On the road again” or should it be: “In the air again...” Anyway we are currently in Kortrijk, Belgium at the home of Susan Phagan and her three children. Marilyn has been coming here for a couple of years each January and this time she requested for me to join her, so here I am.
What started out as a more casual trip to visit with some ministry has followed the usual twist with its turns. Ministry opportunity has more than doubled.
We arrived here on January 13 about 8:45 a.m. and were met by Susan with Sophie, her youngest and along with Bert Phagan, who graciously took us to Starbucks before we departed the airport. (Not bad, huh?) And with our bags firmly located in the car we took off for Kortrijk, which is west and south of Brussels about one and one-half hours by car. It is located about 5 miles from the border of France. O, let I forget, that meeting also was the first confirmation request for an additional service.
Wouldn’t you just know it! That night the body did not want to sleep, even after not sleeping on the flight and taking two sleeping pills. It was after 5:30 AM before it decided to “nap.” But so is life when going from country to country (time zone to time zone.) That meant Saturday began too fast and preparation time for the up coming service on Sunday was not crucial, but not critical. I did not have to get my scriptures ready for an interpreter.
My first service on Sunday was at the Praise Center Filipino Church and English is their language. But of course we had to leave at 9:00 to be there for the 10:30 service. And of course, no service with the Filipino congregation is complete without having the treat of eating their typical food after the service. No problem man, I can handle that!
Then we were off to another Filipino Church, Lighthouse, for whom I had promised to speak when returning to Brussels. Their service was scheduled for 4:30 so after a short drive and finding an open place for the vehicle we found our way to their meeting place. Man can this Church worship! In English as it is their international service. Their Tagalog service is in the morning. I enjoyed myself and from the response, they enjoyed the Word.
Then what do you do after Church at 6:30 in the evening on Sunday? You eat! What? Chicken! Where? At Pardos? No that is in Peru - at Hectors. That is “if” you are clear with instructions about “which Hectors” you are going. We were not and so it took a little longer to get our “wires” straight and make connections. After which Marilyn and I went home with Bill and Gretchen Schwartz so we could spend some quality time of Fellowship with them on Monday. They are in language school in the morning, so we had the time to relax and catch up on some “shut-eye” – well some anyway.
From Tuesday until Friday we spent our time with Susan, Lillie, Kelvin and Sophie, that is while I moved my fingers up and down the keyboard working on some documents for Logos Bible College, our Belgium Covenant Life University Extension. And as well preparing the necessary scriptures in French for my interpreters in the coming speaking engagements.
I am trying a new concept. Instead of having to print my sermons, scriptures and scriptures in the necessary language, I purchased a Kindle Fire, put the scriptures in French and then converted it to PDF and placed them on the Kindle. Now I will not have to reprint, just switch from the previous language to the language for that location on previously prepared PDF documents. Not bad! Right? Well at least for now, I did not have to bring my printer and the special paper. Did it work? YES!...for sermons and for college class instruction.
Since Saturday, January 21 was Logos teaching day, followed by Sunday at Logos Church with Mauricio and Lulu Salazar wit their two children: Betsy and Obed. Bill Schwartz met us at the local Pizza Hut for Supper and I went home with them to avoid the early, early morning trip to Anderlecht Brussels. What was supposed to be two sessions quickly turned into four sessions and concluding at 3:00 PM instead of 1:00 PM.
Sunday morning, Marilyn and Susan joined me for the service at Logos Church. We had a great time of ministry in their new location and then headed downtown Brussels to eat at Palaks. If you ever make it to Brussels, you MUST eat at Palak, at least one time. Their Greek food is delicious!
Well that about ends the time, except that I did return to Kortrijk with the ladies to “huddle at the table” with my computer and the necessary college work and attempt to just “be there” for the ladies to chide because I did not want to go shopping with them, even to France. If you have seen one store, you have seen them all (male shopping translation). Well, except for today because I did break down after completing the necessary work, and join them in a trip across the border into France and the Arab Flea Market (street version), a look at one of the huge but cold churches and the new mall – the salvation here was the meal. I did survive due to the food. Well, okay, the ladies were also kind to me and I to them! So relax, you with feminine blood.
That is the up-to-date synopsis. More to come after-the-fact, a Portugese service and one with Praise Centre.
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
REFLECTIONS OF THE 55 DAYS IN PERU
I have had many thoughts in the past 36 hours of my experiences in Peru for this trip which began July 28 and ends tomorrow, September 22. Please indulge me as I share them with you.
The first and probably the most important is the fact that I have had the privilege of ministering to (at the best calculation, yet conservatively) 400 Pastors plus many leaders; speaking in 15 churches; a minimum of 30 hours of direct counseling or sharing appointments with pastors; plus untold hours of just “being with” pastors, their spouses and families to encourage them and 49 different sermons or teaching sessions.
I did a quick calculations to see if I could determine the potential impact from the speaking sessions, seminars and graduations. If each Church had an average of 40 – one Church had 400 in attendance, one 200, another 125, and one 90 – so in reality 40 is low, but to avoid blowing up the numbers permit me to use the average of 40. When I multiply an average of 40 times 400 pastors I easily reach a number of 16,000 potential believers who could be impacted by what I shared. That is an awesome responsibility. Then when I recognize the potential of that impact from only 50% of that number on others, we end up approximately 24,000 people who could have an impact from my time here in Peru. If we went with any figure larger than 40, it tends to become staggering.
I am humbled by the potential God placed before me. And I want those of you who contribute to missions to recognize the impact you are having on the nation of Peru!
One of the burdens challenges God has placed on me is to challenge the Peruvian people to cross denominational lines in their cities and unite to send missionaries to pueblos and into the jungle to reach those who are unreached.
While in Piura (pronounced Pure-a) I meet withe ministerial association. Because of the influence of one US missionary, they are uniting to support missionaries across denominational lines. For example: If an individual from the Nazarene church is called to be a missionary, then all the churches, regardless of their affiliation are going to contribute to support him as he reaches out to a specific area. When another person arises and is qualified, then they will once again do the same thing. You know, it almost sounds like it is “Christian” and not marred by the barriers of doctrinal differences, of methodology, or tradition. WOW! It is possible that God may just bless that city and bring a revival.
I have shared and preached that message every time I have had an open door either to congregations, pastors in groups or on a one to one basis.
I cannot even begin to think how many Peruvians, trained and sent out could be supported sufficiently on the monthly cost of one North American Missionary’s monthly support. Now, I know we need some missionaries, but the best way to reach a county is to stand beside and train the nationals to do the work.
I am reminded of the economic downturn in the US, the potential of political uprisings in the countries of this world that have the potential of closing the doors to US citizens to spread the gospel. What we do, we must do now and sufficiently to prepare for the future. There are presently many open doors and we do not know how long the will remain open.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many people have reported being healed in the services. I mentioned in one blog about how I questioned the raising of hands indicating they knew they were healed and ask them to put their hands down and then stated the request again, only to have more hands raised the second time than the first.
Just yesterday, Pastor Jorge Watanabe, the superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church here in Peru, told me he has had several share with him that they were healed in the service. The look on the face of one lady in San Francisco and the method of demonstrating her healing was almost embarrassing as she testified to power of God who removed the pain from and around her breasts. There are so many more and I deliberately did not count or try to keep any count. I just wanted the people to recognize they serve a Healing God and He can heal without anyone even laying hands on them, if they just exercise their faith. He does and HE DID!
I am so full, so burdened and even though I have to return now to the US, I almost wish I could stay and respond to the new requests to come and minister to the church and to their cities.
God bless you for your prayers and your support,
Dr D
The first and probably the most important is the fact that I have had the privilege of ministering to (at the best calculation, yet conservatively) 400 Pastors plus many leaders; speaking in 15 churches; a minimum of 30 hours of direct counseling or sharing appointments with pastors; plus untold hours of just “being with” pastors, their spouses and families to encourage them and 49 different sermons or teaching sessions.
I did a quick calculations to see if I could determine the potential impact from the speaking sessions, seminars and graduations. If each Church had an average of 40 – one Church had 400 in attendance, one 200, another 125, and one 90 – so in reality 40 is low, but to avoid blowing up the numbers permit me to use the average of 40. When I multiply an average of 40 times 400 pastors I easily reach a number of 16,000 potential believers who could be impacted by what I shared. That is an awesome responsibility. Then when I recognize the potential of that impact from only 50% of that number on others, we end up approximately 24,000 people who could have an impact from my time here in Peru. If we went with any figure larger than 40, it tends to become staggering.
I am humbled by the potential God placed before me. And I want those of you who contribute to missions to recognize the impact you are having on the nation of Peru!
One of the burdens challenges God has placed on me is to challenge the Peruvian people to cross denominational lines in their cities and unite to send missionaries to pueblos and into the jungle to reach those who are unreached.
While in Piura (pronounced Pure-a) I meet withe ministerial association. Because of the influence of one US missionary, they are uniting to support missionaries across denominational lines. For example: If an individual from the Nazarene church is called to be a missionary, then all the churches, regardless of their affiliation are going to contribute to support him as he reaches out to a specific area. When another person arises and is qualified, then they will once again do the same thing. You know, it almost sounds like it is “Christian” and not marred by the barriers of doctrinal differences, of methodology, or tradition. WOW! It is possible that God may just bless that city and bring a revival.
I have shared and preached that message every time I have had an open door either to congregations, pastors in groups or on a one to one basis.
I cannot even begin to think how many Peruvians, trained and sent out could be supported sufficiently on the monthly cost of one North American Missionary’s monthly support. Now, I know we need some missionaries, but the best way to reach a county is to stand beside and train the nationals to do the work.
I am reminded of the economic downturn in the US, the potential of political uprisings in the countries of this world that have the potential of closing the doors to US citizens to spread the gospel. What we do, we must do now and sufficiently to prepare for the future. There are presently many open doors and we do not know how long the will remain open.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many people have reported being healed in the services. I mentioned in one blog about how I questioned the raising of hands indicating they knew they were healed and ask them to put their hands down and then stated the request again, only to have more hands raised the second time than the first.
Just yesterday, Pastor Jorge Watanabe, the superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church here in Peru, told me he has had several share with him that they were healed in the service. The look on the face of one lady in San Francisco and the method of demonstrating her healing was almost embarrassing as she testified to power of God who removed the pain from and around her breasts. There are so many more and I deliberately did not count or try to keep any count. I just wanted the people to recognize they serve a Healing God and He can heal without anyone even laying hands on them, if they just exercise their faith. He does and HE DID!
I am so full, so burdened and even though I have to return now to the US, I almost wish I could stay and respond to the new requests to come and minister to the church and to their cities.
God bless you for your prayers and your support,
Dr D
Monday, September 19, 2011
LEARNING TO ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES - CHANGES
Thursday - Friday, September 15th - 16th:
If anything can happen on the mission field it WILL! And it did. First, the city for the Pastor's Meeting is to be San Francisco which is across the river from Kimbiri where we were last year.
A pastor from Honduras had flight delayed, causing him to miss a connection, thus causing him to miss the bus to Ayacucho, this causing us to wait 10 hours for his arrival, causing us to drive over the high Andes at night on dirt and gravel road which often would narrow to one lane and complicated by construction, causing us to arrive in San Francisco at 12:30 AM Friday instead of 2:00 PM Thursday, causing us to not be there for scheduled services at various Churches, causing disappointment for many.
Man! That is a lot of "causes!". But one more! It is important to the story. I had to change my return flight to Lima because I was to ride with Larry Cochran back from San Francisco to Ayacucho on Sunday and fly on Monday. But at the last moment he could not come, and I was forced to wait one more day before returning. Gratefully the air lines did not charge for the changes and I got the same flight, only one day later.
But we made it. The drive took 5 ½ hours and there was no sleeping to be had. I was in the back set, half of which was stacked to the ceiling with luggage because the trunk was full of boxes of Bibles. This was complicated by the constant turning, braking, bouncing, tossing left, then right, the forward, then back, then again and again.
Plus, the driver kept his window rolled down at least halfway and the cold air swirling around my head. Thank God I had packed my special emergency towel set and for the realization that my bag was on top of the stack. So I took out the small towel and wrapped it around my head, tucking the ends into the neck of my leather jacket. I then wrapped my arms around my chest and did some "self-cuddling."
I had thought ahead and purchased an "altitude pill" and 30 minutes before departure I downed that baby! Therefore I was not affected by the altitude, nor the roller-coaster over the mountains expedition but my interpreter, Desi Escalante from Chincha was causing us to stop two times for "relief."
In all honesty --what else would you expect but honesty -- excluding the roughness of the trip, I am glad it was night because I could not see scenes of thousands of feet straight down with to guardrail, one lane and a huge truck looming in front of us. Right-of-way belongs to the vehicle going up. So one vehicle has to find room enough for both to pass and stop until the other passes.
OUCH! The only way back is over the same road and it will be daylight!
Up and rolling by 7:00 waiting for the rest to go to breakfast but I was not ready to "break fast" - no I was not fasting but I cannot speak on a full stomach. So I skipped it! And honestly I was not ready to eat breakfast Peruvian style, like a pulled chicken sandwich loaded with lettuce, tomato and those tiny potato fries you buy in a can.
Then we headed to Church for the morning sessions. They were already lined up waiting for us to arrive. I am going to jump to the end of the morning and tell you the crowd was so many they - PASTORS - sitting in the back isle and on a bench outside the door because there was no more room inside. And it was hot out there in the direct sun .
Pastor Ivan Galindo Paz from Trijullo Honduras was the other speaker foe the morning sessions replacing Larry Cochran from Go International who had to cancel because of the discovery of prostate cancer. Pastor Ivan had the first session and I had the second but this was after one hour of preliminaries.
Imagine the scene: the Church auditorium was packed - all seats taken with some sitting on the steps entering the auditorium and some sitting or standing outside in the direct sun. No air conditioning. It is stuffy with almost no ventilation. I look around as Pastor Ivan is midway and see many asleep and I wonder what is going to happen when it is my turn. At least he speaks Spanish! You guessed it! Many could not stay awake during my session but youngest press on.
Dinner followed with fresh fish, fried with head and eyeballs staring at you and hidden beneath the large piece was yuca - covering the plate and I think uncooked and all of this topped with fresh sliced onions and thin slices of tomato. This was decorated with crisp fried plantain. I found myself becoming very generous and shared my yuca with the other pastors. That was nice of me, don't you think?
I did not return to the afternoon sessions until it was meantime. Stop thinking bad about me! My interpreter did not want to go and translate so I would know what Pastor Ivan was saying. And no, he was not being lazy but only wanting to save his voice to translate me. Well, anyway I made it through and returned to my room and moved to the room next door so I would have air -- not conditioning but a fan. Boy was it a life saver.
Oh, lest I forget - the shower includes the commode - minus the seat, sink - all in one but with no hot water and is it ever cold. I had, had it with the heat and my lack of courage to get completely wet under the shower and so I called up enough courage to inch my way until I was completely under the spout and it was not glory that came out on me! But I did take a shower, not my first but almost the first one since arriving here in San Francisco -- PERU -- not California.
The evening consisted of a Town Square service. No one told me the schedule for starting and my interpreter did not come for me until 8:00 and so by the time we walked to the square the worship was over. There were around 50 who responded for first time salvation and re-dedication. Anyway that rounds out my day and sets me up for my 9-10 session in the morning and then to be the speaker at the service tomorrow evening (Saturday).
Now for some, "SOME" sleep. But the hotel and my room face a very busy corner with ALL kinds of night life sounds, so it is time to push the ear plugs in, take some PM's and check out the back of my eyelids. Good night all!
Saturday, September 17th:
AW! Sleep did come and it was good, but the morning brought more schedule changes. It changed twice yesterday and again this morning. Instead of being the 9 o'clock speaker I was the 10 o'clock. No matter you just learn to go with the flow.
After speaking and while walking back to the hotel, Pastor Wilkinson, the Peru coordinator for Go International, told me I hit the pastors right on the head where they have a major problem. They frequently elevate custom and culture above the Word. I knew that from watching their culture show up in Church. He was very happy for the confrontation and the way I shared the teaching. Thank you Holy Spirit for your direction. That was Saturday morning.
I thought I had the afternoon free but once again I was wrong! I was asked to assist with the distribution of the 150 Study Bibles to those pastors who registered first. The look on there faces was worth missing a rest. We then handed out two paperback Bibles to all th rest. Then it was time to pass out the certificates of attendance. I watched as the pastors would once again run to the front just to get a certificate saying they attended this year's Pastors Conference with their face glowing with excitement and pride.
While departing from the morning session I told the conference director I had recorded each of my sessions and wondered if they wanted a copy to make available to the pastors. I had hardly made it to my seat for the distribution of the Bibles and certificates when a pastor approached me with his USB drive in his hand, and he was just the first of many. Someone overheard and spread the word. They are very anxious to learn.
Saturday evening I was selected to be the speaker. The service was to be held at the Pentecostal Church of Peru. I was dreading it because the morning sessions were packed and it was very hot. Boy was I surprised when we arrived and I discovered we were having an open air service in the courtyard adjacent to the Church.
We arrived to the sound of singing and 90% of the seats filled. But it did not stop there. By the time I was introduced the crowd had grown from about 200-225 to an estimated 400 -- 26 seats per row, 13 rows, plus those seated on the steps down into the courtyard, those on a bench along the entire length of the building and those standing along the walk along the length of the church on the upper level. You count them I could only guess with an honest guess (not evangelisticaly speaking.)
When I finished speaking, praying for the sick standing at their seats and laying hands on the pastors, fatigue had set in and so I excused myself from the after service meal and rain through the cold shower and fell into bed.
Sunday, September 18th:
This morning, Sunday, we were requested to join a pastor for a picnic at the Angelina Water Falls. I tried to come up with a legitimate reason for bowing out but I did not succeed. Finally, two hours later than scheduled pastor and our transportation arrived - a 4x4 extended seat Pickup. Now there are five of us, plus the pastor and his wife and two children a driver. Do?
No problem! Three climbed into the truck bed and we were off -- to get more people and the food. Finally, after another hour we headed out into the jungle. Forty-five minutes later after passing newly planted fields of cocaine, fields of all sized plants, and leaves laid out to dry on black plastic - one as large as a basketball court we arrived.
Now for the hike! No I will not describe it but only say had to walk up - climb - whatever - over 850 meters - 2,788 feet from where we parked. I do not know what the altitude is here, but I do know it isn't sea level, I made it and stood at the base of the falls enjoying the cool mist from the cascading water not caring that my shirt was beginning to really absorb the water.
The food part I was able to avoid due to having eaten a chunk of pineapple given to me by the Pastor's wife. How did that on it? It was not ripe, nor tasty and honestly produced a welcome upset stomach. I have almost come to the end of my ability to eat chicken and rice! Plus, I was scheduled to minister again at night.
And I have come to the end of my public ministry. The final service is over.
Tonight I ministered in the Evangelical Pentecostal Church of Peru to about 125. The are stuck in cultural and Church traditions, However there is a deep hunger for God. The pastor wants to break out of some of the traditions but is struggling, lacking the boldness or the "know how" to do it. I would would his name but I do not have it with me at this time.
For example: "Does anyone have a special?". Then three get up and sing. Now I am not a musician and as you know I cannot carry a tune -- even in their "mountain music" -- but I was embarrassed for them. HOWEVER, GOD WASN'T! it was evident to see the love for God coming through them. so who am I to say "I was embarrassed for them?" I was just embarrassed! I must look at things like this as though I were God, not man!
Anyway it was a good service and the people we're ministered to by the Holy Spirit and that is what is important. So now it is time to go forward by getting up and being ready at 5:00 even though those with me will probably not meet their own schedule. I would rather wait on them than have them waiting on me.
So Mr. Dirt-Rock Muddy Road, here we come. God grant traveling protection as we traverse Your creation on our way back to Ayacucho.
Monday, September 19:
Surprised to read about Monday? So am I. We rented out the "Cumby" - van - entirely so we would have sufficient space and so we could depart from San Francisco without waiting for more riders. That was a good thing because we had to remove a package from under one seat one potential rider placed there. Guess what was in it? Cocaine!
That placed us back in Ayacucho at 12:30 PM. The director rented a room for me and all of the team went to my room to rest while the director went to buy bus tickets for all the others. He came back too soon to have accomplished that, but with a surprise saying to me, "It may be possible for you to fly back to Lima on the 5:00 flight, if the pilot says the weather is warm enough to take more than 15 passengers."
Well here I am sitting and waiting for my flight. if the weather is too cold the airplane will not ascend from this airport due to the altitude.
The return trip over the mountains went without any problems, Although several times I had to tell myself not to get nervous. I was sitting in the passenger side in the front and therefore I could see the edge of the road and sometimes I could not. The "could nots" are what gave me a momentary nervous sensation, particularly when we were in one of those 90 degree one lane turns.
The altitude pill on an empty stomach helped. However. When we stopped for a fried fish breakfast, I had to eat, but only the fish and some rice. No problems - I did fine. The Honduran pastor had some minor difficulty but it was a successful trip.
Now to get back to civilization - Lima, and the Internet and post this manuscript.
God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Dr D
PS: Since this is now posted, you know I made it back without any problems.
If anything can happen on the mission field it WILL! And it did. First, the city for the Pastor's Meeting is to be San Francisco which is across the river from Kimbiri where we were last year.
A pastor from Honduras had flight delayed, causing him to miss a connection, thus causing him to miss the bus to Ayacucho, this causing us to wait 10 hours for his arrival, causing us to drive over the high Andes at night on dirt and gravel road which often would narrow to one lane and complicated by construction, causing us to arrive in San Francisco at 12:30 AM Friday instead of 2:00 PM Thursday, causing us to not be there for scheduled services at various Churches, causing disappointment for many.
Man! That is a lot of "causes!". But one more! It is important to the story. I had to change my return flight to Lima because I was to ride with Larry Cochran back from San Francisco to Ayacucho on Sunday and fly on Monday. But at the last moment he could not come, and I was forced to wait one more day before returning. Gratefully the air lines did not charge for the changes and I got the same flight, only one day later.
But we made it. The drive took 5 ½ hours and there was no sleeping to be had. I was in the back set, half of which was stacked to the ceiling with luggage because the trunk was full of boxes of Bibles. This was complicated by the constant turning, braking, bouncing, tossing left, then right, the forward, then back, then again and again.
Plus, the driver kept his window rolled down at least halfway and the cold air swirling around my head. Thank God I had packed my special emergency towel set and for the realization that my bag was on top of the stack. So I took out the small towel and wrapped it around my head, tucking the ends into the neck of my leather jacket. I then wrapped my arms around my chest and did some "self-cuddling."
I had thought ahead and purchased an "altitude pill" and 30 minutes before departure I downed that baby! Therefore I was not affected by the altitude, nor the roller-coaster over the mountains expedition but my interpreter, Desi Escalante from Chincha was causing us to stop two times for "relief."
In all honesty --what else would you expect but honesty -- excluding the roughness of the trip, I am glad it was night because I could not see scenes of thousands of feet straight down with to guardrail, one lane and a huge truck looming in front of us. Right-of-way belongs to the vehicle going up. So one vehicle has to find room enough for both to pass and stop until the other passes.
OUCH! The only way back is over the same road and it will be daylight!
Up and rolling by 7:00 waiting for the rest to go to breakfast but I was not ready to "break fast" - no I was not fasting but I cannot speak on a full stomach. So I skipped it! And honestly I was not ready to eat breakfast Peruvian style, like a pulled chicken sandwich loaded with lettuce, tomato and those tiny potato fries you buy in a can.
Then we headed to Church for the morning sessions. They were already lined up waiting for us to arrive. I am going to jump to the end of the morning and tell you the crowd was so many they - PASTORS - sitting in the back isle and on a bench outside the door because there was no more room inside. And it was hot out there in the direct sun .
Pastor Ivan Galindo Paz from Trijullo Honduras was the other speaker foe the morning sessions replacing Larry Cochran from Go International who had to cancel because of the discovery of prostate cancer. Pastor Ivan had the first session and I had the second but this was after one hour of preliminaries.
Imagine the scene: the Church auditorium was packed - all seats taken with some sitting on the steps entering the auditorium and some sitting or standing outside in the direct sun. No air conditioning. It is stuffy with almost no ventilation. I look around as Pastor Ivan is midway and see many asleep and I wonder what is going to happen when it is my turn. At least he speaks Spanish! You guessed it! Many could not stay awake during my session but youngest press on.
Dinner followed with fresh fish, fried with head and eyeballs staring at you and hidden beneath the large piece was yuca - covering the plate and I think uncooked and all of this topped with fresh sliced onions and thin slices of tomato. This was decorated with crisp fried plantain. I found myself becoming very generous and shared my yuca with the other pastors. That was nice of me, don't you think?
I did not return to the afternoon sessions until it was meantime. Stop thinking bad about me! My interpreter did not want to go and translate so I would know what Pastor Ivan was saying. And no, he was not being lazy but only wanting to save his voice to translate me. Well, anyway I made it through and returned to my room and moved to the room next door so I would have air -- not conditioning but a fan. Boy was it a life saver.
Oh, lest I forget - the shower includes the commode - minus the seat, sink - all in one but with no hot water and is it ever cold. I had, had it with the heat and my lack of courage to get completely wet under the shower and so I called up enough courage to inch my way until I was completely under the spout and it was not glory that came out on me! But I did take a shower, not my first but almost the first one since arriving here in San Francisco -- PERU -- not California.
The evening consisted of a Town Square service. No one told me the schedule for starting and my interpreter did not come for me until 8:00 and so by the time we walked to the square the worship was over. There were around 50 who responded for first time salvation and re-dedication. Anyway that rounds out my day and sets me up for my 9-10 session in the morning and then to be the speaker at the service tomorrow evening (Saturday).
Now for some, "SOME" sleep. But the hotel and my room face a very busy corner with ALL kinds of night life sounds, so it is time to push the ear plugs in, take some PM's and check out the back of my eyelids. Good night all!
Saturday, September 17th:
AW! Sleep did come and it was good, but the morning brought more schedule changes. It changed twice yesterday and again this morning. Instead of being the 9 o'clock speaker I was the 10 o'clock. No matter you just learn to go with the flow.
After speaking and while walking back to the hotel, Pastor Wilkinson, the Peru coordinator for Go International, told me I hit the pastors right on the head where they have a major problem. They frequently elevate custom and culture above the Word. I knew that from watching their culture show up in Church. He was very happy for the confrontation and the way I shared the teaching. Thank you Holy Spirit for your direction. That was Saturday morning.
I thought I had the afternoon free but once again I was wrong! I was asked to assist with the distribution of the 150 Study Bibles to those pastors who registered first. The look on there faces was worth missing a rest. We then handed out two paperback Bibles to all th rest. Then it was time to pass out the certificates of attendance. I watched as the pastors would once again run to the front just to get a certificate saying they attended this year's Pastors Conference with their face glowing with excitement and pride.
While departing from the morning session I told the conference director I had recorded each of my sessions and wondered if they wanted a copy to make available to the pastors. I had hardly made it to my seat for the distribution of the Bibles and certificates when a pastor approached me with his USB drive in his hand, and he was just the first of many. Someone overheard and spread the word. They are very anxious to learn.
Saturday evening I was selected to be the speaker. The service was to be held at the Pentecostal Church of Peru. I was dreading it because the morning sessions were packed and it was very hot. Boy was I surprised when we arrived and I discovered we were having an open air service in the courtyard adjacent to the Church.
We arrived to the sound of singing and 90% of the seats filled. But it did not stop there. By the time I was introduced the crowd had grown from about 200-225 to an estimated 400 -- 26 seats per row, 13 rows, plus those seated on the steps down into the courtyard, those on a bench along the entire length of the building and those standing along the walk along the length of the church on the upper level. You count them I could only guess with an honest guess (not evangelisticaly speaking.)
When I finished speaking, praying for the sick standing at their seats and laying hands on the pastors, fatigue had set in and so I excused myself from the after service meal and rain through the cold shower and fell into bed.
Sunday, September 18th:
This morning, Sunday, we were requested to join a pastor for a picnic at the Angelina Water Falls. I tried to come up with a legitimate reason for bowing out but I did not succeed. Finally, two hours later than scheduled pastor and our transportation arrived - a 4x4 extended seat Pickup. Now there are five of us, plus the pastor and his wife and two children a driver. Do?
No problem! Three climbed into the truck bed and we were off -- to get more people and the food. Finally, after another hour we headed out into the jungle. Forty-five minutes later after passing newly planted fields of cocaine, fields of all sized plants, and leaves laid out to dry on black plastic - one as large as a basketball court we arrived.
Now for the hike! No I will not describe it but only say had to walk up - climb - whatever - over 850 meters - 2,788 feet from where we parked. I do not know what the altitude is here, but I do know it isn't sea level, I made it and stood at the base of the falls enjoying the cool mist from the cascading water not caring that my shirt was beginning to really absorb the water.
The food part I was able to avoid due to having eaten a chunk of pineapple given to me by the Pastor's wife. How did that on it? It was not ripe, nor tasty and honestly produced a welcome upset stomach. I have almost come to the end of my ability to eat chicken and rice! Plus, I was scheduled to minister again at night.
And I have come to the end of my public ministry. The final service is over.
Tonight I ministered in the Evangelical Pentecostal Church of Peru to about 125. The are stuck in cultural and Church traditions, However there is a deep hunger for God. The pastor wants to break out of some of the traditions but is struggling, lacking the boldness or the "know how" to do it. I would would his name but I do not have it with me at this time.
For example: "Does anyone have a special?". Then three get up and sing. Now I am not a musician and as you know I cannot carry a tune -- even in their "mountain music" -- but I was embarrassed for them. HOWEVER, GOD WASN'T! it was evident to see the love for God coming through them. so who am I to say "I was embarrassed for them?" I was just embarrassed! I must look at things like this as though I were God, not man!
Anyway it was a good service and the people we're ministered to by the Holy Spirit and that is what is important. So now it is time to go forward by getting up and being ready at 5:00 even though those with me will probably not meet their own schedule. I would rather wait on them than have them waiting on me.
So Mr. Dirt-Rock Muddy Road, here we come. God grant traveling protection as we traverse Your creation on our way back to Ayacucho.
Monday, September 19:
Surprised to read about Monday? So am I. We rented out the "Cumby" - van - entirely so we would have sufficient space and so we could depart from San Francisco without waiting for more riders. That was a good thing because we had to remove a package from under one seat one potential rider placed there. Guess what was in it? Cocaine!
That placed us back in Ayacucho at 12:30 PM. The director rented a room for me and all of the team went to my room to rest while the director went to buy bus tickets for all the others. He came back too soon to have accomplished that, but with a surprise saying to me, "It may be possible for you to fly back to Lima on the 5:00 flight, if the pilot says the weather is warm enough to take more than 15 passengers."
Well here I am sitting and waiting for my flight. if the weather is too cold the airplane will not ascend from this airport due to the altitude.
The return trip over the mountains went without any problems, Although several times I had to tell myself not to get nervous. I was sitting in the passenger side in the front and therefore I could see the edge of the road and sometimes I could not. The "could nots" are what gave me a momentary nervous sensation, particularly when we were in one of those 90 degree one lane turns.
The altitude pill on an empty stomach helped. However. When we stopped for a fried fish breakfast, I had to eat, but only the fish and some rice. No problems - I did fine. The Honduran pastor had some minor difficulty but it was a successful trip.
Now to get back to civilization - Lima, and the Internet and post this manuscript.
God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Dr D
PS: Since this is now posted, you know I made it back without any problems.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
UPDATE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FOR KIMBIRI
Here I sit - all packed and ready to go to bed and it is only 9:00 PM. But I have to arise at 3:00 AM to meet the taxi to make my 5:20 AM flight to Ayacucho so I can spend the day waiting on Ivan Galindo Paz who is coming from Honduras. His flight has been delayed and so instead of leaving about 6:30 AM from Ayacucho for Kimbiri we will not depart until about 6:30 PM.
That means I will be traveling for 5-6 hours over the high Andes Mountains – I take an altitude pill it because of the heighth – at night on a one lane mostly gravel road. Just what I wanted to do!
But that is missionary life. So I smile and proceed to do what I am committed to do – fulfill the call of God for this time in my life.
While I am here, permit me to catch you up on the time since I arrived here in my IPHC flat. I spent Monday just getting things in order and catch a couple of extra hours of sleep during the day. On Tuesday, I spent the day counseling with a pastor and his wife. Did my laundry and then went shopping in the “speciality stores” of Lima with David Hodges.
When I say, “speciality stores” I am talking about what you know as Flea Markets, but hundreds of kiosks jammed together over three floors with each floor about the size of two football fields and isles so narrow sometimes it is hard for two to walk together – in fact impossible. There is anything you want in that place and even things you do not want.
But anyway, we got what we needed – yes NEEDED! I had to have a travel bag for my flight – a small one because I can only take 7kg (15 lbs) as luggage, plus a “small back pack”. However, since I will only be gone for four days, I was able to get everything I would NEED into my 35 Sole bag ($12.86).
This morning while placing some documents on my iPad to use for the teachings in Kimbiri, I got all inspired and developed a new teaching for the Pastors: “Empowering The People.” Sorry, but I cannot teach it to you now, but who knows if you will or if you will not hear it – it is good anyway. So after tooting my own horn here about this I will finish with the events of the day. They are: Marco came and we went to eat and exchange some dollars into soles and then returned to complete preparations for tomorrow. I return back here on Monday morning at 7:00 AM.
So that’s it! God bless,
Dr D
That means I will be traveling for 5-6 hours over the high Andes Mountains – I take an altitude pill it because of the heighth – at night on a one lane mostly gravel road. Just what I wanted to do!
But that is missionary life. So I smile and proceed to do what I am committed to do – fulfill the call of God for this time in my life.
While I am here, permit me to catch you up on the time since I arrived here in my IPHC flat. I spent Monday just getting things in order and catch a couple of extra hours of sleep during the day. On Tuesday, I spent the day counseling with a pastor and his wife. Did my laundry and then went shopping in the “speciality stores” of Lima with David Hodges.
When I say, “speciality stores” I am talking about what you know as Flea Markets, but hundreds of kiosks jammed together over three floors with each floor about the size of two football fields and isles so narrow sometimes it is hard for two to walk together – in fact impossible. There is anything you want in that place and even things you do not want.
But anyway, we got what we needed – yes NEEDED! I had to have a travel bag for my flight – a small one because I can only take 7kg (15 lbs) as luggage, plus a “small back pack”. However, since I will only be gone for four days, I was able to get everything I would NEED into my 35 Sole bag ($12.86).
This morning while placing some documents on my iPad to use for the teachings in Kimbiri, I got all inspired and developed a new teaching for the Pastors: “Empowering The People.” Sorry, but I cannot teach it to you now, but who knows if you will or if you will not hear it – it is good anyway. So after tooting my own horn here about this I will finish with the events of the day. They are: Marco came and we went to eat and exchange some dollars into soles and then returned to complete preparations for tomorrow. I return back here on Monday morning at 7:00 AM.
So that’s it! God bless,
Dr D
Monday, September 12, 2011
JAEN AND BAGUA GRANDE MINISTRY OVER - NOW BACK TO LIMA
Jaen Graduation: Pentecostes Del Nazareno - Antonio & Marina Quintana
It was celebration time in Jaen for the Pentecostal Nazarenes! It was the first graduation of any kind to be held in the Church and they did it up BiG! The service was already rocking when we walked in. The auditorium was about one fourth occupied but by the time we started, at 9:50 PM, there were over 400 Pentecostal “Rockers.”
Each of the seven graduates marched in accompanied by a “sponsor” - their spouse to a loud and boisterous heralding of the trumpets to the tune of “When The Saints Come Marching In” and the booming voice of the music pastor. The next in line did not start until the previous was standing in front. Immediately I was called on to present them with their Certificate of Theology for completing the first year.
Each was then once again “heralded” as they moved to their seats, followed by the graduation message. I kept it short – 35 minutes with the interpretation. The message was followed by two prayers for the graduates – both by me, and then once more we heard the trumpets, the trombone, drums begin as the students departed the auditorium.
That was not all! Then we (Marco, Javier and I), the graduates – which included the pastor – left for a celebration meal at a restaurant. The remainder of the people stayed for an all night prayer meeting – on Saturday night!
I was informed they had two more classes already in the process of studying, one in the third cycle and another in the fourth and would be looking forward to starting the second year. AND – they would also be starting other classes in some of their “daughter churches.”
Pastor Quintana is requesting I return for their next class graduation and stay for three days to minister to the people.
To say the least, I “flopped” into bed in the “wee hours” of the morning knowing it would be a short night because we had to be ready for the regional coordinator to arrive at 7:30 for preparation to take a “car” (hired car) for a one hour trip to Bagua Grande.
Bagua Grande: Asambleas de Dios del Peru Bagua Grande - Amado & Caruajulca
The Church at Bagua Grande is one of the early extensions of Pacto De Vida. They were slowed down due to the “uprising massacre” in 2009. But they are up and continuing study.
They normally have their Sunday service in the evening, but due to our schedule which required us to depart Jaen at 3:30 PM, they rearranged and we arrived at 9:00 as the doors were being opened. The congregation was slow to arrive due to the change but we had a full house – meaning all the chairs were full – not the building.
Then Pastor Caruajulca announced to me we were going to his house for “Rooster.” It seems every time I am there they kill the pet rooster. This one was not “tough” and must have been a young one. Two years ago the rooster was still crowing inside at noon when I tackled “Cuy” (cooie) (Guinea Pig). Pastors wife promised to fix me “Cuy” the next time I came. Honestly, I look forward to it. She fixes a “mean Cuy.” And NO! I do not eat their pets! They raise them for food!
Once again, the power of God was manifested as was attested to by testimonies.
Then it was back to our hotel in Jaen. Let me tell you! We had the same drive both ways. It was a fast trip. By driving standards in Florida, he should have been arrested at least 30 times each way for speeding, passing on curves and various other fractions. YES! I prayed both ways – though not all the time. I just trusted it to the Lord and relaxed – except for holding on to the handle above my head to keep from being thrown into Javier who was seated next to me with Marco on the other side.
As you can see, we made it safely to the hotel, finished our packing then rode the “Moto-Kar” to the bus terminal. A “Moto-Kar” is a combo of a motorcycle and a “ric-shaw”. And we made record time on the bus portion. It took six and one-half hours to get there, but we made it back in 5 hours and 23 minutes. Do not has me how! But we did!
Now to fly to Lima in the morning and prepare for the final phase – ministry in Kimbiri with Go International. I fly to Ayacucho then take a van over the mountains on a one lane dirt road for about 5 hours.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
It was celebration time in Jaen for the Pentecostal Nazarenes! It was the first graduation of any kind to be held in the Church and they did it up BiG! The service was already rocking when we walked in. The auditorium was about one fourth occupied but by the time we started, at 9:50 PM, there were over 400 Pentecostal “Rockers.”
Each of the seven graduates marched in accompanied by a “sponsor” - their spouse to a loud and boisterous heralding of the trumpets to the tune of “When The Saints Come Marching In” and the booming voice of the music pastor. The next in line did not start until the previous was standing in front. Immediately I was called on to present them with their Certificate of Theology for completing the first year.
Each was then once again “heralded” as they moved to their seats, followed by the graduation message. I kept it short – 35 minutes with the interpretation. The message was followed by two prayers for the graduates – both by me, and then once more we heard the trumpets, the trombone, drums begin as the students departed the auditorium.
That was not all! Then we (Marco, Javier and I), the graduates – which included the pastor – left for a celebration meal at a restaurant. The remainder of the people stayed for an all night prayer meeting – on Saturday night!
I was informed they had two more classes already in the process of studying, one in the third cycle and another in the fourth and would be looking forward to starting the second year. AND – they would also be starting other classes in some of their “daughter churches.”
Pastor Quintana is requesting I return for their next class graduation and stay for three days to minister to the people.
To say the least, I “flopped” into bed in the “wee hours” of the morning knowing it would be a short night because we had to be ready for the regional coordinator to arrive at 7:30 for preparation to take a “car” (hired car) for a one hour trip to Bagua Grande.
Bagua Grande: Asambleas de Dios del Peru Bagua Grande - Amado & Caruajulca
The Church at Bagua Grande is one of the early extensions of Pacto De Vida. They were slowed down due to the “uprising massacre” in 2009. But they are up and continuing study.
They normally have their Sunday service in the evening, but due to our schedule which required us to depart Jaen at 3:30 PM, they rearranged and we arrived at 9:00 as the doors were being opened. The congregation was slow to arrive due to the change but we had a full house – meaning all the chairs were full – not the building.
Then Pastor Caruajulca announced to me we were going to his house for “Rooster.” It seems every time I am there they kill the pet rooster. This one was not “tough” and must have been a young one. Two years ago the rooster was still crowing inside at noon when I tackled “Cuy” (cooie) (Guinea Pig). Pastors wife promised to fix me “Cuy” the next time I came. Honestly, I look forward to it. She fixes a “mean Cuy.” And NO! I do not eat their pets! They raise them for food!
Once again, the power of God was manifested as was attested to by testimonies.
Then it was back to our hotel in Jaen. Let me tell you! We had the same drive both ways. It was a fast trip. By driving standards in Florida, he should have been arrested at least 30 times each way for speeding, passing on curves and various other fractions. YES! I prayed both ways – though not all the time. I just trusted it to the Lord and relaxed – except for holding on to the handle above my head to keep from being thrown into Javier who was seated next to me with Marco on the other side.
As you can see, we made it safely to the hotel, finished our packing then rode the “Moto-Kar” to the bus terminal. A “Moto-Kar” is a combo of a motorcycle and a “ric-shaw”. And we made record time on the bus portion. It took six and one-half hours to get there, but we made it back in 5 hours and 23 minutes. Do not has me how! But we did!
Now to fly to Lima in the morning and prepare for the final phase – ministry in Kimbiri with Go International. I fly to Ayacucho then take a van over the mountains on a one lane dirt road for about 5 hours.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
Sunday, September 11, 2011
PIURA: MISSION COMPLETED - STARTING NOW IN JAEN
Where was I? Oh yeah, I had to leave for the evening service. That took place on Wednesday. This was more of a Cell Group in a area known as Casario Miraflores and is directed by the Luis Pena, the worship leader/small group pastor of Casa De Dios. To be honest (I mean what else can I be?) It was the hardest of all my assignments. I was not geared for a small group as such and had a sermon instead of a teaching. But as far as I can tell, it was received well – it is just that the “sender” did not have good feelings about the evening.
Then that leads us to Thursday, the final day in Piura. It all began with a meeting of all the Casa De Dios pastors and leaders and lasted from 9:30 until 1:00. My part was about two and one-half hours. BUT! I did feel good about the session. In fact, I was inspired by my own teaching as the Holy Spirit broke open new truths inside an old leadership lesson.
We then headed to the pastor’s house for dinner and about one hour of rest before piling into his 4x4 and heading to Paita. This is the city where the Spaniards first landed in Peru. The first and still standing Catholic Church is just a few miles north of the present city, just a short distance from the Pacific.
My first task was to teach on the radio for one hour. So now I am a Peruvian Radio Preacher also, “Also” because I am a Ukrainian Radio Preacher as well and have been known to show up on TV in Ukraine. (You can get me autograph later, “IF” you will send me $30 and I will send you some “hot air” to keep your hands warm in Alaska.)
We had just over an hour, and that provided the time for me to see the landing site of the Spaniards and the Church. I did also spend some time taking some sunset pictures at a retreat center on the shore of the Pacific. Is that okay with you? (Tough! I did it anyway! And with that attitude I will not let you see them!)
Then we went to Church for the 8:00 service. It is the largest facility of Casa De Dios and the largest congregation. The pastor, Jose Leon Campos, came to Pastor Gene Gayle and requested to be under his leadership. The Church is solid. However I discovered that the men sit on the right and the women on the left, facing the platform. Gene is waiting until the right time to gently suggest that family worship together. I noticed they had the “mountain” sound to their music. You will have to hear it to understand what I mean.
They have been working very hard on updating their building. They have poured a cement floor, except for the first few feet at the entrance. They held off with that until they can get the bathrooms in and the sewer line placed before pouring cement there. The pastor’s room is right behind the platform and to enter you go up on the platform then down into his room. He took me in there. It is a very simple room. Dirt floor, a bed, a light, a bookcase, a curtain to separate the bathroom from the bedroom. The bathroom consists of a bucket and no sink. THAT IS SIMPLE! He is unmarried, in his 40's and believes God is going to give him a wife in 2012. Somehow, after watching him, I believe it!
We returned home about 11:00 and I jumped into the packing mode but did not complete it until about 12:30 AM, then piled into bed to unwind, shift gears and begin thinking about the schedule for Friday, which began all to early. We had to be on the bus by 8:30 for a 4 hour ride to Chiclayo and an overnight in a hotel. Then back up, eat breakfast and on the bus by 9:00 for a 6 hour ride to Jaen over the mountains – meaning around turns, turns, turns, and more turns as we climbed up until 12:15 and then down again until our arrival in Jaen at 3:15 PM. No food, no drinks, just ride, ride, ride....ride.
Now I am sitting in my air-conditioned hotel room, with wifi, a full stomach awaiting our 7:30 departure for the Graduation of the first year students at the Pentecostal Nazareno Church.
So until, I ramble so more, God bless,
Dr D
Then that leads us to Thursday, the final day in Piura. It all began with a meeting of all the Casa De Dios pastors and leaders and lasted from 9:30 until 1:00. My part was about two and one-half hours. BUT! I did feel good about the session. In fact, I was inspired by my own teaching as the Holy Spirit broke open new truths inside an old leadership lesson.
We then headed to the pastor’s house for dinner and about one hour of rest before piling into his 4x4 and heading to Paita. This is the city where the Spaniards first landed in Peru. The first and still standing Catholic Church is just a few miles north of the present city, just a short distance from the Pacific.
My first task was to teach on the radio for one hour. So now I am a Peruvian Radio Preacher also, “Also” because I am a Ukrainian Radio Preacher as well and have been known to show up on TV in Ukraine. (You can get me autograph later, “IF” you will send me $30 and I will send you some “hot air” to keep your hands warm in Alaska.)
We had just over an hour, and that provided the time for me to see the landing site of the Spaniards and the Church. I did also spend some time taking some sunset pictures at a retreat center on the shore of the Pacific. Is that okay with you? (Tough! I did it anyway! And with that attitude I will not let you see them!)
Then we went to Church for the 8:00 service. It is the largest facility of Casa De Dios and the largest congregation. The pastor, Jose Leon Campos, came to Pastor Gene Gayle and requested to be under his leadership. The Church is solid. However I discovered that the men sit on the right and the women on the left, facing the platform. Gene is waiting until the right time to gently suggest that family worship together. I noticed they had the “mountain” sound to their music. You will have to hear it to understand what I mean.
They have been working very hard on updating their building. They have poured a cement floor, except for the first few feet at the entrance. They held off with that until they can get the bathrooms in and the sewer line placed before pouring cement there. The pastor’s room is right behind the platform and to enter you go up on the platform then down into his room. He took me in there. It is a very simple room. Dirt floor, a bed, a light, a bookcase, a curtain to separate the bathroom from the bedroom. The bathroom consists of a bucket and no sink. THAT IS SIMPLE! He is unmarried, in his 40's and believes God is going to give him a wife in 2012. Somehow, after watching him, I believe it!
We returned home about 11:00 and I jumped into the packing mode but did not complete it until about 12:30 AM, then piled into bed to unwind, shift gears and begin thinking about the schedule for Friday, which began all to early. We had to be on the bus by 8:30 for a 4 hour ride to Chiclayo and an overnight in a hotel. Then back up, eat breakfast and on the bus by 9:00 for a 6 hour ride to Jaen over the mountains – meaning around turns, turns, turns, and more turns as we climbed up until 12:15 and then down again until our arrival in Jaen at 3:15 PM. No food, no drinks, just ride, ride, ride....ride.
Now I am sitting in my air-conditioned hotel room, with wifi, a full stomach awaiting our 7:30 departure for the Graduation of the first year students at the Pentecostal Nazareno Church.
So until, I ramble so more, God bless,
Dr D
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
JUNGLE NO! MOUNTAINS YES!
I know! The last thing I said on my last blog was: “Tomorrow we head to the jungle for a 12 hour experience.” Well, I was not thinking. (And that DOES NOT happen all the time – regardless of what you think!) Anyway, we were supposed to leave at noon for a two hour trip into the mountains to a Pueblo named Piscan.
However, because Pastor Gene had to sign the documents to purchase the property the Church just bought we were delayed four and one-half hours (4 ½ hours). You cannot believe the way they do such things here. For us it may a one hour situation but here it can go on for hours. For instance: They worked with an official who completed the papers. They were then told to see the person at the very next desk, who could have been completing the financial papers while they were at the first desk. But not here. The second does not start until the first is done. Then they do not understand what they are supposed to do and cannot figure out the fees...........and on and on it goes.
But finally at 4:45 PM we walked down the steps onto the street and began a 10 minute walk to the parking garage to the car. You DO NOT leave your vehicle parked on the street – that is IF you would like to keep it. After traveling a few blocks, going down several different streets and being detoured due to the sewer construction we stopped at the gas station to get some air in the tires and some cold drinks, candy and the likes and then headed out of town.
After one hour the pavement ended. We began the next one hour on unbelieveable rock and dirt roads, up and down the hills, around corners to find that part of the road was washed out, down through six or seven creek beds – four of which required us to drive through the water – the others were dry this time of year. O, did I mention that several times we had to stop to allow the bovines (resembling cattle for the unsophisticated) and the long-horn cattle and the huge bulls to make their way around us. Then there were the cowboys on their horses, the motorcycles, dogs, pigs with triangles (made of sticks around their necks) to keep them out of fenced off gardens and fields and about anything else you can think of.
The journey took us through the middle of several Pueblos with their houses of various kinds lining the sides of our road. To my amazement, one Pueblo had the cement sewer lids protruding upward – they had a “city sewer” in their Pueblo! But, we still had to slow down for the “speed-bumps” made of dirt!
We did arrive at our destination about 7 PM, parked the 4x4 (that is not a piece of lumber - but a vehicle) and began our walk to the home where the Church is located. It sits about 5 feet lower than the street in front of it with about 12-15 feet of space between it and the street. About 100 feet beyond and across the street is the property the Church owns. It is being prepared for construction of their new Church facility.
I cannot remember the number of people who showed up, but it was approximately 16. Sweet people who were actively involved in working to help the Church to grow. One lady had walked 30-40 minutes in the dirt and dust with her three sons – all above the teen-age years. They are tithers and because they do not have enough money to adequately compensate their pastor, one lady proposed that each family take responsibility to feed the pastor each day.
I will summarize my experience to simply say, “I really enjoyed the time of ministry and fellowship with them. Simple people who love Jesus!
Then it REALLY BEGINS! Do not be in so much of a hurry to find out why — relax — and I will tell you.
To complete the evening it was expected that we would go to the home of one family and eat. So what do you do? You do it! You walk in the dimly lit room - very large at that - 20x30 at least. In one corner there is a stack of sacks of rice maybe 4x5 about 40 inches high. To the left is a door that leads to what you discover is the home of one of the siblings. You turn to your right and step up about 10 inches onto a dirt floor – their kitchen – with two tables. The room has only one light bulb. I turn and two dogs walk in behind me. In one corner lies several ears of corn. I look around for the pig, but discover a dog goes over to them and lies down. It makes me feel better.
We are served some pastry - 4 of them. A bowl is handed to me and I discover it has tuna fish in it. I watch as those with me put some on one of the pastries. I follow suit. I tasted it and I am still not sure it was tuna – but what I do not know. I quickly ask for the keys and go to the car to get MY water to avoid being handed the “drink.” It works and they pass me by. I wonder to myself, “What do I do with the other three?”
I watch as Pastor Gene places some sugar on his second piece. I follow his lead and it does taste good – and so I eat two more, then pass the other to the Peruvian across the table. Because he is a BIG man, I insist in my English, using my hands that I am full to the neck and he needs to eat more to keep him going. Success! Meal over!
The ride home seems to be much smoother though it is dark. You watch for the lights of an approaching vehicle. You watch for the darker spots on the road ahead. They indicate a deeper hole or low spot that will cause the vehicle to BoUnCe! Anyway, we get home safely and I flop into bed about 1:00 AM.
Today, Wednesday, I fall out about 8:15, drag into the bathroom and wash the sleep and whatever was left from the night before into the drain, dress and get ready for a 9:30 departure to the local ministerial meeting.
It is a 30 minute walk to the host Church for this week. We get started about 15 minutes late – which is almost starting on time. They take care of some business and then I am introduced as the speaker for the day. I share for 40 minutes and quit. I wonder: “Did I connect? Did I communicate?” They complete their meeting after a session of prayer and then I do not have to wonder any longer.
The pastors of this city have dropped the barriers of Church names and denominations to join together as the Kingdom of God to reach their city for God. My sharing on the power of connections, relationships hit the target. I spend the next 30-40 minutes in sharing with groups of 3-4 or just one – answer their questions and expounding more on the topic. I look over and Marco is sharing about Universidad Pacto de Vida and has his cell phone in hand and then hands it to the pastor next to him. I find this out later: The pastor beside him was the spiritual father to one of the pastors who has the university program. To explain how it works Marco just called the pastor from another region, Bagua Grande, and handed the phone to the local pastor.
I could go on and on, but once again it is time to close and get ready to go to the evening service.
God bless and thanks for your prayers
Dr D
However, because Pastor Gene had to sign the documents to purchase the property the Church just bought we were delayed four and one-half hours (4 ½ hours). You cannot believe the way they do such things here. For us it may a one hour situation but here it can go on for hours. For instance: They worked with an official who completed the papers. They were then told to see the person at the very next desk, who could have been completing the financial papers while they were at the first desk. But not here. The second does not start until the first is done. Then they do not understand what they are supposed to do and cannot figure out the fees...........and on and on it goes.
But finally at 4:45 PM we walked down the steps onto the street and began a 10 minute walk to the parking garage to the car. You DO NOT leave your vehicle parked on the street – that is IF you would like to keep it. After traveling a few blocks, going down several different streets and being detoured due to the sewer construction we stopped at the gas station to get some air in the tires and some cold drinks, candy and the likes and then headed out of town.
After one hour the pavement ended. We began the next one hour on unbelieveable rock and dirt roads, up and down the hills, around corners to find that part of the road was washed out, down through six or seven creek beds – four of which required us to drive through the water – the others were dry this time of year. O, did I mention that several times we had to stop to allow the bovines (resembling cattle for the unsophisticated) and the long-horn cattle and the huge bulls to make their way around us. Then there were the cowboys on their horses, the motorcycles, dogs, pigs with triangles (made of sticks around their necks) to keep them out of fenced off gardens and fields and about anything else you can think of.
The journey took us through the middle of several Pueblos with their houses of various kinds lining the sides of our road. To my amazement, one Pueblo had the cement sewer lids protruding upward – they had a “city sewer” in their Pueblo! But, we still had to slow down for the “speed-bumps” made of dirt!
We did arrive at our destination about 7 PM, parked the 4x4 (that is not a piece of lumber - but a vehicle) and began our walk to the home where the Church is located. It sits about 5 feet lower than the street in front of it with about 12-15 feet of space between it and the street. About 100 feet beyond and across the street is the property the Church owns. It is being prepared for construction of their new Church facility.
I cannot remember the number of people who showed up, but it was approximately 16. Sweet people who were actively involved in working to help the Church to grow. One lady had walked 30-40 minutes in the dirt and dust with her three sons – all above the teen-age years. They are tithers and because they do not have enough money to adequately compensate their pastor, one lady proposed that each family take responsibility to feed the pastor each day.
I will summarize my experience to simply say, “I really enjoyed the time of ministry and fellowship with them. Simple people who love Jesus!
Then it REALLY BEGINS! Do not be in so much of a hurry to find out why — relax — and I will tell you.
To complete the evening it was expected that we would go to the home of one family and eat. So what do you do? You do it! You walk in the dimly lit room - very large at that - 20x30 at least. In one corner there is a stack of sacks of rice maybe 4x5 about 40 inches high. To the left is a door that leads to what you discover is the home of one of the siblings. You turn to your right and step up about 10 inches onto a dirt floor – their kitchen – with two tables. The room has only one light bulb. I turn and two dogs walk in behind me. In one corner lies several ears of corn. I look around for the pig, but discover a dog goes over to them and lies down. It makes me feel better.
We are served some pastry - 4 of them. A bowl is handed to me and I discover it has tuna fish in it. I watch as those with me put some on one of the pastries. I follow suit. I tasted it and I am still not sure it was tuna – but what I do not know. I quickly ask for the keys and go to the car to get MY water to avoid being handed the “drink.” It works and they pass me by. I wonder to myself, “What do I do with the other three?”
I watch as Pastor Gene places some sugar on his second piece. I follow his lead and it does taste good – and so I eat two more, then pass the other to the Peruvian across the table. Because he is a BIG man, I insist in my English, using my hands that I am full to the neck and he needs to eat more to keep him going. Success! Meal over!
The ride home seems to be much smoother though it is dark. You watch for the lights of an approaching vehicle. You watch for the darker spots on the road ahead. They indicate a deeper hole or low spot that will cause the vehicle to BoUnCe! Anyway, we get home safely and I flop into bed about 1:00 AM.
Today, Wednesday, I fall out about 8:15, drag into the bathroom and wash the sleep and whatever was left from the night before into the drain, dress and get ready for a 9:30 departure to the local ministerial meeting.
It is a 30 minute walk to the host Church for this week. We get started about 15 minutes late – which is almost starting on time. They take care of some business and then I am introduced as the speaker for the day. I share for 40 minutes and quit. I wonder: “Did I connect? Did I communicate?” They complete their meeting after a session of prayer and then I do not have to wonder any longer.
The pastors of this city have dropped the barriers of Church names and denominations to join together as the Kingdom of God to reach their city for God. My sharing on the power of connections, relationships hit the target. I spend the next 30-40 minutes in sharing with groups of 3-4 or just one – answer their questions and expounding more on the topic. I look over and Marco is sharing about Universidad Pacto de Vida and has his cell phone in hand and then hands it to the pastor next to him. I find this out later: The pastor beside him was the spiritual father to one of the pastors who has the university program. To explain how it works Marco just called the pastor from another region, Bagua Grande, and handed the phone to the local pastor.
I could go on and on, but once again it is time to close and get ready to go to the evening service.
God bless and thanks for your prayers
Dr D
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