PERU MISSONS TRIP

Sunday - May 11:
Just wanted to give you a little background in the preparation the students have made for this trip. We have been working since the first of the year. Each person has prepared a written testimony, an encouraging word and an altar call. In addition they have prepared two services for children. One is a salvation message and the other is the lesson on the tongue and includes lying. They prepared a service for Youth and the theme revolves around sin, how pleasurable it is for a season and the results - they do a tag team teaching. The last two evenings we are in Peru they will be doing a seminar on drama. As well they have prepared a drum line and dramas. They all learned children’s songs in Spanish and Zac and Mikaela have learned numerous songs in Spanish and have led worship in the different services.

I’m not sure I listed everything but wanted you to know that a lot of work and preparation has gone into this trip. BUT, the hindrance being, that sometimes it is easy to get "stuck" to the paper prepared instead of sharing from the heart. The students are "getting it" and they are encouraged by how the Holy Spirit is speaking through them and using them – and so are we.
I didn’t report on last night’s service and it was a dynamic one. Yesterday, Lindsay told some of the team she felt like she was supposed to share last night. I leave those kinds of decisions to the kids. The kids look to Zac for leadership among themselves and he has shown great qualities in his ability to lead – listening to the input of all the students.

Zac and Mikaela led worship. One man, who is the associate pastor of the Church where they were on Friday night, brought his youth to the service last night. He remarked to me about their ability to lead worship and how powerful it is. Brian shared his testimony – without notes, which is a huge step for him and he did a great job. Lindsay combined her encouraging word with her testimony – and everyone said it was awesome. She was so transparent and broken and what she shared was something that many could identify with. She also prayed. People responded to an altar call and many were ministered to. I had a number of adults say how important her testimony was for many people. It is especially exciting to see our first year students "step up to the plate." They are excited because they are hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. What a win, win situation.

Zac and Mikaela both shared as well – they always do a great job. Bethany didn’t get to go as she was sick. Which, she is feeling better, but she and three other students are all dealing with stomach issues. Enough said!!! Lindsay, my husband and I are feeling healthy. We need divine health as this week will be really busy.

Today, we only had one service. I shared for 15 minutes for Mother’s Day. Peggy had sent the Life Church Mother’s Day pens with us and the Mothers were thrilled to receive them. My husband preached a message for dedicating their Tabernacle. They have a wonderful, portable facility that cost them $2500. They plan to use it until they out grow it.

The students had the children’s service. Pastor Agustin’s, 10 year old son, interpreted for them. Another interpreter went to help – but wasn’t needed as he was doing a fine job. I told him yesterday to keep practicing and some day he would travel with us and interpret for us. He said, "if my mother comes." How sweet and innocent. He didn’t believe me when I told him that when the time comes – he wouldn’t care that his mother didn’t come with us.

They prepared barbeque for us. The kids were pretty disappointed and would have been glad to find a Papa John’s even with the issues they are experiencing. Barbeque here, just isn’t the same. As always, the meat is tough. We also had sausage sandwiches. A sausage on a crusty roll, no mayo, no mustard just sausage and bread.

Everyone, except Lindsay had a short nap and the kids spent a good part of the day playing "Slave."

Right now, everyone is out for some fellowship with people from the Church – this week won’t allow for such pleasures.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac