There isn’t a lot to say about yesterday, Monday – spiritually speaking. We had the day off so we hooked up with a 4 hour tour of the city and say this beautiful city.
Every mountain is more than just a mountain. They are former volcanoes. As I said in Blog #4 - three of the 3,000 are active and are connected. They surround the city and give it a great look.
The city is called the “White City” because the Spanish built it from stone cut from the volcanoes or “City of White People” because of the Spanish who settled here. Because the stones from the volcanic activity is not very strong it does not require much of a tremor to cause damage to the buildings. But they also build them with very thick walls so the buildings have endured through the hundreds of years.
Today, the pastor took us on a walking tour in downtown Arequipa which included visiting the cathedral and a couple of other Catholic buildings – monastery and convent. It is sad to see the paganism that attached itself to the Catholic Church with its life of bondage and no hope.
We had a good time and then indulged in some typical Peruvian food - Lomo Saltado – beef, onion, red pepper, rice, french-fries.
Tonight we complete the trip here the Church of our host, Comunidad Christiana La Vina – Pastor Rolando Romero. The focus tonight will be on marriage.
The nights here have been long due to the lack of ability to stay asleep all night. And because the shower has anything but hot water as we know it. In fact, I think it is straight from the snow on the mountains! I think it is easier to just try to cover up with deodorant – but since I use “The Rock” I cannot take that avenue of escape and so I endure the flowing ice-cubes.
We are presently in the Cusco Coffee Café which has Wi-Fi and will be met by the pastor shortly, so I’d better close this and get it posted.
We leave here tomorrow at 11:00 AM and arrive back in Lima about 12:15 PM.
Talk to you later.
Dr D and Marilyn
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Arequipa: Saturday and Sunday
Wow! A clean city! Clean air! No motocars (motorcycle taxi)! 3,000 Volcanoes – 3 Active! Mountains tops with snow! A Free Day to Rest!
Saturday evening we had a service at Communidad Caristmatica Arequipa, with pastor William Arteaga. They have an attendance of over 500 with a service on Saturday evening, and then on Sunday at 8, 10,12, and 2. This is due to the small auditorium they have at this time. The pastor preaches at three on Sunday and his wife at the other. They also have 300 churches scattered over Peru.
This was our first meeting with Pastor Arteaga who is the pastor of Hector Carpio, the pastor of Escuela Biblica Corazon En Fuego in a suburb of Lima. Hector is also an engineer and was the engineer on the building project Life Church did at Jicarmarca for the Hodges. This service opened the door for further ministry with a special invitation to return in November to help them celebrate their new building.
Sunday morning we were with our host, Pastor Martin Orlando at Iglesia Communidad Christian La Vina. He is the regional coordinator for Pacto De Vida Universidad. And then Sunday evening we were with Iglesia Buenas Asambleas de Dior and pastor Armando Castillo and his congregation.
I do not know about the quality of the sermon by the preacher in these services, but I do know that the Spirit of the Lord was present and there was a flowing of the Holy Spirit upon the people for healing and release from bondage.
This blog is short. Why? Probably because the mind of the author is tired or it is because he is rushed with time to prepare it so we can depart for the day of looking at the city and getting to the Cusco Coffee Shop for some Java – doctored of course – and the internet to post the latest events.
Peru is fast opening many many doors for ministry. So many it will be very difficult to meet all the requests for return visits or to go to the cities in which the pastors we have met have other pastoral relationships and desire for us to meet and share in the churches there.
God bless,
Dr D and Marilyn
Saturday evening we had a service at Communidad Caristmatica Arequipa, with pastor William Arteaga. They have an attendance of over 500 with a service on Saturday evening, and then on Sunday at 8, 10,12, and 2. This is due to the small auditorium they have at this time. The pastor preaches at three on Sunday and his wife at the other. They also have 300 churches scattered over Peru.
This was our first meeting with Pastor Arteaga who is the pastor of Hector Carpio, the pastor of Escuela Biblica Corazon En Fuego in a suburb of Lima. Hector is also an engineer and was the engineer on the building project Life Church did at Jicarmarca for the Hodges. This service opened the door for further ministry with a special invitation to return in November to help them celebrate their new building.
Sunday morning we were with our host, Pastor Martin Orlando at Iglesia Communidad Christian La Vina. He is the regional coordinator for Pacto De Vida Universidad. And then Sunday evening we were with Iglesia Buenas Asambleas de Dior and pastor Armando Castillo and his congregation.
I do not know about the quality of the sermon by the preacher in these services, but I do know that the Spirit of the Lord was present and there was a flowing of the Holy Spirit upon the people for healing and release from bondage.
This blog is short. Why? Probably because the mind of the author is tired or it is because he is rushed with time to prepare it so we can depart for the day of looking at the city and getting to the Cusco Coffee Shop for some Java – doctored of course – and the internet to post the latest events.
Peru is fast opening many many doors for ministry. So many it will be very difficult to meet all the requests for return visits or to go to the cities in which the pastors we have met have other pastoral relationships and desire for us to meet and share in the churches there.
God bless,
Dr D and Marilyn
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Chincha Final Service and then the Bagua - Jaen Ministry:
Our final service in Chincha was with Pastor Honorato Martinez and the Apostolic Temple Assemblies of God. It was a special time because we were able to spend time with Maria Ysabel Martinez, the pastor of Iglesia Vida in Chincha. Because the building in which they were meeting was condemned by the government due to the earthquake, the people are only meeting in cell groups and are being shepherded by her sister and husband in Chincha Ica.
However she is in the process of establishing Iglesia Vida in Chincha (not Chincha Ica) on the property owned by her father. They will be meeting in a garage. At this time she is assisting her father with Pacto de Vida Universidad. They have a second round of students for the second year who will be completing their sessions in the next couple of months. The first year students have been waiting for them so they can all be together in the second year studies. AND, they have another group ready to start their first year of studies.
Pastor Honorato and Maria Ysabel have also helped to start two other schools in their area and will also be taking it into the jungle area in which they have been establishing a ministry.
We returned home about 12:30 AM on Monday, slept, unpacked and re-packed for our trip to the Bagua - Jaen area. This is about 800 miles south of the equator and is in the area adjacent to the jungle. It is also the very region in which a rebellion against a government edict erupted about 3-4 weeks ago. The government had established a curfew of 3:00 PM, then 6:00 PM, then 7:00 and finally 9:00. They had just removed the curfew a couple of days before we were scheduled to go – and so we embarked on the journey.
Maybe I ought to speak about the rebellion. The area indigenous people had rebelled against a government decision to allow other countries to mine valuable minerals in the area without the consent of those who live there. They have a very strong tie to their ancestors and the land upon which they lived. So they massed and marched against the police and in their area as a protest. Fearing what may happen the police called Lima and were told to shoot the protestors. They began firing and when it was all over, 12 policemen were dead and the indigenous people say over 200 of their people are missing. Witnesses say helicopters dropped the bodies in the river to cover-up the number of deaths. So you can see the situation is settled because the government rescind their edict and they are currently in negotiations but there is still an undercurrent in the indigenous community.
Tragically, the aftermath can be more devastating than the original shootings. The local people who protested have a 6 month mourning period and if they are unable to adjust it is common for them to take their own lives. Already 4 have committed suicide and more are expected. The pastors are very concerned and desire to reach out to those families.
Our path led us right by the police station where all of this took place. It was a strange site to behold.
We traveled 12 hours by bus – a very pleasant 12 hours in first class seats like the airplanes have with 2 meals from 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM to Chiclayo. Then we caught a taxi to take us to the “transportation station where we rented a car along with two others – that meant five of us in, plus the driver, in a Toyota station wagon meant for a maximum of five. The three of us sat in the rear and the other two had the glorious privilege of setting in one bucket seat for over five hours.
The journey took us up over a section of the Andes Mountains to a height of about 6,500 feet which wound up and down with some very scary curves and drop offs along with some sections of the road that had fallen away due to the impact of the river that ran parallel the majority of the way. Now then, put a “Mario Andretti want-to-be” (the race car driver) behind the wheel with tires that are slick on the outside due to the continuous curves. Add to that the fact that much of the time he was on the left side of the road attempting to or at least getting around the drives ahead of us. Put hair-pin curves one after the other into the picture. Place herds of goats on the road, people on the road, speed-bumps and then areas designed to allow the water to cross the road with a down and up again shape. What else? Drivers like ours coming the other way.
Then go around one curve and see a tanker truck over-turned on a curve and the diesel fuel cascading out of the tank and running parallel to the road down hill with vehicles belching their exhaust with the potential of a fire looming.
Scarred? NO! Why? Because I knew this was God’s time for me to make this journey after four years of promise. But my left shoulder did get sore holding onto the car door – with the window open so I would avoid falling into the lap of Marco who was privileged to sit in the middle of the back seat.
We arrived, checked into our hotel and were then taken to the pastor’s house for suppler. The star of the evening meal was “Mr. Rooster.” He thought he was tough in the yard and I agree and will add that he was tough in the “mouth” as well. But that is what he deserves, because he is now in the “ministry.” As we were completing supper the pastor informed me that I would be eating fish for breakfast and “Guinea Pig” for lunch. Now try sleeping knowing what was facing you the next day.
We had a great service with a congregation that was very receptive to the Word. Many were still not willing to venture out because of the recent events, but we still had a good representation with the faithful who did make it.
The “Guinea Pig” day arrived – of course after beginning it with fish, rice, potato, and yucca – and I must not forget that with the rice you have an option of onions soaked in vinegar to place on the rice. I did! I ate! I was satisfied and well-pleased with the fish and the taste. It comes in second on my all-time overseas fish meals!
Then it was on to a meeting with the pastor, his son and some Pacto De Vida Students. It was question and answer time. It was motivation time! And it was very inspiring as the students shared the impact of their studies on their life as a believer.
One student told of how her faith was built to believe God would heal her brother who could not walk and was facing surgery. He now walks and the doctor said he would not need surgery. Another shared how their studies have challenged them to consider the a ministry in the Church. The pastor stated he would rather give up his position in the denomination he held than give up Pacto De Vida.
Then it was on to attack and master “Mr. Guinea Pig!” My portion was the back half! It was fried crispy. It WAS tasty. It did have one piece that was “chewy” and so I hid it under the bones. All-in-all, I have to say, “It was good!” But I must learn to say that after leaving the table, because the pastor’s wife heard me and brought me another piece, which to be an appreciative guest, I downed with smiles. Yes, I will eat it again when offered. But not for dinner the next day as it was suggested by the pastor, who had said he would have the pastor in Jaen fix one for me.
The journey from Bagua Grande to Jaen was only one hour again with five riders and the driver. The road took us up in altitude and so the ride was more pleasant temperature wise and we arrived in time to catch a three hour nap before the evening service which turned out to be a BIG blessing.
Our host for Jaen was the pastor of a Pentecostal Nazarene Church. I wondered what was going to happen and how this mix would play itself out. I sat in the rear of the Church waiting on the people and the Apostle to arrive and watch what happened when they entered. All would kneel just inside the door and pray, then many made their way to the altar in the front and began to pray for the service. Even the little children would kneel and pray. My thoughts began to run wild as to what would happen in the service.
The worship began with a “golden oldie” – How Great Thou Art – in a slow but loud tone. A leader came forward and prayed. Then a different leader began to lead them in choruses. Interesting I thought. Then they “got with it” in the next two choruses and the clapping moved all over the house. The pastor (I would tell you his name but I do not have it written down and therefore I cannot spell it) introduced me. I greeted the people and shared about the plans for additional classes. I announced my message title and noticed the pastor almost stand. I stopped and called him over and asked if I was to preach the Word, he indicated that I was to go ahead and told me I had 40 minutes. No problem! I did and I made the time limit! I was shouted and clapped over several times and I had a great time – as a “former Nazarene youth” (you did not know that did you?)
When I finished the pastor and a worship leader came forward, moved the pulpit out of the way (it was on the floor in the altar area), made sure the mic cord was also out of the way. Then things began to escalate. The worship picked up, hands were raised, tears began to flow and immediately one lady began to “dance”. It was a dance like I have never seen. It was almost a slight jumping up and down like a “jack-hammer”. I looked around and many were beginning to do the same. That lady constantly for 50 minutes moved around, up and down like a fast “jack-hammer” and with her eyes shut never touched another person even though 30 or more others arrived doing the same dance. One man arrived from the back having “jack-hammered” all the way down the isle and into the altar space.
It was evident that this was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. I watched this in amazement and blessed the Lord that a Nazarene pastor was baptized in the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, found out all that was available through this baptism and refused to deny the experience and led his people forward even though he was officially removed from his mother organization. I do not say this to bring any discredit to the Nazarene Church. I have a deep appreciation for it but I do thank God for the position taken by this pastor. And I do have video of the worship time.
The next morning, Thursday, we met with six pastors and repeated our remarks about Pacto De Vida and again answered questions. Their major request was, how soon will you finish all four years and do you have any teaching available on worship and to assist musicians. Then do you have teaching available in any other field that will help the people of the Church, like teaching and then they hit me: Do you have any teaching or material available to help people grow food, purify water and to learn new trades that would be effective here in Peru. I cannot begin to tell you how this hit me and how their remarks of appreciation for the college hit me.
I can only summarize it with: Finally, someone cares for those of us who live away from the big cities and cannot receive Biblical education. Thank God for Pacto De Vida Universidad!
We hit the road again, with the same driver we had from Chiclayo to Bagua Grande from Jaen to Chiclayo and arrived just in time to place our bags in the hands of the clerk, grab a 15 minute chicken dinner and get on the bus for our 12 hour trip back to Lima. Oh, did I tell you that it takes almost two hours to get from the bus station to the outskirts of Lima? And it took one and one-half hours for me to get from the bus station to Jicamarca, Marilyn and the Hodges.
Saturday, tomorrow, we fly to Arequipa for four services in four days with one day of rest.
Keep checking for up-dated blogs. I will get them on line when I can.
God bless,
Dr D and Marilyn
However she is in the process of establishing Iglesia Vida in Chincha (not Chincha Ica) on the property owned by her father. They will be meeting in a garage. At this time she is assisting her father with Pacto de Vida Universidad. They have a second round of students for the second year who will be completing their sessions in the next couple of months. The first year students have been waiting for them so they can all be together in the second year studies. AND, they have another group ready to start their first year of studies.
Pastor Honorato and Maria Ysabel have also helped to start two other schools in their area and will also be taking it into the jungle area in which they have been establishing a ministry.
We returned home about 12:30 AM on Monday, slept, unpacked and re-packed for our trip to the Bagua - Jaen area. This is about 800 miles south of the equator and is in the area adjacent to the jungle. It is also the very region in which a rebellion against a government edict erupted about 3-4 weeks ago. The government had established a curfew of 3:00 PM, then 6:00 PM, then 7:00 and finally 9:00. They had just removed the curfew a couple of days before we were scheduled to go – and so we embarked on the journey.
Maybe I ought to speak about the rebellion. The area indigenous people had rebelled against a government decision to allow other countries to mine valuable minerals in the area without the consent of those who live there. They have a very strong tie to their ancestors and the land upon which they lived. So they massed and marched against the police and in their area as a protest. Fearing what may happen the police called Lima and were told to shoot the protestors. They began firing and when it was all over, 12 policemen were dead and the indigenous people say over 200 of their people are missing. Witnesses say helicopters dropped the bodies in the river to cover-up the number of deaths. So you can see the situation is settled because the government rescind their edict and they are currently in negotiations but there is still an undercurrent in the indigenous community.
Tragically, the aftermath can be more devastating than the original shootings. The local people who protested have a 6 month mourning period and if they are unable to adjust it is common for them to take their own lives. Already 4 have committed suicide and more are expected. The pastors are very concerned and desire to reach out to those families.
Our path led us right by the police station where all of this took place. It was a strange site to behold.
We traveled 12 hours by bus – a very pleasant 12 hours in first class seats like the airplanes have with 2 meals from 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM to Chiclayo. Then we caught a taxi to take us to the “transportation station where we rented a car along with two others – that meant five of us in, plus the driver, in a Toyota station wagon meant for a maximum of five. The three of us sat in the rear and the other two had the glorious privilege of setting in one bucket seat for over five hours.
The journey took us up over a section of the Andes Mountains to a height of about 6,500 feet which wound up and down with some very scary curves and drop offs along with some sections of the road that had fallen away due to the impact of the river that ran parallel the majority of the way. Now then, put a “Mario Andretti want-to-be” (the race car driver) behind the wheel with tires that are slick on the outside due to the continuous curves. Add to that the fact that much of the time he was on the left side of the road attempting to or at least getting around the drives ahead of us. Put hair-pin curves one after the other into the picture. Place herds of goats on the road, people on the road, speed-bumps and then areas designed to allow the water to cross the road with a down and up again shape. What else? Drivers like ours coming the other way.
Then go around one curve and see a tanker truck over-turned on a curve and the diesel fuel cascading out of the tank and running parallel to the road down hill with vehicles belching their exhaust with the potential of a fire looming.
Scarred? NO! Why? Because I knew this was God’s time for me to make this journey after four years of promise. But my left shoulder did get sore holding onto the car door – with the window open so I would avoid falling into the lap of Marco who was privileged to sit in the middle of the back seat.
We arrived, checked into our hotel and were then taken to the pastor’s house for suppler. The star of the evening meal was “Mr. Rooster.” He thought he was tough in the yard and I agree and will add that he was tough in the “mouth” as well. But that is what he deserves, because he is now in the “ministry.” As we were completing supper the pastor informed me that I would be eating fish for breakfast and “Guinea Pig” for lunch. Now try sleeping knowing what was facing you the next day.
We had a great service with a congregation that was very receptive to the Word. Many were still not willing to venture out because of the recent events, but we still had a good representation with the faithful who did make it.
The “Guinea Pig” day arrived – of course after beginning it with fish, rice, potato, and yucca – and I must not forget that with the rice you have an option of onions soaked in vinegar to place on the rice. I did! I ate! I was satisfied and well-pleased with the fish and the taste. It comes in second on my all-time overseas fish meals!
Then it was on to a meeting with the pastor, his son and some Pacto De Vida Students. It was question and answer time. It was motivation time! And it was very inspiring as the students shared the impact of their studies on their life as a believer.
One student told of how her faith was built to believe God would heal her brother who could not walk and was facing surgery. He now walks and the doctor said he would not need surgery. Another shared how their studies have challenged them to consider the a ministry in the Church. The pastor stated he would rather give up his position in the denomination he held than give up Pacto De Vida.
Then it was on to attack and master “Mr. Guinea Pig!” My portion was the back half! It was fried crispy. It WAS tasty. It did have one piece that was “chewy” and so I hid it under the bones. All-in-all, I have to say, “It was good!” But I must learn to say that after leaving the table, because the pastor’s wife heard me and brought me another piece, which to be an appreciative guest, I downed with smiles. Yes, I will eat it again when offered. But not for dinner the next day as it was suggested by the pastor, who had said he would have the pastor in Jaen fix one for me.
The journey from Bagua Grande to Jaen was only one hour again with five riders and the driver. The road took us up in altitude and so the ride was more pleasant temperature wise and we arrived in time to catch a three hour nap before the evening service which turned out to be a BIG blessing.
Our host for Jaen was the pastor of a Pentecostal Nazarene Church. I wondered what was going to happen and how this mix would play itself out. I sat in the rear of the Church waiting on the people and the Apostle to arrive and watch what happened when they entered. All would kneel just inside the door and pray, then many made their way to the altar in the front and began to pray for the service. Even the little children would kneel and pray. My thoughts began to run wild as to what would happen in the service.
The worship began with a “golden oldie” – How Great Thou Art – in a slow but loud tone. A leader came forward and prayed. Then a different leader began to lead them in choruses. Interesting I thought. Then they “got with it” in the next two choruses and the clapping moved all over the house. The pastor (I would tell you his name but I do not have it written down and therefore I cannot spell it) introduced me. I greeted the people and shared about the plans for additional classes. I announced my message title and noticed the pastor almost stand. I stopped and called him over and asked if I was to preach the Word, he indicated that I was to go ahead and told me I had 40 minutes. No problem! I did and I made the time limit! I was shouted and clapped over several times and I had a great time – as a “former Nazarene youth” (you did not know that did you?)
When I finished the pastor and a worship leader came forward, moved the pulpit out of the way (it was on the floor in the altar area), made sure the mic cord was also out of the way. Then things began to escalate. The worship picked up, hands were raised, tears began to flow and immediately one lady began to “dance”. It was a dance like I have never seen. It was almost a slight jumping up and down like a “jack-hammer”. I looked around and many were beginning to do the same. That lady constantly for 50 minutes moved around, up and down like a fast “jack-hammer” and with her eyes shut never touched another person even though 30 or more others arrived doing the same dance. One man arrived from the back having “jack-hammered” all the way down the isle and into the altar space.
It was evident that this was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. I watched this in amazement and blessed the Lord that a Nazarene pastor was baptized in the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, found out all that was available through this baptism and refused to deny the experience and led his people forward even though he was officially removed from his mother organization. I do not say this to bring any discredit to the Nazarene Church. I have a deep appreciation for it but I do thank God for the position taken by this pastor. And I do have video of the worship time.
The next morning, Thursday, we met with six pastors and repeated our remarks about Pacto De Vida and again answered questions. Their major request was, how soon will you finish all four years and do you have any teaching available on worship and to assist musicians. Then do you have teaching available in any other field that will help the people of the Church, like teaching and then they hit me: Do you have any teaching or material available to help people grow food, purify water and to learn new trades that would be effective here in Peru. I cannot begin to tell you how this hit me and how their remarks of appreciation for the college hit me.
I can only summarize it with: Finally, someone cares for those of us who live away from the big cities and cannot receive Biblical education. Thank God for Pacto De Vida Universidad!
We hit the road again, with the same driver we had from Chiclayo to Bagua Grande from Jaen to Chiclayo and arrived just in time to place our bags in the hands of the clerk, grab a 15 minute chicken dinner and get on the bus for our 12 hour trip back to Lima. Oh, did I tell you that it takes almost two hours to get from the bus station to the outskirts of Lima? And it took one and one-half hours for me to get from the bus station to Jicamarca, Marilyn and the Hodges.
Saturday, tomorrow, we fly to Arequipa for four services in four days with one day of rest.
Keep checking for up-dated blogs. I will get them on line when I can.
God bless,
Dr D and Marilyn
Sunday, June 21, 2009
HOUSE OF GOD - CHINCHA, PERU AND MORE
The ministry for this trip has started with a “bang!”
I had a meeting with Pastor Carlos de la Cruz at 5:00 before his evening service at 7:00. His request was that he had investigated our ministry and wanted to submit his life and ministry as well as that of the church he pastored - The House of God - to us. He poured his heart out and after setting forth some requirements and expectations we agreed to begin the walk together.
At 7:00 we arrived at the Church building, which earlier that day had been flooded because a water main had broken a couple of houses away. The people had worked very hard to take care of the situation and it was “spic-n-span” with the music already underway – the sounds of which echoed in our ears as we crawled out of the car.
David Hodges got a good work out as my interpreter and the announcement to the people of the new relationship was greeted with great applause and appreciation. This was announced after the sermon so apparently the message did not scare them away.
We were not able to retire to our hotel room until we had engaged our stomachs with some rotisserie chicken, some fries and well we just “forgot” the fresh salad in order to prevent stomach problems from developing. Midnight approached before we were able to lay our heads on our pillows and call it a day.
But in the meantime much to my chagrin I discovered a communication error had created a problem for Sunday morning. Neither Marco nor I had contacted the pastor of Emanuel Church regarding a service and then we discovered that his service was an evening service – which time was already booked. So what do you do?
We called him this morning and set up a time to meet – 10:00 AM for fellowship. The fellowship lasted almost 5 hours. We were able to see how much of their property had been redeveloped since the earthquake of 07 – which had destroyed all but their Church building. And he showed me the sewer work they had accomplished. It is almost complete, with the exception of about 10% which involves the final connection of two areas of their restroom facilities. They are very grateful for the $3,000 Life Church sent to provide the connection so the school children would be protected from a bad sewage situation.
Our conversation lasted and led us into an invitation to enjoy chicken soup – with vegetables, pasta, fried egg and even the feet of the chicken. It was tasty and I was not given the feet. That was reserved for the pastor’s wife and I gave thanks for her desire to have the privilege of eating them.
We are now sitting in our room attempting to rest and get ready for the evening service. Then a three hour ride home, a short day tomorrow with preparation to depart for Bagua and Jaen in the jungle area about 800 miles south of the equator and HOT weather. AND it is a 12 hour bus ride before we then take a taxi for couple of hours to reach our first appointment.
An interesting development transpired during our meeting with Pastor Escalante. He mentioned a pastor friend, a well-known musician who was originally from Lima. It was an interesting conversation because both Maro and David were acquainted with him either personally or through mutual friends. He has been isolated due to a rebellion within the leadership of a church he pastored. That was several years ago and since that time he has been isolated and has moved to a jungle area to attempt to begin anew. He has a strong desire to submit his ministry to leadership he can trust – this is what we were told.
So we made arrangements for him to take a bus and meet us in Bagua – a 10 hour ride for him but it was a 23 hour trip for us if we were to go to him. So he and his wife will meet us for a time of sharing and seeing if our visions and goals are the same. Another door through which to walk and see what God is saying.
It is interesting how God changes plans, opens and shuts doors.
Please keep praying,
Dr D
I had a meeting with Pastor Carlos de la Cruz at 5:00 before his evening service at 7:00. His request was that he had investigated our ministry and wanted to submit his life and ministry as well as that of the church he pastored - The House of God - to us. He poured his heart out and after setting forth some requirements and expectations we agreed to begin the walk together.
At 7:00 we arrived at the Church building, which earlier that day had been flooded because a water main had broken a couple of houses away. The people had worked very hard to take care of the situation and it was “spic-n-span” with the music already underway – the sounds of which echoed in our ears as we crawled out of the car.
David Hodges got a good work out as my interpreter and the announcement to the people of the new relationship was greeted with great applause and appreciation. This was announced after the sermon so apparently the message did not scare them away.
We were not able to retire to our hotel room until we had engaged our stomachs with some rotisserie chicken, some fries and well we just “forgot” the fresh salad in order to prevent stomach problems from developing. Midnight approached before we were able to lay our heads on our pillows and call it a day.
But in the meantime much to my chagrin I discovered a communication error had created a problem for Sunday morning. Neither Marco nor I had contacted the pastor of Emanuel Church regarding a service and then we discovered that his service was an evening service – which time was already booked. So what do you do?
We called him this morning and set up a time to meet – 10:00 AM for fellowship. The fellowship lasted almost 5 hours. We were able to see how much of their property had been redeveloped since the earthquake of 07 – which had destroyed all but their Church building. And he showed me the sewer work they had accomplished. It is almost complete, with the exception of about 10% which involves the final connection of two areas of their restroom facilities. They are very grateful for the $3,000 Life Church sent to provide the connection so the school children would be protected from a bad sewage situation.
Our conversation lasted and led us into an invitation to enjoy chicken soup – with vegetables, pasta, fried egg and even the feet of the chicken. It was tasty and I was not given the feet. That was reserved for the pastor’s wife and I gave thanks for her desire to have the privilege of eating them.
We are now sitting in our room attempting to rest and get ready for the evening service. Then a three hour ride home, a short day tomorrow with preparation to depart for Bagua and Jaen in the jungle area about 800 miles south of the equator and HOT weather. AND it is a 12 hour bus ride before we then take a taxi for couple of hours to reach our first appointment.
An interesting development transpired during our meeting with Pastor Escalante. He mentioned a pastor friend, a well-known musician who was originally from Lima. It was an interesting conversation because both Maro and David were acquainted with him either personally or through mutual friends. He has been isolated due to a rebellion within the leadership of a church he pastored. That was several years ago and since that time he has been isolated and has moved to a jungle area to attempt to begin anew. He has a strong desire to submit his ministry to leadership he can trust – this is what we were told.
So we made arrangements for him to take a bus and meet us in Bagua – a 10 hour ride for him but it was a 23 hour trip for us if we were to go to him. So he and his wife will meet us for a time of sharing and seeing if our visions and goals are the same. Another door through which to walk and see what God is saying.
It is interesting how God changes plans, opens and shuts doors.
Please keep praying,
Dr D
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Greetings from Peru:
I am currently standing at the little refrigerator in my hotel room – The Columbus Hotel – in Chincha, Peru. Why am I standing here? Because it is the only potential “desk” in my room and I discovered that I had WiFi and could get on line.
We had a “great start” to this trip!!!!
The weather in Ft Myers, delayed us departing RSW until 9:18 PM – almost 3 hours later than scheduled. We arrived in Miami with a blessing! We were just 2 minutes away from our departing gate for Lima. That was a life saver. And then our flight to Lima was delayed due to bad weather that delayed arrival of the airplane from New York. We finally pulled away from the gate about 1:00 AM and arrived in Lima about 5:45 AM. – that is 6:45 AM Florida time.
Let me tell you something though! The flight between Ft. Myers and Miami was something else. I have never been on a flight that was so rough. The turbulence gave you impression of being at Disney World on a Roller Coaster – which I hate! It was so bad that the stewardess said it was the worst she has ever been on in the four years she has been with American Airlines.
Our arrival in Lima greeted us with a test of the favor of God. We got a “red light” after we had gathered our baggage. Now let me tell you what that means. You send all your baggage through their screening process and they can assess you any charges they decide from what they see in your bags. We were loaded with potential “charges”.
We had three cell phones for people in Peru. We had high definition camera and accessories. We had our bags stuffed with “goodies” from “food” to “tools” for David and Ceci and the boys. And we had two brand new pumps for their water system. And then you add on the electronics I carry and ... let me finish this section – we made it through this process with only minimal questions and approval from the lady to go ahead and get our bags and depart.
So again the “favor of the Lord” was granted and we smiling walked through the doors to be greeted by David Hodges and Marco Aroni and made our way to the van to take the trip to Jicamarca.
Now we had aroused ourselves from sleep at about 6:00 am (me) and 5:00 - Marilyn. So we had no sleep except for a few “winks” on the airplane. But there was no sleep available because we were to meet a missionary from Baton Rouge, Louisiana for breakfast at David’s house. We made the next to the last turn in the road to go up to the Hodges and were told by Marco that our guest for breakfast was in the vehicle behind us – that was at 8:00 AM here (remember that Peru is one hour behind Ft. Myers.)
We took our bags in and prepared to eat and fellowship. Eventually, about 11:30 AM we were able to lay our bodies down to see if we could catch some shut-eye.
I thought I’d never get to sleep so I took a Tylenol PM. It took affect but the calf of my left leg awakened me with a jolt. But how do you get out of bed quickly when you are sleeping on the top bunk? Carefully and with great pain. I finally got down, walked the cramp out and crawled back into the upper story. I heard Marilyn’s voice about 4:30 PM calling me to supper. As I started to move to get out I felt another sharp pain hit my left leg and here I was – in great pain and still up in the air.
I knew what the problem was. I need to eat some bananas. Why? Because past experiences told me that I was low on potassium and that if I ate a couple of bananas I would be okay. Fortunately, Rosita, Ceci’s niece was headed from town out to Jicamarca and at 9:30 PM we were able to make contact with her just as the cab she was in was passing a fruit stand. She arrived about 45 minutes later and I gulped down a couple and headed back downstairs to bed.
We rolled out of bed this morning at about 7:00 and began the process of locating all of our belongings so we would know where they were and the call to breakfast (after a shower) stopped the process which we finished after eating pancakes, drinking some fresh banana and some papaya juice.
My schedule called for me to be ready to leave Jicamarca at 10:00 for Chincha and a meeting with a pastor who has requested that we become his spiritual covering and then ministry in his church this evening and on Sunday we are at Emanuel International Pentecostal Holiness Church and in the evening at Templo Apostolico Assemblies of God – which was the first Church to open Pacto de Vida University (Covenant Life University) in Peru.
So here I am preparing this blog and knowing that I have a meeting with Pastor Carlos sometime between 5:00 and 5:30.
Anyway, you now know the process of how we got here and what happened.
Remember: Due to the lack of internet contact, there may be a few days between the posting of new blogs, so you will just have to check and see if we were able to accomplish the feat.
For those of you who are on Face Book, Marco Aroni will be posting some up-dates in short fashion that may keep you alert to what is happening and where we are.
Oh yes – Marilyn will be spending the majority of her time with the Hodges and will only be going with me to Arequipa the last part of this week.
God bless and remember us in your prayers.
We had a “great start” to this trip!!!!
The weather in Ft Myers, delayed us departing RSW until 9:18 PM – almost 3 hours later than scheduled. We arrived in Miami with a blessing! We were just 2 minutes away from our departing gate for Lima. That was a life saver. And then our flight to Lima was delayed due to bad weather that delayed arrival of the airplane from New York. We finally pulled away from the gate about 1:00 AM and arrived in Lima about 5:45 AM. – that is 6:45 AM Florida time.
Let me tell you something though! The flight between Ft. Myers and Miami was something else. I have never been on a flight that was so rough. The turbulence gave you impression of being at Disney World on a Roller Coaster – which I hate! It was so bad that the stewardess said it was the worst she has ever been on in the four years she has been with American Airlines.
Our arrival in Lima greeted us with a test of the favor of God. We got a “red light” after we had gathered our baggage. Now let me tell you what that means. You send all your baggage through their screening process and they can assess you any charges they decide from what they see in your bags. We were loaded with potential “charges”.
We had three cell phones for people in Peru. We had high definition camera and accessories. We had our bags stuffed with “goodies” from “food” to “tools” for David and Ceci and the boys. And we had two brand new pumps for their water system. And then you add on the electronics I carry and ... let me finish this section – we made it through this process with only minimal questions and approval from the lady to go ahead and get our bags and depart.
So again the “favor of the Lord” was granted and we smiling walked through the doors to be greeted by David Hodges and Marco Aroni and made our way to the van to take the trip to Jicamarca.
Now we had aroused ourselves from sleep at about 6:00 am (me) and 5:00 - Marilyn. So we had no sleep except for a few “winks” on the airplane. But there was no sleep available because we were to meet a missionary from Baton Rouge, Louisiana for breakfast at David’s house. We made the next to the last turn in the road to go up to the Hodges and were told by Marco that our guest for breakfast was in the vehicle behind us – that was at 8:00 AM here (remember that Peru is one hour behind Ft. Myers.)
We took our bags in and prepared to eat and fellowship. Eventually, about 11:30 AM we were able to lay our bodies down to see if we could catch some shut-eye.
I thought I’d never get to sleep so I took a Tylenol PM. It took affect but the calf of my left leg awakened me with a jolt. But how do you get out of bed quickly when you are sleeping on the top bunk? Carefully and with great pain. I finally got down, walked the cramp out and crawled back into the upper story. I heard Marilyn’s voice about 4:30 PM calling me to supper. As I started to move to get out I felt another sharp pain hit my left leg and here I was – in great pain and still up in the air.
I knew what the problem was. I need to eat some bananas. Why? Because past experiences told me that I was low on potassium and that if I ate a couple of bananas I would be okay. Fortunately, Rosita, Ceci’s niece was headed from town out to Jicamarca and at 9:30 PM we were able to make contact with her just as the cab she was in was passing a fruit stand. She arrived about 45 minutes later and I gulped down a couple and headed back downstairs to bed.
We rolled out of bed this morning at about 7:00 and began the process of locating all of our belongings so we would know where they were and the call to breakfast (after a shower) stopped the process which we finished after eating pancakes, drinking some fresh banana and some papaya juice.
My schedule called for me to be ready to leave Jicamarca at 10:00 for Chincha and a meeting with a pastor who has requested that we become his spiritual covering and then ministry in his church this evening and on Sunday we are at Emanuel International Pentecostal Holiness Church and in the evening at Templo Apostolico Assemblies of God – which was the first Church to open Pacto de Vida University (Covenant Life University) in Peru.
So here I am preparing this blog and knowing that I have a meeting with Pastor Carlos sometime between 5:00 and 5:30.
Anyway, you now know the process of how we got here and what happened.
Remember: Due to the lack of internet contact, there may be a few days between the posting of new blogs, so you will just have to check and see if we were able to accomplish the feat.
For those of you who are on Face Book, Marco Aroni will be posting some up-dates in short fashion that may keep you alert to what is happening and where we are.
Oh yes – Marilyn will be spending the majority of her time with the Hodges and will only be going with me to Arequipa the last part of this week.
God bless and remember us in your prayers.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
OUR LAST DAY - BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS WATERS!
Today we departed at 8:30 – well really 9:00 Latino Time – and made a stop at Dunkin Donuts for some breakfast. Now don’t sweat it mothers, your children can get back on the “proper foods” when they are back under your protective wings. But they sure enjoyed the breakfast and it was fast too!
We picked up one more interpreter and headed back to the mountain where we had been on Thursday. And on the way we also picked up Ephraim, a Honduran we made friends with on Thursday. We had stopped at his house and he allowed us to go through his property down to the river. We had such a good time with him that Roman, our driver asked him to go with us on up the mountain and show us where to find the swinging bridge and the zip lin across the valley. He found it and we found it. We ZIPPED ACROSS THE GORGE, THREE AND FOUR at a time. Fun! And for only about 9 dollars.
Then the swinging bridge! On the average about every 5th board was broken and you had to step across the open area to the next board. As you made the step you looked closely to be sure it wasn’t weak. We made it across and back without incident and also found some beautiful pools of water among the huge rocks and rapids. The trek to the bridge was like walking through a jungle on a well worn path for humans and for water that cascades down the hill during the rainy season.
We stopped at Ephraim’s house on the way down and ate our “peanut butter and jelly” sandwiches, along with potato chips, some brownies, some Pepsi, or water and then the students headed down to the river for some water activity. What kind of activity? I am not sure but they returned about one and one-half hours later wet, tired and ready to return to our abode – and of course the internet.
So here we are sitting in the internet establishment while our room cools so we can shower, pack and then go out and eat our last “typical Honduran meal” before leaving at 6:30 AM for the airport and the start of our return to Ft. Myers.
It has been a good trip, full of ministry to youth and children as well as those adults in the retirement home.
So now we prepare to retire to Ft. Myers, and seeing you.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D & Marilyn, Cody, Katie, Stacie, and Lindsay
We picked up one more interpreter and headed back to the mountain where we had been on Thursday. And on the way we also picked up Ephraim, a Honduran we made friends with on Thursday. We had stopped at his house and he allowed us to go through his property down to the river. We had such a good time with him that Roman, our driver asked him to go with us on up the mountain and show us where to find the swinging bridge and the zip lin across the valley. He found it and we found it. We ZIPPED ACROSS THE GORGE, THREE AND FOUR at a time. Fun! And for only about 9 dollars.
Then the swinging bridge! On the average about every 5th board was broken and you had to step across the open area to the next board. As you made the step you looked closely to be sure it wasn’t weak. We made it across and back without incident and also found some beautiful pools of water among the huge rocks and rapids. The trek to the bridge was like walking through a jungle on a well worn path for humans and for water that cascades down the hill during the rainy season.
We stopped at Ephraim’s house on the way down and ate our “peanut butter and jelly” sandwiches, along with potato chips, some brownies, some Pepsi, or water and then the students headed down to the river for some water activity. What kind of activity? I am not sure but they returned about one and one-half hours later wet, tired and ready to return to our abode – and of course the internet.
So here we are sitting in the internet establishment while our room cools so we can shower, pack and then go out and eat our last “typical Honduran meal” before leaving at 6:30 AM for the airport and the start of our return to Ft. Myers.
It has been a good trip, full of ministry to youth and children as well as those adults in the retirement home.
So now we prepare to retire to Ft. Myers, and seeing you.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D & Marilyn, Cody, Katie, Stacie, and Lindsay
Monday, June 1, 2009
THREE DAYS , NO TWO REMAINING!
Saturday it had been arranged for the kids to go to the Dump with a group from the Church for a feeding program they do there. There was a lot of confusion, no ride, no interpreter, but they finally were able to make a connection and arrived late.
It is hard to describe people living at “The Dump.” The poverty is above anything this group had ever experienced. Some children arrived without any clothes on. These families existence is dependant on what they can find while digging through other’s garbage. There source of water for drinking, bathing, washing clothes all comes from the river. It is very sad.
Visiting such a place should be a life altering experience but it is all to easy to forget when we experience the conveniences of our life. Add to that the little things in life that rub us the wrong way or inconvenience us in some way to cause agitations. We are such a blessed people.
In the afternoon they went to a “Feed the Children” center that works with boys who have suffered abuse. We had no way of knowing that it would be young boys as well as teenagers and were ill-prepared with gifts to give them. The gospel was presented and that is the most important thing. It is touching to see our kids interacting with the kids and reaching out to them, not only with God’s love but their own as well.
On Sunday, Alfredo’s family took us to the river for a barbeque and time for the kids to play in the river. It is a very relaxing spot. Along the river, people have purchased small portions of land and built family picnic areas. The sound of the water on the rocks and the beauty of the place was relaxing. My husband and Katie both had time to nap in the hammock.
We had wonderful Honduran food and enjoyed a time of fellowship with Alfredo’s family and the mother of two of the Interpreters.
We got back into town and had just over an hour for all of us to take a shower and get ready for Church. We made it with time to spare!!
Katie danced at Church to the song “I’m Desperate for You.” The kids once again had service for the children. This is one place that has not had proper organization from the Church. Each time has been chaotic - with last night being the worst - but the kids survived and that’s a good thing. It is for children ages 2-8, and some of the children arrived as soon as the Worship service was completed and the rest arrived when the Pastor dismissed them during his message. That is enough for a major amount of confusion but added to that, they are not accustomed to having teaching so it was a chore to have order.
The Church has faced a big challenge in their move to this new location. It is a 30 minute drive from our location and could be more from other areas. The Church provides bus transportation but not everyone has taken advantage of it. This was only the third Sunday they have met there and was the largest crowd they have had. They have a strong cell ministry so they are not losing contact with the people that haven’t yet made the adjustment.
This morning the students are back to the school for handicapped children. When they were there last week they were invited to return. It was one of their favorite places to be so they were glad to be able to do it.
Each trip we take has it’s own “flavor.” Often times, it is hard to say “adios” because of the relationships they have made. This trip has not afforded those opportunities and they have not revisited many places so I think the “good byes” will be easier than in some years.
I’m not sure if we will have an opportunity to send another Blog, possibly, but if not, thanks for all your prayers. We have needed them with the challenges we have had this trip. Tomorrow is a day of relaxation with our three interpreters as we are going to take another drive up the mountain going beyond where we went on Thursday. Then, it is pack up, clean-up and getting ready to head home. Everyone is ready.
Marilyn
It is hard to describe people living at “The Dump.” The poverty is above anything this group had ever experienced. Some children arrived without any clothes on. These families existence is dependant on what they can find while digging through other’s garbage. There source of water for drinking, bathing, washing clothes all comes from the river. It is very sad.
Visiting such a place should be a life altering experience but it is all to easy to forget when we experience the conveniences of our life. Add to that the little things in life that rub us the wrong way or inconvenience us in some way to cause agitations. We are such a blessed people.
In the afternoon they went to a “Feed the Children” center that works with boys who have suffered abuse. We had no way of knowing that it would be young boys as well as teenagers and were ill-prepared with gifts to give them. The gospel was presented and that is the most important thing. It is touching to see our kids interacting with the kids and reaching out to them, not only with God’s love but their own as well.
On Sunday, Alfredo’s family took us to the river for a barbeque and time for the kids to play in the river. It is a very relaxing spot. Along the river, people have purchased small portions of land and built family picnic areas. The sound of the water on the rocks and the beauty of the place was relaxing. My husband and Katie both had time to nap in the hammock.
We had wonderful Honduran food and enjoyed a time of fellowship with Alfredo’s family and the mother of two of the Interpreters.
We got back into town and had just over an hour for all of us to take a shower and get ready for Church. We made it with time to spare!!
Katie danced at Church to the song “I’m Desperate for You.” The kids once again had service for the children. This is one place that has not had proper organization from the Church. Each time has been chaotic - with last night being the worst - but the kids survived and that’s a good thing. It is for children ages 2-8, and some of the children arrived as soon as the Worship service was completed and the rest arrived when the Pastor dismissed them during his message. That is enough for a major amount of confusion but added to that, they are not accustomed to having teaching so it was a chore to have order.
The Church has faced a big challenge in their move to this new location. It is a 30 minute drive from our location and could be more from other areas. The Church provides bus transportation but not everyone has taken advantage of it. This was only the third Sunday they have met there and was the largest crowd they have had. They have a strong cell ministry so they are not losing contact with the people that haven’t yet made the adjustment.
This morning the students are back to the school for handicapped children. When they were there last week they were invited to return. It was one of their favorite places to be so they were glad to be able to do it.
Each trip we take has it’s own “flavor.” Often times, it is hard to say “adios” because of the relationships they have made. This trip has not afforded those opportunities and they have not revisited many places so I think the “good byes” will be easier than in some years.
I’m not sure if we will have an opportunity to send another Blog, possibly, but if not, thanks for all your prayers. We have needed them with the challenges we have had this trip. Tomorrow is a day of relaxation with our three interpreters as we are going to take another drive up the mountain going beyond where we went on Thursday. Then, it is pack up, clean-up and getting ready to head home. Everyone is ready.
Marilyn
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