Saturday May 1 & Sunday May 2

Saturday, May 1st:
Hi everyone! Well our day was very impacting to say the least. We went to the woman’s orphanage where the oldest was 18 and the youngest was 13. All these girls had a children and were getting the help of these nuns. We had some people from Marco’s church come with us so all together there was about 19 of us that went to go and share something with the girls. There were 2 icebreakers, a skit, Dylon shared his testimony, Katie shared an encouraging word and danced. Dylon finished it off with the salvation message that we all put together and we gave them all the bracelets. After all of that we presented them with a small gift for them and their children. They were a quiet group through the whole presentation but at the end the sister of the orphanage asked if anyone had something to share with us, something that God had put on their heart about our visit. One girl came up and shared with us how although what we had talked about was something that she already knew it was good to have that reminder. How there are many times when they feel lonely or as if there is no hope but having us there just gave them some kind of hope back. She was very touched by what we had all shared.

Hello blog followers, it’s Katie. I’m going to wrap up the end of the day with what Mrs. Marilyn says is my “two sense”. So the girl’s name that shared at the orphanage was Gladis, she was only 17, and had a daughter who was 2yrs old. After our program Rosita and I stayed after talking with her, tears began to roll down her face as she began to talk to us and pour her heart out. I can’t express in words all that she had to say, except that she was mature beyond her years and has experienced God yet struggles in her present circumstance( being a Christian and a 17yr old mother living in a Convent, with no family to support her and her daughter of only 2yrs old). I was so glad to be able to encourage her with the Word and love on her and tell her God still does have a purpose for her life no matter what she may be dealing with at such a young age. She expressed such appreciation to all we had to say, Rosita and I both feel as though she is our sister, and told her we will keep her in prayer. Around 6:30 we headed back to the house, Rosita, Johvanna and I took a taxi to go pick up Papa John’s pizza for everyone and around 8pm David Hodges took us to the water park. This place was amazing, definitely not your typical Floridian water park. Although it was cold outside we couldn’t help but get in the water. Beautiful dancing fountains everywhere, music and a laser show was all included for just 4 soles. David is so much fun to be around, he’s a big kid inside. Before we headed home we just had to make a stop at Starbux.

Sunday, May 2nd:

We woke up about 9am and left at about 10am. We headed to Pastor Gustavo’s church where Dr. D preached. We attended worship and after that we were dismissed to go with the youth. Once we were settled we began by singing a song with them that we have learned since we arrived to Peru which is Tu Eres Dios which was followed by our drum line and stomp. Katie then began to teach her lesson on living life poured out.
-Emily

The crowd was tough at this church. But the good thing is they really did understand what the point was that I was trying to bring home. Which was to not only soak up God’s Word but to pour it out as well.

Katie – she ran out of words! Can you believe that! Katie! Out of Words! No in reality she was so tired she could not think! So I dismissed her and sent her to bed.

Dr D’s Comments:
It is always an interesting as you watch the youth make their way through the cultural ways and yet find a way with God’s help to make an impact on the lives of the people. This trip was no different. They got to see various sizes of Churches. Minister to various economic levels. See and experience the sights and sounds as well as the food – that is always exciting – just to watch their faces as they taste the food. This team was willing to try anything – well almost anything. They stopped when I did. So they were safe.

Will their lives be changed forever because of this experience. Yes! They came to recognize that though this is a different culture and their living is different from ours, the Churches still find a way to exuberantly express their worship and devotion to God. They are not lacking. In fact, they have many things they could teach the North Americans. They have learned their mission is not to tell the people here how to do it, but to do it with them – just to come along side and say, “Let us do it together.!”

So for now we sign off from this trip and head back to our homes. Marilyn and I will be back on the airplane in less than 48 hours after arriving home – Ukraine here we come! We are going to a beachside hotel on the northwest corner of Crimea. The owners are believers and friends. When I was there last year they offered to host – free housing – as many pastors and wives as would come to a three day retreat. The focus of this event will be housed in what I am calling an Idea Exchange. We will gather to share what God is saying, what is happening in our Church, cities and countries and to allow the Spirit of God to “cross-pollinate” our lives and ministries. As of today we have 33 registered pastors and wives.

So continue to follow what is happening. I will attempt to post as often as I have the ability to get on-line.

God bless and thanks for your prayers,

Dr D, Marilyn, Katie, Emily and Dylon