Christmas outreach in Ayas

Christmas outreach in Ayas, a set on Flickr.

Saturday we were privileged to be part of a Christmas party for the kids at Ayas. We've been accompanying Karina and Oscar to this rural farming community twice a month for Bible classes for the past three years. People from Lima, Tarma, the U.S., and Canada all contributed so the kids and their parents could have a memorable Christmas. Anibal and his family accompanied us, and several men listened attentively as he shared how God has changed his life. Thanks for your prayers for open doors in this community.

Concilio in Lima 2011

Concilio in Lima 2011, a set on Flickr.

The annual gathering of Free Methodist pastors and delegates from around Peru was December 2-4 in Lima. Dr. Delia Nuesh-Olver came to preside along with Rev. Allison Coventry. The theme this year was "To Change is to Grow". Highlights were the ordination of Pastor Guillermo Lando with full pastor status and musical numbers from the Yanesha band "Yemansa". (You'll remember them from our trip to Alto Yurinaki earlier in the year.)

Ladies' Retreat Nov. 2011

Ladies' Retreat Nov. 2011, a set on Flickr.

The ladies' retreat at our home on November 12 went very well. The theme was "Nunca Más Sola" - never again alone. We talked about how God is always with us, and how we support each other as the body of Christ. 44 ladies, 13 children, 5 helpers, and 3 dogs were in attendance. The ladies gave great testimonies about how encouraging the day was for them. The highlight was when Sonia's cousin Maritza prayed to accept Jesus into her life. Thanks for praying for this event!

Marissa's Lord of the Miracles photos

Marissa's Lord of the Miracles photos, a set on Flickr.

The Lord of Miracles

The girls and I took a break from school last week to watch a procession go by our front door.  Many area schools and businesses made flower carpets in the street or erected small altars to honor the "Lord of Miracles" as he passed. The "Lord of Miracles" is a duplicate of a painting of Jesus on the cross that was originally painted on the wall of a church in Lima in the 1600's.  The painting survived a strong earthquake in 1655 when many surrounding walls collapsed.  People began to venerate the painting when a man claimed healing from a tumor after he prayed to the painting.  Now late October - early November are "purple month" around Peru, as similar processions take place to honor the image and seek its blessing for the coming year.

We are so thankful that Jesus is so much more than an image; that he is alive and well, constantly blessing us, and that he continues to perform miracles in changing the lives of people around us.

The Good and the Best

After being back in Peru for two and a half weeks, we're back into the swing of life and ministry.  Home school with the girls has been going well.  J.R. has been preaching, leading small groups, and dealing with the year's coffee crop.  I've been leading the singing at church, helping with Sunday school, and organizing the ladies' next delivery of handicrafts to the States.  We've been trying, not always successfully, to be very intentional about what activities we take on after a three month absence.

This past Friday I gave a devotional at the ladies' group based on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.  We discussed that the story is really about priorities and choosing the best things over good ones. I've been realizing that I'm good at choosing some "best things" (Bible reading, ministry tasks, educating my daughters) but not so good at others (prayer, exercise, quality time with my family). I'm praying that God will help me choose the best.  How about you?