Tarma Vacation Bible School 2012

Tarma Vacation Bible School 2012, a set on Flickr.

Forty children attended the vacation Bible school organized by the Tarma Shalom church last week. We had a great time singing, playing, doing crafts, and learning about friendship - especially friendship with our best friend, Jesus. Two new children who attended the VBS came to Sunday school this week. Thanks for your prayers for this event.

2012 Ladies' Retreat in Tacna

2012 Ladies' Retreat in Tacna, a set on Flickr.

Feb. 3-5 approximately 30 ladies gathered in Tacna in southern Peru for the annual ladies' conference. For the 13 ladies from Tarma it took us 30 hours one-way by bus to arrive. But the effort was worth it as two ladies (Alicia and Eva) prayed to become Christians, and several young believers were encouraged through the stories of ladies who have been longer in the faith. The event ended with an ocean baptism of seven youth and one mother from the Tacna church.

Rossi from Tarma invited her mother, Berta. Upon arriving home Berta got rid of the images that she had prayed to her whole life. When Rossi asked her about it, she said that the images weren't useful to her anymore. We thank God for the work he's doing in Berta's life, and in the lives of the other ladies who attended this event.

New Life in the New Year

New Year's Eve J.R. was tempted to stay home from the small group meeting at Anibal and Sonia's home.  He had a bad headache, it was starting to rain, and his girls were snuggled in to watch a video together.  But, he went and is very glad he did.  As usual, Anibal and Sonia had invited several friends and relatives.  After J.R. and Anibal shared some thoughts from the Bible, three relatives prayed to accept Jesus into their hearts.  What a great way to start the year!

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.)