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?

In Memory of Daniel Christian Vinton

Daniel Christian Vinton was born in 1925 in West Virginia.  He was the first of six children born to church-planter parents who raised them in Kentucky and Tennessee during the Depression years.  He suffered from polio when he was a boy.  His doctor traveled from Chattanooga to Philadelphia on the train to observe a spinal fusion surgery, and then returned to perform it on Dan, probably lengthening his life by many years.  Dan persevered to become a teacher, coach, part-time preacher, husband, and the man I called "Daddy".  The word Christian wasn't just his middle name; it was the most important part of his life.  I'm thankful for his example of ministry in the church, service to those in need, support for world missions, and an emphasis on the spiritual over the material.  It was sad to say good-bye to him on September 10, 2011, but I know he will be waiting for me in Heaven. 

Summer 2011

Summer 2011, a set on Flickr.

The summer has flown by with speaking engagements in churches and making special memories with family. We're scheduled to go back to Peru on Tuesday the 13th. Please pray for all the remaining details and for wisdom concerning Becky's dad's health.

His Eye in on the Rabbits

Preparing to make even a temporary move to another country is a stressful, time-consuming process. (Which explains our long absence on “Andes Reflections” – sorry about that.)  Between getting the house ready to be left, wrapping up dangling ministry issues, gathering materials to be used in speaking, and packing up things that will be needed on our trip, there are a lot of details to be taken care of.  And upon arriving in the States there are suitcases and stored items to unpack, presentations to prepare, and a new household to get accustomed to.

We are so thankful that through it all we have seen God’s hand of provision.  He provided a responsible couple to stay in our home in Peru to keep an eye on things and care for our dog.  He provided the second floor of J.R.’s parents’ home on the farm in South Dayton, NY as our home away from home.  He provided a rental car at a good price through the thoughtfulness of one of our supporting churches.  He even provided a home for our girls’ pet rabbits.  Our friend Karina has agreed to care for them and will hopefully supply the girls with baby rabbits upon our return.  Whenever I get stressed about the details I remember (to borrow from the old gospel song) that if “His eye is on the rabbits, then I know He’s watching me.

Walking with God

At the ladies' retreat I had the opportunity to give a talk on Saturday morning.  To conclude our time together I shared some recommendations I'd found for improving how we walk.  Then the ladies worked together in groups to find spiritual applications concerning our walk with God.  Here are the recommendations.  Can you find some spiritual applications? (Add your thoughts in the comments.)

1.  Maintain good posture with your head held high.
2.  Look ahead (not at the ground), looking about 10 feet ahead of you.
3.  Lift your chest and relax your shoulders.
4.  Move your arms more rapidly and your feet will follow.
5.  Walk in a straight line.
6.  Don't take steps that are too large; take more, smaller steps.
7.  Breathe naturally.
8.  Don't carry handweights or any other kind of load.
9.  Walk with a partner.

2011 Ladies' retreat

2011 Ladies' retreat, a set on Flickr.

Despite a last-minute speaker change, the ladies' retreat here in Tarma went well. Almost 50 ladies participated and went home feeling encouraged. Thanks for your prayers.