A New Way to Promote the Ladies and their Work

Hey, friends, I've created a Facebook page for the ladies whose handicrafts I work to promote here in Peru. Check it out to meet the ladies with whom I work and to find out how to purchase some of their products. Friend us to receive posts that share the ladies' stories and highlight new products. Thanks!

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mujeres-Jireh/246622185442575

New church plant in the jungle

Early this month a Peruvian team from the Comas Free Methodist Church in Lima headed to Tingo Maria, a tropical area of central Peru.  National director Pastor Miguel Algorta, missionary colleagues Garry and Pat Cruce, and several others also went to offer evangelistic programs with clowns for the children, health screening, and a Bible class for adults.  The highlight was installing Julia Doria as the pastor of a fledgling church.  Julia is a recent graduate of the first class of the Light and Life Seminary and is originally from the area.  Like many others, she fled to Lima  when the Shining Path guerrillas were terrorizing the area in the 80s and early 90s.  Thanks for your prayers for Julia and for her young congregation.

New Shalom church inauguration

Celebration, a set on Flickr.

We're finally moved into the new church building! A full house was present Friday, May 4 as we held the inaugural service. Many first-time visitors came, as well as folks who hadn't come to church in a long time. The day was celebrated with singing, dancing, prayers, and food.

The rest of the weekend we spent in nearby Nuevo Eden (Yanamayo) for their church anniversary. The highlight of the weekend was the baptism of Darling in a pond at the trout farm.

Two Birthdays

As I celebrated my birthday this past week, many friends and family blessed me with thoughtful gifts and greetings.  Colleagues Pat and Garry Cruce came from Lima to spend a long weekend with us.  The ladies of the Tarma Shalom church brought presents and a cake to share.  Modesto from the Nuevo Eden church invited us for a meal of fresh trout from his fish farm.

Saturday evening at small group at Sonya and Anibal's house they brought out another cake.  But his time we were celebrating two birthdays.  We weren't just celebrating the anniversary of my physical birth, but also the spiritual birthday of Sonya's friend Iris.  Earlier that evening I'd had the privilege of praying with Iris to help her be "reborn" in Jesus Christ.  Now that's something to celebrate!

Sunday school kick-off

Sunday school kick-off, a set on Flickr.

We're in the new building! Well, almost. The sanctuary was finished enough to hold Sunday school there this past Sunday morning. They organized a welcome party with lots of games and snacks. Forty-one kids came and 12 of them were first-time visitors. We're hoping to finish the classrooms and the light installations in the sanctuary for an inaugural service this weekend, but they've run into a few snags and it might not be possible. Thanks for your prayers for all the finishing touches. We know this building will be a blessing to many - it already has!

Seminary Graduation 2012

Seminary Graduation 2012, a set on Flickr.

This past weekend we attended a historic event for the Free Methodist Church in Peru. The first four students to complete all the requirements of the FM Light and Life Seminary graduated. Congratulations to Hna. Julia Doria Bravo, Pastora Maria Elena Salinas Calderón, Pastor Juan Pedro Hernandez Perez, and Pastor Guillermo Landa Jorge!

Shalom Church Repairs

Shalom Church Repairs, a set on Flickr.

The Tarma Shalom church is moving to a new location. The building is larger with a nicer layout. Several church people have been helping out with the fix-up during the month of March. We hope to be meeting there by April 1. In the meantime church ministries are meeting in various church members' homes. The Sunday school meets at our house on Sunday mornings. Enjoy the photos!