August Update

We've posted a new ministry update.  You can read it at:  http://fmcusa.org/fmwm/files/2011/05/Crouse.081512.pdf   Be sure to read the story about a giant of a man.

Mujeres Jireh Artisan of the Month

Beatriz Castro de Baldoceda is our Mujeres Jireh featured artisan of the month.  Read her story here:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=265075753597218&set=a.265073370264123.47257.246622185442575&type=1&theater

I started working making handicrafts about 8 years ago.  Our economic situation was insupportable.  There were days when we didn’t have bread to lift to our mouths.  I was used to drinking water and going to sleep.  My husband was a retired teacher and his income was small.  And money was discounted from his pay for debts so that we received very little.  I only asked that God would illumine me and give me wisdom so I could dedicate myself to something that I could do with my hands so that we could survive and not get sick.

One day a friend took me to see how to make (Barbie) dolls with hard clothing.  I paid attention and was interested in making them.  But I realized that I wasn’t apt at this type of work.  So I got the idea to start making other kinds of dolls.  At the congregation where I attend (Shalom Free Methodist Church in Tarma) I met the missionary (Becky Crouse) that God has put in my life so that I can go forward and leave behind the misery of our lives.  Until today I thank God for this great blessing to send his servants so far to see to the needs of his children in these places.  The missionary asked me if I could make cloth dolls like a model that she had. I said yes without knowing how I would do it.  But I started to think about how to make the patterns and everything else.  First I gave my hands to God and whenever I work on my dolls I say to God, “Let’s go to work.  You put your art and beauty, and they are your dolls.  I am only your instrument.”  This is how we work together when there are orders.

Presently I still make dolls, perhaps making them better and better each time because I have a beautiful dream that I know God will permit me some day to give work to many persons, be they men or women, so they can give food to their little children.  I thank God for having given me difficult times economically because if I hadn’t passed through them then I wouldn’t think about my brothers and sisters who need to live.

Fiesta in Ayas

Fiesta in Ayas, a set on Flickr.

Last week we attended the annual festival in the rural community of Ayas. Karina and Oscar and the youth of the Buen Pastor FMC accompanied us. Even though the gospel has yet to take deep root in the adults' hearts, we could see evidence of how God has been working in their hearts over the past three years as Karina and Oscar and company have been working with the children. We are more fully accepted and were included in the day's activities, and there was a more positive atmosphere than in other years. We enjoyed watching the community parade, kids' dances, and games. (Make sure you look closely at the sack race photos.)

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!