Annual Meetings 2013

Annual Meetings 2013, a set on Flickr.

"We are the hope of Peru". That bold statement was chosen as the theme of the annual Peru Free Methodist meetings that took place in Lima on January 12-14. The theme was adapted from teaching from Willowcreek's Dr. Bill Hybels. Participating pastors were each given a poster that named their local church as the hope of their hometown. We were challenged with excellent teaching from Pastor Guillermo Flores, who came in the place of area director Dr. Delia Nuesch-Olver, who could not attend because of the death of her father. Our dear missionary colleagues, Pastor Garry and Pat Cruce, left Peru for other ministry, but accomplished the goal of every missionary to work themselves out of a job by handing it off to a capable national. When pastoral appointments were read, two of them were for churches that were planted in 2012. We look forward to another year of growth and offering hope in Peru.

Photo credits:  Juan Campos and Past. Jose Luis Lopez.

Lima Baptism

Lima Baptism, a set on Flickr.

Last week our family spent several days in Lima. We joined some college friends of JR's who are Wycliffe missionaries for Thanksgiving dinner. The next two days JR and I joined 10 other FM church leaders to participate in a Willow Creek Leadership Summit.

On Sunday the three Free Methodist churches in Lima met for a united service at a local park. Four people were baptized and several more received prayer. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place, and we were glad to be part of it.

2012 Tarma Ladies' Retreat

2012 Tarma Ladies' Retreat, a set on Flickr.

The ladies' retreat in Tarma on November 17 was a great success. 50 ladies learned Godly relationship principles by studying the lives of Ruth and Naomi.

Betty is a young lady who recently started attended English Bible studies we host. She had already paid to attend an event in Lima for her work. But after reflecting on something she'd learned at the study, she decided God wanted her at the retreat. We were so glad for her attendance, and for all the other ladies who took the time to come.

Christian Education Workshop

Christian Education Workshop, a set on Flickr.

Karina and Becky organized a Christian Education workshop on Nov. 3 for young people who work with children. Nine people came, and they did a great job in presenting their sample lessons. Oliver, who attended our church while growing up, is attending university in another town. He has just started assisting a church in the college town with their youth and children, and he was wishing for some special training. He was home this weekend and was eager to come when he heard about the workshop. We're so glad Oliver could attend. He and the other participants will have many opportunities to put the training into practice.

Christmas Catalog

Earrings, purses, doll clothes, and beaded headbands made by the Mujeres Jireh can be purchased in the alternate gift catalog made available through Child Care Ministries and SEED.  http://www.childcareministries.org/give/christmas_gift_catalog.php
Happy shopping!

New House Church in Tarma

For many years Adrian lived for himself, focusing on making money and drinking alcohol.  A few years ago he gave his life to Jesus and let God give him new priorities.  This year he and his wife sensed that God was telling them to fix up a large room in their house to invite neighbors and family members to hear more about God.

This past Saturday night our family attended the inaugural service that took place in Adrian's home.  Pastors Miguel and Guillermo, members from the Buen Pastor church, and family members packed the beautifully prepared room.  They shared testimonies, joyfully sang, shared a meal, and prayed to dedicate this new place of worship.  A highlight was when two of Adrian's young granddaughters, dressed in frilly pink dresses, prayed to ask Jesus into their hearts.

Leaders from Buen Pastor plan to lead the meetings that will take place there each Monday evening.  We pray that many people in Adrian's neighborhood can find new life in Christ as he did through this new undertaking.

Laura's story

Laura Algorta Salinas is our Mujeres Jireh Artisan of the Month.  Here is her story in her words:

Everything started with a liking for earrings.  I always liked to change something in the earrings I bought.  At that time I was far from God and living a lukewarm life.  I became pregnant, and I met people who were doing this type of work (making earrings) in the street.  That’s how I learned the basics, but I’m sure that God put the creative part in me.

When my son was born, I could understand how great and marvelous God’s love is – His love for me.  I had known God since I was a little girl, but I hadn’t had an adequate personal experience.  Maybe that’s way I got far away from Him.  Even though I had returned to God, emotionally I wasn’t stable. But He opened the doors for me to start a home business without needing to go someplace to work.  (My son) Mikey was little, and I didn’t want to leave him.  The first earrings were very difficult to make.  Little by little I learned, making 10 pairs at first, then 20, later 50, and finally up to 100 pairs.

Later I got married (to Mikey’s father) believing it to be the best.  But it wasn’t; it resulted in me being far away from God again.  I got a job as a teacher, and for that reason I stopped making earrings.  As the months went by, I realized that something was missing. I didn’t have time to make earrings, and I discovered that making them was my second profession.  I like making earrings very much.  When I came to Lima (from Tarma) to live, after a painful separation (from my husband) I decided to study beadwork and learned how to make more models of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Today I thank God for having given me the opportunity to know Him and for this talent that is a fun hobby which benefits me economically.  Also, for this ministry (SEED) that helps the ladies of the church, and also for the people that buy (the products), for my parents who always help and encourage me, for my son (now 6 years old) and my brother, for sister Becky (Crouse) who is a blessing for my life. She photographed my first work, gave me ideas, and made sure that my work was at its best.

Although I’ve lived through a lot of bad experiences, God has always been good and faithful.  That’s why I won’t distance myself from Him again.  There’s nothing better than to be at His side and to desire to be faithful and show Him my love as He does to me.

I desire that each woman can know and develop the talent that God has given her so that she can be a source of full blessing to her family, as the Bible says in Proverbs 31:10-31.  With the help and approval of God, we want to be this kind of virtuous women.

May God illumine and guide us always.