Peru – What a Journey

I am sorry all that it has taken so long for me to update you all regarding my travels. First of all, let me thank you all for your prayers for srength while I was in Peru. Your prayers were felt.

I faced many challenges while in Peru, some that I expected, others that I should have expected, and some that caught me off guard. First there was the language barrier, which I learned was really only as much of a barrier as I let it be. Of course we did not always understand the words coming from each others mouths, but the smile, delight in the eyes, and sincere thankfulness that was evident in the body language helped to overcome that.

Second, I should have realized that no matter what the adult to child ratio is, there is always going to be drama when you are dealing with a large group of teenagers. There was much drama, some more understandable than others. We had medical issues, relational issues, damage to property issues. So much. God taught me a lot about loving people, even when you feel that you would rather do anything but.

Third, there was an issue that arose regarding a particular sin that had occurred in someone’s life prior to the Peru trip. Some of the consequences of this sin came about on the trip and was negatively impacting our team and effectiveness. The individuals involved felt convicted to confess this sin to the group. As an outside adult leader on the team, I was not certain how to deal with this. This turned out however to be one of the most powerful experiences on the trip. Confession is a needed part of a Christian’s life. However, many times we feel that we need to act as if sin is what other people struggle with and we are above it. It took a lot of courage for these teens to confess in front of fellow students and teachers, as well as strangers. It was even more powerful to see God’s forgiveness and how He used this experience to bring the team together. I felt that it was a picture of what the church should be. Forgiving each other of our faults without holding it against them. We (the adults) did have to place some restrictions on these folks and they lost some priviledges, but you could see the weight being lifted from them. It was amazing.

The work that we were to do while in Peru, was to work with a church in Huaraz and a child care center that they run. This child care center feeds about 145 kids lunch everyday, ensuring that they get at least one nutritious meal each day. This has helped them perform better in school. They also tutor them on reading and the Bible. They also try to teach parents how to read so that they too can study the Bible. We had plans to paint the church, and run a VBS type program for the kids in the afternoon. It was a lot of work to get done in the few days we had, but God was gracious and we were able to get all of what we had set out to do accomplished. The kids were great, and some of the team really connected with them and were able to share their testimonies.

The last day we were in Huaraz, we went to a city about 40 minutes away called Requay (sp?) to assist with promoting a medical clinic and worship service. Another group from the US was running the clinic and there were five churches involved with the worship service. Our team was tasked with walking the length of the city inviting people. We met many people all of whom were eager to take our tracts and pamphlets and most of whom were willing to talk with us. This is another one of those times when my limited Spanish was an annoyance, but not a hinderence. While our team had to leave before the service was over due to having to pack for our return trip to Lima, the pastor did tell us that 60 people made decisions for Christ in that town. Pray that God would continue the good work that he has started in them and in that city!

On a personal note, I am so glad that I went. I have made many new friends amoung the team leadership. While I and most of the team was sick the entire time there, I would return if God opened the door. I grew closer to God as I had to more and more place my trust in Him and He came through by glorifying Himself in my weakness. Praise be to God.

I have about 670 pictures, some of which I might ask Micah to post as I do not have them with me at this time. I am more than happy to share all them with you when I see you next. Again thanks for your prayers and support.

For the entire AMG Peru team,
Nathan