Last Update in Peru...This Year

We have begun construction on the house at the VM farm.  We are learning every day how different everything is here.  Even they way they build homes is a lot different. 

We are getting ready to head back to the states for two months.  We are in the process of scheduling Churches to visit.  We plan to head back home at the end of January.  If you have Church you want us to visit, send us an email!




We are leaving our Vivi and Lilly here but praying next year that they can come with us!  We purchased a Christmas tree for Vivi...her first one!  She kept asking me how to decorate it. She was just as excited as Maddie and Anna.  Justin and I have become so fond of her.  She has become another part of our family...our prima!  We have set up many things for her to do - keep her busy while we are gone.  Living closer into town has it's advantage because she can walk 2 blocks and be at Lucy and Dante's house.  Lucy is Larry and Joy's daughter.  We all have become great friends and Lucy is expecting a baby in February.  Pray for Vivi's safety being alone and her spirits.  

Leave Sunday (20th) so pray for us to have safe travels!  

October Update

This week was the first day of school for the girls.  Justin and I have been talking about putting the girls into school (Monte Sion) so last week Justin said, Hey why don't we go a head and put them in school - the same class - to help them learn Spanish.  So...I let my mommy guard down (just a bit) and said okay.   But, I am still homeschooling them too.  They are in the 4 year old's class.  We figure that since Anna knows more Spanish, she can help Maddie until Maddie is ready to be on her own. The teacher knows a bit of English so she is able to communicate to Anna and Anna helps Maddie.  Anna is even learning material that they do not teach - Cursive.  They teach cursive to 4 year olds!  So...it is a big plus all around. Madison is talking in Spanish and not even noticing that she is.  Anna is learning different skills, and I am learning to relax. So far, everyone is doing great!

First Day!

Got Uniforms

We are starting the process for construction on our home at the Villa Milagro farm.  We are getting our house plans converted into meters rather than inches / feet.  Next week we will start clearing off the lot.  We are excited!

We rented a different home - an apartment in Cajamarca.  Our lease was up and the rent was going to go up plus they wanted a 2 year contract so we had to start looking for something else.  After much prayer and looking, God showed us a brand new apartment on the main road going into Cajamarca.  It is very safe, has 2 guards, a garage, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. Perfect for us.  And will work temporarily until our new home gets built.  We move into the apartment at the end of this month.

Next week, I am going on a retreat.  This retreat is for women on the mission field.  It is in Lima, Peru and for 5 days and completely free!  The organization is called Pure Joy International.  They raise funds to help women mentally, spiritually, physically.  I can not wait to step back and hear what God has to say.

Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, Little Rock

What a great week!  We visited orphanages, gave food to a poor family, spoke to strangers about Jesus, counseled troubled families, handed out bible school materials and bibles and also painted the Monte Sion Church and School.  You name it, we most likely did it!  The beginning of the week we started out looking at orphanages.  We made appointments to visit 5 orphanages and 1 school.  3 of which Justin and I had never been to.  It turns out that 1 orphanage is for special needs children, another houses children in various different homes, and the other houses only girls.  We were turned away at the home for girls but the others were a great success.  Even though we were turned away, we still managed to make something else out of that day.  We took bibles and tracts and hit the streets.  We handed them out to everyone we ran into and spoke to them about Salvation.  It was a perfect ending to a day.  
We also held training every night at the Church and every member came!  Members from the church also came to help during the orphanage visits.  This was the first for the members to help.  Justin and I are so grateful to be apart of this experience.

Reaching out

Getting ready to paint the Monte Sion Church and School

Members came and helped

They even built the Pastor a new dog house!

Playing with the children at the School

They bought food for this needy family

And prayed over this family

Also,

Wednesday night we gave Angel his new wheel chair!  He and his family was so happy and thankful!  Thank you all for your prayers and contributions to make this possible for him.  Now his parents do not have to carry him anymore.

God is Good

First of all, we had a great start to the week!  We have been working with Viviana for a while now (in broken Spanish) about the differences in Catholicism and Christianity.  We have shown her scriptures and even had a good friend - Raquel - come to the house to speak to her (in Spanish).  She has been very open and even asked us questions.  The other day, I noticed a Santa Biblia on the kitchen table.  She got a bible - herself - and has been reading it.  She came to us and said "Possible me no Catholic, possible me Christian."  So, last night during service, Vivi went up front and accepted Christ as her Savior.  GOD IS GOOD.  This proves that you don't even need to know the language, just by showing them the love of God and allow God to work within their hearts and minds.  

Today we visited a two orphanages, a special needs school and then the group held Children's Church training at the Church.  What was wonderful was 5 people from the Church showed up to help. They stepped out of their comfort zone and helped!  GOD IS GOOD. 

For the training at the Monte Sion Church - it was amazing.  We had over 30 people show up!  This means there is interest to help grow the Church.  Tomorrow, they are going to finish up training on Children's Church and then go into Bible Studies for Young Adults and Adults.

Searching for a home

We are back to searching for another home.  Our lease will be up in November and the current landlord is raising our rent up $400 per month so this means we must look for something more affordable.  


We have been looking everywhere.  It is hard to find a home in a safe neighborhood, enough rooms for 5 and a grassy area for Lilly.  Especially on a tight budget.  


But God is in control!  Pray for us while we search for our next home.

Reaching Out

Geyer Springs First Baptist Church is coming this Sunday.  They are bringing 4 women and Brother Dave. They will be here for 5 days and have a big project ahead of them.  We have scheduled for them to visit 6 orphanages.  They plan to do "How to do a Children's Church" training and "How to reach people outside of the church" seminar.  They also have activities for the children at Monte Sion School and plan to do family counseling for families in the school (about 30 families).  Among all of this they are going to clean the church and build a dog house for the Pastor.  We are calling it "Giving the Pastor a Day-Off".  We are excited and can not wait for this group.

Pray for Peru

This past week has been crazy for us.  We have been cooped up in the house because of protesting going on in our town - The Banos Del Inca.  They are protesting for two reasons, 1) because of the mining that is polluting the local rivers and killing animals and 2) because of the cost increase for public transportation.  They placed rocks, and trees to block roads so that no one can travel through.  It got pretty hectic when the crowd got out of hand and the police had to use "force".  As we live here, we begin to understand the culture more.  If they are not happy, they do something about it.  Protesting is a bit different here than back home.  We hear that it usually doesn't end up in violence (as it probably would in the states).  We are not sure how effective it is but will find out first hand.  Pray...Pray for the People of Peru.  Pray for their families, Pray for their livestock, and Pray that no more violence will occur.


On a more lighter note,  Children's Church was a blast today!  Justin was a bit sick and had to stay home today.  So, since I was able to leave the area, I decided to hold Children's Church myself.  Attendance was up!  I played them the movie about The History of Jesus and we colored (something they love to do).  We later played Pato, Pato, Ganso (Duck,Duck,Goose) and even the big kids got into it.


One of the best rewards was Angel and his Parents came to Church today!  They were late (because they couldn't find the church - NO SIGN YET) but came!  Usually, Justin and I invite everyone we run into.  We normally don't see them show because Sundays is like everyday for a Peruvian - it is a working day.  But, they came.  I just know that God is working in their lives and I am so thankful we met them!  We are still working on getting Angel a wheelchair.  We have a few donors but looking to get one that fits his measurements.  Pray that everything will work out and Angel will get his chair!


Deirdra

Church needed in Huraclla (Cajamarca Peru)

Went last week to look at the property where some house church members want to build.  On the way there we stopped at Gloria's house (the current church house) and picked her up so she could show us the property lines. She is a great lady and she looks like a normal Peruvian women.  Gloria is far from normal, she is a warrior in her own battle field.  I say this because half a block from her house the devil is currently building his own church. In another half block is the property where she dreams of training her fellow Christians and discipline them so they can fight the spiritual battle (just a half a block away).  I guess those type of churches exist in the US, but down here they are extremely active.  I have had them (different people) come to my house 3 or 4 times that I know of.  The bad news for them is I can speak just enough Spanish to let them know that there is only one way and all others lead to destruction.  I guess the thing that gets them to go ahead a leave is when I tell them "Ustedes hablan del Diablo y no Diablo beinvenido aqui."  (Ya'll speak of the devil and it isn't welcome here).  Probably not the correct "Missionary" response but what can I say except the truth.


The prayer of our fellow Christians is that they can raise the funds to build a church so they can share the truthful gospel.  Here, as I said before, the false gospel is very active.  You ever heard the scripture in the bible "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15.  Here that isn't a quote, it is the truth.  Buildings are not what makes a church or what makes a Christian, but having one here as a tool/weapon for Gloria and her members could help make the difference. 


If you would like to help, join us in prayer for this small group of believers in the mountains of Northern Peru.

Vacant Property

God is Awesome...Thirsty for knowledge?

Today we ran into two women who were told by some friends to shop at Villa Milagro.  God sent us to the office today to specifically talk to them.  They are families who sold all their possessions and moved to Cajamarca to work at the mine.  They knew that they wanted more for their families and God gave them the opportunity.  We spoke to them about why we came to Peru and what we are doing.  They were very interested and thirsty for more.  It is amazing that anyone - anywhere - Peruvian or American - can be put in your life for you to minister to.  We just have to be open and ready!
They mentioned about helping us during Volunteer visits and even starting our own English speaking bible study group.  Justin and I have been so busy trying to help the Peruvians but didn't think about the American's here who need guidance and support too.  There isn't a English speaking church here.  So, why not start one?  Anyone want to sell all their possessions and move here to start a church - there is a need!  And we sure do need help.  Also, my goal is to start a Women's bible study with all the Women - English speaking and Spanish!  Anyone have some materials they can donate we would love it take it off your hands!  God is awesome and we are so grateful to what and whom he puts in our paths each day.
-Deirdra

It's crazy....  Right when you get frustrated God sometimes shows you things if your open to it.  Meeting these two women today by chance was one of those times.  I have been praying for something, anything God wants me to do.  It seems as if he showed us other needs in the area.  We both are a little set back because of the language barrier between us and the Peruvians.  Guess that's not a good excuse for God.

What is your reason for not sharing your FAITH?  Pray about it and God just might show you that is not a reason, but just simply a very bad EXCUSE!!!

Justin

What a great week!

Friday, The Georgia group left to go back home.  During their devotionals, they discussed how they can continue their work back at home.  It is amazing on how God works on every volunteers heart...I know, speaking from experience.


We went to a few new places this week - well one's Justin and I had never been to.  We went to a special needs school - we saw some familiar faces - children from the special needs home (Santa Dortea). 


We had a great time. Justin and I even translated for the volunteers!!!!

They painted Faces

This is Angel Guevara...He has Cerebral Palsy and can sit up on his own.  His mother carries him back and forth to school each day.  They can not afford a wheel chair for him  We pray that God will provide a wheel chair so his mother can rest her arms for a short while. 

The group also went to Yanacancha Porcon Bajo which is about a 3 hour drive.  They held a clinic in one of the churches there.  The members of the church were not afraid to step up and help out.  What an experience!

Sunday, was our second day to have Children's Church.  We had 35 children show up...10 more kids!  God is good!  The Georgia group also held a clinic at the Monte Sion clinic, down the road from the church.  Justin and I recruited 4 teens from the church to come and help out.  Their job was to inform people who enter the clinic about the Monte Sion Church and the hours.  They also mentioned that we had a children's program.  Well, God continues to show us how wonderful he is.  More people - new people - came to church today!  An attendance increase that was desperately needed.  

Raquel, her sister, and Vivi helped out

We did a play on Genesis - God created the world and we should take care of it.

Playing ball with the children

Again, what a wonderful week.  Today was a great closure or more like a START to our week.  God is good.

Welcome Georgia Group!

Saturday arrived 18 volunteers from Hartwell, Georgia. They are going to hold medical clinics at needed locations - Porcon, Yanacancha, Special Needs School, and at the Monte Sion Clinic.

One thing is for sure, this group is on fire!  Some awesome experiences that show God's work is:


Justin and I have been developing a relationship with a store owner named Warren.  He is English speaking so it has been easier for us.  We have been sending volunteers to their store - mainly because it is my favorite store but mostly because God kept drawing us to do so.  Well, the seed has been planted because a volunteer heard the Holy Spirit and responded!  He started talking to Warren about Church and Christ.  The volunteer told us that Warren has been reading the Bible and even quoted scriptures but wasn't attending Church.That day was a good day because it showed me that we all need to take the time to talk about the Word to everyone - even the people who work in the stores.  God opens doors - we just need to walk through them.


Justin and I have been here for almost 3 months but long enough to see where we need to help.  During Service there is no where for the children to go to.  Therefore, Justin and I started our first children's church this Sunday.  It was exciting and stressful.  Exciting because we were getting to work with the children and stressful because we didn't know where we were going to start and how it was going to end.  But overall, we spoke about the salvation braclet colors, gave them coloring sheets and read them the story about Zacchaeus, and they created crosses.  Vivianna was our translator to 24 children and some of the Georgia volunteers came with us to help.  I can not wait until next Sunday...wonder what God has in store for us and how many MORE children attend.

After the Sunday Church Service, the group asked us how come there isn't a sign outside the Church.  Well, the old one got old and there was no money to replace it with a newer and up-to-date one.  Just that second, God spoke and someone walked through...we are now pricing new signs.  One big one above the Church door and another with Lights beside the street.  Now, anyone who comes by knows that this is a church, a baptist church and when they can come.  What is awesome is that just a few days before, Justin and I have already been asking how can we get a sign...our prayers have been answered!


The group traveled to the Aldea Orphanage.  The Doctors did a medical exam and a few teeth were pulled by the Dentist.  After that they gave everyone ice cream.  For those of you who know Edwin and Luis, they both had 4 cones and licked the container dry!  Ummm, muy rico!

Some Peruvian Fun!

The girls and I had a "girl spa day".  We were able to get our nails painted and hair cut for a whopping $16.00.  What a deal!

We took a trip to Cumbe Mayo one afternoon.  Cumbe Mayo is about 12 miles outside of Cajamarca.  The elevation is 11,000 feet and you can feel it!  It is 5 miles of Incan ruins - aqueduct.  There is also lot of rock cavings (Petroglyphs) which is awesome to see!  We had a great time exploring God's country.

We were lucky to bring a lot of our games this trip.  One is the girl's Wii.  They really never played it much until we moved here.  Their favorite game is the Just Dance for Kids.  They love dancing to the music and seeing who scores the highest.  Viviana also gets into it.  This is a great family fun game!

We were visited by a good friend of ours named Gerald Johnson.  He works in South America - specifically Chile.  He was able to fly into Cajamarca and visit us for a few days.  Gerald stayed in the Laguna Seca Hotel  in the Banos Del Inca.  The Laguna Seca has hot mineral water, a small petting zoo, horse back riding and more!  We all enjoyed visiting with the animals.  The girls even had the opportunity to swim in Gerald's bathtub to enjoy the natural hot water!

Living in Peru always keeps us on our toes.  You never know what you will see!  One thing is for sure, the person whom lives in this home must watch out for their step!