Cedarville University - Peru Trip - Day 7

The last day... or at least the last day at the centers.  This will probably be a very emotional day.  From the highs of celebrating the new Buen Pastor Facility to the lows of leaving both the centers and saying good bye to the children.  It is going to be a difficult day.

The day began just like all the rest with a brisk 20 minute walk to the church where we had breakfast and did our devotions together - Philippians 2:1-11.  We talked about having the mind of Christ, who being God almighty willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice on our behalf on Calvary.  If He could do it, so should we!

From there we were off to the centers.  First, the Spiros Zodhiates Center in Saul Cantoral.  We taught the story of Jonah, and then sang some songs.  Then we went and played games together.  The team just played with the kids, loved on the kids, and connected with them in any way possible.  We took group photos, we went on a "parade" around the block promoting their love for God and their love for the people of the neighborhood.  Then we gave the kids some candy and we parted ways. 

Harold stopped by all dressed up for school, just to say good bye and have his picture taken with me.  He is getting so big - just like Harrison.

We headed to the Buen Pastor Center where we did it all over again.  Bible story, singing, games, and playing with kids.  We went on a visit to see a little 10 year old boy who could not walk, but wanted to see us (his sister told us he wanted to see us).  I wished so badly that I could heal his little legs, but I know his loving Father desires to see him grow in Christ, and if this is the means by which He is going to do it, I don't want to interfere.  However, I will ask my Father to heal his legs - if it be His will.

By the way, when we first arrived, we decorated the place with streamers and balloons.  After playing with the kids, we pulled out the cake we bought this morning and celebrated God giving them a place to come to get spiritual and physical food.  We had a wonderful time of celebration, and eventually had to come home.

The team did an excellent job loving the kids well - I know the kids will miss the team, and I know the team members will never forget their time with the children.

Dinner was at the Italian place down the street, and we had pizza!  It was great.  After dinner, we went back to the hotel, did a 2:18 with Holly, and talked about our week, our day, our lessons, and what God was teaching us.  We also discussed the day tomorrow - especially the shopping.

It has been a great week, and we look forward to a little rest and relaxation to cap the week off.

Thought for the day:  At one point this afternoon, the kids kicked the soccer ball over the wall down into the school yard.  It is about a 20 foot drop, so the kids could not go get the ball.  However, a 5-6 year old boy was already down there, so everyone called for him to throw the ball back up to the rest of the group.  However, no matter how hard this kid tried, it was not going to happen.

It kind of reminded me of times in my life when the obstacle ahead of me was to huge to conquer, and yet I, just like this little boy, just kept on trying to do it myself.  There were others in the yard who could easily send the ball back up, but the boy tried to do it himself.  Noble, yes, but foolish, definitely.  He neither had the strength, nor the ability to make the ball travel to the top of the wall.

When I reach these types of situations, I should go to the One who can do it first, and rest in His ability to do what needs to be done, instead of doing all I can do to make it happen - especially when others are cheering me on to keep trying.  It is my pride and arrogance that cause me to think I can do the impossible, when humility would ask me to lean on the One who truly can.

God help me know the difference between the issues in my life that I need to work through, and the ones I need to bring before Your throne.  Help me place all issues of this life in Your hands, and be faithful to listen to Your prompting as to whether I ought to move forward, or wait on You.

Cedarville University - Peru Trip - Day 6

With the end of the week coming at such a rapid pace, the team is dreading the end of the wonderful time we have had here in Peru.

Today began with the usual walk to the church, followed by breakfast and devotions (Philippians 1:27-30).  We had a great discussion on what it means to walk "worthy of the gospel", and what it looks like to forgive, show grace, show mercy, etc.  We also wrestled with the granting of suffering for Jesus given to us by God Himself.  Seems like a difficult thing to "grant".

From there the day was pretty similar as we share the Bible story at the first center (the prodigal son), and then played games and did crafts.  We went to the second center to do the same thing, and had a wonderful time doing it.

About 2:30 though, we mixed it up a little by going on house visits.  We marched our group of 15 along with 3-4 other adults and a slew of kids all over the hills of the area.  We went to 4 homes and heard the stories of the people inside.  Houses no larger than most of our living rooms, housing anywhere from 3 people to 6.  I did get to see Norma's new home (at least for a year), and see her face light up as we visited her home.  Her mother as well was so proud of the place.  It was wonderful that it was just her family who lived there.  I don't think she has experienced that at all in the 7 years of her existence.

The trek was very emotional, and many of the kids broke down and cried as Edith (a worker at the center) thanked us for our visit to her home and cried tears of joy because we came to her home.  I don't know how God will use these events in the lives of the kids, but I know He will.

The rest of the day was a great treat for the team as we went to Sarcletti's for dinner - we had 15 plates of various foods and we just spread it all around the table.  We enjoyed Lomo Saltado - with and without shrimp, pizza, Feticcini Alfredo, Ravioli, pancake crepes with various fillings, and eventually ice cream cones.  It was a wonderful time of talking, laughing and just being together.

From there we went back to the hotel to do one more 2:18 (with Kathleen in the hot seat), and then we talked a little about the day.  It was wonderful to hear them wrestle with the issues that they were having as they walked around the "village" this afternoon.

 11:00 was supposed to be bed time, but I am still working on this and trying to get my phone to charge.  It is 11:45 - I hope I am done soon.

Thought for the day:  I had the privilege of showing a young boy how to play the guitar today.  The probability that he will learn soon is slim, as he doesn't have a guitar to practice on, but he worked hard at it all day.  I enjoyed showing him some chords, and helping him start down the road to learn to play.

These kids work hard at learning things, and it motivates me to work harder to do things that I cannot do well - like speak Spanish.  I really want to communicate better, and I pray that God will allow me to retain the things I study, and that I will study harder.

God help me learn to speak Spanish.  Help me work at it in such a way that you can bless me by retaining the information because I did the work to get it in my head.  Thank you for working "hard" for me - and giving me an example to follow.

Cedarville University - Peru Trip - Day 5

What day is today?  What day is today?  HUMP DAY!! That's right, it is Wednesday, and we are almost halfway through the trip!  What a great trip so far...

Today we woke and walked to the church for breakfast.  We had devotions (Philippians 1:12-26), and then made our way to the center.  On the way, we stopped and purchased 10 gallons of paint to paint the Buen Pastor center, but I am not sure it is going to happen.  I think the kids would prefer we prioritize the ministry with the children, and since they have done an excellent job pulling this thing together, I kind of agree with them.

We taught the Bible story to the whole group today (the Good Samaritan) which we did because there were less kids today than usual.  We then broke them into 2 groups and sent them out to play games and do their craft.  The craft was a hand painting on a piece of paper (to be hung in the center) that talked about their hands being used by God to help others.  It looked amazing when it was done - I thought it was a great idea.  The games were a variety of activities to keep the kids playing - this group loves playing with the kids.

As is our custom, we went to Buen Pastor afterwards, and we did it all over again.  They taught the Bible story, sang some songs, (Yo Tengo Gozo and My God is so Big - with motions), we did our craft, and they played games with the kids.

I pulled out my computer and showed the kids pictures of themselves from years past.  It was funny to see their faces as they saw the pictures - Norma didn't even recognize herself from the pictures I took when she was 3.

Eventually we had to go, and we headed for the hotel. Lutgarda's vehicle broke down, so they were a little later than the other group (I was driving through the chaotic traffic - and boy was it fun!!), but eventually they arrived and we headed over to the church for dinner.  Theresa had a great meal ready for us, and we were delighted to be able to eat it!  The Apon family has been such a blessing to us - we are thrilled to be ministering with them.

We left the church, walked back to the hotel, and spent 40 minutes doing two 2:18 sessions (Audree and Brooke).  Then we talked a little about the day, the plans for tomorrow, sponsoring kids, and we headed off for bed.

I had a great conversation with Tyler and Aaron in their room about AMG's ministry in Peru, and then when I came back to my room, I had a great time talking with Andy about where God will be taking him in the future.   I am honored to be a part of this trip with these guys - they are doing an excellent job.

Thought for the day:  It just dawned on me now, that we came here to serve the people of Peru, and Theresa and her daughters have served us breakfast every day and dinner twice.  We are grateful, we are thankful, but it just dawned on me tonight that we might not be helping them enough on the clean up side of things.  Yes, for the most part we clean up after ourselves, and we do get the dishes to the kitchen, but that is the extent of the clean up time.  I think tomorrow we are going to seek to help do the dishes (unless they kick us out of the kitchen - which they have done before).

The thought for the day, sometimes the people that we need to serve are right under our noses, and they are the very ones serving us.  Whether it is our spouse or our children, our parents or our siblings, our subordinates at work or a classmate in school, opportunities to serve are all around us, and we only miss them when we are wrapped up in thinking about ourselves and what it is that we want.

God help me to bless others by serving them well.  Help me to see needs around me and be willing to step in to help.  Help me to serve not only those who are easy to serve, but those who are the most difficult.  Thank you for showing me how to do it - now help me follow in your steps.

Cedarville University - Peru Trip - Day 4

Another wonderful day ahead as we are planning to visit both centers again and share the truth of the thankful leper that left the other nine to show his gratitude to Christ for his healing.  We have games and activities planned, but only God knows how it will all play out.

We walked to the church and ate breakfast.  We had devotions (Philippians 1:3-11) and talked about our prayer lives.  We challenged ourselves to pray for the students, the teachers, the staff, and our team with a focus on the eternal, not just the temporary.

As we sought to leave, Pastor handed me the keys so I could drive the van - and you know how much I love to drive, especially when out of the country.  We loaded up and headed for the center.

When we arrived, we quizzed the children on the names and ages of the team, and then we broke into groups of games, crafts/songs, and Bible story.  The team did an excellent job sharing the truth's of the story.  We gave the kids the opportunity to "earn" some candy by reciting the scripture verse from yesterday.  I was pleased with the number of kids that were able to do it.

The craft and games groups did a great job with the kids - giving them an opportunity to make "thank you" cards, and play some games together.  These kids are doing an excellent job connecting with the kids, loving on them, and showing Jesus Christ to them.

At one point, Aaron was separating the kids into two groups.  He called group 1 over to himself, and said, "I am not sure what game we are playing, but we are breaking up into teams".  I thought this was hilarious, but at the same time, it showed his confidence that it would all work out - and it did!

Eventually we headed over to Buen Pastor and spent the afternoon doing the same things that we did in the morning with the afternoon bunch.  These kids are so needy and want affection and attention - the team did a great job giving them just that, along with letting them know that Jesus is the reason they are here to love on the kids.

We headed back to the hotel and got ready for dinner.  We ate at the famous Chicken Place (La Hacienda del Lenador), where Pastor Jose loves the food, and we were joined by the Apon family.  We had a wonderful time of fellowship and dinner as Jose and Lutgarda also shared with us prayer requests. The asked prayer for the building project at the church, for their family, for Lutgarda's unborn child, for the centers and the children there, and for more workers - especially a Bible teacher.

After dinner, we prayed for them, and we headed back to the hotel.  We had 2 sessions of 2:18 (Ellia and Jenn), and spent some time preparing for tomorrow.  I asked the kids to be in bed by 11, so we will see if that works tonight - they are getting tired, and a few have minor abdominal issues.

Thought for the day:  Millions of people live in this world, and many have never heard of the goodness of the gospel.  We all cannot go and share it with those on the other side of the planet, but for those of us who get to do so, it is recharging and energizing when we do.  Not because we are something special, but because we get to see what God is doing in another culture and to people who haven't heard.

Today, as I was talking with Norma, out of nowhere, she said to me, "Hasta en Cielo" (See you in Heaven).  I was humbled and thrilled at the same time.  Just 4 years ago, this now 7 year old child was introduced to me on a "chance" encounter, and now both her and her mother have the confidence that they will be going to heaven.

How much does she truly understand?  I don't know.  But this I do know, because of AMG, and the good news of the Gospel, I know that she will hear the truth that will change her life forever!  And I look forward to talking with her in Heaven (assuming I still can't learn Spanish here on this earth).

Thank You God for allowing me to be part of what you are doing around the world.  It is an honor serving a loving and wonderful God.

Cedarville University - Peru Trip - Day 3

It is Monday morning, and the team is excited about the events of the day. Our plan is to go to both child care centers here in Lima today and teach a Bible story (the parable of the talents), a verse - John 14:15, do a craft, and play games.  A great play, and a great team to pull if off!

The morning began with the walk to the church, where we had breakfast and devotions.  The team was still tired as the beginning of this trip has not allowed for much sleep.  I anticipate more discussion in devotions as the week progresses, but we will see...

After devo's, we headed for the Spiros Zhodiates child care center.  The children are still on summer break, so the school should only have some of the 220 kids that we had anticipated.  Sure enough, when we arrived, we had about 100 children in all that we were able to work with.  I think as the word spreads that we are here, we will see more of the kids throughout the week.

As soon as we arrived, I was met by Harold - my sponsored child (not much of a child any more, as he is taller that my sholders - at 14 years of age), and we talked briefly.  A moment later, I saw Sophia, Norma's mother, and Luis, her brother, at one of the tables. I had not anticipated seeing them until later in the day, but when they heard we were coming, they wanted to be there. 

Then I saw Norma - a little girl I met when she was 3 years old, and man what a story that is - but anyway, she is beautiful.  As soon as I saw her, I wished my wife were here, but I know if she were, I wouldn't have received the wonderful hug that I did.  It is always good to see her.

Well, the kids got to work and ministered to the kids as best as possible - they taught them the Bible story, the verse, some songs, some games, and just plain loved on them!  The kids seemed to enjoy being with the kids - even the "middle school" age kids (like Harold) seemed to be having some fun.

We played with them, sang songs with them, and just loved being with them.  The team did an excellent job.  Eventually it was time to move on to the Buen Pastor center, and we loaded up and left.  It was so cool being able to tell them that we would see them again tomorrow.

We arrived at the center and the kids got right back to work.  Teaching stories, teaching Bible verses, playing games, singing songs - they did a wonderful job.  These kids were a little younger but they had a great time. 

Then we were left with the "down time" activity...  We just played games, taught them games, ran around and loved on kids.  We hugged them, kissed them, told them Jesus loved them, we prayed for them, and prayed with them.  It was a great day!

We ended the day with dinner at the church - LOMO SALTADO! - and then ice cream at Sarcletti's.  We also went to Wong's for water, bread, a soccer ball, and other necessary sundries. Then we walked to the hotel, had a meeting with 2 people doing the 2:18 activity (Aaron and Alex), made some plans for tomorrow, and headed off to bed.

Tomorrow is more of the same - I am praying for the health of the team as they still seem a little tired.
I am asking them to go to bed at 11, but some are still working on devotions.

Thought for the day:  God has given us (my family) the privilege of sponsoring Harold and Norma, and we love the opportunity to do it.  I know it will change their lives, and we pray that God uses AMG to help train them to serve Him. 

However, they are not the only ones impacted by our involvement.  My family is impacted, as we think of them, pray for them, and love to visit them as much as possible.  Their families are impacted as they grow and learn and share with their families the things they learn.  Only eternity will reveal exactly how much impact these kids will have on the world.

As I think of that, it is true of everything I do.  From basic conversations, to intentional acts of kindness, to discipleship of others... everything I do has an impact on the world around me, and the ripples of that effect will only be known in eternity.

God help me each day to seek to make an impact in the lives of others that will move them toward godliness and cause them to seek Your face more and more each day.   Help me to start my day with You so that I can align my will to Yours, and therefore have an eternal impact on others for You.

Portsmouth - End of the trip / Cedarville - Day 1-2

Yes, this is an unusual blog post, because over the past 48 hours God has been actively at work trying my faith! (And apparently not just mine...)  So the story starts on Friday, when the Portsmouth team makes their way to Panajachal and leaves me at Thelmas.  I had a 3:45 flight to Miami arriving at 7:05 and a 8:55 flight to Nashville.

Well...  Jose (my ride to the airport) asks if I can leave a little early - to which I said, "yes" - I always prefer being early.  We arrive at the airport at noon, and I go to check in.  PROBLEM 1 - my flight is delayed 45 minutes, with will not leave me enough time to make the next flight (most likely).  So, what does God do?  He puts me on the earlier flight - 1:00!!  Woo-hoo, problem solved.

NOT yet... PROBLEM 2 - we get loaded on the plane, and are ready to leave and the pilot tells us that we cannot leave because we are missing an FAA required item (not a critical piece for flight, but a required item in case of emergency). The make us all leave the plane and then re-book.  After waiting in line fore 2 hours, I am told that the flight will leave at 4:15, and I will be able to make my flight - problem solved.

Not yet... PROBLEM 3 - we land in Miami at 8:05.  Yes, it will be tight, but I can make it through in 40 minutes, especially since I am certain they know I am coming.  However, the plan gets stuck waiting for other planes to pull away from the gate, so we sit until 8:18, and then pull up and leave the plane at 8:26.  I take off running through the airport, an airport shuttle car comes past me and I jump on.  I run to immigration - through in 2 minutes, I run to customs - through in 2 minutes, I run to security - through in 3 minutes - and all along the way, I am running in front of people and asking for help, and everyone is graciously helping me - isn't God good!  I was completely through the airport from one end to the other - through immigration, customs and security in 22 minutes!!  Problem solved...

Or so one would think...  PROBLEM 4 - the gate was closed 2 minutes before I arrived!  TWO MINUTES!!  I told the lady, "I made it through the airport in 22 minutes - do you realize what a miracle that is??  I have to get on this plane." To which she replied, "the door has already been closed."  So I went to the counter at the guest services and they informed me that the only flight to Nashville was at 8:00 the next morning.  No problem right, wrong...

PROBLEM 5 - You see, I have an 8:00 AM flight in Nashville to Newark, New Jersey, where I am to meet 14 Cedarville students to fly to Peru at 2.  I have my supplies and money in Nashville, so they cannot just re-route me to Newark (not to mention that I am flying on another airline).  So, I ask the lady what is the best they can do...  "we have a 10:00 flight to Atlanta".  Not the best option, but I figured I would call my son in law and he could possibly pick me up and drive me to Nashville - okay, that would be absurd, so while I am on the phone with him discussing the possibility, I realized I could call and rent a car and drive 260 miles from Atlanta to Nashville.  Which is what I ended up doing!  Problems 1-5 solved.  Instead of being in Nashville at 10:00 at night and getting a good nights sleep before flying to Peru, I ended up driving to Nashville, arriving there at 4:00 EST and getting about 1 1/2 hours sleep before heading to the airport. 

ISN'T GOD GREAT??  Seriously, what is he up to?  I have no idea - and still don't - as to why He couldn't let that plan be 5 minutes late and allow me a good nights sleep.  But this I know - He is all powerful, and chose not to stop that plane.  He is Good - and chose not to allow me to make the flight.  I do not praise Him only when things go right, but also when all hell breaks lose in my world.  He is Good, all the time, and all the time, He is GOOD!

Well, I met the team in Newark, and we made our way down to Peru.  Our flight (that is typically 8:10 long) was only 7 hours long.  We walked out of the airport at 10:08  (2 minutes before we were supposed to land) and Jose was there to pick us up at 10:10.  By 11:30 we were at the hotel, showered and in bed for the night!  This is the earliest I have ever arrived in Lima.

After a great night's rest, we went to church, at dinner with the Apon family, went back to the hotel and rested, walked to Wong to go shopping, ate at Bembo's and headed back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow.  We did a 2-18 session with McCayley being in the hot seat (she shared about herself for 2 minutes, and the team asked her questions for 18 minutes).  It was a great end to a great day.

Thought for the day:  Well isn't it obvious??   Why is it that when life is going great, we can look at our great God and rejoice in His goodness that brings us what we want, when we want, but when the difficulties of life come our way (even something as simple as missing our plane), we begin to wrestle with the goodness or powerfulness of our God.

AND, how often do we need an explanation for why He choses to do what He does - as if we think we deserve an answer for why He did what he did, or at least, we need to see the "silver lining" that explains to us how our difficulty was used to honor Him.

A 4 1/2 hour drive at the worst time of the day to drive (12:30 AM - 4:00 AM) right before I am getting ready to go on a MISSIONS TRIP - you know, to bring God glory and work on His behalf??  Don't you think He should make things easier for me?

Actually, I don't.  He is God and I am not! (aren't we all glad about that!)  Seriously - the thought that God owes me anything is ludicrous to me, and the fact that anything in life is for my pleasure is absurd.  Yes, I find pleasure in life, but it is because God is a loving God that I am able to do that.  And when difficulty comes, I must, I MUST resign myself to the position that Paul took as a bond-servant and recognize that when God made His plans, He never consulted my will to determine what He is going to do.  That would be as ridiculous as a slave owner asking the slave to sit down and the master serving the slave.

If in our service to our master, He chooses to cause us pain, then as slaves our response should be, "yes, Master."  and nothing else.  After all, He is the Master.

God help me see my position as it truly is, yes, a child of God, but also a slave to a Good King.  Help me seek Your will - even when I don't understand it, and especially when it causes me pain.  Thank You for your lovingkindness, Your grace, Your mercy, Your forgiveness, and Your love.  Without any of these, my life would be worthless, but in Christ, my life is fullness and joy - even in hardship.