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.