96 Hours and Counting

Welcome to the whirlwind tour of Lima, Peru, with a final destination of Centreville, MD (for about a week.) 

So much has happened since my last post on Saturday that this should prove interesting to consolidate everything into this post.  But, I will endeavor to do my best!

We'll start with what really happened Saturday.  As you know, I was left behind to help decorate for the Seminary party.  What you don't know is what happened to the rest of the team.  They went to Los Angeles (Peru) as scheduled, worked with the children, taught a Bible class, and performed a wedding (which the photos of the bride and groom just crack me up b/c the groom looks SO serious, not to mention they are both in their 60's.) 

On their trip up there, the bus was having problems, so after they were dropped off, the driver took it to get it fixed.  Well, it did not make it back to the village in time, so the team decided to start walking back.  The bus finally met them and they were able to travel back.  Since there was no cell service, no one was able to contact us to let us know what had happened.  For all we knew, they could have gone flying off the side of the mountain.  When they finally reached a cell area, Martin was able to call and let us know what happened.

The team went straight to the Seminary party (exhausted and dusty) where we were the guests of honor.  I don't think we made it to bed until 1am. 

Sunday, Silvi left and Sam, Bill, and Mike all went 3 separate ways to preach at 3 different churches.  The evening was the same thing.  We were able to go to the street market to get a few things.  Shopping in Peru is also another "must" experience. 

Monday we left at 5:30am to fly to Lima.  We were supposed to take the bus, but it was still having problems from the trip to Los Angeles.  So two taxis took us to the airport.  After a short flight, we landed and headed to Calvary Chapel Peru where we were greeted by the pastor who was able to put us up for the night.  They have rooms available for teams and this worked out great.

Monday was spent talking with the Calvary folks and a first attempt to meet with the Scout Peru office.  The person we were supposed to meet with had the wrong day and we did not meet.  But it was nice to have a relaxing day.

Tuesday was the day of taxis and meetings.  Or the attempt thereof.  We (Bill, Mike, Robert and I) were able to make 2 out of the 4 meetings planned.  Sam and Chris went to a public school to share the gospel.  We were able to meet with the head of the IEP (Evangelical Peruvian Church or Iglesia Evangelica Peruana) and talk about how we can partner to help teach the Quechua.  We were all on the same page even before the meeting started, which confirmed this was definitely a God plan.

The second meeting we could not find the building.  Just as the frustration started, Bill looked at Mike and said, "Let's stop and see what God has planned for us."  Not even 5 seconds after he said this, a gal from Calvary Chapel Peru showed up and asked how she could help!!  To make a long story short, we had to cancel that meeting so we could make it to the next one.  She helped by letting us use her cell phone and flag down a taxi.  God is awesome!!

As the taxi is dropping us off and we all step out of the car, a man comes toward us and Mike says, "Brother Victor!"  It turns out this was the man who had set up the meeting and he was on his way to the building (which was good, b/c we weren't sure where that building was either!) 

The meeting went well, we were able to make it back to Calvary Chapel, finish packing our bags, hop in the taxi van we had scheduled to pick us up and get to the airport with enough time to spare before our flight back to the USA. 

We landed this morning and are on our way to Maryland, where we will be reunited with our other two sons (who are anxious to see us) and spend sometime with Bill's family before we head back to Alabama.

Phew!!  What an interesting last 4+ days!  I am looking forward to a good night's sleep.  Thanks to all who prayed and continue to do so.  There's some awesome stuff happening in Peru and with those who want to partner with us in the USA to help those in Peru.  Looking forward to some more God moments.

“But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV

Seminary Party and a Quechua Wedding

When it rains, it pours. 

I stayed behind today while the rest of the team went back up to Los Angeles (Peru).  Tammy Riggs asked me to help decorate the Seminary (Semenario Evangelico de Apurimac, or SEA) for a Thanksgiving/Graduation party.  In fact, it has already started but I am back at the hotel waiting for the team to get back.

Things like this will always happen when you work in another Latin culture.  Things are not neccessarily built around time, but around relationships.  And you offend people if you don't take time with them, thus being on time does not matter as much. 

Today was a special day in Los Angeles because Bill and Sam were asked to perform a wedding as well as the regular class Sam prepared.  Silvi, Robert, and Chris also went to help with the children.  Needless to say today was a full day.  But it is not done yet.  They are expected to attended the party when they get back.  But again, it's about relationships and the people will want to meet the Americans.

I tried several times and in various ways to download photos to this blog but to no availe.  I think I may try an online photo site and put up a link if I get it downloaded that way.  Otherwise, I was able to download several photos to our Believer's Bridge Facebook site.  So if you have a Facebook account, please go to the Believer's Bridge page (just type "Believer's Bridge" into the search) and check out the photos there!

I was able to rest today, so that is a praise.  However, please pray for the rest of the team: Cayo, Bill, Sam, Walter, and Silvi.  I am sure they are exhausted.  This will be the hardest day because of all the activities.

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Thessalonians 1:3

Mission Roulette with a side of Humor

Yeah...

Welcome to the world of missions, where anything goes, yet you are the honored guest, and expected to know cultural things because, well, that's what they do so why shouldn't you?  It's besides the fact that you are used to a clean bathroom with at least toilet paper.  The proverbial outhouse in 3rd world countries are a far cry from anything resembling one in the USA.  Unless you go camping and make your own.  Than it comes pretty close.

So, moving on.  Next, you will experience the change of plans in route to your destination.  You will be passing off your notes and study you took time to prepare for someone else's study because the natives have requested you teach a certain group and not the one you thought you were going to.  And you will be able to pull this off with a smile on your face and hopefully a translator.  And if no translator is available, you will do your best not to use words that mean something completely opposite of what you thought you were saying.  Looks of horror or bursts of laughter are usually a good indication the previous has happened.

Next on the list of our mission roulette choices is the meal.  At least what the natives consider the meal.  Do not be alarmed if you find eyeballs floating in your soup.  This is especially reserved for the guest of honor.  Than you have a few choices.  A Nehemiah prayer and swallow, or eat around the interesting objects in your plate/bowl, or creatively feed the native animals w/o drawing suspicion.  I honestly prefer the last, but that's the fun thing about missions.  You get to decide how to interact w/o offending them.  If you are with experienced missionaries, they can provide other solutions as well.

Sleeping accomodations can get interesting.  Anything from sleeping outdoors on and in who knows what to some pretty decent places.  For your sanity, I suggest trying to find a decent place.  Personally, the whole lack of sleep with a side of bugs does not appeal, no matter how gung-ho you think you are.  I draw the line at getting a good night's sleep.  Oh, and earplugs and eye mask also come in handy. 

So there you have it.  Your basic package for the typical mission's trip.  So you can easily see how a side of humor greatly helps the whole experience. 

On the other side, you may see more earnest hearts than you ever thought possible.  Something about not having a bunch of material possesions and plenty of time seems to lend itself toward that. 

Today we once again experienced our 2 hour bumpy bus ride and soup-surprise lunch, oh with a detour to see a church project and another surprise meal (which the men prepared because the women were not available - very impressive indeed in a Latin culture.)

But I enjoyed working with the beautiful children that showed up today.  Their little faces eager to participate in whatever activity we had planned.  So as we sat in the field with animal residue mines all around (I thought that was a pretty good way of saying it!), I was happy to hear them recite their memory verse, Proverbs 3:5:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him..."

Please pray for the children in Los Angeles, Peru today.  That something we teach them will stick in their minds and hearts and they will trust in the Lord.

Well, I was going to attempt to put photos up once again, but it seems Bill obsconded (sp?) with the camera as he went to a Cafe place with Sam, Robert and Chris and I stayed in the hotel room.  Well, to all a good night and more news to come if I get internet and a computer manyana.  Tchau!

In Los Angeles

"But I thought you said you were going to Peru?"

Yes!  And we are.  And we went to Los Angeles today.  In Peru.  And I can guarantee you will never have the kind of commute to Los Angeles, CA that we did to Los Angeles, Peru.

In order to get there we drove on dirt roads that must have had rocks put under them (just to add to the atmosphere) and corners that took your breath away.  Or maybe that was holding your breath....  and adding a quick prayer of safety. 

Well, whatever the case, we will be traveling back and forth the next few days to Los Angeles (I just love putting that name in there) to work with the Quechua people that are 2 hours from Andahuaylas, where we have a nice hotel to come back to.  It would probably be considered a 1-2 star hotel in the USA but here it is really nice.  And we really appreciate it. 

God reminded me several times today that He works in all people and in all kinds of ways.  I felt so content to listen to my Peruvian brothers and sisters talk about the work God is doing here.  And my heart wraps around theirs as I see them work with us to bring more Biblical understanding to these people who we can only get to by the 2 hour bumpby, dusty, bus ride. 

There are 3 Peruvian families that have really given of themselves to work with Believer's Bridge and Mike and Tammy Riggs, the American missionaries here.  Cayo and Maritza Cardenas, who are national missionaries with Believer's Bridge (Puente in Spanish), have a commitment that is just incredible.  Please, please, please pray for this family.  They are diamonds in a city of lost people here. 

Then there is Martin and his family.  Martin owns a restaurant and has provided the bus for us to use.  We just have to pay the driver and for the gas.  We also come back and have pizza at his restaurant the last two nights.  He gathered us around a table when we asked how much the bill was, and told us that this was his gift to us because he is happy to have us spreading the gospel to his people.  It's his way to be part of the group and do what he can for God.  Again, please pray God will bless his business and his family and that he also will be a light for those around him.

The third family is Walter and Ruth.  Walter, like Cayo, knows both Spanish and Quechua (well, Inca Wasi really - but Quechua is used for the name of the people and language).  He is looking on coming on board as another Believer's Bridge national missionary.  We hope to welcome him on board by next year.  They too have a heart for their own people and a desire to teach them the bible.

It is one thing to read about something, or even see pictures (which help even more than just words) but entirely something else to experience it.  If you have ever been through something traumatic, it's kind of like that.  You can tell people as much as you can about it, but unless they've experienced something similar, you just don't understand. 

If nothing else, I pray God works in your life to glorify Him in whatever situation or place He has you.  Not all are called to do the same thing.  It's a beautiful picture of teamwork when the body of Christ upholds each other in the work God has called each to do.  So, I thank you for praying for us and for those that work with us (everything from financial support to volunteering to teaching.)  You are glorifying God in what you do.

I tried to upload some photos but kept getting a securtiy error notice.  Arg.  Well, maybe manayana.  Meanwhile, thanks for your prayers!

The Battle is the Lord's

Bill, Robert, and I will be heading to Peru today.  We will be there for a one week mission's trip.  But the spiritual battle actually started weeks ago. 

First, our national missionary, Cayo, was in an accident almost 3 weeks ago.  His driver lost control of the vehicle and they both went over the side of a mountain.  Cayo got snagged by a tree branch by the computer bag he was wearing, but broke a few bones on the way there.  He is recuperating, but not fully recovered.  He is our point contact for this trip.  Please pray for full recovery and that he won't overdo himself.

Next, the father of the wife's host family for our Florida stay had by-pass surgery.  Everything looked fine and she came back home only to have to leave again 2 days before we came down.  But the rest of the family has been gracious enough to let us stay and things have worked out.  Please pray for Linda's father, whose name escapes me at the moment, that there will be peace in whatever the outcome.

Then we received news that Sam's father-in-law had kidney failure and his wife had to go be with her dad.   Sam is another man who will be coming down to kick off the Bible Institute in Los Angeles (Peru).  Things seem to be stable with his father-in-law and he is planning on going.  Please pray that his father-in-law will recover and his kidneys will work properly.

The last (current) blow was news that a friend from our church has stage 4 cancer.  They found this out after she gave birth to her 3rd daughter last week because she had a broken collar bone.   She is only in her mid to late twenties.  I think this was the biggest blow.  We had hopes of this family coming to stay on our property as Believer's Bridge hosts/caretakers.  Please pray for their whole family that God give them His peace and if His will, that he completely heal Kristi.  That all their needs be met during this very difficult time.

Even in light of all these events, we are still sure that the battle is the Lord's.  We are His vessels.  We can't give up or be dismayed or discouraged when the enemy throws things at us.  In our weakness, God's strength comes through.  Please pray that our human weakness allows God's strength to shine through.  And as I can, I will try to keep folks updated. 

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. "  Ephesians 6:11-13

A visit to ECHO

We visited a place called ECHO on Tuesday, June 28.  ECHO stands for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization.  They teach others how to help poor international people, especially in the agricultural arena. 

I love some of the innovative stuff they have come up with.  It is a living farm, designed to train those interested some hands-on techniques.  On our tour the first thing we learned was that they try to use what the country/area they go into has.  They have learned that to introduce something uncultural usually does not work.  The people might be fascinated by it, but it won't get used.

Next, we were shown various plants that can be grown (or are growing) in various parts of the world that their team or other scientists have discovered are useful to that region.  The Moringa tree is one of those.  All parts of the tree are useful for something.  The leaves have more potassium than a banana/potato, more calcium than milk, antioxidants, and amino acids.  The wood can be used for fire wood or carpentry.

Moringa Tree (and large pods with seeds)

Next we visited the water purification area.  Again, Moringa tree comes to the rescue.  By crushing the seeds and placing them on top of dirty water, about 90% of the contaminants settled to the bottom (including ecol i).  Next, clear, plastic water bottles are used to solarize the water and kill any other bacteria present.  Since most of these people won't have thermometers, they use a small amount of soybean oil mixed in with the water.  At 151degrees the oil mixes in with the water, which is the same temp needed to kill the bacteria.

Another thing I thought was really neat, and we will try this when we get home, was the "cooking brick".  Most poor areas just use rocks, wood, and a stove to cook with.  But you can only cut down so many trees before you have to go farther to gather more wood. 

A cooking brick can be made by chopping up leaves, paper, "road apples", and just about anything else one can find, mixing with some water and compressing in a cylinder, to squeeze out the excess water.  And wa la, you have yourself a cooking brick.  Very cool.

The kids enjoyed a workout on a special contraption and pumped water at the same time.  You know, we have a pond and a stream at home....

There were many other things we learned about and I'm sure we only scratched the surface.  I would love to take a course to learn other techniques, but I guess that will have to wait til next visit.

A training ground for missionaries

South Florida.

It's located in the United States, and is the peninsula on the East coast.  What you may not know if you don't live here or visited for an extended amount of time is, most people speak another language as their first language. 

South Florida has become home to thousands of South American and Island folks.  Island folks meaning Haitian, Jamaican, and other nearby islanders. 

Because of the influx of other cultures, there are several areas that have become in a sense their own pockets of culture from those specific areas.  An example would be what is called Little Havana.  You may feel like you are in another country while never setting foot outside the USA.  Another example of a culture within a culture is Chinatown in San Francisco.

What is fascinating, at least to me, about these areas is all I can think of is, "Wow!  This makes a great training ground for missionaries!"  They can experience culture shock, different languages, different foods, different driving, different ways of understanding "personal space", and a whole batch of other things I couldn't even begin to explain.  Some things just have to be experienced.

And that's the beauty of it.  SO many potential missionaries get to the mission field and have a very hard time adjusting to another culture.  By immersing them into these areas, they find out for themselves if they will "make it or break it". 

All the classroom training or head knowledge one can have/take is nothing compared to real-life situations.  Probably many romanticize or heroize (and yes, that is a word) the idea of missions.  Their heart starts in the right spot, but living it is beyond their comfort or ability.

We decided to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall today.  It is one of the largest malls in South Florida and we used to visit it often when we lived here before.  As we approached it, Joshua says, "I remember this mall.  It's awesome!!"

We park, and make our way inside, unsuspecting what we are about to encounter.

I thought I was transported (Star Trek style) into a different country(s).  Not one word of English. 

Even the store folks were speaking in Spanish, or Portuguese, or other (couldn't quite make it out).  But mostly Spanish.  Even some video advertisements were in Spanish.

It was the weirdest thing.  I just kept staring and gawking.  I finally snapped out of it and started looking at the store names to see if they were in Spanish.  Nope, English.  Which made it even weirder, because it messed with my head. 

Needless to say, after some time getting used to it, and finally hearing a few people speak English, we let ourselves get immersed in this new change in an old, familiar place.  Bill and I sat down on a bench outside RainForest Cafe (awesome place btw and fun for kids) and did some ministry work using StarBucks free WiFi (across the way). 

Guess you could say we have learned to adjust to whatever we encounter, be it rednecks to Little Havana driving.  It's just what it is and bucking the system won't do you any good. 

So, if you are thinking about being a missionary for any length of time, I challenge you to find an area in your part of the country that has it's own culture inside a culture and see how you fare. (It could even be your teenagers room....)  If it grates you the wrong way, missions may not be your cup of cheese.  I mean, tea.  ;-)

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."  Colossians 3:23-24

Here, Hear!

Yes, we are still here, in San Diego, CA.  And we've had a lot to hear and say to other missionary folks and interested parties.  (Don't ask where I come up with my blog titles...sometimes they just stick in my head!)  Coincidently, the phrase, "Hear, hear!" (shortened from, "Hear him, hear him!") comes from 18th century British parliament, shouted to agree with the speaker.

So, moving on... we just ended the focus on mission week at Shadow Mountain Community Church.  We have been pleasantly surprised at the missionaries and contacts we've met. 

As most of you know, we began a mission organization due to an interesting set of circumstances that originated in Andahuyalas, Peru over 3 years ago.  (You can read about it on our website if you don't know the story:  http://www.believersbridge.com/).  Needless to say, the journey has been full of learning, doing, waiting, giving up, gaining, and praying. 

As Believer's Bridge grows, we see God directing the steps.  The missions festival provided some new opportunities to connect with other like-minded people who may or may not work with Believer's Bridge in some capacity.  There's nothing quite like accepting God's direction in your life and doing it.  The benefits bring eternal fulfillment, even if some of the moments along the way get bumpy.

By focusing back on the reason Believer's Bridge started, it helps Bill and I continue moving forward.  We hope to help others see the same: that there are people in other areas of the world who hunger for Biblical teaching, but as of yet do not have it. 

Whatever, and wherever your position in life right now, don't waste it.  I came across an interesting quote by Mark Twain, "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the things you did do."  Let that sink in for a little bit.  Then chew on it, savor it, then let the reality of the words hit you hard.

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.  Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.  But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.  I John 2:3-6

Here are a few photos of our display from the mission festival.  Enjoy!

PS- We still need financial support for us to operate Believer's Bridge in a full-time capacity...  ;-)

(You can email us, info@believersbridge.com to find out how you can support us).

Peru, All You Can Eat, and Brasilian Desserts

Oh look.  We are back to the food theme.  :-)  I think the best way to form this post is to work the week backwards.  So, we will start with the Brasilian desserts...

Our family just came back from something Shadow Mountain Community Church does every year.  They have a Stewardship Dessert evening where the events and ministries of the previous year are summarized while you enjoy desserts at a table of 10. 

Previous to this event, our family enjoyed an all-you-can-eat  brunch buffet offered to the missionaries after church at the college cafeteria (ah, the memories of years back when Bill and I used to eat in the same cafeteria while we attended the college).  Robert, our teenager, could NOT stop talking about all the food!  (Not to mention I think he went back 3 times...).  The other two boys were just as happy.

At the very end of our meal we began talking to an old college friend who introduced us to a Brasilian friend of hers.  Well, the Portuguese started flying and both college friend and my husband smiled politely while we spoke in animated guestures (it's a well known fact that Brasilians speak with their hands).  As she was getting ready to leave, she invited Bill and I to their dessert table for the Stewardship Dessert. 

When we got there, what did I find to my delight but that she had made a BUNCH of Brasilian desserts.  I finally had my Pave (pronounced "pah veh")!  I was ecstatic, seeing as I hadn't been able to have this delicious Brasilian treat even when we were in Brasil last July.  And I brought some home to savor tomorrow.  (Happy feet!)

The other highlight of the past week was that Bill had made a week-long trip to Peru to visit missionaries, set up plans, and see what else God has in store for Believer's Bridge.  Things went pretty well, despite the fact he had to go 5 days without regular running water. 

Yep, and I was complaining (in my spirit) about having to take showers that were intermitten.  What I mean is when we take showers in the RV we have to soak ourselves, turn the water off, shampoo and soap up, rinse, turn water off, use conditioner, turn water on and rinse off.  After hearing that he only had wipes to "shower" with for 5 days, I decided maybe the intermitten showers weren't too bad after all.

Since photos express a thousand words, following are a few photos from his visit to Peru.  Enjoy!

It is a tradition for someone important to give the first haircut to a child's hair.  The parents insisted Bill do this (and exactly where he is cutting) while he was there.  Poor kiddo wasn't too happy.  Can't say I blame her!

Cayo Cardenas and his family: Believer's Bridge national missionary who helps teach the Bible Institutes and translate Spanish into Quechua.

Didn't Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ?  (Matthew 19:14)   Mike Rigg's (our missionary) and his son are in the background.

City of Talavera, Peru, where the Rigg's currently live.

Typical church in the Apurimac area, Peru.  Here, Cayo Cardenas is teaching.

Bill and Martin.  Martin owns a Pizzeria and has offered Believer's Bridge the use of an office space as a classroom.  There are a lot of things that are coming together as we see God work in the lives of the Peruvians and those of us here Stateside as we partner to bring Biblical teaching to this region.

Bill was able to drive (he actually has an International Driving license) up to a church (see below) that is excited to host a Bible Institute for the Peruvians in the area. 

This is a church that will be hosting a Bible Institute seminar.

As you can see, our work is very real.  And the people are very real.  And the needs are very real.  I asked Bill if there were other evangelical missionaries working in these regions and there only seem to be 2 other families.  But as they've dug deeper, one of the families has some serious theological errors (the husband is a national,  but lived in Germany and married to a German).

So, please pray for others who may join Believer's Bridge to minister in these areas.  That God send the right people our way and that we serve God the right way.  We serve a Living God!

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." 

I Peter 1:22-23