Sunday morning we worshiped at Gracia Divina. Our team was asked to sing (no advance notice) and to share how God brought them to Peru (no advance notice). I was asked to preach (2 days notice). A few of the songs alternated English and Spanish verses. Abbey said that singing in both languages reminded her of how our God reaches across man-made borders to gather his people in worship.
I spent quite a lot of time with my friend Gamaliel and his wife Claudia. Within the next two days they should have a new addition to their home. They think it is a girl but some of the older women in the church are convinced it will be a boy.
We had lunch with the members of the church and then packed in two buses for the ride to Nuevo Pachacutec. Many of the people we gave eye glasses to showed up for the service. There were over 50 children and just over 110 adults at the service. The service celebrated the independence of Peru with a flag processional and the singing of the national anthem. Seven people gave their lives to Christ - all seven had been through our eye clinic.
After the service we had dinner with the members. The ladies of the church prepared 4 different Peruvian dishes for us: lomo saltado, seco de carne, frijoles and carapulcra.
These last few days have brought a few more smiles into this world. The people in Neuvo Pachacutec are smiling because they have had a taste of hope. Our team is smiling because God allowed us to taste what it is like to be messengers of hope. And finally, God is smiling as those he loves are cared for by those he loves.
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8)
Today we play soccer with some of the guys from Gracia Divina. This will be a great way to wrap up the incredible time we have enjoyed with our Gracia Divina family.
Tomorrow we leave early for Cuzco. Cuzco is located in the Southern Peruvian Andes at 13,000 ft. Good thing we are playing soccer in Lima!
3 comments:
Wow, 160 people at the service. That is nothing short of the holy spirit working through our team. I am so happy that God used the Rock Creek Team in such an amazing way. It truely is "Taking Jesus Christ as He is to people where they are." Karman and I have followed everything you guys have been doing and praying for you constantly - our only regret is we were not there with you!!!
Tell everyone at Gracia Divina we miss them and tell them we said Hello! Bob and Karman.
PS. Tell Phillip he looks like he is becoming a foreign missionary!!!!!
The pictures are amazing!!! Thought of you guys today during quiet time!
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Psalm 67:1-2
Keep reaching there... we'll keep missing you here! : )
-Ashley
P.S. So who went for seconds for the meal in the pic??!! : )
God bless you guys...I cried when I was seing these pictures...Amazing work that you guys are doing...keep in faith!
Psalm 52.8-9
Vanessa Paim
Miss y'all.
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