May 5, 2005

We’re in Cajamarca!

Dear Pastors, Praying Friends, and Family,

It’s with great pleasure and anticipation of what God is going to do here in Cajamarca that we inform you that our move went well to our new home.  We and our belongings arrived fine.  We have been busy “setting up house”, unpacking boxes, and learning about our new city.  Everyone we have met has received us well.

Along with a change of address come many other changes.  We no longer shop at the nice clean supermarket that was available in our last location.  We do our shopping by means of the open vegetable market and buy our meats at a butcher shop that was recommended to us.  There are no McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc. like there were in Lima.  But, there are several good clean places to eat at very reasonable prices and Carla’s cooking is as good as ever, so we will not go hungry for lack of good food. 

We usually walk or take a 60 cent taxi ride to town, the market, etc.  Gas is around $4 per gallon here, so we only use the truck for longer distances.

We have learned that the paperwork for the property we are being given for our church is underway.  We will soon begin searching for a good place to rent to start the church until we have grown enough to build on the property.  Please pray that God will open the doors and give us wisdom in all aspects of starting our first church here in Peru.

We are also seeking a national pastor to start the new work with.  Please pray that we will find one soon.  We believe it would be better to start the church with a national pastor as opposed to bringing him in later.

Many other things have occurred since our last letter:

     March 15 – Some dear friends in the states donated a car to Christa so she would have transportation in college!  We praise the Lord for their generous hearts.

     April 3 - I was invited and preached at another national pastor’s church.  His son lives in the city we have moved to.  The message was received well with several coming to the altar.

     April 10 – I preached at our church in Cieneguilla before we said our goodbyes to our friends there.  Praise the Lord, there were 2 souls saved!  What a way to begin our next step in our missionary journey!

     April 23 - Carla and I celebrated our 23rd Wedding Anniversary.  It is such a joy to have her serving alongside of me here.  Thanks for the cards, notes, & email that we have received.

     April – Our son, Shawn, moved out of my parents’ basement into a place closer to his work.  Please pray that the Lord will protect him, give him wisdom, provide him with a good church, and always draw him close to His side.

     May 2 – I had the opportunity to give my testimony in a mountain church about an hour from our new home.

We want to thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support.  None of this would be possible without the faithfulness of God’s people.  May God continue to bless you for your hearts for missions and the lost souls of Peru, South America.

                                                                                           Don Rich & family

Don’t forget to visit our web site:  www.Rich2Peru.com        NEW PHOTOS and INFORMATION ABOUT CAJAMARCA!