May 7, 2008

Celebrations on Both Sides of Heaven!

Dear Pastors, Praying Friends, and Family,

    It has been a busy two months since we last wrote.  We have been many more miles and visited many churches, both those who support us already and those whom we hope the Lord will lead to be a part of our ministry.  There has been sickness, injury, many surprises and blessings along the way.  

     Back in March, Carla and I both had the flu while in Roswell, New Mexico for a missions conference.  That city may be known as the Alien Capital of the World but WE were the ones feeling a little green.  As many of you know, my dad fell and broke his hip the first part of April.  He is in rehab and doing well.  We certainly appreciate the prayers of God’s people during this tough time. 

    On March 17, our son Shawn married his fiancé of two years, Rachel.  They chose to have a private ceremony and let everyone know about it by sending us a post card with a picture of the two of them and the words “Just Married” imprinted on the text area.  The wedding was not a surprise but the notification was an attention getter.  We are very happy to have Rachel as part of our family.  Congratulations!

   Speaking of weddings, Carla and I celebrated our 26^th Wedding Anniversary on April 23.   I praise the Lord for Carla and pray that the Lord will allow us to enjoy many more years together serving Him.

   We were in Florida last weekend as our daughter Christa graduated from Trinity Baptist College.  We are so proud of her and her accomplishment.  For now she has chosen to stay in FL and work while she waits on God’s leading. 

   God continues to bless our time on furlough with lives changed and souls saved.  In the past two months we have seen altars filled with individuals and four have made professions of faith in our Savior.  They have been in different states and range in ages from youth to adults.   We also have heard that during VBS at our work in Peru there were ten saved including three adults!  During the months of March and April there were three others who were saved at our church in Peru.  We are so glad to be a part of the lives of these individuals and know that their eternal destiny has been changed from death unto life.  We know that God will bless our supporters who help to make this happen.  Thanks to all of you!

     As we have visited here in the U.S. we have been sharing our vision to build a structure that will house the Calvary Bible Institute and Calvary Christian School.  We have been blessed with several gifts already but there is a long way to go.  The dollar has also dropped in value in the past year.  Please pray about allowing God to use you to help us train nationals and reach this nation for Christ.  Also, we have recently noticed that some airlines are having sales on flights to Peru.  Now is the time to be looking at planning your missions trip!  Let us know how we can help.

     This is our last letter stateside.   Our next prayer letter will be written from Peru!  In just about seven weeks we will be back “home” and re-adjusting to the 9000 ft altitude, the food, language and culture.   We have enjoyed our time with family and friends but we are ready to return to the land of our calling.  May God continue to bless each of you for being the encouragement you are to us! 

Your missionaries to Peru,

                                                                                           Don Rich & family