July 5, 2007

Adversity or Opportunity?

Dear Pastors, Praying Friends, and Family,

The title says it all. Many times when people face adversity in their lives it opens the door for ministry. We were blessed to be used in this way recently. We praise God for "any" opportunity to minister in His name.

Felípe is a young man who is renting a room from one of our church members. His girlfriend broke up with him and he took it hard, feeling depressed and lonely. He wanted to talk to someone and Juana, the church member suggested he talk with me. In counseling with him about relationships I told him about the Friend that will never leave us. I shared how no matter how alone we may feel, we can know that He is always there. Felípe accepted Christ that day and gained a Friend for eternity.

I recently preached on the sin of alcohol in our Sunday services. The following week, a young man (Yerson) who had never visited our church knocked on my door with alcohol on his breath and red eyes. He was attending a technical school nearby and had been taking care of his uncle's house while he was out of town. The day before, he had decided to go out with some friends. The short story is that he wrecked his uncle's car while drinking. The police were not involved but he was afraid of how his uncle would react. I spoke with him for a few minutes about suffering the consequences of our actions. I told him that I would like to talk to him more when he did not have alcohol in his system. Two days later, Yerson and his mother came to the church. She is a Christian and had traveled a long distance to see her son. We talked for a while about Yerson's situation. I also spoke of his need for a Savior and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in his young life. When I finished walking him through the scriptures, he bowed his head and accepted Christ. I gave him a Bible and explained to him the importance of attending church and studying the scriptures. I watched as he and his mother walked away with their arms around each other. They came in as blood family and left as family in the blood of Christ. The following Sunday, before moving to live with his mom, they both came to the services and left with smiles on their faces.

I was invited to preach at a home one Saturday night. The son who is around twenty years old had his jaw broken while he was drunk. He doesn't remember how. A lady in our church had recently won him to the Lord. The mother was already saved but the rest of the family is not. I preached on salvation and answered many questions. The father has a hardened heart and wants to believe that all religions are the same. I believe that the rest of the family didn't want to go against him. Please pray for this seed that was planted.

Carla once again challenged the kids. This time it was to memorize John 14:1-7. Seven of them took the challenge and memorized the verses. They recited the verses individually to Carla and then in front of the church on Mother's Day. We treated them to pizza for their accomplishment. Most of them had never even tasted pizza.

Recently, after a morning service, I had the privilege to lead three more souls to the Lord. Another young lady who was saved several months ago stated last Sunday that she is ready to be baptized. We will be stepping into the baptismal waters with them real soon!

After not seeing my parents for three years, Carla and I flew in to be with them for their 50th wedding anniversary. It was great to spend time with our family. We were blessed with buddy passes from some good friends at our church.

STATESIDE: Our son Shawn has been promoted to management in his sales job with Lazy Boy Furniture and our daughter Christa has just completed her third year of college. We are very proud of them both. Christa leaves today for her three week mission trip to China. Please keep her and their college mission group in your prayers.

In August, we are looking forward to the second anniversary of our first church here in Peru and our first furlough after four years on the field. We are busy preparing for them both.

May God continue to bless each of you. Please remember to take a look at the new photo albums on our web site. See you soon!                                                                                          

Serving Him for You in Peru,

                                  Don & Carla Rich