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September 9, 2002
What an Awesome God We Serve!
Dear Pastors, Praying Friends, and Family,
We have just returned from our survey trip to Lima, Peru, and are “chomping at the bit” to get our support raised and get back to start the work God has called us to. My wife, Carla, started smiling when we got there and hasn’t stopped since we returned. This was her first time in Peru and the Lord had already prepared her heart. She saw the potential for ministry and fell in love with the people just as I did two years ago.
Before I say any more about our trip, let me tell you about other ways God has blessed in the past month. Christa had a piano she needed to sell before we moved. We told a dear friend of ours about it, who announced it in their church. Just like the truck I sold last month, the first person to come look at it, bought it. At a meeting in north Georgia recently, a man received assurance of his salvation. He would soon be moving away from his home church and was experiencing doubts of his salvation prior to the service. Praise God for that blessed assurance! We were running low on prayer cards and had ordered new ones. A machine at the printer broke down delaying the delivery. Just as we thought we were going to run out, they showed up on our doorstep. There is nothing too big or too small for our God to solve.
Our survey trip was amazingly productive. Through Bro. Mike, the missionary we will be working with, God blessed us to be able to find a house to live in. After looking at several, we decided on one that is in a safe neighborhood just around the corner from Bro. Mike and his family. We also met a couple of language teachers and chose one who is waiting for us to return. Her name is Margot Espinosa de Ortiz. She has such a sweet spirit and we look forward to learning our new language with her. We met the principal of Fetzer Academy and toured this missionary-run Christian school where Christa will finish high school. We were very pleased with the atmosphere and the staff we met. Carla enjoyed shopping at the stores in Lima and the market places where locals make furniture, sell fruits, clothing, crafts, etc. We now can start making better preparations for the move to Peru, knowing more of what it will cost.
We saw Eph. 3:20 in action where God’s Word says He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”. Not only were we able to accomplish everything we set out to do but God also helped us to accomplish more than we planned. We now know the first area we will work in to help start a church and soup kitchen. It is called Cieneguilla. It is a large village with no Bible preaching church. Bro. Mike has already found a building in a good location to begin the work. We will be assisting there while we learn the language.
Now for the best part: When we landed, I was praying that God would allow me to minister and see at least one soul saved. I was privileged to speak at a government-run alcohol/drug rehabilitation center to a group of men. At the end of the Bible study, around fifteen men asked Jesus to be their Savior!!!
I don’t know how to explain my desire to get on the field as soon as possible and reach these people for Christ. As Jeremiah said “His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones”. Tears filled my eyes as we left Peru, knowing that it would be months before we would return to tell these people about our Lord and Savior.
We are praying that if there is any church or individual who has been praying about supporting us that God would impress their hearts at this time to “be a part of the miracle” and help us get to the field. Our hearts are so burdened for the work that is to be done there. We desperately want to have our monthly support by the end of January.
As much as I hate to write about money, I have been told that since we have over half of our support promised, now is the time we should start telling people our need for funds to be used for moving, i.e. shipping costs, setting up house, and for a vehicle. It is an expensive venture, but I know that God shall supply. All we ask is that people pray what/if God would have them to do beyond the monthly support. If God leads you to be used in this way, please send it to our support address and make a note as to what you want it to be used for. I want to praise God in advance for what He is going to do.
I know that this prayer letter has been lengthy and I thank you for your indulgence as I poured out my heart. It would take volumes to truly tell you all that we saw, heard, and felt while on our trip. May I just say, God has filled our hearts with a special love for a special people, the people of Peru, South America.
May God bless each one of you who read this.
Your missionaries to Peru,
Don Rich & family
PS: Christa turned 17 yesterday, September 8. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTA!!!
Archived newsletters:
Sending Church
Calvary Baptist Church
3988 Powder Springs Rd
Powder Springs, GA 30127
WebsiteSupport Address
Central Missionary Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218
WebsiteField Address
Casilla Postal #90
Cajamarca
Peru
South America(Address mail to DONALD RICH, instead of DON)
Stateside Address
3625 Lindley Cir.
Powder Springs, GA 30127-2703Site hosted by SkyeCom.Net