October 4, 2003

Adjusting to Our New Home

Dear Pastors, Praying Friends, and Family,

There is so much to tell about and so little room to write.  I will have to be brief with each topic, so please bear with me.

 We were blessed to find a vehicle just after sending our last prayer letter.  It is a 1997 Mitsubishi Diesel Van that will hold 10 adults or at least 22 if you seat them Peruvian style.  I have never liked to buy foreign automobiles, but when you are in Peru, EVERY CAR is a foreign car.  You have to purchase a vehicle whose parts are available here.

 We have tried several foods since arriving in Peru including ostrich (avestruz), ceviche (marinated raw fish), cuy (guinea pig), and cow stomach soup.  I said we, but the last one I had to eat by myself.  Go figure!

 I have been driving the bus to help start a bus ministry.  Thank the Lord and Cobb County Transportation for the training I received as a school bus driver while beginning our deputation. We have been picking up many each week and seeing many saved.  But, as usual, Satan is trying to stop it.  Bro. Mike’s bus broke down and will cost $1200 to repair.  We are trusting God for the provision and renting buses each week until then.  I have also been playing guitar, singing, and occasionally bringing the announcements at church…in Spanish!  Christa and I sang a duet last Sunday.

 Christa celebrated her 18^th birthday on Sept. 8.  Her brother, Shawn, had us purchase 18 roses for her.  You can see her with them and her new puppy on our website.  It is hard to think that our “youngest” will be in college next fall.

 Language training is going well, although tough.  So many rules, words, verb tenses...  It’s a good thing most of my hair is grey already!  Carla and I have fun practicing together and helping each other with homework.

 Speaking of language, I had the privilege of leading our language trainer to the Lord on her birthday, 9/9/03!  Now she has two births to celebrate.  Also, we had two security system salesmen come to our house last month.  Bro. Mike was there interpreting for me.  He was able to lead both of them to the Lord in my office.  More fruit!  God is so good!

 The children’s home that Bro. Mike is building here in Peru is well under way.  It is exciting to be a part of such a ministry.  If you would be interested in supporting a child or helping with construction costs, please write or email me.  Also, see Bro. Mike’s website at www.perumissions.com.

 Calvary Children’s Home in Powder Springs, GA, of which my pastor is the administrator, needs full time house parents.  If you or someone you know feels that they may be called to that type of ministry, please call 770-794-1500.

 Special prayer request: My Dad has had Parkinson’s disease for several years.  On Sept. 18^th, he had herniated disk surgery in his lower back.  He came through the surgery fine but that night had a terrible reaction to the mixture of anesthesia, Parkinson’s medicines, and pain medication.  He is in a constant state of confusion and is now in a rehab facility.  Doctors have told my mother that this affect could take many weeks to wear off.  Please keep my family in your prayers during this time.  It is hard being so far away at a time like this, but God knows and He is in control. 

 May God bless each one of you.  Thank you for your support and your prayers.  Please visit our website at www.rich2peru.com to see the new pictures.  I will be constantly adding new pictures so you can get a feel of Peru and the ministry God has called us to.

Your missionaries to Peru,

                                                                                           Don Rich & family