November 5, 2004

News and Notes from Peru

Dear Pastors, Praying Friends, and Family,

 Well, Christmas is just around the bend, and once again it is strange to think of Christmas when we are heading into our summer here in Peru.  But, whatever the weather, it is always a joy to celebrate Christ’s birth!

 News from Christa: 

   Christa continues to enjoy college life.  She weathered the recent hurricanes in FL and GA and we praise God for His protection.

   Christa has had the privilege of leading at least 6 people to Christ while on visitation from her church at college.  They range from a 10 year old boy and his mother to other youth and adults.  And, she has been able to do it in two languages!  With the Spanish she took in school and the time she spent with us in Peru, she is able to communicate effectively.  We are so proud of our young lady and the burden she has for lost souls.  We look forward to seeing her in a few weeks as she comes down to visit us in December.

 …our son Shawn:

   Shawn is still enjoying his sales and design consulting job with La-Z-Boy furniture.  He has been doing well and was even 3^rd highest in sales in the company recently.  (Need any furniture?)  He is attending church in Kennesaw, GA.  Although he doesn’t think he will be able to come down for Christmas this year, we pray that he will be able to spend time with us next summer. 

 … and a note from Carla:

   It is hard to believe we have been in Peru for almost 16 months.  My prayer is that you will have a blessed holiday with your families.  We will miss not being with our families and friends in the states, but we will be enjoying this time with our new brothers and sisters-in-Christ whom we have grown to love.  Please keep us in your prayers as we learn our new language which isn’t so easy for me to do. But, with the Lord’s help, I will get there. May God bless you as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.

   *Carla has had back problems recently and, although it is some better, we would appreciate your prayers.

 I had the privilege of preaching in Spanish for the first time at our Spring Youth Banquet on the 25^th of Sept.  I was told by several that it went well and that they understood everything.  I look forward to preaching, teaching, and reaching more souls for Christ as I am able to utilize my new language more and more.

 While passing out Bibles and gifts in a village with two visiting pastors recently, we came upon a young man on a bicycle.  He took the Bible and then when Bro. Mike said “God bless you”, he said “God bless me?”  He then threw the Bible back in the car window and laughed a wicked laugh.  May God have pity on his poor soul and melt his heart to receive the Gospel.  Satan is still alive and working hard to keep God’s Word from penetrating hearts.  Pray for us as we continue to reach souls in this country.

 We praise the Lord that part of the monies needed for the purchase of a 4-wheel drive truck have started to come in.  Recently, God allowed us to sell our van for a good price.  We were able to find a truck for less than what we expected, but it needed some work.  When all has been completed, the cost will still be less than expected, and we praise the Lord that this means we will know the truck inside and out and know that it is in great shape.  We are trusting God for the rest of the funds.

 The photos of the children’s home have been updated on our web site.  An open house is planned for Dec. 9^th.  We will then be able to take in orphaned/abandoned children.  If you would like to sponsor a child, please let us know.  Several sponsors are still needed.  You can contact us by email, through our web site, or through Bro. Mike’s web site.