December 10, 2002

Feliz Navidad!!!

With this year coming to an end, my family and I find ourselves reflecting on the fourteen months since we started deputation.  As any missionary would probably tell you, we enjoy visiting the churches, meeting the wonderful people that make up these churches, and fellowshipping with the same.  But as much as it is enjoyed, in the forefront of our minds is always the yearning desire to get to the field and begin the work God has called us to.  To quote again the Prophet Jeremiah, “His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones”. 

I heard a statement by a pastor at a mission conference recently that seemed to put it all into perspective.  He said that “Deputation is God’s boot camp for the missionary”.  Looking back over the past fourteen months, I can see how God has used this time to help my family and I grow in faith, perseverance, character, and knowledge.  It has been a time of spiritual development for us all.

From typing letters, mailing packets, and writing prayer letters, to making literally thousands of phone calls (both local and long distance), leaving about the same amount of answering machine messages, and driving thousands of miles, the trail of deputation is a busy one.  Needless to say, much of the time is spent wondering when we will finally arrive in Peru.  But, we know that we can rest in the promise that “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”  He gives us daily what we need to continue striving toward the calling He has placed in our hearts.

With Christmas in sight, I have a gift for each of you.  I have asked my wife, Carla, and daughter, Christa, to write you and have included their thoughts in this letter.

(Carla)  What a year we have had!!  The Lord has truly shown His faithfulness as He has kept His hand of protection on us these past fourteen months.  Although the journey is long and the days are tiresome, the Lord supplies the strength we need.  Don has been so wonderful as we head down the many roads, always willing to do the driving while Christa and I nap or read a book. Together as a family we have had many laughs and fond memories to cherish for many years.  Although we will miss our friends and family, and we have a great love for them, we love our Father more and must be about His business. One thing that is always on each of our hearts is the desire to be in Peru, sharing with a people we have grown to love, that they too can serve a risen Savior and have the assurance of salvation.  

(Christa)  This past year has been very exciting for me. I have enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. As the time to get to Peru gets closer, I get more excited and anxious. I am looking forward to my new school and making new friends. Being on deputation has taught me a lot about life. I have truly come to know what it means to fully rely on God! It has been such a blessing to me and I can’t wait to share God’s love with the Peruvian people. Happy holidays and Merry CHRISTmas!

Join with us this month in wishing Carla’s Grandmother a Happy 100th Birthday!  She was born on Dec. 6, 1902 .

Update:  We now have approximately 61% of our support promised.  Praise the Lord and keep praying!  We praise God for the churches who have begun to support us and for our vital prayer partners.  We look forward to hearing from other churches who will be partnering with us to reach the souls of Peru.  Also, check out our NEW PICTURES in the Photo Gallery of our WEB SITE-   www.Rich2Peru.com .

 

 

Your missionaries to Peru,

                                                                                           Don Rich & family