Memories
Memories
July 1, 2025
Once again it has been a busy couple of months with no chance of slowing down any time soon. But it has also been a time of reflection on times past with special people and of God’s blessings through the years.
The month of May began with a trip to the US for physicals, family time, and to attend a wedding of someone very dear to Carla and me. We hope to plan a furlough for next year, Lord willing. We have had shortened furloughs in the past several years because of Covid, government restrictions, etc. But we are now able to plan a longer period to visit our supporting churches. We will be announcing more when we can find a window of opportunity.
Our churches enjoyed great Mother’s Day and Father’s Day services. Both days were days of great preaching from the Word, fellowship, music, and gifts for the parents.
We recently had a special “celebration of life” service to remember Pastor José. He was the pastor of our Calvario church who passed away a year ago in May. In Peru, as in other Latin American countries, it is a custom for family and friends to gather after a year to remember and celebrate the life of a lost loved one. It was a sweet time of special music, testimonies, a slide presentation, preaching, and a meal afterwards. José Zamora had pastored the church for almost sixteen years when he suddenly passed at the age of 67. He left behind a great testimony for his wife, three grown children, and the church he pastored. He was a soul winner and loved the Word of God and the sheep that he shepherded. The last time I was with Pastor José was when we went together to a local public school. He spoke at a morning gathering of all the students. Then we gave each student and teacher a John/Romans booklet which clearly explained God’s plan of salvation. What a great memory to have.
We have been able to have two men’s meetings in our home recently with good attendance. In each one a meal is served, then a message is brought. It is a great time of fellowship. Assistant Pastor Fredy is doing a great job in both the church services and special meetings such as these. The ladies have also had gatherings and special teaching.
On the 15th of this month, Carla and I will be celebrating 22 years on the field in Peru. It is hard to believe that it has been that long. As we look back at all that God has allowed us to accomplish, we are reminded of our fleeting time here on earth, and that there are still so many who are not ready for Christ’s return. Carla and I praise God for the privilege to serve Him.
We are also preparing for the 20-year anniversary of our first church! This will be celebrated in mid-August. As I prepare a PowerPoint presentation for the event, I am going through many thousands of pictures that we have taken over the years. Each one is a special memory of how God has blessed. We’ve seen so many saved and baptized. We’ve visited and preached in so many parts of Peru and other S. American countries. We’ve been able to get the Word of God into many thousands of hands and hearts. We are constantly amazed at how God allows us to be a part of what HE is doing here in Peru and across this continent.
Three more souls were saved recently. One was a young man in our youth group. Another was the rebellious teenage son of a family who are members of our church. Both received Christ as new missionary Darren and pastor Fredy witnessed to them. José, a man who visited our church last Sunday night received Christ as his Savior.
Bible Distribution Update: Victory Baptist Press is awaiting the cover stock so they can complete the next container of Bibles to be sent to us this year. Another printing ministry (WMBPS) just shipped us a container on June 27th with around a half-million Romans and Jn/Romans booklets for our distribution ministry. It should arrive here in August. AND another ministry is considering sending even more Bibles! More on that when we have more information. The WORD is going out and is much needed in these last days!
Please take a look at several NEW PHOTO ALBUMS on our WEBSITE!!!
May God bless each of you for your heart for missions,
Don & Carla Rich
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