We have all heard the story of the last supper so many times. It is like a childhood blanket or warm memory that can envelope you and make you feel safe and warm. This year, I looked at it not as a spectator, but a participant. Cristo Rey celebrated Maundy Thursday with our own service and celebration of the Lord's Supper.
We started the service in song.
Then an explanation of what the Lord did that night and how they observed the passover supper together. And we too, shared in a super together as the body of Christ.
After dinner we sang again, Canta, Canta, Alma Mia. A beautiful hymn from the Psalms, Oh sing, oh sing, my soul to the Lord!
And we read the passages of the passover feast from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
And then we heard a message from Pastor Wes reminding us of what Jesus did that night. What He did not only for His disciples, but for all of us! And with that in mind, we too shared in the Lord's supper to end our time together.
What an amazing time of worship, fellowship and reflection. Thank you Lord for your willingness to die on the cross for us! We praise you that we have hope because indeed, it did not end on the cross, but you rose again!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Life in Community
As promised, here are more photos from our cell group celebrating my two year anniversary. I am so incredibly thankful to have such an amazing community of friends and "family" here in Peru!
Thanks for your work Alleen
Esdras surprising me with the cake!
Like a birthday, I get a wish!
And get to blow out the candles. . .
Trying to express my gratitude for this group!
Watching the video of slides from 2 years.
Hermes planned it all and put together the slide show.
Muchisimo gracias!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I stepped off a plane . . .
Two years ago today, I stepped off a plane in Trujillo, Peru with my 2 suitcases and went looking for Bill Bradford and Allen Smith. They met me at the airport and we went back to Allen's house where I would live for a few days until I could buy a bed and few other necessities for my apartment. It was pretty bare to start, but it is amazing what you can do in a few years.
I have thought about these last two years a lot and still cannot begin to put into words what life here has meant to me. So often I have wished I was a better writer to be able to share with you the nuances of life here, but all too often I fail.
Today was Palm Sunday and it was a perfect day. It sort of sums up all the things I love about Peru. I started my day at Cristo Rey. Pastor Wes Baker had an amazing sermon, but first, we read Matthew chapters 26 and 27. In 27 when the crowd is crying out to crucify Jesus, he had the congregation cry out for the crowd. Whenever the crowd spoke in the reading, the congregation spoke. It was very powerful and moving. We are the reason he was crucified. One of my favorite songs is How Deep the Father's Love for us. The words are so powerful:
"Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers."
Today the congregation played the part of the crowd and it is our voice that calls out among the scoffers. We, in our sin, were like Judas betraying Christ; and like Peter, we deny Him. Yet, He loved us so much, He died upon that cross to save us!
"It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished."
What an amazing gospel truth and reason to celebrate! He died and rose again for me--for you!
After church, I attended our missionary lunch and we sang in English and prayed for one another. It is always fun when we sing a song in Spanish in Church and then later in English and a great reminder that the Lord is Lord of all; no matter your language. The language of the gospel knows no barrier. Today that song was Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted.
And to end my day, I attended a meeting with my cell group in Santa Maria. I love these Peruvians. They are my friends, my brothers and sisters, and my family here in Peru. We meet in the Vasquez home and two of their daughters have been such amazing friends to me over the past two years. I look forward to more time with them as I continue to serve. Katy and Maresa are such fun, intelligent, gracious and kind. I am very thankful for their friendship.
And sharing words to encourage one another in special occasions.
These are just a few of my treasured memories and a very small glimpse into life in Peru.
Before
After with the Bradford's furniture and my couch.
When the Bradford's returned to the States, it changed some more.
But what a difference from day one!
I have thought about these last two years a lot and still cannot begin to put into words what life here has meant to me. So often I have wished I was a better writer to be able to share with you the nuances of life here, but all too often I fail.
Today was Palm Sunday and it was a perfect day. It sort of sums up all the things I love about Peru. I started my day at Cristo Rey. Pastor Wes Baker had an amazing sermon, but first, we read Matthew chapters 26 and 27. In 27 when the crowd is crying out to crucify Jesus, he had the congregation cry out for the crowd. Whenever the crowd spoke in the reading, the congregation spoke. It was very powerful and moving. We are the reason he was crucified. One of my favorite songs is How Deep the Father's Love for us. The words are so powerful:
"Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers."
Today the congregation played the part of the crowd and it is our voice that calls out among the scoffers. We, in our sin, were like Judas betraying Christ; and like Peter, we deny Him. Yet, He loved us so much, He died upon that cross to save us!
"It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished."
What an amazing gospel truth and reason to celebrate! He died and rose again for me--for you!
After church, I attended our missionary lunch and we sang in English and prayed for one another. It is always fun when we sing a song in Spanish in Church and then later in English and a great reminder that the Lord is Lord of all; no matter your language. The language of the gospel knows no barrier. Today that song was Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted.
And to end my day, I attended a meeting with my cell group in Santa Maria. I love these Peruvians. They are my friends, my brothers and sisters, and my family here in Peru. We meet in the Vasquez home and two of their daughters have been such amazing friends to me over the past two years. I look forward to more time with them as I continue to serve. Katy and Maresa are such fun, intelligent, gracious and kind. I am very thankful for their friendship.
Katy, Me and Maresa
After a wonderful meeting with lots of new friends attending, (which was a huge encouragement to see the Lord grow this group so fast!) I was surprised by Hermes and the rest of the group with a cake, and such kinds words for my two years here, and then a slide show of photos of my time here. It brought me to tears. He did a great job narrating so you will miss out a little, but you'll get the gist.
Well, I cannot get it to post. I'll work on this and post later. Also, my friend Sandi Smith was there and was able to get a lot of good pictures. . . so I'll need to update anyway. One more photo from the night from my camera. Since Sandi was there taking photos, I forgot to get mine out until we were leaving. oops!
Hermes and Me
For now, I shall give thanks to my Lord for my two years here. Everyday I am amazed that He is able to use such a sinner as me, broken and poor, to be a part of His redemption plan. I am eager to see what He has in store for me over the next two years! Until then, a look back.
Living out of my suitcases to start. . . I did eventually get a dresser.
Maresa, Me, and Katy (August 2009)
My dear friend, Heather.
Precious friends, roommates, and more! Patty, Katie, Me and Julie
Maresa and Me Christmas 2009
Short Term Teams are my passion for sure!
Pictured here is just one of so many, Disciple Makers, August 2010
These girls are such dear friends!
Elva, Me, Maresa, Katy, and Briggit
Playing games is always a fun part of any Peruvian party!
This was Jenny's baby shower and we were guessing how big she was.
These are just a few of my treasured memories and a very small glimpse into life in Peru.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
What Can Wash Away My Sins?
Many streets in the outlying neighborhoods of Peru are unpaved. Walking in sand, rocky roads, and dirt is a common mode of transportation. Very few people own cars here. Public transportation and/or walking is the main mode of transportation. Hence, shoes wear out quickly and often are not replaced. It is not unusual to see the most worn out pair of shoes day after day on the people who live in these more impoverished neighborhoods; and this is where they need better shoes due to the lack of proper infrastructure.
Soles4Souls wants to make a difference. They have partnered with us to visit Peru and give shoes to these deserving families and children. In March, 11 people came and worked tirelessly for 3 days giving out shoes to thousands of people. It was a fun group to get to know and see how they all came to be on the trip (one of my favorite parts of my job seeing how God brings just the right people to work in Peru--even for just a week). We had a family, a teacher, a mom, a mother/daughter, a shoe salesman, and a representative from Clarks shoes, and the team leader, Katie! I had been emailing and talking to Katie for over a year and so it was great to finally meet her and get to know her in person. This group was amazing! I do not think I heard one complaint the entire week and even in the face of many obstacles of shoes not clearing customs, having to turn people away and ask them to return later when we would have the shoes we were buying in town (due to the shipment not clearing customs). And they worked long days in the heat and often less than desirable conditions, but never wearied nor grumbled.
To plan this trip, I met with the pastors of our churches and we decided what neighborhoods we would target for these shoe distributions. We start the campaign with the pastor introducing the team and other pastors and missionaries present. The pastor for that area then explains about our churches and why we are here to serve them. The participants then are lined up and have their foot measured and sized. They enter the shoe distribution area and are met by one of the smiling volunteers to first have their feet washed. This is also a great opportunity to humble yourself and relate the story of how Jesus also washed His disciples' feet. After the dirt is washed away from the feet (and it is a lot of dirt even on covered feet due to the holes in many of the shoes), the new shoes are fitted and the participant leaves with brand new shoes, a smile on their face and the Lord's blessing for his or her life.
I normally just organize and supervise and handle all the "emergencies" that arise and translate with groups like this. This trip, however, I got into the action one afternoon when one of the team members was back at the hotel sick. I washed feet and gave away shoes. It was the first time I had washed anyone's feet. The entire time I could not help think of Jesus washing the disciples' feet and how He humbled himself to be here on earth. This trip was the start of our Easter season and so it was providential timing to be thinking of Jesus' life and work here on earth and for me to be washing feet in a bucket of water and watching the dust and dirt wash away just as He washes away our sins. My words will not be sufficient to express the feelings and emotions of serving these Peruvians that week. And I am just so thankful that while I can wash away some dirt from someone's feet, the blood of Jesus can wash away all of our sins. What a savior!
Soles4Souls wants to make a difference. They have partnered with us to visit Peru and give shoes to these deserving families and children. In March, 11 people came and worked tirelessly for 3 days giving out shoes to thousands of people. It was a fun group to get to know and see how they all came to be on the trip (one of my favorite parts of my job seeing how God brings just the right people to work in Peru--even for just a week). We had a family, a teacher, a mom, a mother/daughter, a shoe salesman, and a representative from Clarks shoes, and the team leader, Katie! I had been emailing and talking to Katie for over a year and so it was great to finally meet her and get to know her in person. This group was amazing! I do not think I heard one complaint the entire week and even in the face of many obstacles of shoes not clearing customs, having to turn people away and ask them to return later when we would have the shoes we were buying in town (due to the shipment not clearing customs). And they worked long days in the heat and often less than desirable conditions, but never wearied nor grumbled.
To plan this trip, I met with the pastors of our churches and we decided what neighborhoods we would target for these shoe distributions. We start the campaign with the pastor introducing the team and other pastors and missionaries present. The pastor for that area then explains about our churches and why we are here to serve them. The participants then are lined up and have their foot measured and sized. They enter the shoe distribution area and are met by one of the smiling volunteers to first have their feet washed. This is also a great opportunity to humble yourself and relate the story of how Jesus also washed His disciples' feet. After the dirt is washed away from the feet (and it is a lot of dirt even on covered feet due to the holes in many of the shoes), the new shoes are fitted and the participant leaves with brand new shoes, a smile on their face and the Lord's blessing for his or her life.
I normally just organize and supervise and handle all the "emergencies" that arise and translate with groups like this. This trip, however, I got into the action one afternoon when one of the team members was back at the hotel sick. I washed feet and gave away shoes. It was the first time I had washed anyone's feet. The entire time I could not help think of Jesus washing the disciples' feet and how He humbled himself to be here on earth. This trip was the start of our Easter season and so it was providential timing to be thinking of Jesus' life and work here on earth and for me to be washing feet in a bucket of water and watching the dust and dirt wash away just as He washes away our sins. My words will not be sufficient to express the feelings and emotions of serving these Peruvians that week. And I am just so thankful that while I can wash away some dirt from someone's feet, the blood of Jesus can wash away all of our sins. What a savior!
Sorting shoes at the Arevalo Church
Getting organized our first distrubution.
The foot washing stations ready to go!
Pastor Ricardo introducing the team.
Pastor Ricardo and Pablo measuring feet in Arevalo.
New shoes and a toy for this precious young lady who attends Arevalo Church.
Matt and Bob with a happy participant!
Washing feet and giving away shoes in Wichanzao Church.
Pastor Wes washing feet in Wichanzao.
Pastor Percy introducing the team at Reedemer Church in Parque Industrial.
Measuring feet in Reedemer church.
Washing feet in a school in Parque Industrial.
School children lining up to be measured and receive new shoes.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
First Month Back
I've been back in Peru for a month. I sat down to write my monthly newsletter update and was blown away by how busy I had been! God is good to give so much to be thankful for. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.
Click Here to Read my Latest Update
I got home Friday and went to our University Ministry meeting. Saturday there was a welcome home party for me and the Smiths. My favorite band, Muyupampa, played and it was great to be back with all my friends here in Peru. (photo below) I had sort of forgotten how busy life is here. I tried to capture a bit of it in my newsletter (see above link), but really that just scratches the surface.
One goal is to do better and try to blog once a week. . . we'll see if I can keep up with it!
Click Here to Read my Latest Update
I got home Friday and went to our University Ministry meeting. Saturday there was a welcome home party for me and the Smiths. My favorite band, Muyupampa, played and it was great to be back with all my friends here in Peru. (photo below) I had sort of forgotten how busy life is here. I tried to capture a bit of it in my newsletter (see above link), but really that just scratches the surface.
One goal is to do better and try to blog once a week. . . we'll see if I can keep up with it!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Power of Prayer
Luke 12:28, "If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?"
Recently, I was having a really down day about fund raising and not being able to return to Peru. I needed to sell my house. That was not going to be an option without losing thousands and thousands of dollars. Thank you economy. Okay, I needed a renter. Where would this come from? How do you find a renter? Hmmm, I am not sure. What would I do if I could not raise enough funds to return to Peru? What if I only raised a portion? How would I live and where? I was tired, stressed, and at the end of my rope. Basically, I was having a good ole pity party for myself. Rather than immediately going to the Lord in prayer, I sunk right down into the pity pit. It was deep and crowded with doubts and second guessing.
This culminated on a Sunday afternoon when I was driving back from a church visit and had several hours to pray and think about returning to the field and all of the needs that had to be met before I returned (sell or rent the house, raise a ton of money, etc.). I ended up on the phone with my good friend, fellow team member, wise counsel, and pastor, Allen Smith. Bless his heart. He had no idea what he was walking into, but he was a champ and walked with me as I paced in my pity pit. (He too was in the car returning home after visiting a church.) We covered all the topics, what to do about the house? how can I cut my budget? maybe move in with them (rent free)? other areas to cut money? and on and on. After a lengthy conversation, he said something that made me think, "Duh? What am I doing? Why didn't I go there first?" He said, "Alleen, we've done all we can do talking about this. It is time to pray."
Allen said, "In 15 minutes of prayer, God can untangle all of the problems and messes that the Devil is able to make in one year. God can accomplishes more in one hour of prayer than what we can accomplish in 10 years. So let's just pray." I was so overwhelmed with how I had forgotten to go to the Lord in prayer. Here I was trying to do it. To answer every question and doubt and overcome each obstacle on my own will. When, in reality, I was utterly and completely dependent upon the Lord to provide all of my needs--but failed to ask. Allen prayed the sweetest prayer for me as I felt the tears run down my face. I was crying at my lack of faith, at my own sin of control (I can handle this and do it all!), and of just plain tiredness. I felt so much better after Allen's prayers and my own silent prayers to the Lord. I turned it over to the Lord. I did not know how He would do it all, but knew, it was not up to me! He could and would bring His perfect will to fruition.
After hanging up with Allen, I walked into my sister's home where I was staying. She and my brother-in-law were on the way out the door, but as they were leaving, my brother-in-law said, "Oh yeah, I have a guy you need to call. He called and wants to rent your house." Wow! Talk about immediate answered prayer! I called immediately and yes, the Lord has provided a renter for two years. It is a unique situation that is a blessing to the family moving in and to me. God provided exactly what I needed and more.
Fund raising and all that goes with it. . .it is a daunting task. It is my least favorite part of the job. And it is how the Lord constantly reminds me that He is Lord and He cares for me and will always provide in his perfect timing all that I need. He shows me who is in control and that no matter what I do, He is the one to bring in the money and to meet my needs. It builds my faith. It stretches me. It draws me closer to God. It sanctifies me. And while I may not like it, in the end it builds me up. It reminds me of the Power of Prayer.
Recently, I was having a really down day about fund raising and not being able to return to Peru. I needed to sell my house. That was not going to be an option without losing thousands and thousands of dollars. Thank you economy. Okay, I needed a renter. Where would this come from? How do you find a renter? Hmmm, I am not sure. What would I do if I could not raise enough funds to return to Peru? What if I only raised a portion? How would I live and where? I was tired, stressed, and at the end of my rope. Basically, I was having a good ole pity party for myself. Rather than immediately going to the Lord in prayer, I sunk right down into the pity pit. It was deep and crowded with doubts and second guessing.
This culminated on a Sunday afternoon when I was driving back from a church visit and had several hours to pray and think about returning to the field and all of the needs that had to be met before I returned (sell or rent the house, raise a ton of money, etc.). I ended up on the phone with my good friend, fellow team member, wise counsel, and pastor, Allen Smith. Bless his heart. He had no idea what he was walking into, but he was a champ and walked with me as I paced in my pity pit. (He too was in the car returning home after visiting a church.) We covered all the topics, what to do about the house? how can I cut my budget? maybe move in with them (rent free)? other areas to cut money? and on and on. After a lengthy conversation, he said something that made me think, "Duh? What am I doing? Why didn't I go there first?" He said, "Alleen, we've done all we can do talking about this. It is time to pray."
Allen said, "In 15 minutes of prayer, God can untangle all of the problems and messes that the Devil is able to make in one year. God can accomplishes more in one hour of prayer than what we can accomplish in 10 years. So let's just pray." I was so overwhelmed with how I had forgotten to go to the Lord in prayer. Here I was trying to do it. To answer every question and doubt and overcome each obstacle on my own will. When, in reality, I was utterly and completely dependent upon the Lord to provide all of my needs--but failed to ask. Allen prayed the sweetest prayer for me as I felt the tears run down my face. I was crying at my lack of faith, at my own sin of control (I can handle this and do it all!), and of just plain tiredness. I felt so much better after Allen's prayers and my own silent prayers to the Lord. I turned it over to the Lord. I did not know how He would do it all, but knew, it was not up to me! He could and would bring His perfect will to fruition.
After hanging up with Allen, I walked into my sister's home where I was staying. She and my brother-in-law were on the way out the door, but as they were leaving, my brother-in-law said, "Oh yeah, I have a guy you need to call. He called and wants to rent your house." Wow! Talk about immediate answered prayer! I called immediately and yes, the Lord has provided a renter for two years. It is a unique situation that is a blessing to the family moving in and to me. God provided exactly what I needed and more.
Fund raising and all that goes with it. . .it is a daunting task. It is my least favorite part of the job. And it is how the Lord constantly reminds me that He is Lord and He cares for me and will always provide in his perfect timing all that I need. He shows me who is in control and that no matter what I do, He is the one to bring in the money and to meet my needs. It builds my faith. It stretches me. It draws me closer to God. It sanctifies me. And while I may not like it, in the end it builds me up. It reminds me of the Power of Prayer.
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