A Vision for Peru

Day 3, Exploring Opportunities

2009-06-11T21:25:00.002-05:00

On day one we met a gentleman who was excited to see us and wanted to explore some things with us. He shared with us that there were many believers in town but they had a hard time meeting since nobody really had enough room in their homes for bible study. Today he showed us a building that was available if he could get permission from the local government official. The building needs a new roof and cleaning up but looks to be a good location. He made arrangements for us to meet with the president that evening.
Kat met the local doctor on his way to the local clinic. He was excited about our being there and wanted to come to our bible study that evening if time and patient load permitted.
That evening was a scheduled meeting for the village with the archdiocese for making infrastructure improvements in the village. Most men attended this. The women were attending a "Mother's Club" function. Our bible study did not happen. We did not get to meet with the president as he had been herding goats all day and was tired. We did get to watch Columbia beat Peru in soccer much to the disappointment of the men in the village (and we think Cowboys fever is bad.)

Day 2, Peru Team Extreme

2009-06-11T21:12:00.003-05:00

On our previous day our translator Jerry discovered that a group of youth was heading to the higher peaks for a camping trip. We were invited to come up and have a talk with them.
We awoke early and found that our horses were ready an hour early. Off we headed without breakfast or even coffee for a 3 hour ride to the top of the mountain, an area named Marcahuasi. Along the trail ride we were able to witness to our trail guides. These were amazing women who trotted along with us on foot as we rode the horses.
At the top we were treated to spectacular views, clean air, and a closeness to the earth. It is humbling to see God's creation and know that He created it with a spoken word.
We viewed some of the ruins and headed to a secluded grassy area where the youth were camping. Jerry has a true heart for evangelism and is very eloquent is his presentation of the gospel. We planted many seeds among the youth and our prayer is for them to take root.
It was then time for our decent from the mountain top.
After some rest and food we were ready for our bible study. There was a funeral that evening also and turn out was low.

Day 1, Lost Goat Adventure

2009-06-11T21:00:00.002-05:00

We awoke early and headed out at 5 am to look for Oscar's lost, pregnant goat. Although we didn't have to look for the goat, we did spend some time with Carmen's mom, Isabel, and learned the finer points of Casta potato farming. God blessed us with a beautiful sunrise and wonderful fellowship. This included befriending the family pets (two ducks, two dogs with two puppies, two kittens, two floppy eared goats, and one previously mentioned pregnant goat.)
After lunch we talked with a few folks and scheduled a bible study for that evening. Oscar agreed to allow us to host the bible study in the hotel. However, there was a funeral that evening and most folks were attending it and nobody showed for the bible study.

Day 0, The Trip Up the Mountain

2009-06-11T20:54:00.002-05:00

Our harrowing adventure begins as we make our way up a lonely (sometimes two is a crowd) road (loosely termed). God watched our ways and lit our paths as we travelled at night. Jackie kept reminding Rick to "Honk, honk!" and "Stay to the left!" We were met in Casta by Oscar and Carmen and bedded down for the night after a quick supper.

The first day in San Pedro de Casta

2009-06-08T20:30:00.002-05:00

A phone call from Jackie this evening revealed:
1) The team woke up at 4:30 a.m. on purpose to help Carmen, Oscar's wife look for a goat that was lost.
2) Jackie became a little ill and stayed close to the Hotel while the others were out and about.
3) Jackie also helped Carmen's grandmother sort potatoes.
4) The group will be trying to join the local youth in a very spirited game of Volleyball Peruvian style.

The team plans to take a tour of the local Incan Ruins in the morning while the people are tending to their fields. Then later in the day they they will try to meet with some of the contacts we have there.

God is Great!

2009-06-07T10:16:00.002-05:00

We have trusted in the provision of the Lord and all is well!
All three of us arrived without incident. After a brief night of rest, we have had breakfast and rented a truck. We will be making some arrangements this morning, stock up on some supplies and then head up the mountain.
We know that everything will go well since Rick and Kat had the required dosage of coffee!
Jackie will be on the hunt for a new coat at Wong's.
We will sign on later if the Internet is available from up that high. Somebody put in a call to Al Gore. We'll see if the tin foil hats really work.
Continue to pray for our trip today......

Psalm 25:4 ⁴Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.

Ready to leave!

2009-06-06T10:15:00.002-05:00

Team Peru, June 09
We are awaiting our flight out of SA to Atlanta. We are totally wired on coffee and excitement for the Lord!
We arrive in Atlanta around 3:00 and depart a little after 5:00. We will arrive in Lima at 10:50.
Pray for a safe and uneventful journey!

Summer Mission Team 2009

2009-05-27T20:48:00.003-05:00

Our next team to Peru will leave on June 6, 2009 and return June 13. The team consists of the team leader Kat Lowe, Rick Barnds and Jackie Chandler. This discipleship training team will spend their time in the village of San Pedro de Casta. They will follow-up on the work accomplished by the December 2008 team. Their team goals include reinforcing Bible study with the believers, invite new participants to hear about the Bible and seek opportunities to present the gospel.

Pray for the safe travel of the team and the boldness to meet and witness to those in the villages. Pray for open doors.

December Team Back in Lima

2008-12-14T18:00:00.002-06:00

Our December team posted the following as a comment to an earlier post. We did not want you to miss it so it is being reposted here:

Team is back in Lima. We conducted 9 services in 4 different towns in 9 days. Many lives were transformed and changed including ours. God answered many prayers. Weather was unseasonably dry and beautiful. We are all safe and well. More details to follow. Looking forward to seeing our brothers and sisters in Christ at UBC.

Praise God,

The Dec Team

Ephesians 3:20-21

Team Arrives in San Pedro de Casta

2008-12-09T09:04:00.002-06:00

Mary and Eric arrived in Lima a few days ahead of Brad and Brother Randy. They connected with the ReapSouth team and gathered supplies. Brad and Brother Randy arrived in Lima as scheduled and the team loaded the trucks and headed to San Pedro de Casta. We received word on Sunday that they arrived safely in San Pedro de Casta.

On Sunday a worship service was held with 20 people in attendance. Of that number, 13 were from the village. Praise the Lord! Brother Randy was able to call home on Monday and passed on the news that he had been in contact with those who made professions of faith in August and they are still excited and are meeting for bible studies on Friday. What exciting news! Brother Randy was meeting with some people in the community on Monday night. He remains in Casta while the rest of the team has traveled on to Carampoma.

It is exciting to hear what the Lord is doing in the mountain villages of Peru! Continue praying for the team. Brother Randy and his translator remain in Casta and Eric, Mary, Brad and translator are traveling on to the other villages. Continue to pray for their safety and for the work they are doing in Peru.

Church Planting Team Prepares for December Trip

2008-11-11T08:27:00.010-06:00

The December Peru Missions team will begin their journey to Peru on December 3rd with all returning on December 19th. The team members are Bradley Chandler (Team Leader), Randy Bales (Specialty Coordinator), Mary Wilbur (Medical) and Eric Wilbur (Accountant/Media). As always, their plans are to seek God's will for reaching the Huarochiri People of Peru for Christ. Randy will serve primarily in San Pedro de Casta in order to identify possible church leaders, baptize one or two believers who can baptize others, story the purpose of the church to possible church leaders using Acts as the foundation, establish a commitment to begin a house church, disciple when possible and evangelize always. Randy also intends to vist the other villages and conduct two worship services on December 7th and 14th. Bradley, Mary and Eric plan to spend most of their time in and around the villages near Carampoma following up on professions of faith, seeking persons of peace and points of contact, discipling when called and evangelizing when led. The team will have 2 local translators joining them as they visit the Huarochiri people. Please pray for their safe travel throughout the trip. Bradley and Randy depart Houston on December 5th and return on December 16th. Eric and Mary depart San Antonio on December 3rd and return on December 19th. As you pray for their safe travel, also pray that all flight connections are made and they arrive in Lima on time with all their luggage. While in Peru, please pray for their travel safety while on the mountain roads and arranging local housing. Finally, pray that each member allows the Holy Spirit to work through them as they build the eternal Kingdom of God. Each of the team members is thankful to God for what He has done, is doing and will do through this missions effort. As Jesus said in Matthew 28: 19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spririt, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you to do, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Back in Lima

2008-08-15T13:46:00.002-05:00

We made it back to the Hotel Santa Cruz in Lima about 8:30 Thursday night. Thank yáll for your prayers. We really felt the Hand of God at work. The people here are hungry for the word and fellowship with other Christians.
Between the 3 teams, we saw 19 people come to know the Lord. That was amazing. Your prayers and ours were truly answered. ( Oh, yea, Denny got his luggage Thursday night) (Yea, clean pants)
Most of the team will be headed back Friday with Michael & Denny following on Saturday.
So many stories, so little time.

Safe Arrival in Lima!

2008-08-10T20:56:00.003-05:00

We have received word from the team that they have all arrived safely in Lima. Praise the Lord! There were difficulties in Ft. Lauderdale but they did all make the same plane. The biggest problem right now is that Denny's luggage did not arrive. He is living out of his backpack for now. He says he has clothes but his MREs (meals ready to eat) were in his luggage. Please pray that his luggage will arrive and somehow he will be able to get it while up in mountains.

The team met Arnold and Suzie Austin and their 3 translators in Lima. They were preparing to load up the trucks to head up the mountain. Continue to pray for their safety as they travel.

We are thankful to the Lord for His provisions as they have experienced difficulties in getting to Peru. Pray for the work that will be accomplished through this team. We are looking forward to an exciting report when they get down from the mountain villages.

Lift off!

2008-08-09T20:47:00.003-05:00

W e received word this afternoon that the team has boarded their flight to Peru. They are on their way! Two team members had difficulty getting on the flight, but two other passengers gave up their seats and our team was able to share the same flight. Praise the Lord!

Remember to thank the Lord for His travel provisions in this circumstance. Please continue to pray for each team member as they embark on this exciting mission to the Huarochiri region. We know there are divine appointments awaiting each member in each village. We can't wait to hear what the God has in store!

Initial Evangelism Team Prepares to Go

2008-08-03T17:13:00.002-05:00

The Initial Evangelism Team will be leaving for Peru on August 8 through August 16th. The team members are Denny Fisher, Yancey Walker, Michael Constante, Sylvia Martinez, Cathy Hankins, Hortensia Tellez and Terry Brown.

Their plans are for Michael, Terry and Cathy to serve in Laraos and Carampoma. Yancey and Hortensia will be serving in San Pedro de Iris and Huanza. Denny and Sylvia will be serving in San Pedro de Casta and Huachupampa. They will have 3 local translators joining them in the 3 locations.

Pray for their safe travel. Michael will be leaving San Antonio on the 8th and the rest of the team will be leaving on the 9th. Pray for their flight connections and that all arrive in Lima with luggage as scheduled. Pray for their travel safety while on the mountain roads and arranging local housing.

We are so excited about what God has done in Peru this summer through John and Olga’s time. We thank God for what He will do through this mission team.

Safely Home

2008-08-01T12:33:00.002-05:00

John and Olga have arrived in San Antonio!

They did get the issue of the truck resolved before leaving Lima. They did pay for some damage but not as much as the rental company was originally insisting they pay.

They thank everyone for their prayers and are looking forward to sharing with us what God did while they were in Peru.

Prayer Request from John & Olga

2008-07-31T12:38:00.001-05:00

The Salazars are safe and sound in Lima . They are currently enjoying lunch in a nice restaurant in the city. They are scheduled to fly out tonight at midnight.

They have asked us to pray about a situation they are working to get resolved: When they went to Budget to return their vehicle this morning, the company told them there has been major damage to the vehicle and the Salazars are responsible for paying for it. John & Olga have met up with Bro. Tate, who works for the IMB, and he is helping them. He told them that he has not rented vehicles from Budget in many years because of such incidences. He is going to give them information about going through the local Toyota dealership. He is also going to see that they get a second opinion from an independent mechanic. Pray that this situation is resolved quickly and peacefully, and that a good relationship can be established with a reputable company who can provide our future teams with vehicles.

They send their love and well wishes and look forward to getting home tomorrow.

Update from Peru

2008-07-23T20:18:00.002-05:00

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Eph3:20-21

John called the church today with the following updates:

On Monday night John taught ESL to some University professors. They had to stop the session because the lights went out.

On Tuesday night they led a Bible study and had 20 in attendance, including children.

Tonight John will again teach ESL to the University professors. He asks for prayer that he will be effective. He believes one of the professors made a profession of faith last night.

On Friday night they will lead another Bible Study.

On Saturday John and Olga will participate in the wedding ceremony of Oscar and Carmen. Oscar is the hotel manager. The Salazar’s led Oscar and Carmen to the Lord last week. In the process of talking with them about their commitment to Christ Oscar and Carmen made the decision to officially marry. John and Olga are excited and he shared about their plans to get a wedding cake and rings for the ceremony.

On July 29 the Salazar’s will travel to another village and share their testimony before returning to Lima to make their way back to the US.

Thus far there have been 5 known professions of faith, including Oscar and Carmen. They have discovered other believers, more than they anticipated. They ask for our continued prayers as they lead the Bible study and witness each day.

Their health has been good but going up and down the mountains has been a little rough on Olga. John said it is very cold there. They send a “howdy” to everyone and look forward to being home soon.

News from San Pedro de Casta

2008-07-21T18:03:00.002-05:00

John and Olga arrived in San Pedro de Casta last Monday and secured housing at the hostel there. This is the location that the previous teams had stayed at. The manager and his wife were helpful to John and Olga getting set up. John and Olga began to establish a relationship with them and John was able to witness to both husband and wife. Both of them prayed to receive Christ as their Savior! Praise the Lord! What a mighty God we serve!

Also, last week there was a young woman that was experiencing complications with her pregnancy and needed to be transported to the hospital. The doctor there did not have anyone to drive the ambulance. So John became the ambulance driver last week. The doctor is one of the believers in the village and he was very happy that John was able to help in this situation.

This Tuesday evening John and Olga will be holding a bible study there in San Pedro de Casta. The manager and his wife, along with the doctor and some of the other believers will be in attendance. This is one of the first bible studies that our groups have been able to hold and the first one for the villagers in a very long time. Please be in prayer for John and Olga as they prepare for this bible study.

Isn't it exciting to see the work that is being done there in Peru?

Safe Arrival

2008-07-13T15:04:00.001-05:00

We have received word that John and Olga arrived safely in Lima, Peru. They are taking some down time to unwind and get ready to head up the mountain. They plan to leave Monday the 14th to travel to San Pedro de Castra. Continue praying for their safety as they travel on the mountain roads. God is so good!

Summer Mission Team - John and Olga Salazar

2008-07-08T20:12:00.002-05:00

John and Olga Salazar are our first summer team headed for Peru. They will be leaving on Wednesday July 8, 2008 and will arrive in Lima late that evening. They will return to San Antonio the first week of August. Tonight they are spending the evening having dinner with their family and finishing up their last minute packing.

The current plan is for them to spend a few days acclimating to the country and gathering the supplies that they will need while on the mountain. They hope to leave for San Pedro de Casta on the 14th. They plan to base in San Pedro de Casta and to spend as much time as possible in the different villages. The emphasis of their trip is evangelism. They hope to build relationships with the people, to begin home bible studies and to establish a point of contact in each village for future teams.

Here are specific ways that you can pray for them:

1. That they are able to build relationships
2. That seeds will be planted
3. Safe travel and timely connections
4. Ability to find adequate housing while they are in the field
5. In country travel arrangements – hotels in Lima, rental trucks, and finding the right supplies
6. Pray for their children as they are away

Message from the Prayer Team

2008-07-08T19:52:00.001-05:00

The Peru Prayer Team would like to thank each of you for your prayers during our trip. We faced many obstacles but God is in control. While on the trip God gave us the following verse –

“You must not fear them, for the LORD your God himself fights for you.” (Deut. 3:22)

Just as the Lord knew the obstacles that Joshua and Israelites would face when conquering the Promised Land, He knew the obstacles we would face on this trip. We knew that no matter what the obstacle the Lord could overcome it for us. There were obstacles but there were so many joys. Meeting people in the mountain who love the Lord, the children who came running to share a song, being able to walk the streets of the villages and pray for those that we met and the villagers who came to our rescue when the truck got stuck were just a few.

We feel blessed that God gave us the privilege of representing UBC on this trip and we thank the church for allowing us to represent them. We know that the task ahead is great but we are looking forward to seeing what God is going to accomplish with the teams that will be going this summer. Each of us can’t wait until we can go again!

Houston Arrival - Part 2; Finally Home

2008-03-25T15:57:00.003-05:00

Walter and Donna are safely home at last. They got on the 8:15 a.m. plane out of Miami and their luggage was waiting on them in Houston. They picked up the truck, headed for home, and got in around 3:00 p.m.. They are grateful for all the prayers.

This was a difficult trip but we praise the Lord for all that He accomplished.

Pray for a great night's sleep and renewed strength for tomorrow's adventures for each of our team members. I know we all will look forward to hearing the stories in the days ahead.

Getting Out?

2008-03-25T08:16:00.003-05:00

Walter and Donna were not able to get out of Miami last night. They did get some rest - without luggage - and are praying to make it out this morning around 8:15 a.m. Luckily, their Peruvian training of wearing the same clothes has come in handy today.

Pray they will make it out of Miami, that their truck will still be in Houston, that their luggage will be easily retrieved and that they can make the drive home with no problems. Finally, pray for rest for them tonight as Walter prepares to go back to school tomorrow.

Praise God for His continued provision for and protection of our Peru Team.

Houston Arrival - Part 1

2008-03-24T18:14:00.003-05:00

Brad, Jackie, Gloria & Linda have safely arrived in Houston, TX! Gloria and Linda are in the process of renting a car and trying to find one piece of missing luggage. They, along with the Chandlers, hope to be back in SATX very soon.

Meanwhile, in Miami, Walter & Donna are still waiting on a flight to Houston. Pray they make it out tonight or first thing tomorrow morning.