[click on date to read a journal entry]

I woke up at 2:00AM and could not go back to sleep. At around nine, I went to the campus and talked with Deb while waiting for the fruit to be delivered. I also asked John about borrowing the chairs and, set 10 aside and found Edgar to carry them down and stack them behind the door. I returned home to shower and change and to try to take a little nap. I could not sleep, so I returned to the campus and washed the water container and filled it to take with us.

At 1:00 PM the team members began to arrive. By 1:30 everyone was there. We made several calls about the van (through translation), which was suppose to be there so we could leave at 1:30. But at 1:35 we were told the van was stopped by the police and would not be coming! Juan Carlos was sent to get two taxis, but when I looked up the street, he was talking on the phone. So I went to insure we got taxis (should not have gone). We got one taxi for forty (should have been 20 or 30), then Juan Carlos and I headed back. Carlos stayed to get another taxi.

While we were loading up to go, Juan Carlos, Mili, and Deb went missing! I went into the dining room, kitchen and patio area looking for them and asking if anyone knew where they were. In the meantime, the taxi was being loaded up, and Carlos had arrived with a second taxi. I looked again for the three missing persons, no luck. I returned to the taxi and continued load it up. As we were about to leave, I checked one more time! Someone told me the three missing persons were in the meeting room. Sure enough they were loading up equipment to be taken to Ventanilla for Raul.

In the taxi, I explained to Mili that she needed to check with me before she went off to do other projects (Team Rule, if leaving an area where all the team is, inform someone where you are going).

When we arrived on the road into Pachacutec, I was uncertain of the directions. I suggested we ask a Pedi cab driver. Then we tried to call Juan Carlos, then the owner, finally I recognized where we were (make sure everyone has clear directions of how to arrive at the facility in Pachacutec).

The other taxi had arrived before us, and they were unloaded and inside. This was very disappointing for me, because I wanted to bring them in when they saw the facility for the first time. I met briefly with Deb and Juan Carlos and told them the confusion that was caused when they did not inform the team leader or anyone on the team where they were going. They understood (I think that was the best time to deal with that, so it did not remain an issue until the end of the program).

As we started setting up, it was apparent that everything was covered with sandy dust (roof covering is very poor) although the place was cleaned on Thursday! (I need to arrive at Pachacutec early, by noon on Saturday, to clean and set up). At this point I was overwhelmed trying to "process" everything and could not delegate. This made it difficult for all concerned because I could not effectively communicate what needed to be done. Had things gone as planned, and had we arrived at 2:15 – 2:30 (as planned), I would have delegated all these last minute details. (List everything that needs to be done before session begins, give list to Marie Elena to delegate).

I assigned Marie Elena to a table, my reasoning was that Jenny could not because she was in the skit and Mili had to be available to me for translation (Should have been Jenny, because she only would have had to leave once. Maria Elena and Jenny will share group leadership for that table).

I placed Hugo at a table with Juan Carlos (this was not necessary in future weeks Hugo can pass out flyers between 3-4).

Carlos was in the character of David throughout the session, while it is a good idea that he remain "in character" there is not really anything for him to do except stand around (he can pass out flyers with Hugo).

After the program was over, I was distracted with team snacks and cleaning the toilets, again this should have been delegated earlier (list all that needs to be done, a rotation list for the toilet clean up, and give to Maria Elena to delegate).

The meeting afterwards was shortened due to all the unexpected (allow 15 minutes to do various chores, set up snack table, then have the meeting. Co-chair meeting with Maria Elena).

We locked up and started walking when Hugo remembered he had left his backpack in the facility. I sent Juan Carlos and Hugo back, waiting for them on the roadside (before locking up make sure everyone checks to see that they have everything).

In Ventanilla, between various persons needing potty breaks, Yesme picking up her daughter, and me needing to get change for the bus, we arrived back at the bus stop at different times. Those first there started bargaining for a taxi, which was asking half the price we paid to come. In a spontaneous movement, we started piling into the taxi in reaction to the low price. In this unexpected turn of events, two of the team members were left at the bus stop to return alone on the bus! This was inexcusable. As a team leader, I am sickened by the reality of what happened. When I realized there was not a taxi behind us for them to get into, we were already speeding down the highway. I was afraid if I went back they would have already gotten into a cab or on a bus. I was also very upset that Hugo, a man, would get into a taxi before all the women were in. We tried to call them but could not get through on the cell phones. When I arrived back in Lima, I called Maria Elena’s home and talked with her sister. We were deciding what to do, when Maria Elena walked in. (Team Rule, we stay together, if we are dividing up into two groups for the sake of transportation the male/men stay behind until all the women have secure rides).

I was able to contact Mili by phone in the morning and asked her forgiveness. I have to wait to talk with Maria Elena through a translator. I can not believe this happened; I am still not sure how it happened. Everything seems to have been in slow motion and out of my control. This is one of my greatest failures as a leader. I have never before put a team member in jeopardy, and I pray it will never happen again. I am grateful for Mili’s gracious forgiveness, and hope that Maria Elena will also forgive me.

Although anything that could go wrong did go wrong, yet we still ran the program! The children seemed to enjoy it, and from the discussions at the table, they understood the message. The Lord is so faithful!

Canete is one of the areas hit by the earthquake of August 2007. Today the town is a patchwork of new construction, incomplete restoration, and empty spaces with rubble piled where a building once stood. Canete is a mixture of hope and despair, of building and tearing down, of residents giving up and leaving, and those who are taking the chance and returning.

The world has forgotten about the earthquake in Peru and has since chased after disasters in Asia and Africa. But for those natives of the area, Canete included, life continues incorporating into the present and future the scars of this trauma. Perseverance in spite of overwhelming impossibilities will now be a characteristic forever woven into the tapestry of the local population.

On the weekend of September 20^th I visited Canete, for the first time. I was invited to speak at a woman’s conference on Saturday evening, and to do an interview on the local radio station Sunday morning. It had been an incredibly busy week in Lima and Pachacutec, so other than preparing for my talk, I had not thought a great deal about the town of Canete. Therefore, I was able to observe and experience Canete without a lens of preconceptions.

The hotel that Ivy (my translator) and Sandra (a student) and I stayed in will go down as one of my most memorable hotel visits (under infamous)! The only window in my room faced the inside corridor which led to other rooms (and who knows where else). The double bed was set in an alcove with just enough room on one side for me to stand. Since the paint was very dark terracotta, it had the feel of entering into a cave. To the left, as I entered, there was a plastic chair (that appeared to have been white once long ago), and further ahead to the right was the bathroom entrance.

The bathroom was interesting. There was no door, a drape hung on a rod, and was folded over the top so one could enter (the drape was so filthy that I never did have it dropped down). The toilet was fascinating, it was not attached, and there was a huge crack along the base. When sat upon it moved forward and one had to brace one’s self by placing a hand on the wall immediately in front (standing space only between the toilet and the wall).

The bed caved into the middle, from both sides, and if I am not mistaken, was shared with more permanent residents (the biting kind). There was a top sheet and two blankets, but I was still cold through the night. The bumpy pillow offered little support and had a strange smell. In fact, the room had a strong odor that I was unable to identify. All of this would have been surmountable, after all they were recovering from a devastating earthquake, but the other guests made it impossible to get a moment of sleep!

A city gas line was being put in Canete and the men working on it were staying in this hotel. Saturday night was evidently party night, and the happening place to be was in the rooms up and down the corridor which my only window opened onto!!!

With all that said, my time in Canete was a blessing. The women that I spoke to were lovely. Although they had worked all day, and then taken care of their family needs, they still made the effort to attend the conference. I spoke on the image of God as reflected in relationships, and taught from Genesis 3 and 4.

The following morning I was interviewed on a local radio talk show for two hours. Ivy, translated and did a wonderful job. The interviewer asked good questions and the studio environment was comfortable. From the radio station, we went directly to the bus station, and returned to Lima. We all had evening appointments, I with the Pachacutec team, and they with the New Believers meeting, so we were anxious to get home and hopefully catch a little nap since we were all sleep deprived—didn’t happen!

Please pray for the people of Canete, for their continued recovery from such a disaster. Also pray for the church there, that they will be strengthened in their faith and encouraged by the love of our Lord.

The seemingly endless visa venture began on January 30, 2008. I drove up from Vegas to Long Beach. Rita, one of my dearest and oldest friends, lives in Long Beach; she agreed to take me into the Peruvian Consul in Los Angles. This was to be a simple procedure, taking one month. In theory, the paperwork would be completed before I left for Peru (March 30), and I would get the necessary residence stamp in my passport in Los Angles prior to that departure.

Most countries require a residence visa for anyone who will be working in their country. Since I am teaching at the Bible College, and at churches, I need to have a resident visa. It is similar to the Green Card the USA issues to foreign residents.

My efforts to obtain this visa were thwarted from the onset! On the morning of January 30^th, on the way to the Consul, I had to stop at a Kinko’s to make an "exact copy" of my passport (to be presented to the Consul in LA). The clerk at Kinko’s denied my request stating that it was illegal to make exact copies of passports, and he could therefore not do it. After much discussion, he agreed that I could break the law myself and make the copies.

With much difficulty, I figured out how to work the very modern copy machine and was retrieving my copies when a shrieking voice broke my concentration. "Are you making copies of your passport?" she demanded, then continued to shout, "You are breaking a Federal Law (words emphasized). You can’t do that; you are breaking the law!"

Well, far-be-it for me to break a law, but the consul wanted an exact copy, and it was my passport, so on impulse, and in fear she would snatch my precious copies, I grabbed them and ran from the store. Rita was waiting in the car, and I encouraged her to get moving fast before the over zealous clerk came after me, or worse yet called the Federal Police!

By the time we pulled into the parking lot in LA I had calmed down enough to begin to put the papers in order. It was then that I realized I had left my passport in the copy machine at Kinko’s! I had been so afraid of losing the copies, I had left the original!!!! (There must be a spiritual lesson in there).

I called Kinko’s, yes they had found the passport, and yes, they would hold it for me (and no they had not called the police!). The process that morning did not require the original passport, so I was able to complete the forms, and pay a fee ($15) and leave (after a two hour wait). Of course, the next stop was Kinko’s to pick up my passport, then on to FedEx to overnight the forms to Peru.

As I was organizing the forms, and checking the list of what needed to be sent, I realized that I had missed one of the instructions on the list, which required another trip into LA to the consul!!! Rita was gracious and took me in again the following morning. Then we went to FedEx, and I sent off the forms ($70). In theory, the paperwork would be completed in Peru, and I would make one more trip into LA for a stamp in my passport, which would enable me to get the necessary resident visa. In reality, the paperwork was not completed, so when I arrived in Peru I would need to make a trip to Chili for the stamp. But everything would be okay; it was just a little change in plans.

Calvary Chapel Bible College Lima Peru, has staff that take care of all the paperwork and office visits in regard to visas for the new missionaries. I would check with Mesod (the Calvary staff) on a regular basis, and on a regular basis, he would assure me that my paperwork would be completed soon. At first I was not concerned. I knew I would need to make a trip to Chili, and since I had just arrived in Peru, I was in no hurry to take an 18 hour bus trip to another country. Upon arrival in Peru I had received a 90-day visa, and I was certain that all the paperwork would be completed within three months (one would think).

…….90 days came…had to pay $30 to extend my visa because the paperwork was not complete…in theory it would be soon….

In the mean time I decided it would be a good time to renew my passport, since it expired in December. The resident visa for Peru is renewed annually; that would mean I would need to complete more paperwork when I got my new passport if I waited until December. The US Embassy is about half a hour to 45 minute drive from where I live. This trip had to be made by taxi, because by bus, I would pass through some very dangerous neighborhoods, and it was not wise for me to do so (I was instructed). So, a taxi it was ($10 round trip) to the Embassy, stopping first to get passport picture ($8), then returning in three weeks to pick up new passport ($10 taxi). This part of the venture went smoothly. But now there was a need to change my passport number on the paperwork the Peruvian government offices were processing.

On the morning of June 27 (Friday) after staff devotions, Mesod informed me that I needed to give him 90 solis (Peruvian money) and $10 US dollars for the "paperwork", and that on Wednesday, I would be traveling to Chili with three other staff members (two young women and one man). I will not go into detail about how inconvenient this particular date was for me suffice it to say, I had no choice!

The ministry here has had a lot of experience with the various bus companies in Peru, and so we were to be traveling on the best available. I insisted on going first class because of my health issues resulting from 7 car accidents (I was only the driver twice and both times I was stopped at a red light and rear ended. The other 5 times I was a passenger, once I was hit by two buses!) In any case, the bus we were traveling was a double decker. The bottom part of the bus is divided into thirds, the front third is for the two drivers. It has their seats and a sleeping compartment. The center of the bottom is the port of entry, there is a bathroom directly in front as you enter, steps leading to the second deck are to the right, and to the left there is a closed door which leads to the "first class seats" (there are only 12). In the rear of the first level is the luggage compartment.

Since so many of you were praying for me and this trip, and I was traveling in relative comfort, the trip to Chili was good. I arrived a little tired but not in any pain. I picked up my bag at luggage, met with the other three and started the procedure of entering Chili.

This involved a visit to the Peruvian Customs office located in the bus station, they checked our passports collected a minimal fee (can’t remember the amount) and entrusted us into the care of our taxi (term used loosely) driver. We then rode together in an ancient gas guzzling contraption (that I think was an old Ford) to the next Peruvian Customs and Immigration checkpoint. Here we stood in a long line waiting to give our passports to a clerk to be stamped, went through the X-ray machine and returned to the taxi.

After an hour drive we arrived at the first Chili Immigration, line, stamp, X-ray, in the taxi again for about 20 minutes, another line, stamp, in taxi for about 20 minutes. Then we were dropped at a bus station in Arica Chili. From there we took a taxi, (fees shared by each) to the Peruvian Consul, where we completed more forms! And low and behold they did not have my new passport number! This threw a scare in me, but after some effort and the help of the computer, all was well. But, alas, one of our group did not have pictures! So, we all taxied with him to take pictures!

Our paperwork was completed, but we needed to return at 4PM to actually get our stamps. It was early afternoon, we needed to rent rooms, and get something to eat. I still had my suitcase with me, so the 20 minute walk and half hour wait in the sun was not a welcome distraction. Finally we met up with the pastor of Calvary Chapel Arica and were taken to a cheap hotel ($15). After a quick shower we all went to eat, returned to the Consul and picked up our passports. This one month process had ended up taking me 7 months and still was not over.

On Friday we taxied the same route and process in reverse back to Peru. At the ticket counter I was told there were no more first class seats available. I had to return via the "cattle car" upstairs. It would take another page to describe this roller coaster ride through the desert mountains of Peru; suffice it to say it was traumatic! When I arrived in Lima, I could barely walk. And I have been dealing with neck and back pain since! However, the ordeal was not yet over.

On the following Monday, the four of us had to have special pictures taken, front and side views; then visit the Evangelical Fellowship of Peru (umbrella organization for missionaries) pay fees, ($290 solis and $35) be fingerprinted and fill out more forms. Tuesday we went to Interpol: more forms, fingerprints (all and palms) dental record taken from our open mouths by a clerk, and more fees(can’t remember how much, not to mention the taxi fares to these offices). Finally, on Friday we taxied to the Peruvian office that in fact issues the long awaited resident card called a "carnet". More fingerprints, forms, photos, and at last I received my resident card!!!!

This was accomplished in 7 months, endless taxi trips, a trip to Chili and at about the cost of $400.

Summary of first 7 months in Peru

(click to return to Missions page)

The Image of God introductory level at Canete (2 ½ hours out of Lima) sponsored by a Calvary Chapel pastor, but open to all the churches in the area.

Two hour radio interview in Canete. This was a wonderful opportunity to share about the internship program through the Instituto Biblico in Lima.

Each intern is a team member with responsibilities for the program in Pachacutec. In addition they are required to JOURNAL; the journal is used for a debriefing following the Saturday session, and should include observation and suggestions. PRAYER; meet during the week with team members to pray for project and children and WORKSHOPS; monthly workshops include drama, discipline, Christian ethics, arts and crafts, choir, Sunday school curriculum, organize and lead a workshop/seminar and possibly a conference.

Interns will receive a certificate from the Instituto Biblico upon completion of the program, and will serve as a resource to be sent out to other areas of Peru and South America upon request.

• July 19/20 Following the Summer of Missions Outreach to Pachacutec, Rick Heilman was sharing with me and mentioned "there are thousands of kids in Pachacutec". The Lord continued to bring this phrase to mind as I prayed for children in Peru. During these times of prayer the Lord began to fill my heart with a vision to reach the children in Peru, and Pachacutec was the area that I was strongly impressed with as a starting point.

• In early August, I shared my vision and burden with John Bonner; we discussed offering a class on Children’s Ministry through which a team could be recruited.

• August 25-29 I taught an evening block class through the Instituto Biblico (there was standing room only!)

• September 5 I met with Pastor Raul, pastor in Pachacutec, to present my vision for his approval and acceptance.

• September 7 I met with the team of "interns" for the first time, (we met again on September 14 and 21 preparing for the program).

• September 8 I visited Pachacutec for the first time.

• September 9, we (Pastor Raul and I) located a facility for rent

• September 11, 16, 24 negotiated with owner and signed lease. Equipment and supplies were purchased and the facility was cleaned and set up. This included making props for skits such as David’s shepherd’s staff, David’s harp, (painted gold with thin sticks for strings), and David’s sling shot!

• September 27 the project began with the first session for the children. The actual program with the children went very well. There were multiple problems for the team with transportation and logistical issues before and after the session, BUT in the midst of all the unexpected the program for the children went as planned and was like an oasis of peace. October 25^th was the final session of Phase One for this first group,

• 19 children accepted the Lord !!!!!. November 1^st was the graduation (they go on to Phase Two which is a New Believer’s Class for Children) and registration for the next 20 children coming into Phase One. The parents were invited to attend the graduation ceremony and 15 mothers came!

On Friday evenings I cook the evening meal for the Bible College. I enjoy this and especially enjoy getting to know the North American students who help in the kitchen for their M199. When I have a class that conflicts with this, there is a replacement for me.

Developing relationships over meals is wonderful, and I enjoy this very much. Over these past months I have "entertained" in this manner for staff, students, and visiting teachers on an average of once a week.

I pray that during this Christmas season that you will be drawn into a greater understanding of Immanuel--God with us!!!!

Rejoice with me that 11 more children accepted the Lord in Pachacutec! What a joy and comfort to know that whatever lies ahead of them, the Lord will be their strength and guide.

The Christmas party for all of the children in the program, their siblings and their parents was on December 20th. The children have been learning songs and are very excited. For many of them this is their first Christmas party.

There were approximately 100 in attendance. Each household was given a Panettone (holiday fruit cake), a carton of milk, and some chocolate so they could make hot chocolate—their traditional drink for Christmas. The children also received toys that were donated by the faculty of a local university to whom we are very grateful.

The interns I am training through the Bible College are doing a wonderful job and are fully committed to ministering to children. When they complete their internship program, they will be such an incredible resource for the Bible College, and for all of Peru.

Thank you for your prayers and support. May the Lord’s peace reign in your hearts throughout this Christmas season.

Grupo de Muyeres Manzana E

     Saturday January 23^rd was the first monthly meeting for the women on my street (and two women from the next street).  We studied and discussed the first chapter in the book A Su Imagen (a study of the family of Adam and Eve).  It was a beautiful time of sweet fellowship.  The majority of these women are Catholic, two are very strong Catholics.  They would not go to the church for a Bible Study, but because we are neighbors, and the Lord has given me favor with them, they will come to my house.  The unstated goal of these studies is to agree that the Bible is the ultimate authority (not a religion) and this will be the basis on which Hernando and Claudia can share and discuss with them.  Of course the ultimate goal is for these women to enter into a personal relationship with the Lord.

     A side-effect of my relationship with these women and the Grupo Muyeres is that these strong Catholic neighbors are not complaining about the church which is located in a house on this street (corner on the opposite end).  Siglo 21 Jamundi (our barrio) is a small residential community, and if they complained about the church, we would not be able to continue to meet.

Los Viernes  Juegos

     Friday evening January 26 was the first Game Night for children between the ages of 11-13.  Shirley (a member of the church here in Jamundi) works/plays directly with the children.  I am hosting in my house and provide refreshments.  The goal is for a youth group to develop from this.  Shirley has a desire to work with this age group, and she is very good with them.  This group will gather every Friday evening.

Teen Soccer Team

     Tonight (February 4, 2010) will be the first official meeting for the teen soccer.  I have had a burden to see something started for the teens, and so when a short term missions team participant (due to arrive here in April) shared that she was a soccer coach, I got to work.  I have always talked with the kids when they pass by my house, so I asked them if they were interested in forming a soccer team.  Then I asked several men from the church in Jamundi, and one from Cali to coach the team. Basically, I have been networking.  Everything seems to be coming together and tonight all the boys (from this barrio and a neighboring one) will meet with Pastor Hernando and the coaches.  I will serve refreshments.  Again, the hope is to see these teens enter into a relationship with the Lord and develop a Teen Ministry in the church.

 

Instituto Biblica

     The church in Cali has started a Bible College.  This is very exciting for everyone! You may remember that Pastor Luis and I have been meeting to discuss the details and contents of a textbook he is writing on Jewish Holidays and Customs.  He will be teaching this course in the Bible College (dates not yet set) and that will be very good experience to further the work on this book.  Pastor Luis and I continue to meet, however, not as frequently as we originally planned.

     Also: I will be teaching History and Geography of Israel in March.

Children’s Material

     I completed writing a study guide with suggested crafts for the book of Esther. Currently the Sunday School in Cali is using this material. They have completed the Nehemiah program that I wrote and from the reports I have received the teachers and students were blessed (God’s word never comes back void!).  The church in Jamundi is now using the Nehemiah study, and will continue with Esther when they are finished.  In Jamundi they also completed the New Believers for Children and had a wonderful graduation, inviting the parents.  At this meeting, one of the mother’s accepted the Lord.

In the Neighborhood

     Tino and Adriana: It has been four months since their daughter went to be with the Lord.  The church has been very supportive through this time of grief, and Tino (he accepted the Lord December 4^th) has been attending church (Adriana has always attended).  The Lord has given me many opportunities to share with Tino and with them as a couple, and I was able to give Tino a Spanish Bible that a friend from the states sent me.

     Margoth attended church on Saturday and was very attentive and interested in the message (study in Acts).  She accepted the Lord many months ago when she brought her granddaughter here for prayer.  She has not been attending church due to family issues and responsibilities, so I was delighted to see her this week.

     Diana is a lady I spoke to when I was passing her house in the next neighborhood. The second time I visited her, I took Hernando and Claudia with me. Diana shared that she and her husband have an interest in studying the Bible.  When Claudia told her I was a missionary and that I had written a study book for women, Diana asked me to come and teach her.  Yesterday I gave her a copy of A Su Imagen and invited her to church.  She told me she planned to come to the study that Claudia is teaching (using A Su Imagen) on Friday evenings.

February

     Teaching: 

• First Saturday: Children Ministry Seminar in Cali
• Second Saturday: Women’s Study in Jamundi
• Third Saturday: Women’s Study in Cali

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

1. Grupo de Muyeres - that the Lord will touch the hearts of these women and they would desire to know what the Word of God teaches.
2. Game Night - that Shirley would be able to establish a good relationship with these children and have opportunities to share the Lord.
3. Teen Soccer - for the logistics to come together.
4. Pastor Luis - that the Lord will continue to inspire and direct him with all that he is doing and especially the writing of this textbook.
5. Tino and Adriana - for comfort thru this time of sorrow and that they would both grow in the Lord
6. Margoth - that she would have a hunger and thirst for the study of the Word!

Grupo de Muyeres Manzana E

     The meetings in February and March went very well; the women enjoy the fellowship and seem to be interested in the Bible study.  In February, we discussed Hagar, and were especially interested in the record of the Lord meeting with and ministering to her although she was just a slave girl.  This past Saturday (March 13) we discussed the relationship of Jacob and Esau, and the pain involved when parents have favorites.  I then shared from John 3:1-6 and asked the women to share, if they could, exactly when they were born again.  It was an interesting time since several of them did not care to share, and of those who did, they did not have a reference point.  This is what I wanted them to see, and I pray that it will cause them to question exactly what their relationship is with the Living God (not a religion)!

Los Viernes Juegos

     This did not take off in the way I had hoped it would.  There were several boys who came faithfully, but the young woman from the church who was working with them had some physical problems, and also the time she was able to come was too early for most of the children.  Here the schools have morning and afternoon sessions, so some children do not arrive home until 6:30 p.m.  So the idea is being set aside until the Lord raises someone up that has the burden and the time for this age group.

Teen Soccer Team

     There has been a very positive response to this, and Jefferson (from Calvary Cali) has been playing with the boys on a regular basis.  After the game on Fridays, Hernando, the pastor of Calvary Jamundi, has a Bible Study with them.

Working Teens

     Unfortunately, the older teen boys, and a few of them that are in their early teens have not been able to play soccer.  They work seven days a week, and try to take classes in the evenings.  But it seems they are so tired in the evenings that they do not always make it to class.  There are about eight of these boys who stop by my house.  Sometimes they stop and ask for water then stay and chat.  At other times, they just pass by to say hello.  On occasion I have something I have baked so they enjoy a treat.  These are such nice boys and my heart goes out to them.  I long for them to know the Lord so He can be the Master of their fate!

Instituto Biblica

     The History and Geography class I am teaching in Cali is going very well.  There was an impressive registration, and there seems to be late comers who are interested in sitting in on the class.  Pastor Luis translates for me, and he will teach the class on Jewish Holidays.  You may recall that Luis was working on putting together a textbook on ancient Israel. I am very sad to share that his computer was stolen, and all his notes were on it!!!  He did not have a back up or a hard copy!

Children’s Material

     The Sunday School class in Cali is finishing the book of Esther and on March 21^st they will present a skit at Sunday morning service.  Claudia shared with me some very precious moments she has had with several of the children while teaching this book.  I taught a workshop for the Sunday School teachers in Cali: teaching them how to develop lessons around the theme of a book and to develop crafts that will also support the theme.  We used the book of Habakkuk for this.  In April they will be putting it into practice by teaching this Habakkuk in the Sunday school.

In the Neighborhood

     There are now five couples from the neighborhood attending the church here in Jamundi.  They are blessed by Hernando’s teaching, and they are hungry for the Word!

     Tino and Adriana are working through the loss of their daughter.  It has been almost six months now.  They continue to attend the Bible studies and the heavy sorrow seems to be lifting.

     Margoth has not been attending church, but has stopped by.

     Esneda stopped attending the women’s group in my house.  She has stated that she thinks I am trying to get all of them to attend the church, and that the Catholic Church is the only true church.  It saddens me, but I rejoice that this has not deterred the other women from coming!

     I continue to be “on-call” so to speak.  Almost daily someone will drop by for advice or counsel on some matter.  Usually it is one of the women, but on Friday a young man from Cali (he was visiting his mother) came and stayed for four hours!  It seems the pastor of the church he attends is a dictator who gets angry if he is not obeyed.  I told him that I could not advise him what to do (there were other issues also), but that the Lord would direct him.  I encouraged him to consider the character of God, and to see how these issues lined up (or not) with the character and the Word of God.  I also invited him to sit in on my class in Cali.  My hope is that in so doing, he will connect with Pastor Luis who is a very wise counselor.

March-April

     Teaching:

• Women’s Study in Jamundi and Cali
• History and Geography of the Holy Land (Bible College in Cali)
• Team from Murrieta (first week in April)

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

1. Grupo de Muyeres - that each of these women would enter into a personal relationship with Jesus.
2. Teen Soccer - for the Bible study that Hernando is teaching, that they will be ministered to and that each of them will have a relationship with the Lord!!!
3. Elizabeth is a soccer coach coming in April from Murrieta; please pray that this will be a fruitful time and a blessing for her.
4. Donna is also coming in April and will be teaching/sharing with women, pray that the Lord anoints her with His message.
5. Pastor Luis, the loss of his computer has been a challenge especially since there are no funds to replace it! Please pray that the Lord will provide.
6. Me - I have been having some health issues. Please pray the Lord will continue to direct, guide and purify me so that I will be a vessel He can use.

Grupo de Muyeres:

     Manzana E: In April, Donna Hansen (CC Murrieta) was here and she taught (in beautiful Spanish) the women’s group that meets in my house.  All the women were blessed and hope that she will return in the future!  Throughout April, and so far in May, I have been concentrating on three women in particular: Gloria, Rosa and Marina.  We have had several meals and coffee-times together, and the fellowship has been sweet.  I have given them Bible study CDs (and they have listened to them!) and have had many opportunities to answer questions they have had about the Bible.  Each of these women has difficult circumstances in their lives; it is my prayer that they would be able to cast all their cares upon Him and know that He cares for them.

     Cali: It has been a blessing to teach at the Women’s Bible Study in Calvary Chapel Cali.  In April, I taught the book of Obadiah.  After the study several women shared with me that the Lord had touched them in a special way through this book.  In May I will teach the book of Ruth.  I love this book, and I pray the study will greatly bless the women.

     Jamundi: The church in Jamundi will have its first Women’s Bible Study.  I am so excited.  I have been praying for this and encouraging Claudia to step out in faith and now in His perfect timing it is happening this Friday!  Claudia has given me the honor of teaching at this first meeting.  I will be teaching the book of Jonah.  AND instead of having the monthly meeting in my home, I will be inviting the women to attend this historic event!  I cannot express the excitement I have that the church will be having a regular women’s Bible study. Praise the Lord!

     Teen Soccer:  April was a big month for the boys who play soccer because Elizabeth Klauer (Murrieta) came.  She is a soccer coach, and she played soccer with the boys and brought them beautiful team shirts!  This youth group seems to be doing great. They have a Bible study on Tuesdays with Pastor Hernando, and on Fridays they play soccer with Lucho.

Children’s Material:  Both Sunday Schools have completed the book of Habakkuk. It has been such a special blessing to help develop the Sunday School material for both these churches.  In April Hernando, Claudia and I met to plan for the VBS for this summer.  We were able to plan the crafts and the classes for both churches.

In The Neighborhood:

     Esneda: has not returned to the women’s meetings.  It is very sad, especially now because her daughter (who is a university student) is pregnant (unmarried) and this is heart breaking for Esneda.  I regret that she will not know the comfort of women supporting her through a trial such as this.  Of course, we are praying for her and trust the Lord will use this in her life.

     Amanda: has returned home (last month) after being in the hospital for a month and recovering in Cali for another month.  We were all glad to see her.  She is still very weak, but is on the road to recovery.  Thank you for your prayers.

     CC Jamundi:  The church here is growing under Pastor Hernando’s teaching.  It is such a blessing for me to observe the joy with which these new believers receive the Word.  I remember when I was a new believer sitting under Pastor Chuck’s teaching. I can remember the first time I went through the Bible with Pastor Chuck thinking, at almost every study, I didn’t know that was in the Bible.  What a thrill it was to receive understanding of His Word! (still is!).  Now to watch, as Pastor Hernando teaches, the hunger with which the fellowship here receives is an awesome blessing! The church continues to grow; there are now 12 people from this street attending the church!!!!!

     Instituto Biblica:  The Bible College at the church in Cali is growing.  It is fantastic to see what the Lord has done as Pastor Luis has stepped out in faith.  I taught the History and Geography of the Holy Land class, and it was a wonderful blessing.  The students were serious and worked diligently to complete the assignments.

JUNE:  Within weeks now I will be returning to the states; my one year commitment will come to an end.  It has been such a wonderful ministry experience—it will be difficult to leave.  What a privilege it has been to serve the Lord in Colombia!

Please pray for:

1. The new Women’s Study in Jamundi; wisdom, direction…

2. Teen Soccer for these boys, and their parents to begin to regularly attend the Bible Studies at the church.

3. Tino and Adriana healing for the loss of this baby.

4. Amanda to regain her strength and health.

5. Pastors Luis and Hernando: strength, wisdom.

6. Me: transition time

My stated goals for Colombia were:

1.    Improve Spanish language skills

2.    Train leaders; children’s programs, women’s counseling,

3.    Work with Pastor Luis on a textbook for Israeli culture

4.    Help church in Jamundi logistically

     Spanish Language Skills

     My hope was to become fluent in Spanish so that I could teach in Spanish. This is an unfulfilled desire. While my Spanish improved greatly, it is far from fluent. In my neighborhood there were only two people who spoke English, and they were not available 99% of the time, so I was forced to speak Spanish. I interacted on a daily basis, was able to share the Lord (actually lead one woman to the Lord), and answer questions pertaining to the difference between Catholicism and what I believed, and the scriptural use of the gifts, but my Spanish is very poor. I cannot conjugate the verbs while having a conversation, so I do not use the proper tenses. This makes communication difficult. I did teach two classes in Spanish; a New Believers for Children program which was a half day training session, and one month (when a translator was not available) I taught the monthly women’s group Bible Study.

     When the Lord spoke to me to study Spanish (at the Missions Conference 2005) I believed He spoke to my heart that I would be able to teach in Spanish. The two classes I taught do not qualify (as far as I am concerned) because my Spanish was so poor.

     Leadership Training

          Children’s Programs I taught 4 workshops for leaders of the Jamundi and Cali churches; Assisted in the development of Sunday Curriculum and programs that involved the congregation, and the VBS program.  I was not able to train in the use of the Confident Kids Program, which was one of my goals. The greater need was for the development of Sunday School Curriculum and Programs.

          Women’s Counseling my goal was to train the women’s leadership team in Cali to teach Christian Counseling Conferences. This was not possible; I did meet with Karol (Pastor Luis’s wife and women’s ministry leader) several times, these meetings were kind of a personal workshop. The greater need was to teach the monthly women’s study for Karol as she had a newborn baby and a toddler to care for; I taught these studies for four months.

     Pastor Luis Textbook

     Pastor Luis and I met regularly to discuss Jewish holidays and culture. I also hosted an Eriv Shabbat dinner every Friday (August thru November). Pastor Luis has such an interesting way of relating Jewish holiday and culture to the Bible that it was exciting for me to work with him on this. Unfortunately, Pastor Luis’s computer was stolen, with it all the notes! However, I know all that information is in his memory and I believe in the Lord’s perfect timing Luis will draw on that as he writes the textbook.

     Logistics in Jamundi

     My desire was to clean and set up the church before the services in Jamundi. This was not possible. The church members living close by took over this responsibility, which was a better solution.

Unstated Goals

1.    Counseling Seminar in Calvary Chapel Jamundi (using Biblical principals in counseling)

2.    Thanksgiving Luncheon for women in the neighborhood Jamundi

3.    Monthly women’s fellowship and Bible study Jamundi

4.    Game Night preteens Jamundi

5.    Soccer Team teens Jamundi

6.    History and Geography class Cali

7.    A Su Imagen Padres Cali

Counseling Jamundi the class was well attended, as follow up the participants have gone thru A Su Imagen.

Thanksgiving Luncheon this was the first event I had for the women in the neighborhood of Jamundi, this initiated the monthly meetings. Monthly Bible studies were well attended by women on my street and on the next block. My goal was for the women (most were from a Catholic background) to agree that the Bible was the ultimate authority, and for women to attend monthly women’s meetings at the church in Jamundi (Claudia planned to start these meetings). Frequently questions arose, for example; praying to Mary, the use of spiritual gifts etc., I always used the Bible to answer these questions and the women accepted this with the exception of one woman who stopped attending the meetings. In May Claudia (Pastor Hernando’s wife) had the first Monthly Women’s Meeting at the church. I was blessed to be the teacher at this historical event, and all the women from my home group attended.

Game Night for preteens was not successful; the hours that the volunteer from the church was available did not work well for most of the preteens in the neighborhood.

Soccer Team These are teen boys that I would talk to as they passed my house, they were all interested in soccer, so I organized a team and recruited volunteers. This has been very successful; the boys play soccer once a week and meet with Pastor Hernando once a week for a Bible Study.

History and Geography class taught at the Bible College in Calvary Chapel Cali. In addition I am working on developing a Study Guide to go with the CD from the class, so that the Bible College can continue to offer this course.

A Su Imagen Padres I was a guest speaker for this program in the church in Cali.

Conclusion

The book A Su Imagen was so powerfully used in Colombia that I am amazed and happy that the cost of publishing was an investment in eternity. Another surprise for me was that the Lord had, in fact, placed me in that exact house so that I could introduce the neighbors to the church, many now attend and several were recently baptized.

It was my desire to stay in Colombia, I loved it there, and both pastors would have liked me to stay. The Lord, however, impressed me to leave when my year commitment was up. This was very difficult for me, but I rejoice that I was able to live and minister in Colombia.

   At four a.m. this morning, the Muslim's call to prayer echoed through the dark streets of Jerusalem—I also begin praying at this time for the lost here in this Holy Land!

   It has been one month since I arrived in Jerusalem—a month of getting used to the wall that separates the West Bank (Palestine) from Israel. I live within several feet of this: of once again, daily passing through check points, and of having all communication monitored (!!!!!!!). It has also been a month of rejoicing for the Lord’s faithfulness to those who know and serve Him here.

   I have been blessed to help in the opening of two major ministries for women: a coffee house (for women only) in Jerusalem, and a retreat house in Nazareth for Christian women in ministry. I am also teaching classes for women on the West Bank and in Jerusalem.

Please pray for:

1.    Travel and transportation passing through check points and driving on roads that are sometimes dangerous.

2.    Communication is very frustrating that emails do not get “sent” when I push the send button (about 90 % of the time!!!!!)

3.    The women attending the classes: that they will be touched by the love of the Lord.

Thank you for your prayers. I am sorry that what I can share is very limited, but trust that the Lord will direct you by His Holy Spirit as you pray for these needs.

   This seems to be the theme for my life! Once again I arrived in a country with a “plan”.  And once again, my plans were changed and my steps re-directed by the Lord.  And, once again, the unexpected was a greater blessing.  I praise the Lord for all the unexpected divine encounters and ministry opportunities He has engineered over these last months in 2010!  I pray that the following report will be a blessing for you who have prayed for me, and that it will encourage you to embrace the unexpected!  And, may this Christmas be a time when you are in awe of a Creator God who, at the time of creation, set a star in the heavens that would appear thousands of years later over a stable in Bethlehem, right on time!!!!!!

Biblical Counseling Self- Confrontation:

   The plans to teach Biblical Counseling Self-Confrontation were not realized due to the political situation, which affected travel.  This course requires consistency and a high level of commitment.  The current circumstances in East Jerusalem and the West Bank render it almost impossible to plan a three month course with hope of completing it within five months! I gave the text books I brought with me for this course to the leaders here.  It is our hope that they will complete the course themselves through self directed study, and then be able to teach it to smaller groups that have the potential of being better able to meet regularly.  The previous students of Calvary Chapel Bible College East Jerusalem have all taken this course, so they are an available resource should there be difficulty in understanding portions of the material.

Classes:

   Biblical Counseling: these were taught in the coffee shop for the “equipping” of those involved in that ministry.

   Bir Zeit Women’s Group: These were taught in the Living Stones, an outreach ministry of the Palestinian Bible Society.  This was an exciting group!  We started with about 10 women and on the last day there were over 30.  The room was full and every seat was taken.  Among this group there were three Muslim women (covered) one of whom had studied Sharia Law at the university.  It was a wonderful time of sharing from the Word of God the scriptural way to deal with relationship issues.  There was always good participation from the women and interesting questions that opened the door for further sharing.

Home Fellowship Groups: various groups, one time of sharing.

Informal Relational Environment:  the majority of my time here was doing this.

Counseling:

          Diana (one of the students from the CCBC Extension Campus East Jerusalem 1998-99) has PTSD.  She is a cancer survivor; last year she completed her chemo, and the cancer is in remission—but she never worked through the emotional trauma of her battle with and treatment of cancer.  The times we met were of benefit for Diana; the Lord ministered to her, and she received a breakthrough.

          Shofica also a student of CCBCEJ.  She graduated in 1999.  Pastor Chuck gave her the diploma when he was in Jerusalem.  Shofica has been involved with ministry to women and has worked with a program that is an evangelistic outreach to Muslims.  She has withdrawn from ministry, with the exception of one women’s Bible study that she teaches, and she is under pressure from the church leaders to take on more responsibility.  Through our times of sharing and prayer Shofica received confirmation from the Lord concerning her decision to “rest in Him” for a time.

          Chrissy is pioneering a ministry to women, with a special interest in women who have been abused; she has recently opened two facilities: a coffee shop for women in Jerusalem, and a retreat center for women in ministry in Nazareth. Our times together involved discussions on administrative and logistical issues.

          Wilma has “come alongside” Chrissy.  They share an apartment together, and Wilma facilitates the practical day to day running of the ministry.  Our discussions mostly focused on the role and responsibilities of support team members.

            Teachers (I lived in the single women housing for the teachers at a Jerusalem School) several teachers were dealing with personal relationship issues.

Writing Character Training Curriculum:

I wrote a month, of five day a week, lesson for a Character Training Class for Jerusalem School, and conducted an informal in-service in how to use the material.

Follow-up on Student of CCBCEJ:

          Nashat is the General Secretary of the Palestinian Bible Society; he is married with two children.  It was such a blessing to spend time with Nashat; he is a mature believer, and as leader of the PBS, he reflects Jesus in his dealings with his staff as well as in his interactions with the Palestinian and Israeli communities.

          George and Lilian: George is the Director of a multi media project and supplements his income as a tour guide (he is licensed as a tour guide by Israel), and Lilian is teaching at the Jerusalem School. Their two children attend a private Israeli/Arab school (Yad va Yad means Hand in Hand).

          Diana is the leader of an outreach ministry in Bethlehem, as well as other areas of the West Bank, whose focus is on families and family issues, such as; parenting, marriage relationships, etc.  She is married to Nasser (who is the leader of an evangelistic ministry to Muslims).  They have two children and are involved as a couple in the leadership of the church they attend.

          Rami is the leader of the ministry JEO (Jerusalem Evangelism Organization) which is a distribution ministry for Israel and the West Bank—much like Calvary Chapel’s distribution ministry—free.  Rami also teaches at the Bethlehem Bible College and supplements his income as a tour guide (he is also licensed by Israel).  He is married to Christine, and they have one daughter and another baby expected soon.  Rami was sharing with me what an incredible blessing it was for him when he went through the Bible study tapes (thru the Bible by Pastor Church) required for the CCBCE students.  He wanted to know if they could translate them into Arabic, because JEO would like to distribute them to the churches throughout Israel and the West Bank with a program for the Christians to use as a devotional on a daily basis.

          Shofica is teaching a Women’s Bible Study; she was previously involved with an evangelistic ministry and plans to return to that in the future.

          Katie and her husband Nassar are living in Nazareth, where he is the pastor of a church, and Katie ministers to the women.

          Kamal is at large, so to speak.  The last contact anyone had with him was a year ago when he was teaching at Bethlehem Bible College.  He is from Haifa where the recent fires were.

          Basam leads a ministry to Muslims and is the pastor of a Palestinian church.  He is married and has two daughters.

          Zach:  Zach, Basam and Rami used to come take their video classes at CCBCE early in the morning around 6 a.m. before they went to work.  Their commitment blessed me at the time, and now to see them as adult leaders and strong believers, I rejoice.  Zach heads a ministry in Nablus (Biblical Shechem).  It is a center that offers various programs through which they are able to share their faith with the Muslim population.

          Jack and Jennifer are living in the states (I believe in northern California) where he pastors a church. They have two daughters.  I visited his uncle’s shop, and his uncle complained to me that when Jack was visiting Jerusalem last year he was “fanatical” because he kept talking about Jesus to everyone including Muslims.  I told his uncle (who is traditional Christian) that that is what the apostles did (traditional church is really into the “apostles”).  His uncle still complained that Jack should not share with the Muslims.  It was an interesting conversation, and reflected the attitude of the traditional churches here in the Holy Land.

          Johnny is still a believer, but not as “sold out” as the other students.  He works as a tour guide, also licensed by Israel.

          Khalid is married and lives in England.  He is now a medical doctor.  I do not know anything about his spiritual state, but it seems he is involved with a church there and his wife is a believer.

          Jameel occasionally participated in classes; he had just opened a new Beauty Salon and was very busy. He now has a booming business, a lovely deeply committed Christian wife and two children.  Worship music plays throughout the day in his shop.  There is also an early morning prayer and share time before opening the shop for the day.

Follow-up on Training in Confident Kids Program:

          About five years ago I returned to Israel at the invitation of the Palestinian Bible Society to train their staff working with summer programs in villages throughout the West Bank. We spent a week at a hotel in Bethlehem for the training, and then I supervised and participated in the implementation of the program offered as summer camps.  I was told by Diana, who at that time was one of the camp leaders, that anytime they are doing a program for children they always first go to the material they learned at the hotel in Bethlehem for reference.  It is a blessing to know that this training is still being used.

          Also, this time in Israel, I worked on adapting the Confident Kids Program for the use of Jerusalem School for their Character Training Class.  I completed one of the four units and referred them to the Bible Society to request one of the team I trained previously to help them adapt the remaining three units.

Hospitality:

This is always a big part of my ministry; I am unable to number the meals I have cooked over these three months.  Suffice it to say—almost everyone I have had contact with has eaten a meal I have cooked.  This has been a blessing for me as well as for those who have partaken.  I praise the Lord for the doors He has opened through the thousands of taste buds He has graciously given us!

Prayer Requests:

1.    Argentina and the Falkland Islands are on my heart; I am not sure what that will involve, please pray for clear direction.

2.    Christian Palestinians as they share their faith in the Jewish/Muslim world in which they live.

3.    The previous students of Calvary Chapel Bible College East Jerusalem as they serve the Lord in various leadership positions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

4.    I will join YWAM staff in Las Vegas in 2011.  In August they are offering a special Discipleship Training School for missionaries who want to work in outreach to victims of the slave market, I will be a team member for this school.