Bringing Hope To Peru: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Hosting deaf orphans at our house

You don't realize the excitment you are missing until you attempt to host orphans at your house. We had the boys out one night and hooked up the projector to allow them to play the Wii on the big screen.

We had the girls out another night and attempted the piñata event. Did I mention that the orphans are deaf? It was fun learning to interact with them especially when swinging the stick. I'm so glad that Jon decided not to blindfold them first as that could have been disastrous.

We were excited to have them over and spend time with them.

Peru's Independence Day

Peru celebrated their Independence Day on July 28th. The President was inagurated and moved into the palace where he will remain for a five year term.

The ministry here at EFATA paraded through the town before going on their two week winter break. Our children were also able to join them in the parade. The pictures below show Matthew and Nathan up near the front while Becca and Katie were waving their flags near the back marching with the other students.

It was a blessing to be able to enjoy a cookout on July 28th with Buddy and Loren Fitzgerald (Peru Missionaries), Tim and Cheryl Chapman (Peru Missionaries), and Shawn and Shannon Walker (visiting from the States).

Happy 16th Anniversary

We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary in Peru on July 15th. We had the opportunity to have friends watch our children so that we could enjoy the evening together. We went out to eat and enjoyed remembering past years. We are so thankful to God for putting us together.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Celebrating the 4th of July in Peru

On our first 4th of July in Peru, we gathered together with other Missionary Families to celebrate. It consisted of grilling out, lots of food, table games, piñata, party poppers, silly string, famous american poems being read, and singing of patriot songs. What a great time of fellowship with other Christian Americans in Peru. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who had and have a part in giving us our freedom. We reflect also on the Grace of our God who gave us Salvation from sin. So much to be thankful for on this 4th of July.

Jon's Testimony

I was raised in a Godly Home that taught
the Word of God. I received Christ as my Saviour
and was baptized at the age of ten. Missionaries
that visited our church sharing their fields
gave to me a broader vision for the needs of others
to hear the Gospel. I began to pray that God
would use me to help others. It seems as if God
has been preparing me each step of the way. I
have been in full time ministry since graduating
from Northland Baptist Bible College in 1995.
I have served as Youth Pastor, Bible Teacher,
Counselor, and have gained from my experiences
in being active in my church.

Our Doctrinal Statement

The Bible: The Bible is God’s Word, and is therefore
inspired, inerrant, and infallible
(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God: The God of the Bible is the only true God. He
is a Person, eternally existing, as a trinity in unity –
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Jesus Christ: Jesus is the only begotten Son of God,
who became a sinless man to redeem us. He was born
of a virgin and is true God and true man. He died,
was buried, and rose again. He ascended bodily and is
coming again (Philippians 2:5-11)

The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the third person
of the Trinity. He convicts of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment. He seals, endues, guides, teaches,
witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believers.
Romans 8:14-16, 26-27

Salvation: Salvation from sin’s penalty has been purchased
by the blood of Jesus on the cross. Salvation
becomes effectual to man when he puts his faith in
Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9

The Church: The church is the called out body of
New Testament believers. It is distinct from Israel, autonomous, with Christ as its head. Ephesians 2:19-22

Last Things: Jesus Christ will come again to rapture
His Church. It will be followed by the Tribulation,
after which Christ will personally come to establish
His Millenial Kingdom. I Thessalonians 4:16-18

Peru Facts

Population: Over 33 Million Souls

People: 54% Indian, 32% Mestizo, 12%
Spanish descent, 2% other

Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, small
protestant population

Languages: Spanish, Quechua

Government: Constitutional Republic

Life Expectancy: 69 years

Currency: Nuevo Sol

Industry: Mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, and food processing

----------

Peru is in western South America. It is the third largest country in South America. Peru has three major regions:

A narrow desert coastal belt containing the major cities, the wide Andes Mountains with elevation as high as 6,770m/22,200ft at mount Huascaran, and the Amazon Basin of tropical rainforest.