Bringing Hope To Peru

Firework celebrations for the holidays

2012-01-01T21:50:00.003-05:00

In Peru, they fire off the illegal fireworks all over the place. The fireworks are sold for very cheap in every market place out in the open. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are the two biggest displays of fireworks that last for many hours through the night.

Fireworks are also used for funerals, birthdays, weddings, and any other gatherings. It is very common to see and hear some fireworks each week.

"Blacky" becomes part of our family!

2012-01-01T20:14:00.005-05:00

On December 23rd, our family opened up an early Christmas present. It was a black labrador puppy that our family decided to call "Blacky". Our children have said that she was the best Christmas gift they received this year. Our children have been praying for another dog ever since we had to sell our last dog in the States when traveling on deputation nearly five years ago. She "Blacky" has been well received and each member of the family has taken the responsibility that comes with having a dog.

"Blacky" gets her first bath.

"Blacky" gets dressed up in her Christmas outfit and spends time entertaining the deaf children.

Christmas preparations for 2011 in Villa El Salvador

2012-01-01T19:27:00.004-05:00

The twins were excited to be able to sing with the church choir at the Peruvian Congress Christmas in Lima.

Wrapping gifts to put under the tree for their siblings.

The twins singing in the Christmas drama/cantada at the church.

Family shopping day always turns into some fun memories.

Nisha was busy in the kitchen making goodies to go out caroling to all our neighbors and friends in the church.

We took the opportunity to decorate our apartment with a Christmas tree and Christmas lights.

Children's Piano Recital

2011-12-31T13:28:00.004-05:00

Our children have been faithfully practicing their instruments this year. It shows in how much they have improved from the beginning.

Mrs. Rebecca Houghton is their piano teacher this year.

The children await their turn to play before the recital.

Katie wins the competition with the most stickers.

The Twins 10th Birthday "Tea Party"

2011-12-30T17:48:00.002-05:00

Table Games

2011-12-30T17:38:00.001-05:00

Suduko anybody?

Preparing the rook cards

Rook is by far the favorite table game when playing with Jon's parents.

Enjoying a game of Monoply!

Thanksgiving at our house

2011-12-30T17:10:00.007-05:00

We were grateful to have Jon's parents, our spanish teacher and his wife, and the Ricker Family over to our house to celebrate "Thanksgiving" with our family.

There was quite a feast and a great time of fellowship.

Of course we had to top it all off with banana cream, pumpkin, and apple pies.

Nisha and Jon's mom hard at work to make this meal special.

The Turkey turned out great this year and was even filled with stuffing brought from the U.S.A.

Matthew loves the Thanksgiving meal simply because it is the only time we put out a whole bowl of black olives. He is usually the one that eats the whole bowl.

Street Preaching in Villa El Salvador

2011-12-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

EFATA Baptist Church put together a street preaching ministry where we were able to pass out tracts and witness to people in the town of Villa El Salvador.

This is our son Nathan passing out tracts to drivers when stopped for a red light.

Nisha and Jon's Dad enjoying the choir singing and the street preaching.

Investment in another life is like planting a tree and watching it grow

2011-12-29T15:57:00.003-05:00

EFATA ministries in Peru work with deaf children. On this day the deaf children had the opportunity to plant trees throughout the area. Jon was able to spend time with the deaf children and to see them use their talents in school.

Bible Study in Peru

2011-12-29T15:48:00.003-05:00

Jon has had the opportunity to observe an in-home Bible Study for a few weeks before being asked to prepare weekly Bible Studies to present in spanish to the group. It has been challenging but rewarding to learn how to present in spanish. The group averages about ten adults each week.

December Prayer Letter!

2011-12-29T15:36:00.003-05:00

To Our Supporting Churches and Faithful Prayer Warriors,

John 3:16, a powerful reminder that God gave us His Son for all to be saved.

In a month when we give and receive gifts, we also remember the greatest Gift of all.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” Luke 2.

These last two months have been filled with reasons to rejoice in the Lord. Jon’s parents were with us for two months which made “Family Day” at the church even more enjoyable. Jon and his dad were able to go visit Andahuaylas in November where they were able to be with our missionary team. We were able to minister to the church and the missionaries during our stay. Jon’s dad is planning on returning to Andahuaylas in January 2012 to fix up and complete the house we will be renting. Please pray for all the preparations for our move in March.

Our twins celebrated their 10^th birthday on November 26^th where they had opportunity to interact with many of their Peruvian and missionary friends at their” Tea Party”.

A Thanksgiving feast, prepared by Jon’s mom and Nisha, was celebrated with our spanish teacher and his wife. Our first Christmas in Peru made quite an impression on us. Their tradition of Christmas is celebrated on the 24^th of December instead of the 25^th and isn’t completed until the traditional Christmas Eve fireworks displays that lasts throughout the night. Our children sang with the church choir before the Peruvian Congress Christmas program and were involved in the drama presentation at the church. It was a blessing to see different institutions donate and minister to the deaf ministry where we are currently staying.

Jon has been able to prepare and deliver devotionals in spanish at a house bible study every week for the last two months. This has helped in learning the language as well as ministering the Word. Our children have been learning to play the piano as demonstrated in their piano recital. It has been a blessing to host and minister to the deaf children at EFATA. We were able to participate in soul-winning, street preaching, men’s prayer meetings, special music, caroling, and Bible studies.

Thank you to those who have prayed for the ministry in Andahuaylas. God has allowed the church to grow and has been given land in the country to begin a camp ministry. The missions team is currently looking for a larger building to meet the growing demands of interest in the church. Our mission team desires to see God build the church through the effective tools of preaching the Bible, prayer, and the working of the Holy Spirit. There is an interest in starting a Christian School, Bible Institute, and a camp in the near future. We are asking for your prayers for wisdom in the decisions ahead.

Serving Christ in Peru,

The Harris Family

Jon, Nisha, Matthew, Nathan, Becca, and Katie

Oh Danny Boy!

2011-12-29T14:41:00.003-05:00

This is a deaf boy that arrived here at EFATA recently named Danny. What a blessing it was to spend some time with him as a family.

Jon's Parents visit to Peru

2011-12-29T12:58:00.008-05:00

We were all excited about Jon's parents visit to Peru from October 12th-December 5th.

Arriving at the Lima, Peru airport late at night.

It didn't take long before we had them busy with work (or ministry)

Participating in the churches Family Day activities

Holding the ropes for Hosea while at work

Shopping at the market

Don't worry Dad your secret is safe with me that you were playing or assembling the girls toys.

This photo is from the twins 10th birthday party (Tea Party Theme)

Mom couldn't be convinced to go on this ride; she wasn't sure if it was going to flip (recalling the past experiences).

Rolling up the sleeves for another day of work.

I hope these kids are enjoying themselves.

Mom preparing pies for Thanksgiving

Dad visits the town of Andahuaylas in the mountains and had opportunity to share his testimony and give a challenge from God's Word with Gary Greenwood translating for him.

Dad is getting a chance to eat the Peruvian food. This is the guinee pig (cuy) that he ate.

Having fun with the missionary kids can be more overwhelming than other labor especially if attempting to climb in the mountains with the high altitude.

Now doesn't this make you feel tall?

Mom accepts the risk of shopping at the market.

Dad using the motor taxi to get more wood.

Have you heard that we live on the third floor and that there are plenty of steps to climb for exercise.

Painting, Painting, and still yet more to Paint!

Did you have enough work to get your hands dirty and keep you out of trouble?

Time with the grandchildren------Precious!

October Prayer Letter 2011

2011-10-28T16:34:00.004-04:00

To Our Supporting Churches and Faithful Prayer Warriors,

I Thessalonians 1:2-3, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;”

Our family is reading the New Testament in chronological order for family devotions and this morning we began I Thessalonians. We are thankful for all of your prayers on our behalf and understand that each of you are serving God in various ministries and need prayer as well.

As mentioned before,we have changed Spanish teachers and have been making improvements in our conversational Spanish. Pastor Silvano (our tutor) has helped Jon go through the verses we’ve memorized in class and through presenting the Gospel with the tracts they pass out on visitation. This has helped Jon to present the gospel more clearly in Spanish and as a result was able to lead another Peruvian to the Lord on his own! How exciting it is to understand enough of the language to share the gospel more confidently with others each day!

It’s exciting and a little scary to think that we are now parents of a teenager! Our oldest son Matthew turned thirteen on October 5^th adding a different level of challenges to us as parents. Matthew was able to attend his first youth conference where it was evident that God was working in many hearts. We are praying for those who made decisions at the conference.

All of our kids began school at the end of August. Please continue to pray for Nisha as she juggles language school, homeschooling, and her ministry in our home. It’s a blessing to have Jon’s parents down visiting us and for the gifts from the States that they brought with them.

We were able to spend time with the Gary Greenwood family in September when they visited us in Lima before returning to the mountains from their three month furlough in the States. We were excited to see them and plan to join them in March of next year. We ask for prayer concerning the ministry in Andahuaylas where there is the possibility of receiving some land in order to build a camp ministry, prayer for our growth in our understanding of Spanish, and prayer for the preparation of our future move to Andahuaylas.

Again, we thank each of you who faithfully support us prayerfully and financially. We count it a privilege to serve God in Peru!

The Harris Family

Jon, Nisha, Matthew, Nathan, Becca, and Katie

Family Day at the Church

2011-10-26T16:03:00.006-04:00

It was a blessing to have Jon's parents with us during family day at the church.

There was a time of fellowship and games.

Grandpa was able to use his carpentry skills to put together some wooden games such as the stilts, three-man skis, bean bag toss, and balloon dart board.

Nisha helped prepare the plates to feed over 500 people that came to the service.

There was a baby dedication time.

There was great preaching on the topic of the family.

Matthew's 13th birthday!

2011-10-26T15:22:00.006-04:00

Matthew's birthday was on October 5th but he wanted to celebrate his birthday with his Grandma and Grandpa who arrived in Peru on October 12th. We went to "Jockey Plaza" which is one of the largest malls in Peru.

Here Matthew is waiting for his Starbuck's coffee to be made.

Peru's form of Chuck-E--Cheese is "Happy Land".

Nisha doing her best to win tickets by shooting targets with the water gun.

Of course, Matthew's favorite was the basketball shooting game.

Grandpa even got involved with the bumper cars. What a bang of time that turned out to be.

Back at the apartment, the family had some cake and ice cream with some games.

Just having some family fun!

2011-10-26T14:34:00.005-04:00

Matthew racing with the three man skis in the youth group.

Photo with a pringle mascot in the grocery store.

Becca enjoying making sculptures with clay.

Twins wearing their new dresses given as gifts from the States.

Enjoying good fellowship with the Greenwood Family.

Play time in the dirt near the animals.

Becca's two favorite classes in school are Bible and Art.

The children combine their M&M's to design different things before eating them (getting to play with their food).

9-11 remembrance service at the American Embassy in Peru

2011-10-26T14:13:00.003-04:00

On 9/11 Jon went to the American Embassy here in Peru for a memorial service.

A tree was planted in the courtyard with a plaque in memory of the attacks on U.S. soil by terrorists.

I was able to hold the emblem from the pulpit for a picture.

This is Jon with the American Ambassador in Peru, Rose M. Likins.

Jon with the Ex-President of Peru, Alan Garcia

The Marines marching in the Flag for the National Anthem and pledge.

A Peruvian children's choir who performed songs for the ceremony.

School - School - and more School

2011-10-26T13:56:00.003-04:00

We were asked by our children when will we ever be done with school?!

What would make them think that there is an end to schooling? We, the parents, are in Spanish school while our children have started another year of homeschooling. I mentioned to them that elementary years prepare you for junior high and junior high prepares you for high school and high school prepares you for college and college prepares you for seminary and seminary prepares you for the school of life and you will be in that school until you die. So, "Buck up buttercup and deal with it!" (one of Nisha's mother's favorite sayings!) School is a place of learning.

Spanish Class

Nathan in 6th Grade

Becca and Katie in 4th Grade

Matthew in 7th Grade

Sermon illustration of "Holding the rope"

2011-09-06T23:24:00.004-04:00

Pastor Joe Kotvas called our son Matthew up to illustrate "holding the ropes" during his sermon on Sunday. Matthew put his foot in the loop hole and held on with his hands while men in the church hoisted him up to the ceiling. It was a good reminder of the blessing of having supporting churches holding the ropes for us and also a good reminder that we need to be holding the ropes of others in need as well. Acts 9:25 says "Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket."

Celebrating our birthdays with our Adult Sunday School Class

2011-09-06T23:17:00.003-04:00

Our adult Sunday School class celebrates birthdays every three months and since Nisha and Jon had their birthdays in June, we were able to celebrate them at the end of August.

Cory Ricker and his wife Melissa brought a cake for all to enjoy.

The final approval of our childrens visa's

2011-09-06T22:42:00.005-04:00

Traveling to the immigration building for our final approval with our children's visa'. We are getting used to cramming into one car.

The children needed to be finger-printed and photographed for their identification cards (carnet).

After being finger-printed and photographed, their paper work was submitted for printing. Of course I noticed one of their filing rooms (pictured below) while waiting and became worried that it could be a long wait.

It ended up being one of our quickest trips to immigration. We walked out with our carnet cards in hand within an hour and a half. Praise the Lord!

Street Preaching in Peru

2011-09-06T21:51:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, September 3rd, the church (Efata Baptist) gathered together near city hall for an evangelistic push. We walked the streets passing out tracts as a family before the meeting. There were two preaching times along with the church choir singing and other special music. What a blessing to read through tracts with some Peruvians. Many members of the church had the privilege of leading their first soul to the Lord. There were at least twelve decisions for salvation.

Nathan joined others passing out tracts to people in vehicles when they stopped for the red light.

The need for a new roof (techar)

2011-09-06T21:13:00.004-04:00

We've had an unusual amount of rain in Villa El Salvador this year. Many of the buildings here in the desert are not built with rain in mind. Most of the roofs are flat and therefore are being damaged. This ministry needed to build a roof over their classrooms which had been damaged by the rain. Our apartment is located on the third floor and will be connected to the new roof being added.

Pastor Silvano as our Spanish Teacher

2011-09-06T21:00:00.003-04:00

Pastor Silvano became our new spanish tutor in August. We appreciate his encouragement and passion in teaching us the Spanish language. Learning a new language brings many up and down moments filled with mixed feelings. We have learned that it is a process that takes time and effort.

Fútbol in Peru

2011-09-06T20:21:00.004-04:00

Every Saturday in August Jon, Mathew and Nathan were able to play Fútbol (soccer) in a church league. It was a blessing to meet other pastors and have fellowship one with another. Of course, when the game starts it becomes every man for himself, but that is what is expected when there is such a focused priority with this sport in the country. It's a whole new level of fútbol compared to the United States.

Each player needed to show a picture ID as proof of being a regular attender in their church.

Even Mom came out to watch and cheer for our church teams.

Celebrando el cumpleaños de Nathan

2011-09-06T19:43:00.003-04:00

On August 1st, our son Nathan turned eleven years old. Time seems to be going at a faster rate. It is hard to believe that our children have grown up so fast. We celebrated his birthday with other friends from the church here in Peru.

May God bless you in a special way this year Nathan!

Hosting deaf orphans at our house

2011-07-31T22:41:00.004-04:00

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

2011-07-31T21:26:00.005-04:00

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

2011-07-31T20:53:00.004-04:00

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.

Celebrating the 4th of July in Peru

2011-07-04T22:55:00.002-04:00

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.

Inauguration of Jesus Statue

2011-06-30T16:43:00.004-04:00

(Below is an article from "living in Peru" web page)

As Peru is known for Catholicism, it is no surprise to see relics all over the coastal cities of the country. People in Peru seek to be blessed, but in a way that contradicts the doctrines of the Bible. Peru just celebrated the national holiday called "the Pope's Day", where all schools were required by law to be closed. They inaugurated a new giant statue of Christ in Lima on Wednesday. Please pray for Peru to see the value of having a true relationship with Christ more than possessing relics for blessings.

Lima | June 30, 2011 [ 9:19 ]

Giant statue of Christ inaugurated in Peru

Andina

peru">

The statue was officially inaugurated by Peruvian president Alan García on Wednesday. (Photo: Sepres)

Peruvian president Alan García has formally inaugurated one of the world's tallest statues of Jesus Christ on a hill in the capital Lima.

Hundreds of Peruvians turned out on Wednesday to welcome the monument, known as "Cristo del Pacífico" or Christ of the Pacific.

The statue, standing 37 meters tall when its 15 meter pedestal is taken into account, was built in Brazil and shipped to Peru in pieces, where it was assembled on the historic Morro Solar hill which overlooks Lima's bay and 19 kilometers of beach on the Pacific coast.

"Our Lord, Jesus Christ, I ask you to bring peace to our country. Material things can do a lot, but nothing is worth anything if there is not a transcendental and different message, and that is what you have brought here," president García said at yesterday's ceremony.

Monsignor Bruno Musaro, the Apostolic Nuncio to Peru, was also in attendance at the ceremony. "I am very excited by this show of faith," he said.

Business | June 30, 2011 [ 8:59 ]

Heart transplant

2011-06-20T14:36:00.008-04:00

Valita’s situation appeared hopeless. The estimated $775,000 in anticipated transplant-related expenses was not even coming close to being raised.

Then EsSalud, the national health care network of Peru, has reportedly made a last-minute decision to assume the remaining cost and, with her parents, Valita flew aboard a charter ambulance plane on the 10-hour journey to the university hospital in Minnesota

After a series of complicated preparatory surgeries, Valita could only wait for a donor heart to become available. Three months later, one did.

The operation began Monday night, June 6th, at 9 p.m., El Comercio reported, and continued for 11 hours until Tuesday morning.

It's inspiring to hear good news of giving hope and life to one another. Can you imagine how the parents felt to hear their daughter would be given an opportunity to receive a miracle in which they were unable to give themselves? It required the love of another and the willingness to receive such a gift that could never be repaid.

Of course, this reminds me of our ministry of sharing the Gospel (the good news) to those who will die in their sin and be destined for hell but have a way to be saved. God gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) to take sins penalty and has offered it to you. You must be willing to receive the gift of salvation and ask Him to be your Saviour. There is such a joy given to those who have been given eternal life.

June Prayer Letter

2011-06-17T13:16:00.003-04:00

To Our Faithful Prayer Partners and Supporters,

Psalm 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

After completing one of five books in our Spanish curriculum, our teacher recommended some time away from the books. Jon took theopportunity to go visit Andahuaylas where he was able to preach and serve in the church there.

Spanish continues to be our main focus. It can be frustrating at times because we want to understand and speak it now and fail to remember that it’s a process that will take time. We are committed and ask you to continue to pray that we’d have clarity to retain what we are learning.

Peru’s newly elected President, Ollanta Humala, assumes office on July 28^th. Only time will tell what changes will be made in the country.

It is winter now in Peru. Very different than the winters we’ve experienced in the States. The sun seldom shines and there is usually a mist that covers the city ofLima. Could make one feel dreary if you let it. So thankful we have the promise of the Son to brighten our days!

We’d like to thank all of you for faithfully praying for us. There have been times in the past few months that we have been encouraged knowing we have had people back home supporting us through their prayers.

We praise the Lord we, Jon and Nisha, have been able to get our visas (carnets)! This now enables us to start processing the kids. Please pray as we seek to do this in the next week, that there would be no delays and we can get their visas promptly.

We ask for wisdom while transitioning our homeschooling year into Peru’s school year, which happens to be March thru November. Our children are now finishing their school year and are looking forward to some time off. We have different groups from the States bringing more school curriculum down for us. Please pray for safe arrival of the school supplies.

Serving the Lord in Peru,

The Harris Family

Peru Presidential runoff for 2011 has been decided

2011-06-09T20:06:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, June 5th, Peru elected Ollanta Humala as their next President after narrowly defeating Keiko Fujimori by 51.5% to 48.5%. He will officially take office on July 28th, Peru's Independence Day. The country is in anticipation to see who he will elect as his board and if he will keep his word concerning helping the poor, lowering gas expenses, and helping Peru's economy to continue to grow. Although very close to Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, Ollanta has said that he will not follow Venezuela's type of government but many in Peru fear that he will. Ollanta was heard saying after the election, “It’s not possible to say that the country is progressing when12 million people are living in miserable conditions without electricity or running water,” he told cheering supporters. But he also promised “a government of national consensus” that would “promote investment and the free market,which is the consolidation of the internal market”.

Once again, I'm reminded to pray for those in government so that we may live peaceably and honestly.

Appreciation for my wife

2011-05-13T23:21:00.006-04:00

All in a typical weekday, my wife finds herself going from being a student for four hours with Spanish classes to being a teacher with our four children in elementary classes. My wife is such a blessing to our family. I am amazed with her work ethic in taking care of the home. I'm so thankful for a Godly wife and a terrific mother to our children.

Visa Approval

2011-05-13T23:10:00.006-04:00

After much anticipation and patience in getting our paperwork processed over the last two months, Nisha and I now have our "carnets" (visas) for residence in Peru.

It took a long day of waiting in lines to get the final process completed at immigration but was successful. We can now begin the process for our children to get theirs as well.

The lamb destined for slaughter

2011-04-26T23:00:00.004-04:00

We just celebrated the Resurrection Day in remembrance of our Savior giving His life for our sins and raising from the grave three days after His death. I'm reminded in the Scriptures of the parable of the Lamb that is given for the forgiveness of sins and how that Jesus is the Lamb of God who made it possible for us to have a direct relationship with God.

It was sad to see so many people in Peru following the catholic rituals during the Resurrection Day remembrance. I witnessed many waiting in line and paying money to receive a cotton swab that was rubbed on the statue of Jesus or to have their flower arrangements touch the statue to receive extra blessings for their homes. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to walk and talk with God without having to earn it.

There was a lamb, called Mateo, being raised in the ministry here in Peru. Our children enjoyed the time playing and feeding Mateo these last few months. They slaughtered Mateo, the lamb not my son, in order to have a feast for the orphans at this ministry. The kitchen workers will find a way to use as much of the lamb for food, including putting the head in a soup. Even though the food will be enjoyed by many here at the ministry, it doesn't last too long.

The Lamb of God was slain to offer eternal life to whosoever believes that Jesus is the Son of God and ask Him to forgive them of their sins.

Peru Presidential runoff for 2011

2011-04-18T11:29:00.011-04:00

On April 10th, Peru had the Presidential elections between 10 candidates. Since neither one received the needed 50% of support there is a face-off between the top two candidates on June 5th. The two candidates are Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fujimori.

Humala, closely associated with Hugo Chavez, plans to amend the Constitution and allow the state a much bigger role in the economy, terrifying the business community as well as many Peruvians who believe the country has changed for the better in the past 20 years. He is not in favor of missionaries being in the country of Peru.

On the other hand, Keiko Fujimori will obviously continue the free market economy her father, imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori, applied in his 1990-2000 government. But many fear that she could usher in a new era of the corruption and strong-arm tactics used by her father. Her congressional slate is rife with her father’s former adherents who rubber-stamped his anti-democratic measures.

Please continue to Pray for freedom to evangelize in Peru and God's Will to be done.

Traffic Accident Article

2011-04-18T10:50:00.004-04:00

It has often been told of the bad driving conditions in Peru. The following article has been copied to my blog from the Peru News. This serves as a reminder to share the Gospel and to thank God for the safety He gives each day on the road where you live.

The following links are video of bus crashes in Peru on Youtube.

http://youtu.be/21UlPJCIH00

http://youtu.be/C5OwTU4xkgc

Twenty-one dead, numerous injured as bus plunges 200 meters in southern highlands

April 4, 2011 by Rick Vecchio · Leave a Comment

At least 21 people are dead after an inter-provincial bus racing through Peru’s southern highlands went over a cliff early Friday, daily El Comercio reported.

The accident occurred at 5:00a.m. when a bus belonging to the Virgen del Carmen transport company plunged down a 200 meter abyss after losing control on a higway between Paucartambo and Cusco.

The accident, which also left some 47 people injured, was a result of excessive speed, authorities say.

In Peru – where the high number of severe car and bus accidents is notorious – many of the vehicles are old, drivers reckless, and the roads often in a bad state. In the past several years, an average 3,500 people have died and 40,000 are injured every year as a result of car or bus accidents.

April Prayer Letter

2011-04-05T17:28:00.003-04:00

Dear Fellow Supporters,

We have been in Peru three months and have seen God do miraculous things that only He can do. I stand amazed when I witness those who receive Christ as their Savior and begin to see the transformation take place in their life.

On April 10^th, Peru will have their Presidential elections between eleven candidates. Although, as missionaries, we cannot vote or interfere with the politics of another country, it does not stop us from praying that God’s Will be done. Peru’s politics change many times according to who the President is. This could affect the freedom missionaries have in staying and preaching the truth of God’s Word in Peru. Please pray with us concerning these elections.

To all those who are or have been students, you can imagine how our language training is going. It has its difficult and rewarding moments. We find ourselves praying more for God’s help in understanding and applying the new language than ever before. We are thankful that we are in a ministry with so many willing to be patient and assist us in learning. Our children are learning the language at a rapid pace and are able to interact more efficiently with other children. They are learning scripture verses and songs in the children’s choir and have already been able to do special music. We seem to be adjusting to a routine by homeschooling our children while we are in language training each weekday. Please continue to pray for us to learn the language effectively.

We have run into a delay with our visas (carnets) due to improper paperwork and are currently waiting to receive a call in order to be approved. After my wife and I are approved for our carnets, we then can process our children under us. Please pray for our visa approval.

We thank those who have sent packages, mailed us letters of encouragement, and sent love offerings these last two months. You can’t imagine how excited we were as family to receive things from the States that we can’t get here! We are still making improvements to the apartment and getting ready for winter, which is June through August because we are south of the equator.

Thank you again for your prayers and support of our ministry.

God's animals great or small

2011-04-05T16:35:00.004-04:00

After worshiping God at church on Sunday, I was walking to our third floor apartment when I noticed a baby pigeon needing some help. I put it into a box and gave it some food and water. It didn't take long before our children were treating it as their pet. It acquired a name (B.B. for Blue Beak) and attracted much attention. After a few days, it had gained strength and was able to fly. We turned it loose back on the porch where we found it and after a little while passed, it took flight. Even though our children were sad to see it leave, we each agreed that it would be best for the bird.

Luke 12:6-7 reminds us that even the smallest of birds is not forgotten by God and that we are of more value than many sparrows. It's nice to know that we have a God that watches over us and knows what is best for our lives.

Back to School

2011-02-27T22:53:00.005-05:00

Coming into Peru brought excitement and completion of deputation. We spent a few weeks getting settled and making adjustments but now find ourselves starting school. With two weeks of spanish classes behind us now, we have officially recognized the struggle it is to return to school. We feel we've entered Kindergarten all over again. We still need to learn the Spanish alphabet and word sounds. We spend our first hour each day just practicing our reading to each other for pronunciation. No easy short cuts but rather hard work. It does a good job of humiliating and humbling an individual. Language training can drain you mentally very quickly. Our love for God and the calling He has given to us, drives us to do our best and keep pushing forward.

It was a blessing to see Gary Greenwood, Marcos Lindsey, Buddy Fitzgerald, and Tim Chapman at a camp in Lima. We rejoice with them in seeing evidence of the Holy Spirit working in hearts throughout the week and hearing of the many decisions made of salvation, dedication, and confession of sin. I can't wait to be able to communicate my heart with the people here in Peru.

While out soul-winning on Saturday, I witnessed my partner lead a lady to Christ. That same lady along with her husband and daughter were baptized today. Praise the Lord!

In Peru, they are coming out of their summer break which is December-February. The children will be returning to school sometime in March. There is a mad dash at the stores for school supplies for their children. The compound at EFATA will be even busier and louder with the school children returning. Our children will continue to be home-schooled with us.

Please pray for our language training in the spanish language.

February Prayer Letter

2011-02-16T17:22:00.003-05:00

What an exciting letter to write, our first from Peru! We praise the Lord for calling us to the people of Peru. We arrived on January 6^th and have learned many differences between the USA and Peru.

Red lights and Green lights: When exiting the airport in Peru, one must push a button for baggage inspection. If the light turns green, the individual can pass freely without their bags being checked, but if the light turns red, that individual must take all of his luggage to the side for a thorough investigation and is usually taxed for many items. We received a red light but were able to get all thirty-six pieces of luggage through without paying anything. God was good to us once again! While riding in vehicles in Peru, I have noticed that the traffic lights don’t mean that much. We’ve seen vehicles go through red lights and even faster when they are green. Two lane roads become four lanes of vehicles and the horn is a natural way of communicating while driving. It has scared Nisha from ever wanting to drive in Peru.

Sols and Souls: Sols are the currency used in Peru. We have learned how to exchange our currency and locate proper stores to supply furnishings for our apartment as well as get supplies. Having said that, it has been encouraging to see many souls come to Christ for salvation and dedication. The Holy Spirit’s presence is evident at each alter call. What a joy to see God working in the hearts of Peruvians. The ministry of EFATA, where we are currently receiving our language training, hosted a pastor’s conference in January and we’ve been able to participate in soul-winning, prayer times, and services.

Word differences: One needs to be careful when you attempt to speak Spanish to not communicate the wrong thing while learning new words. For instance, the word “enfermo” is the word for sickness which we’ve had our share of ( we learned the hard way not to order ice), but the word “infierno” is the word for hell. I tried my best to let them know I was sick and not going to hell.

Conversions: We are not only looking to win souls to Christ, but have learned the necessity of converting measurements to meters and weight to kilograms. Nisha and I went to Interpol to process our paperwork for our religious visas. When converting my height, I wrote it incorrectly on my paperwork as 5’4’’ rather than 5’11’’. The Peruvians laughed at me for thinking that I was only 5’4’’ and told me I didn’t have to be the height of a Peruvian to be approved for a visa.

Weather and Holidays: We’ve learned that Peruvians take their summer break in Dec.-Feb. rather than June-Aug. because Peru is south of the equator. Lima’s weather is the same everyday during the summer: hot during the day and cool at night. Lima celebrated it’s anniversary as the capitol on January 18^th ,but Peruvians enjoy firing off fireworks whenever they have opportunity. We hear them each night and during all hours.

Football and Futbol: While many in North America watch the Super Bowl or play football, it doesn’t take long to realize that the Peruvians love to play Futbol (soccer). Three of the four sides of our third floor apartment have futbol courts which are used throughout the week, many times until three in the morning and then start back up at six in the morning. In Lima, each sector (which is only a square block) has a park with a futbol court.

We’ve appreciated having Jon’s dad with us our first month in Peru. He has assisted us in the completion of our apartment, furniture building, and has been encouragement to us.

Please pray for God to be glorified in our lives while we seek to do His will and pursue to be faithful to His Call. Please pray also for physical health and safety, visa approval, language training, and homeschooling.

We’ve installed Vonage in our apartment. We’re able to make and receive unlimited calls to and from the states at no extra cost to those calling us. Our number still remains 734-244-6567.

Our Peru Address: Nisha Harris

Apartado 18-1280

Lima 18, Peru

South America

For those who wish to send mail, it is best to send it by regular postal service rather than UPS or any other delivery system. We’d ask that you put Nisha’s name only on the mailing address because she goes to town most often and it is easier if there is only one name on the package. Many of you have requested a list of items difficult to find or items that are more expensive in Peru. We have attatched a list on the next page.

Thank you for your prayers and support,

The Harris Family

Jon, Nisha, Matthew, Nathan, Becca, and Katie

· Onion soup mix

· Peanut Butter (what they sell is $6 for a small jar.)

· Kool-aid packets (any flavor)

· Chocolate Chips

· Garlic salt

· Onion powder

· Pot roast seasoning with bag

· Cinnamon

· Oven Fry (for chicken or pork)

· Dryer Sheets

· Zip Loc Bags

· Oregano

· Basil

· Italian Seasoning

· Taco Seasoning

· Tea Tree Shampoo (helps get rid of lice, which we haven’t had yet praise the Lord! I usually would buy the generic brand at Sally Beauty supply. Only place I could find it.)

· Paprika

· Jiffy Muffin Mix (corn, blueberry, raspberry, banana)

· Hidden Valley Ranch packets

· Lotrimin

Children's Motrin

Immodium AD

Tums

Peanut Butter M&Ms

Animals and Children

2011-01-31T23:55:00.003-05:00

Animals and our children are quite a combination. Some would say that they can't tell the difference at times with looks and behavior. One of the blessings of living on the compound in Peru is that there are many animals. There are dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turtles, canary birds, lamb (named Matthew), and even a horse at the compound. Of course our girls were sad to hear that most animals are raised for the purpose of eating but that doesn't stop them from playing friendly with them until there appointed time.

The picture of the llama was taken at the shopping center where our children saw their first llama while here in Peru.

Shave and a haircut two bits

2011-01-31T23:45:00.003-05:00

Well our boys didn't need a shave but they definitely needed a haircut. Just down the road two blocks there is a market where there are a group of vendors for haircutting. I took the boys down and watched them get their hair cut and it only cost three Soles which is about one dollar. A hair cut in the States would cost me over ten dollars each. One more example of Peruvian culture.

Sunset from our apartment

2011-01-31T23:37:00.003-05:00

One of the advantages of being on the third floor is to see the beautiful sunsets each night. The Pacific Ocean is only a mile and half west of our apartment. The weather here is usually always sunny and not like Michigan. Creation reflects the greatness of our God.

Moving upward in Peru

2011-01-31T22:44:00.007-05:00

We have moved into our apartment that is on the third floor on the EFATA compound. We have taken the last couple of weeks putting finishing touches on the apartment so that we could begin moving our furnishings and getting settled. We are thankful to those at EFATA ministries who have worked on the apartment and helped us adapt to the culture. We have been using our luggage containers for living room furniture, closets, desks, shelves, tables, etc... for the last couple of weeks but now have mattresses, living room furniture, refrigerator, stove, and a washer/dryer in our apartment. Thank you to those who generously gave toward our transition fund. We are looking forward to getting bed frames, kitchen table and chairs, food pantry, and end tables made out of wood in the near future.

On January 25th-27th, the ministry here had a Pastor's Conference, where it was encouraging to hear the preaching throughout each day and see the Holy Spirit working in hearts. Please join with us in praying that the decisions would be sincere and steadfast before God. We rejoice with those who accepted Christ as their Savior as well as those who obeyed God's leading for their life. The Saturday following the conference we went out soul-winning where two ladies received Christ as their Savior. On Sunday, the church rejoiced together when David, one who they have been praying for many years, came forward during the invitation to get saved. Praise the Lord! What a blessing to see God working in hearts in Peru.

We have begun the process of paperwork for our resident visa's and will need to be patient for the next two months. We are praying that there will be no complications and that we will be approved to stay.

Thank you for your interest in our ministry and for reading about what God is doing.

May God be Glorified always!

Transition into Peru

2011-01-14T11:41:00.004-05:00

We have made it to Peru safely and with quite an adventure so far. It all started by showing up at the airport two and a half hours before our 6:00am flight out of Detroit to find complications with the airlines who did not open the registration desk until 4:00am and had all their self check machines break down and needed to check everyone in individually. We were the first to the counter but were told we needed return tickets purchased in order to confirm our flight and needed to do this on our own. After purchasing the refundable tickets and approaching the counter, they had difficulty processing them and all of our luggage even though I called the manager and showed up at the airport a week prior to explain our situation to avoid such complications. Needless to say, time was escaping and it began to look as if we would miss our flight out of Detroit. We found ourselves at the counter still at 5:30am needing to get our tickets, go through security check, and walk across the airport to our gate to catch our plane which had already begun boarding. Not long after we got through security and began making our way to our gate, we heard our name over the intercom for "last call for the Harris group leaving for Miami" with still a ways to go. I wish I could have captured the moment on camera of us running to our gate being overloaded with carry-on bags with Matthew beating us there as they were shutting the door. Matthew told them that he was part of the Harris group and that we got held up at the counter. They allowed us to board as we all caught our breath on the plane. We than realized that this should be quite an adventure. We arrived at the Miami airport with an eight hour lay-over before our flight to Lima, Peru. We had a pastor in Florida who was gracious enough to pick us up at the airport and take us out to eat, provide us hotel rooms to catch some rest, and drive us back to the airport with plenty of time (and less adventurous) to catch our flight to Peru.

Upon arriving in Peru at 10:30pm, we came to the point where we have asked many of you to pray for a green light. Once you get off the plane you must check in with your passport and than pick up your luggage and approach the security checkpoint. After checking your paperwork they have you push a button which randomly turns red or green. "Green" means you can take your bags straight through without any check and no hassle, "red" light means that you would have to go off to the side and have every bag thoroughly searched and if you have not claimed any item that was suppose to be taxed over a certain amount they would confiscate that item with serious financial penalties. We loaded our 24 blue footlocker totes along with our carry-on luggage onto carts with airline workers helping us transport them to the checkpoint. They had Jon show the paper work and told him to push the button (who was hoping to pass that opportunity to his dad or someone else to blame). The light turned "RED" to everyone's disappointment. They escorted all of our luggage to the tables for the search that would take hours and be charged a huge tax. We had been warned by Gary Greenwood about his bags being searched upon his arrival into Peru with a huge fee. The airlines sent out a man who opened up the first three containers and searched them and asked if we had a list describing what was in each bag. We gave him our list which was written in English and explained that we were missionaries who were moving to Peru and therefore the reason for the extra baggage. He took our list into the office and came out about two minutes later opened up two other containers just to glance at the top items and than waived us through without any charges or further search. Praise the Lord!

God is good all the time! We were greeted out in the lobby of the airport by Missionary Joe Kotvas, his wife, and about six of his staff team who assisted us with our luggage and gave us a ride to their compound where we arrived just before midnight.

Our first day in Peru consisted of introductions, tours of the compound where we will be receiving our language training, and shopping for food supplies. Nisha is adjusting nicely as Jon and Ray each day breaks out items from their stored luggage to encourage her (Day 1 was her own pillow; Day 2 was the peanut butter M&M's; Day 3 was chocolate covered pretzels; etc...). Our children instantly made friends with the other staff children on the compound and enjoy the fact that there is a playground set, basketball/Soccer cemented area, and animals (chickens, dogs, cats, a lamb, a horse, birds, and butterflies). The hospitality and kindness of the staff here has been such a blessing to us. We are currently staying in a two bedroom dorm facility while our apartment is being completed and furnished for the next two weeks. Please pray for this to be completed before January 25 which will be the beginning of a Pastors conference held at the ministry here at EFATA Baptist Church. We praise the Lord for bringing us to Peru safely and find us all with good health and adjusting nicely. Our good friends from the jungle of Peru, Buddy and Loren Fitzgerald, have just came back from a medical leave in the states and have been able to visit the compound for a couple of days to get some work done before leaving back into Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Gary Greenwood also came down from the Mountains to do some paperwork and met us at the compound from Monday until he left early this Wednesday morning. The main missionary, Joe Kotvas, took the Fitzgerald Family, Gary, Nisha, and I out to Lima for shopping for furnishings for our apartment and a blessed time of fellowship. The coast-line of Peru has many modern conveniences to enjoy that the mountains and jungle doesn't provide but yet is so different in many ways from North America. It doesn't take long for you to realize that you are in a third world country with the landscape and the lifestyle. The driving is notoriously different with people cutting each other off and four lane roads being used as six lanes, horns honking, and bad road conditions which my dad will be returning with many stories I'm sure.

EFATA ministries is specifically directed towards the deaf of Peru. They provide a deaf church, orphanage, school, and institute along with having a hearing church as well. We are running into situations in which communication with the deaf staff members as well as Spanish speaking members becomes a challenging task especially when you are working together. We are in the process this week of filing out our paper-work, getting supplies, building our apartment, and getting involved with ministry being done here at the compound. Our hearts were encouraged on Sunday with the sound doctrinal preaching along with the conservative music and God honoring worship at the church services which were translated for us. I believe that it is God's Will for us to be here and that He has directed us to a place where we can grow spiritually as well educationally with language and culture training.

Thank you for all your prayers and support,

The Harris Family

Jon, Nisha, Matthew, Nathan, Becca, and Katie

Your missionaries to Peru

Christmas 2010

2011-01-14T11:29:00.002-05:00

We send Christmas and New Year greetings to you and your congregation. We have been able to celebrate the holidays with Jon's family in Wisconsin where 35 gathered together. Christians have much to celebrate during the season for our Saviour was born! We have a message to share found in Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” and joy to share as the angels declared in Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

We have entered into what many have described as “crunch time” with much to organize, store, and pack before leaving on January 6^th. We thank you for your support in prayers and financial gifts. We have seen God answer many of our prayers of good health, furnishings for lodging in Peru, safety while traveling, those coming to hear the Gospel and souls being saved.

Our missionary partners in Peru have asked prayer for Isai, a boy of 10 who has a brain tumor that needs to be removed; Jon Carlos, a newly saved teen who has decided to leave his rock band and friends to follow Christ; Juan Carlos and Bridget, newly married in the catholic church for family pressure but returning to a Baptist Church; Alfredo, a newly baptized father and husband wanting to grow and leave his struggle with alcohol; and Carlos and Julia, a struggling couple.

There is an awkward feeling for a missionary arriving into a foreign field with his family and their belongings to start a new beginning. I’m thankful to the EFATA ministry who has agreed to greet us and pick us up at the airport upon arrival. We have recently made arrangements for Jon’s dad to go with us in helping with the final construction of our apartment and assisting us with our children. We will be in Lima, Peru for one year in order to process our paperwork, purchase furnishings and supplies, learn the Spanish language with a private tutor, and learn the culture and customs while living at the EFATA ministries (a Baptist church, orphanage, and school). We will than be teaming up with a church planting missionary in the Andes mountains working in Andahuaylas, Peru for our first term. It is our desire to plant churches in other mountain villages, as God would lead.

After January 5^th, it would be best to communicate by phone (734) 244-6567 or by e-mail (amazonmissions@comcast.net) as we will be out of the country and will find it difficult to receive hard mail. We will be communicating with you concerning our new Peru address and phone numbers when it is set up.

November Prayer Letter

2010-11-30T10:27:00.003-05:00

We reflect back over these past couple of months and have much to be thankful for in the Lord. Since we last wrote, we have completed our trip out west presenting in churches in TN, TX, NV, CA, British Columbia-Canada, and MT. We rejoice in the safety God has given to us while traveling in the van over 10,000 miles. We’ve heard from three churches who have taken us on for support and others considering. We are at 89% of our updated support level, having met the minimum support requirement to leave. We are confident that God will provide our every need.

We have purchased our departure tickets and will be leaving for Peru from Detroit Metro Airport on January 6, 2011. We have a renewed zeal for we see a specific answer to our prayer of serving God in Peru. We thank those who have been praying for us and have sent financial support for our transition. We have seen God provide funding for our tickets, luggage, passports, apartment to be built in Peru, and a new computer. Once we arrive in Peru, we will need funding to furnish our apartment with beds/mattresses, table/chairs, stove, refrigerator, etc... We are limited to only two bags per person to take with us on the plane and have opted to not ship a container due to the expenses and timing.

We rejoice in finally getting our children’s birth certificates sealed by the Peruvian Embassy in order to process our visa paperwork in Peru. After a failed attempt at the San Francisco consulate, where our van got towed and ticketed, we were able to complete the process at the Chicago consulate. We look back at these times and see God working to teach us and to build our faith.

As mentioned in our last letter, we will not be going to Costa Rica for language training but will be spending our first year in Lima, Peru to process our paperwork and receive language training at EFATA Baptist Ministry from a private tutor. EFATA has already begun building us an apartment on their compound where we will be able to stay during our time with them.

Our children have experienced many adventures while on deputation and have witnessed God working in churches, in answered prayers, and in their own hearts. They have seen much of God’s creation while traveling. We’ve been able to celebrate the 12th birthday of our son Matthew on October 5th and the 9th birthday of our twins Becca and Katie on November 26th. Thank you to those who sent birthday cards and encouragement to them.

We were able to spend Thanksgiving in Michigan with our sending church, Jon’s family, and Nisha’s step-dad who came to visit. We thank all those who have been praying for Nisha’s family concerning the unexpected death of her mother who is now in Glory with her Savior.

Looking ahead at these days before departure, we will be presenting in churches in West Virginia and Ohio in December and will be in TN to have our exiting meeting with our mission board. Jon’s family has arranged for Christmas to be celebrated with all of his siblings in Wisconsin. Our home church will be having a sending off service on Sunday, January 2nd. As our computer ticker counts down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds to departure, we are sensing the urgency of finalizing our packing and storage, along with saying our farewells to family and friends. These days ahead will be filled with emotions and transitions but with assurance that God never changes and will be with us all the way.

For God’s Glory,
The Harris Family
Jon, Nisha, Matthew, Nathan, Becca, and Katie
Your Missionaries to Peru

Deputation into new areas

2010-10-25T18:16:00.004-04:00

On October 18th we embarked into areas that we have never been before: Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia/Canada. We left California and had opportunity to find lodging at Harvest Baptist in Medford, Oregon. They were such a blessing to us. We were able to get our van checked and updated with an oil change and tire rotation. We than traveled as far as Seattle, Washington where we stayed in a hotel two blocks from the space needle. We took the time the next morning to go up to the viewing floor in the space needle despite the fear of our oldest son who is afraid of heights. Our next missions conference started at Grace Baptist in Surrey, British Columbia, which meant that we would have to cross the Canadian border. To our surprise, and with the help of some friends near the border, we made it through without any delays.

The conference was a blessing! Jon preached, we showed our DVD, Nisha taught the childrens' class, our children sang special music, we enjoyed fellowship with the church and missionaries, and got in some sightseeing at Stanley Park in Vancouver. Dr. Storz was the main speaker on Sunday to wrap up the meetings. It was such a blessing to be hosted by Mrs. Dorothy Newcombe who also hosted another missionary during the conference going to the deaf of Peru, Miss Jamie Rowe.

We will look to visit other area pastors and churches until our next meeting on November 7th at New Testament Baptist.

California Meetings in 2010

2010-10-11T19:53:00.004-04:00

We arrived in California to give updates to some of our supporting churches as well as present in new churches for possible support. We faced some unexpected delays with Jon cutting his head on a dinosaur statue at a rest stop and the van breaking down after presenting our calling at a church. We are currently presenting and giving updates in churches in Northern California.
It was exciting to reserve our airline tickets to depart from Detroit Metro at 6:00a.m. on January 6th, 2011 and arrive in Lima, Peru at 10:10p.m. that same day. Less than three months from fulfilling God's calling on our life of being missionaries in Peru.
Thank you all for you prayers and support.

GPS leads to Destruction

2010-10-02T23:47:00.005-04:00

Travelling through the rest of Texas and into New Mexico was a thirteen hour trip in the van where we arrived at Jon's uncle's house for lodging. My wife was less than enthusiastic when the GPS led us at night into an Indian Reservation away from all civilization. We went from a divided paved road, to a single paved road, to a dirt road, to sand paths in the field where we were beginning to lose phone signal. My wife and children had to ask me if I really knew where we were at. After going a couple of miles out in the field, thinking that it was just a short cut to a main road, we heard the GPS tell us that we had arrived but there were no signs of civilization. My wife was waiting for a witch doctor to jump out and the girls began to pray out of fear setting in. Nathan was imagining what an adventure it would be to have a dirt bike on the trails. Jon was entertaining the idea of shutting off the lights and scaring everyone even more until the thought of his wife's response made him think twice. I was able to turn the van around without getting stuck in the sand and found my way back out safely.
Once out of the field, my wife double checked the address to my uncle's new house, and discovered that Jon put the wrong address in the GPS. I'm sure God allowed this adventure for a reason. It will be one of those stories that is funny once the initial scare has wore off.
The next morning we got the GPS and an atlas to show Jon's uncle where we ended up driving to. He told us how lucky we were that we didn't get our van stuck and how many dead bodies have been discovered out in those fields. That just made the story that much better, to realize that God protected us.

Traveling West on Deputation

2010-10-02T22:33:00.004-04:00

After completing the moving sale, starting homeschooling, renting a full size van from MO, and packing, we hit the road once again for another two month trip. On September 18th, we left Michigan for churches out west to present our ministry. We appreciated being able to stop in Memphis, TN to visit Jon's sister on the way to TX. She just had her fourth child, Amelia Jean, in which our children got to take to the Memphis Zoo. Their pastor was a missionary to Peru and gave some helpful advice.

Our first missions conference was held at Temple Baptist Church in Flower Mound, TX. We had opportunity to participate in the conference by teaching in the children's program in the morning service, Awana, Youth Group, men and ladies fellowships, show our DVD, and share our calling at our table display. Time spent with the other missionaries and Dr. Don Sisk was an extra blessing. The church took the missionary men to Dallas Cowboy stadium while the ladies went shopping. Matthew and Nathan were excited to play football down on the field. The conference ended on Sunday night with the joyous news that the church would be supporting us.

We found lodging at a missions trailer in Dallas for a couple of days before traveling out to NV for more meetings. It was good to spend time with the Brough family and catch up on what God has been doing in their lives. They have been our friends since our college days when we all counselled together at Camp CoBeAc in Michigan.

September Prayer Letter

2010-10-02T22:14:00.003-04:00

SEPTEMBER 2010

Dear Faithful Prayer Warriors and Co-Laborers,

What a whirlwind these last two months have been for us! There have been many life altering changes for our family, besides the fact that we are leaving for the field in January, and God has been gracious and kind in all matters.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 115:16

The morning of August 5th we received a phone call from Nisha’s step-father that her mother, Denise Taylor, had passed away in her sleep and woke up in the arm’s of her Savior. She was 55 years old. The unexpected death has been difficult for the family because she was not ill and had no known ailments. There is still no “resolution” as to the cause of death other than natural causes, but the family accepts the fact that God decided it was time for her to go Home. We rejoice in her testimony, which was clearly evident at her workplace, as we heard story after story of her mother’s faithful witness to her co-workers. Although we miss her, we are confident in God’s timing and purpose. Please pray for Nisha’s step-father as he adjusts to life with out his beloved wife, and for Nisha and her siblings as they adjust to life without their mother.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” I Timothy 6:6-7

We had begun the process of packing up our home in Michigan when we received the call of Nisha’s mother. We returned three weeks later, to complete the process, only this time, we were adjusting our packing around the meetings we had scheduled in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Finally, we have completed the moving sale and are finishing getting the house ready to turn back over to the church. It was difficult to see most of our earthly possessions being sold, but know that it is a step closer to Peru. Please pray as we still have our vehicle and a couple of other items to sell to complete this process of moving.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8

It was our intention to begin language training in January in Costa Rica. However, in the last month, another option has been made available to us through a ministry directly in Lima, Peru. They have a Spanish language professor on staff willing to teach us for a year. This would give us an opportunity to learn the Peruvian Spanish dialect from a Baptist ministry, build ministry relationships, help us begin the process of acquiring our ministry visas, as well as getting used to some Peruvian culture before heading to the mountains and jungle.
We are heading west for our fall meetings. A new addition to our ministry has become a full size van to complete our deputation. Our current car was in need of repair and we didn’t feel it would last through all the travelling we are doing this fall. Baptist Missionary Transportation Ministry, BMTM, came through for us with a seven passenger van and we are in awe of all the room it has! After spending the last three and a half years in a Taurus station wagon, you can imagine how we feel traveling with this! This will give us enough room to do school while we travel and eliminate the need for a car top carrier. We are blessed to have this van to complete our deputation ministry. Please pray as we present our ministry to churches in Texas, Nevada, California, and Vancouver, BC this fall and for continued safety as we travel.

Here are some remaining things you can keep in mind as you pray for us:
1. Completion of our deputation ministry.
2. Paperwork for visas: We need to certify the kids’ birth certificates this fall at a Peruvian embassy in the states. Please pray that we will be able to find one as we travel this fall and there would be no complications in the visa process.
3. We will be purchasing our airline tickets for Peru this month.

Thank you all who faithfully pray and support our ministry. We know many of you pray daily for us and we want you to know that they are felt and appreciated!

For His Glory,

Jon, Nisha, and the kids

Moving Update

2010-09-11T00:30:00.003-04:00

The moving sale has come finally as our children have been announcing it for months it seems. They helped put a lemonade stand together and painted it. They enjoyed being a part of the sale by demonstrating many of the toys for customers. They also felt like salesmen with blunt statements as when dad quoted a price to a customer for an item that one of our children announced mom priced cheaper earlier. The children want to find out how much we make each day financially and what their cut will be for letting go of many of their toys.
Each day shows more signs of our departure day quickly approaching. The children were delighted to see their passports come in the mail. The dreaded day of Hep A shots came for all the children, who have been praying for the courage to not be overcome with fear. It didn't help to have all four in the same room together to see each other get the shot but they all did very good. God answered their prayers.
Jon is flying out to Baptist Missionary Transportation to rent a full size van for our trip out west these next two months. We don't believe that our car would make the long trip. This will allow us to put our car up for sale earlier. We will be traveling as a family from Michigan to Tennessee and than on to Texas. We will presenting in churches throughout California and British Columbia the next couple of months as well.
We thank all those who pray for us.

The Loss of a Loved One

2010-08-06T23:18:00.005-04:00

Sandra Denise Taylor, Nisha's mother, went home to be with the Lord on August 5th, 2010.

Nisha and I were in Michigan taking a few weeks to pack up our belongings and move out of the mission home in preparation for departure this winter. We were woken by a phone call at 6:50a.m. on Thursday with the news that her mother passed away during the night. This came as shock to the family for she was only 55 years old and had no known ailments. We found ourselves adjusting our priorities and schedules in order to be with family during this difficult time. We rejoice in the testimony of her mother's faith in the Lord Jesus saving her from her sins and the hope that it brings to those who have the same faith.

Psalms 116:15 says "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Sympathy is expressed to her husband, John Taylor; children, Nisha (Jon) Harris, Jason (Erin) Adams, and Heather (Bryan) Neal; six grandchildren; and her mother, Margie Smith.

Denise Taylor was a faithful servant of Christ who expressed her love to her Saviour, family, friends, and co-workers. It's never easy to lose a loved one who was so close and dear to you. Our family has count it a privilege to have known her as mother, mother in law, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.

Home again Home again jiggity jig

2010-07-21T17:49:00.006-04:00

After some vacation time with Jon's family in Florida and taking a couple of days as a family to visit some parks while traveling back to Michigan, we arrived home with some big tasks ahead of us. Knowing our departure in January is during the winter season in Michigan, we have the task of moving out of the church mission house by selling off all the items that we are not taking with us to Peru during the summer. We are praying for wisdom during this time of transition and strength to let go of items that we cannot keep.

Lord provides even Lodging

2010-07-21T17:27:00.004-04:00

We look back on our trip these past two months and once again see how the Lord provided us with safety in traveling over 4,000 miles and lodging in some wonderful mission houses. One family even heard of our need and provided lodging at a hotel when we drove thru their area. God showered us with blessings by providing not only a place to stay but places where we could be refreshed and relax as a family. We thank all those who allowed themselves to be used by God to meet our needs. We are grateful for your kindness.

Mission Conference in Currytown, NC

2010-07-21T17:01:00.006-04:00

What a blessing to have a part in the mission conference at Currytown Baptist Church where we were able to sing music, share our calling, go soul-winning, and enjoy the preaching from Don Sisk. Friendships were made and the fellowship opportunities were a delight. There were fourteen missionary families at the conference and the most MK's (missionary kids) we have seen in one conference. The church picnic at the park provided a blessing for extra fellowship with the church and the missionaries where a small bird was rescued by MK's from a drain. The town is known for their ceramic pig displays throughout the area. Over 100 ceramic pigs but we only took enough time to see 30 of them.

It was a blessing to see the Holy Spirit work in hearts during the conference and see many decisions made at the altar before the Lord. It was a joy to hear of them take us on for support.

Sligo Baptist Church in Maryland

2010-06-09T16:19:00.004-04:00

Sligo Baptist Church in Maryland has recently been added to our list of churches co-laboring with us. We enjoyed the opportunity to present our testimony, calling, and field. We also had the privilege of preaching, fellowshipping, and building friendships during our time in Maryland. Pastor Corrigan, a BIMI church planting missionary, was very kind to us in allowing our family to stay at his house. Our children enjoyed playing with his children in the tree fort in the back yard and the boys remember playing basketball as well. Katie, who almost fell from the tree, will remember when Quinn rescued her from the broken tree limb. Nisha and I will remember the outing into Baltimore where we ate dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse (Fogo de chau).

Upon the news of Jon's brother, who hit a deer recently with their van while traveling at dawn, it reminded us once again to be thankful for the many traveling mercies that God has given us, including the trip to Maryland.

Two Bikes for One Soul

2010-06-09T15:50:00.005-04:00

Deputation has us traveling and away from our mission house back in Michigan. It has been a blessing to have a place we can call home. Upon returning from a recent trip, my boys noticed that their bikes were missing from the garage. As I approached the garage entrance, I noticed a muddy footprint where someone had kicked in the door. The two boys bmx bikes were stolen.

Our boys first response was "Who could do such a thing?" along with disappointment of not being able to ride them. I had my suspicions of who done it and began following up on the clues left behind. I approached the young teenagers and their parents about the possibility of getting the bikes returned but was made aware of them being passed on to someone else already. One parent reprimanding her son and requiring reconciliation to take place and another parent admittance of losing control of her son and seeking to have son sent to jail for even other crimes, I began to pray to the Lord as to how to handle the matter of the stolen bikes.

It seemed as if God was allowing this incident to happen for a reason. This gave me a chance to share with our children that all the material possessions obtained in life belong to God. We have been given things for a purpose. As the boys began to reflect on the many blessings of God, they began to play with other toys rather than get bitter at the ones missing.

Later that week during our family time we were talking about God's forgiveness offered to us for our sins debt in which the boys replied that they wanted to forgive those who stole their bikes from them. I took our oldest son to see each of the boys. As I talked to the parents and explained God's Forgiveness toward us and how we would not be pressing charges but willing to forgive them, I noticed my son talking to the boys individually as well. My heart softened even more when I looked across the room to see my son walking through a tract with the boy and seeing them pray together to God. My son praying to forgive as God has forgiven him, and the boy, who earlier stole his bike, was asking God to forgive him for his sins and to save him by putting his faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for him. As the boy and my son concluded their prayer, I notice them give each other a hug and fist bumped to their friendship.

We never fully understand what God is doing when we are wronged but may we never lose faith in knowing that He is in control and knows what is best. At the end of it all, we look back and thank God for the stolen bikes which led to a soul being saved.

Birthday's in June

2010-06-09T15:31:00.004-04:00

There are many birthdays in the Harris Family in the month of June. June 1st is Jon's Dad; June 2nd is Jon's brother Rory; June 3rd is Nisha's; June 12th is Jon's nephew Sean; June 14th is Jon's mom; June 22nd is Jon's birthday; June 27th is Jon's nephew CJ. We received word that Jon's sister, Renee, delivered on June 5th her fourth child named Amelia Jeanne. We find ourselves celebrating multiple birthdays together on one designated day. Jon was sure to find a babysitter for our children to be able to take Nisha out on a special date to make her feel special for her birthday. We thank all of those who sent cards and wishes to her. We cherish the times we can spend together.

Church Meetings and Family Time in May

2010-05-24T14:09:00.002-04:00

We have found ourselves spending a couple of weeks in meetings close enough to be able to stay at our home. This allowed us to spend some time with family members who are realizing our departure time is drawing closer. Nisha and girls where able to go to Chicago with Aunt Heather and spend some fun time at the American girls store and Navy Pier; while Jon and the boys spent time with Jon's brother and his mother at the Toledo Zoo. Many fun moments took place at each which will be remembered and cherished.

As a family, we've been able to present in Indiana, Illinois, and will be finishing this month in Maryland. Jon appreciated the opportunity to set up a table display and attend the Pastor's conference in Rockford, Illinois.

We are at 95% of our support and must meet the criteria of the full 100% and have passage fund secured before approval of purchasing tickets and setting specific target date. If criteria is met by June than we can further pursue August departure but if not met by June than it will be a January departure. Please pray with us that God will allow us to depart in August.

Indiana Meetings on Mothers Day!

2010-05-11T12:28:00.003-04:00

We had the joy of returning to two areas that we had previously lived in at the beginning of us serving in full time ministry. The first church was Calvary Baptist in Lapaz, IN which is pastored by Ryan Wardlow, who was a teenager when Jon was the youth pastor in Plymouth. It was a blessing to see him in full time ministry today. Our children will remember the church as the one with eight little bunny rabbits found in the grass at the church. What excitment that brought.

The second church was Dyer Baptist Church in Dyer, IN where we attended as members back in 2000. Pastor Atkinson has been a tremendous example of a compassionate Christian. What a delight to be able to present our calling of church planting in Peru with these two churches. Once again, God provided safety in traveling, food, and lodging for our family during this trip to Indiana.

May 2010 Prayer Letter

2010-05-11T12:20:00.002-04:00

Dear Fellow Laborers of the Gospel, May 2010

We returned back to our sending church for their mission conference and had opportunity to give an update and preach. We have just completed a busy spring schedule filled with good mission conferences. Over two months of meetings and only seeing our support increase by one percent left us reluctant to report our percentage in our prayer letter. However, within three days of writing this letter, God has saw fit to allow us to hear from a group of churches who voted to support us which has increased our support level to 95% and has rejuvenated us to consider packing up for a sooner departure. Praise the Lord!
We had an opportunity to sit down with our Pastor to express our desire and urgency for departing in August. This would allow us to attend the fall semester of language school in Costa Rica. He was thinking that it would be in January of 2011, but with God providing the surge of support and showing the possibility of it happening in August, he was thrilled to entertain the idea. We are scheduled to meet with our deacons on May 25th for final approval from our church and June 28th for the exiting meeting with our mission board before we purchase our tickets. So much to do before August! It seems as if someone has given us a huge push down a steep snow hill on a sled. We have responded with tears of joy and are overwhelmed with the excitement. May God be praised for all He has done!
We will be purchasing Rubbermaid containers to begin packing items to take with us. We are watching prices for tickets and are considering taking extra baggage with us on the plane so that we would have it available to us in Costa Rica and in Peru while avoiding shipping a container altogether if possible.
Please pray for us to raise the remaining support needed, see God provide the funds for exiting, homeschooling to be completed, passports for children, packing, meetings, traveling, and all the other details that we must meet to have a smooth transition.
We rejoice in the Lord for providing each of us with good health these last two months and safety in our travels. We have been encouraged to see our children’s desire to share the Gospel. Our son Matthew was able to lead a neighbor to Christ and Katie is praying to lead one to Christ on her own. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We pray that fruit will abound to your account as we faithfully serve together for the sake of our Savior’s name.

Jon and Nisha Harris

No place like home, Michigan!

2010-04-30T12:49:00.004-04:00

We put over 3,000 miles on the car in the last two weeks getting to our meetings. What a blessing to be able to attend, update, and preach back in our own church for their mission conference, which is looking to be our last with them before our departure. We have been earnestly praying to depart in August of 2010 for language school and have seen God reveal more to us of that possibility this week.
What a blessing it has been to see God working in and through our children. They have been in some good mission conferences this Spring which has burdened them to lead Souls to Christ. Katie has been praying for the opportunity to see God allow her to be used to lead a Soul to Christ. Upon arriving back at home, Matthew, led a neighbor to the Lord who came over to play some basketball. Jon was able to do some follow-up. Praise the Lord!

Serving God in Pensacola, FL

2010-04-29T18:08:00.005-04:00

We made it to Pensacola, Florida to attend the mission conference at Smyrna Baptist. There was no time to do home-schooling this week because of the overwhelming blessings bestowed upon us as a family. We had home cooked meals prepared for us at the church; which beats fast food on the road any day. There were church activities during the day to provide fellowship with the missionaries and the church members. I had the priviledge of taking my oldest son, Matthew, golfing for the first time; Shopping was provided for the ladies; Skeet shooting provided for the men; and a roasted pig for the banquet (not guinee pig like in Peru). Jon was able to present our calling and share his testimony in the church. Our DVD was able to be viewed after much deliberation to get their projector to work. Jon was able to preach in Sunday School and Junior church on Sunday. What a blessing to see the Holy Spirit working in hearts as decisions were made throughout the conference.

New York, New York

2010-04-29T17:35:00.005-04:00

We were able to have lodging at Hudson View Baptist in Yonkers, NY. Our time there provided us opportunity to get home-schooling accomplished, preach in their school, preach in the church, and visit New York City. We were delighted to be able to visit the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Time Square while in the area. It is a blessing to reveal to our children the many blessings God gives while serving Him.

Our second meeting took place at Wilton Baptist Church in Wilton, NY. What a fellowship and joy to meet those at the church in which gave us such encouragment. Their hospitality toward us was appreciated. We were thrilled to see what God was doing in the church.

We departed from Wilton, NY on Monday morning toward Pensacola, FL to attend our next missions conference.

Honking your car horn!

2010-04-22T17:50:00.004-04:00

We have just spent a little over a week near New York City where we heard many horns honking for many different reasons. My son Matthew who sits in the rear facing seat in the back of our station-wagon, asked why so many had to honk their horns in the city. After explaining the many reasons ranging from people in a hurry, awareness, and rudeness, he asked if people would stop honking unless for a worthwhile reason. We have even seen those who hold up sign saying Honk if you love Jesus or some other cause. After completion of presentations in churches in the New York area, we made our way to a Florida Missions Conference. On the way, I found myself in a position in which I needed to use my horn to alert a lady, driving a big SUV, who came into our lane on the highway in order to pass a semi truck. I had to go into the shoulder off the road in order to avoid an accident. God once again provided safety and I was able to explain to my son the proper use of the horn on the car.

We use the horn on the car just like many people use their voices to bring awareness of something to others. How are you using your voice? Are we being heard using our speech to bring awareness to a lost and dying world about a Saviour? Spread the Word; Jesus Saves!

Honk if your have to but let it be heard.

Faith Independent Baptist Church Mission Conference

2010-04-14T16:05:00.004-04:00

After our Easter week in Michigan, we made our way to Maryland where we participated in the mission conference at Faith Independent Baptist Church, Glenn Dale. Once again, we were the ones blessed by the friendliness of Pastor Creed and the church. We witnessed believers serving God through meal preparations, decorating, cleaning, giving, worshipping, and fellowshipping together. We are grateful for their kindness toward us during the week. What a priviledge to have lodging at Bethany's house for the week and to make another friend. It doesn't take long to notice the heart of the church is missions. We not only had the opportunity to serve by presenting our testimony and field but also to preach to the teens and witness five Baptisms on Sunday.

Celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord!

2010-04-14T15:41:00.004-04:00

We had the priviledge of celebrating Easter this year at our home church and spending time with family before stepping back out on the deputation trail again. We praise the Lord for safety from our long travels these last two months. It is such a thrill to be able to return home with familiar surroundings. We took a day to be with family and participate in the annual egg hunt, egg coloring, Easter story reading, and good eating at the Harris funny farm. Our children enjoyed being with Grandma and Grandpa and other cousins.

Easter Sunday provided an excitment in the remembrance of our resurrected Lord. HE LIVES! What a delight to fellowship with other believers at FaithWay Baptist and worship God on this Easter Sunday.

2010-03-31T17:35:00.003-04:00

At Olive Branch Baptist Church, we found our names on the marqee sign to let us know that we had found the right place. Pastor Kemp's hospitality was greatly appreciated. The meals, lodging at his house, and the fellowship was an encouragement to our family.
We were able to find lodging at Jon's high school principal's house in IL. This brought back many fond memories with the pictures and conversations. We're thankful for Mrs. Adams willingness to take our family to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. This provided a chance for our children to take an educational field trip.
Our children thank all those who gave them time to play with their pet dogs. Cody in Florida, Monica in Indiana, and Lucie in Illinois each provided entertainment for our family.
We ended our travels in March by presenting in two smaller churches in IL but with big hearts in many ways. It's the small community churches that many times provide a family atmosphere with unity and love for God. Phelan Acres Bible Church encouraged us by the acceptance of our ministry and the showing of their compassion.
We are taking the week of Easter to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord back in Michigan with our family and home church. We are looking to be able to regain our strength and overcome sickness before traveling to our next group of churches out east.
We thank all of those who take the time to read our post and pray for us. We hope that as you get acquainted with us you will see how good our God has been to us and share our joys.

Visiting with Family in Memphis, TN

2010-03-31T17:25:00.002-04:00

Jon's sister Renee and family recently moved to Memphis, TN and were able to provide lodging for us before our next meeting up north. Our children get excited when they have time to spend with their cousins, especially when taken to the Incredible Pizza Inc., a pizza buffet and arcade extravaganza. The night ended with a soccer game at the Christian School where Jon's brother-in-law teaches.

Alabama meetings and March Madness Basketball

2010-03-31T17:13:00.002-04:00

We found ourselves in Dixon Mills, AL where we were allowed to present our ministry and worship. We are grateful for the lodging made available to us between meetings. Although the mission house didn't have a TV or an internet signal for our family to keep up with the March Madness Basketball Tournament, the pastor made it available at the church fellowship hall for us to connect to the church's wireless and watch some basketball by the use of our computer and projector on the big screen. It was interesting to find out that the Pastor and Jon grew up in Michigan together and played sports against each others Christian Schools.
We traveled over to Community Baptist in Brady, AL. to be a part of the mission conference where we discovered that the special speaker was another Harris Family. It was encouraging for us to be able to build new friendships and connect with those in the church in such a short amount of time. The pastor gave us the option of staying in a hotel, or staying in a trailer across the street and keeping the money meant for the hotel. The decision was a no-brainer when Nisha discovered a dead mouse in the mouse trap in the trailer. We ended up traveling to our next destination for a bit and staying in a hotel, even though Jon was looking to have another one of those adventures of camping out in the trailer.

Signs that you are in Florida and not in Michigan in March

2010-03-31T16:55:00.002-04:00

We left Michigan at the beginning of March with its snow plowing, shoveling, playing, and thrills. We arrived in Florida to present our ministry in churches, but found the weather and atmosphere different from Michigan. There were palm trees, pelicans, coats packed away, air conditioning needed, and opportunities to walk on the beach and even cool off in the water.

From Illinois to Florida in March

2010-03-31T16:44:00.005-04:00

We began our travels in March by attending the mission conference in Danvers Baptist IL. We enjoyed the opportunity to be around other missionaries like the Herrell Family going to Lima, Peru. The MK's enjoyed sharing their Peru stories with each other. It was a delight to have four people get saved during the conference.We found lodging and fellowship at Hardison Baptist in Georgia before making it to our next mission conference at Lighthouse Baptist in Port Charlotte, FL.

We had the tremendous blessing of staying with our host Curtis Gidden's during the conference. He tried his best to get us northern people to adjust to southern living by cooking his famous "grits". Jon found himself using the Magic Bullet to make fruit smoothies throughout the week. Brother Curtis was such a blessing to us and a tenderhearted man of God. Jon enjoyed time in prayer at the church each morning. Our children were given special treatment during the week with karate lessons, mini-golf, and shark teeth hunting at the beach.We ended one conference only to enter another at Central Baptist in Panama City, FL. We soon found out that this mission conference was during spring break time in Panama City. Our hotel was just a few miles from the beach. Jon saw many opportunities to invite others to church throughout the week. One lady, who was staying at our hotel with her three daughters, came to the service. It was a delight to see her walk forward during the invitation as a sign of God working in her heart. This conference reminded us of the number of souls who die each day without the Saviour as a calculator counted up two souls for each second. It was started at the beginning of the conference on Sunday and reached over 600,000 by Wednesday night. Our daughter, Katie, became burdened to win souls to Christ and began praying for God to allow her to win one soul by herself.

February 2010 Prayer Letter

2010-02-25T15:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Fellow Laborers of the Gospel, February 2010

Luke 6:48 says, “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

It’s rainy season in the mountain and jungle regions of Peru, where we have received word of flood waters leaving thousands of Peruvians without shelter and provisions. As Christians, we are reminded of the parable told by Jesus of the wise man and the foolish man. We’ve been given the truth of building our lives on the rock of our salvation which is able to withstand the storms of life, but need to realize there are many who have built their lives on the sand because they have not heard of the dangers that will come. Our hearts yearn to go to Peru and assist in pointing them to Christ and bringing hope back to Peru where the Gospel is needed.

We began 2010 with great anticipation of what God will do this year. We found ourselves traveling and presenting in churches in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Canada, Indiana, Illinois, and Montana in the months of January and February. We’ve seen our support raised to 85% and rejoice in those churches who have partnered with us. It has been a blessing to see evidence of the Holy Spirit working in hearts while serving in mission conferences, teaching Sunday Schools, preaching in worship services and Christian school chapels, teaching in the Christian school classes, and soulwinning. It has been a delight to see churches increase their faith promise commitments for this year. We’ve asked for prayer to see God provide our needed support for a sooner departure.

We’ve been able to witness God’s hand of protection on us this winter. While driving our car on a divided highway in Canada, we found ourselves coming over a little incline to see a semi-truck in the left lane and a car attempting to pass it in our lane. Without any time to stop, it seemed as if it would be a head-on collision. My immediate response to avoid the accident was to drive onto the shoulder of the road only to see the oncoming car decide to take my shoulder of the road before me. Their car began to fish-tale in the snow of our shoulder, leaving our only option to drive between the semi and the oncoming car for a safe passage. It all happened in a short moment and reminded us of God’s mercy. We thank those who have prayed for us as your prayers have been heard. What a compassionate God we serve!

Serving the Lord,
Jon & Nisha Harris

Winter Traveling!

2010-02-22T15:12:00.005-05:00

In Montana, Jon was able to be given a tour of an Air-Force base. Jon was also able to see much of the beauty of the mountains while traveling on the road between churches.

Ministry in Montana

2010-02-22T14:50:00.005-05:00

The time for Mission Conferences brings excitement for those on deputation. Being able to meet new missionaries and enjoy fellowship with churches with mission hearts has been a delight. It has been a blessing to be under the preaching of main speakers like Dr. Creed, Dr. Sisk, and others. It has been evident of the Holy Spirit working in hearts where the Gospel is proclaimed and the Word of God declared. God has blessed our traveling from meetings into Canada, Indiana, Illinois, and even for Jon flying into Montana, all within these last two months. We appreciate those ministries who have allowed us to come present our calling for Peru and are praying that God will allow even more churches to support our ministry of spreading the Gospel and planting churches in Peru.

Pastor Scare!

2010-02-04T16:43:00.004-05:00

We stopped at First Baptist in Goodells, MI on the way to our Sunday evening meeting, only to scare the Pastor who thought he might have scheduled a missionary in unawares. We assured him of us just visiting and desiring to worship with them.

We were able to preach and present our calling for Peru at Royal City Baptist in Canada. Our children became excited when given a tour of the school portion of the building after the service where they had a gym to play in and a rabbit to feed. Our time of fellowship into the morning hours with Pastor and his wife was a blessing.

It was then time to go back home in Michigan for Jon to catch a plane to Montana and for Nisha and the children to recoop.

God brought us encouragement by hearing of a church in California that took us on for support.

2010-02-04T16:28:00.002-05:00

Our meeting at Grace Baptist in Plymouth, IN brought back many fond memories from when I served as Youth Pastor. It was such a delight to see those who remain faithful in their walk with God over the years. I appreciated the opportunity to preach in their chapel times in the school and to give an update on our ministry. Pastor Elliott's heart for missions is evident in his life and ministry. We thank them for the use of their prophets chamber and hospitality shown on our behalf. Our children appreciated the gym in which they could play and run in. We thank God for safety while driving in the snow storm and for the meeting in Beecher City, IL where God is being worshiped and growth is visible.

D.C. to New York City to Niagra Falls in three days!

2010-01-30T23:54:00.006-05:00

Our cup was overflowing with blessing as we departed Independent Baptist in Maryland and began to make our way to Yonkers, New York. We were able to enjoy dinner fellowship with a host family whom we met up with in Baltimore. While in Yonkers, New York, we were given a tour of New York City by Pastor Dierking. We somehow fit in one day the Natural Museum, Central Park, Times Square, and everything in between. Needless to say, that our feet were sore from all the walking but our children slept good that night. The next day was spent traveling to our next mission conference in Simcoe, ON Canada. We were given the opportunity to stop and see Niagra Falls in the Winter time as we traveled through. Jon was stopped at the border crossing for giving too much detailed information but was able to work it all out eventually.

Traveling Protection through the storms!

2010-01-30T23:31:00.004-05:00

As we conclude our meetings for the month of January, we reflect on God's Goodness to us. God gave to us traveling mercies especially noticed when coming over a hill and seeing a car in our lane attempting to pass a semi. Without adequate time for either of us to stop the car took our shoulder of the road and began fish tailing while applying their brakes. We found ourselves driving between the semi and car to escape a head on collition. We have drove over three thousand miles within the last two weeks and have seen our share of snow storms for this winter but through it all God protected.

Our time at Bethel Baptist in Simcoe, ON was a blessing. Their mission conference is one to be a part of in order to see their parade of nations, good preaching from Dr. Sisk, delightful fellowship, and heartfelt compassion towards missionaries. We are praying to hear back from them as possible supporters of our ministry.

We have seen God open up an unexpected meeting in Indiana in our travels and the blessing of presenting in Greenland Baptist in IL where God was being worshipped out in the farmland with some dear people. We find ourselves at our home in Michigan where we have two days to unwind, refresh, host a missionary family at our church, and repack for a trip back into Canada.

Thank you all for your time in reading this update and your continual prayers on our behalf.

Missions Conference in Maryland

2010-01-19T21:15:00.003-05:00

We spent a full week at a mission conference at Independent Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland where we were so blessed to serve and be served. The conference gave opportunity for us to share our ministry in the Christian School classes and chapel, preach in Spanish Church, preach to bus teens, and share calling and testimony during church service, meal times, and fellowship gatherings. We witnessed the Love for God within the church by their heart for missions and care for the missionaries. We found ourselves being overcome with abundant generosity by the church toward the missionaries. We express our gratitude for going beyond our expectations and reaching into overflowing blessings. I only hope that when the times come into our lives when we find ourselves lacking or discouraged that our memory of God's blessings will encourage us to remain faithful and endure to the end. We are thankful for the support and the willingness to co-labor with us in the spread of the Gospel.

We will be traveling to Ontario, Canada to our next mission conference beginning on Wednesday.

So this is Christmas?!

2009-12-26T21:41:00.007-05:00

What a time of year to focus on Christ and to spread the joy of the Gospel message. I sometimes wonder how we fit so much in such a short amount of time. Our Christmas Season was filled with many delightful moments. We were able to be back in Michigan where we have family and our sending church during the month of December. We have been involved in our church choir, preaching, Christmas contada, Christmas Children's Program, Chimes choir, and part of the church clean-up crew. We found ourselves caroling to our neighbors and sharing gifts of baked goods. Nisha put much effort into sewing clothes and baking (chocalate chip cookies, strawberry bread, sugar cookies, buckeyes, and even a turkey). All turned out exceptional in the celebration of Christmas. We thank all who had a part with prayers, gifts, cards, etc... in making this Christmas one of the best as our children would say (of course they wish it could be like this all year but adults know that we would never survive). We thank the Lord Jesus for coming to earth through the virgin birth and giving His life to make Salvation from Sin possible for all who believe that He is the Son of God; for this is why Christmas is worth celebrating.

December Prayer Letter 2009

2009-12-07T15:13:00.004-05:00

Dear Fellow Laborers of the Gospel, December 2009

Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

We are thankful for the many promises in God’s Word to hold onto. We thank those, who with patience have seen God work in and through our lives to bring us to the place of ministry today. This Thanksgiving reminded me of the many individuals that God brought into my life to strengthen my spiritual walk, some from childhood. I thank you for being a part of our ministry of spreading the Gospel. There is nothing better than knowing you are where God wants you, doing what He wants you to do and seeing Him order your steps. I pray more folks would be saved and God would call faithful men into the ministry.
I know missionaries, whether on deputation or on the field, want to have successful ministries, but it takes time, patience, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and many sorrows and tears along the way. We thank God for His Calling and the vision He has given us to plant churches in Peru. The process of deputation has been long and difficult, but we have seen God working in and through us along the way. We rejoice in sharing with you that our support level has increased to 80%. We are currently scheduling meetings through 2010 and have set the departure date for January 2011. We’re excited to begin making arrangements for the departure date such as selling some of our home items this summer, applying for our visas, and receiving details about starting things anew in Peru. With electricity in Peru running on 220amp rather than our 110amp it has reduced many things we would take with us. We ask for prayer in making wise decisions in the process of transition.
I know it is God’s will to finish what He has called us to do. We are thankful for your faithful support in prayers and finances to seize this opportunity and make it a reality. God has used you to encourage us while ministering to churches on deputation. We have been in Virginia and Michigan conferences in October and a month of meetings out in California thru November. We are praying the churches we have presented in would see fit to support us to make it possible for an even sooner departure date. We realize it takes money for churches to be planted and ask that more churches would consider partnering with us financially.
As we’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving and have given God thanks for His bountiful blessings, our hearts grieve over many not able to see God’s mercies and His saving Grace in Peru and our own country. May God give us eyes to see the needs of others as we approach this next holiday and seek to keep Christ in Christmas.
Thank you to all those who pray for us and our work for God. I had a lady who just this week came and told me that she has been praying for us every day. It is so encouraging to hear of your thoughts and prayers for us and believe that God honors those prayers as they line up to His Word and Will.

Twins 8th Birthday!

2009-12-07T14:46:00.007-05:00

Our Twin Girls, Rebecca and Kathleen, turned eight years old on Thanksgiving Day this year. It was exciting for them to be able to celebrate with so many family members. Nisha's mom and stepdad along with her sister Heather's family came to visit from Rockford, Illinois to Ypsilanti, Michigan where Jon's parents live. Our children enjoy spending time with their cousins which most are close to their age. One cousin, Peter, was born the day after the twins at the same hospital. We thank God for our twin girls who have a Salvation testimony, a love for God, and a desire to share it to the Peruvians when the time comes.

Deputation out in California

2009-11-18T22:56:00.005-05:00

We finished our Missions Conference in Jackson, Michigan just before meetings were scheduled for California throughout the next month. Not having suitable time to travel and the expense of the trip, it was decided to fly Jon out to the California churches interested in planting churches in Peru. Jon, and the churches, would have preferred if the family was together for the meetings but their absence was understood. We look forward to hearing back from the churches visited concerning the possibility of their support.

Jon is thankful to the Lord for once again providing the proper funds for this trip, safe traveling mercies, Spirit-filled meetings, and the decisions made for God's Glory. The Christian Fellowship at each church was such a comfort. It was an added blessing to visit Yosemite National Park with Ambassador Baptist Church. I once again was amazed with our Creator and the natural beauty of His creation with the rock formations, waterfalls, and landscape.

I will admit that it felt awkward traveling and eating meals without the family. It was a comfort to know that Nisha and the children were safe back at our sending church and surrounded by those who care. Our children are back into home-schooling but look forward to traveling to more meetings with Dad.

Jon had the chance to stay with his sister Jody and family, who live in Vacaville, between meetings while in California. They took the opportunity to show more of the West, such as Crabbing off the Pier in the Pacific Ocean, Golf, parks, and the Air Force Museum. He helped out after his sister had knee surgery and wishes her a speedily recovery.

We look forward to our next prayer letter going out to reveal how God has revealed our departure plans and the raising percentage of our support. Please pray with us that God will be magnified through our life.

Matthew's 11th Birthday

2009-10-07T14:09:00.006-04:00

We celebrated Matthew's physical birthday on Monday, October 5th. We are so thankful for God entrusting us as parents, giving him life, and offering him eternal life by believing in God's Son, Jesus Christ, to be the saviour from sins penalty. As parents, we are so proud of his accomplishments and his growth over the years. Matthew has a testimony of trusting in Jesus to save him from his sins at the age of six and was baptized at Faithway Baptist Church. Matthew has a tender heart, a helper, good with younger children, and enjoys reading. Matthew likes to play, watch, and collect anything sports related. His birthday party was football oriented due to the fall football season.

After praying for the food, we noticed Matthew witnessing to the neighbor who made a profession of faith for salvation. Matthew was delighted that God was able to use him to present the Gospel to another. Nisha and I thought it was a successful party because no one was hurt playing tackle football and jumping on the trampoline but God allowed even more to be done for His Glory.

Happy Birthday, Matthew, and may God continue to use you to do His Perfect Will!

Washington D.C. and Virginia

2009-09-30T14:39:00.009-04:00

We had favorable circumstances while presenting in churches out East by being shown around the Washington D.C. and Virginia area. Although we have been in the area before, we have never taken the time to see the sights. Thanks to our host and friends who gave us a tour of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial Wall, Korean Memorial Wall, National Museum of Natural History, National Archives, Ford Theatre, the White House, and Mt. Vernon. It was a lot to pack into three days while in between meetings but I believe it will be remembered for a long time. One of the blessings on deputation are the memories of people and places you visited.

We are thankful to have Fairfax Baptist Temple, Tabernacle Baptist, and Flat Run Baptist as part of our supporting churches in taking the Gospel to Peru as a result of our time in the area of Virginia.

September 2009 Prayer Letter

2009-09-10T09:42:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends,

I Samuel 12:6 “…It is the Lord that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.” We believe the Lord advanced and led His people in those days and does so today.

We have announced in churches that when we reach the 60% mark of our support that we would be looking to set a target day of departure. As that time approached God allowed Jon to take a short term mission trip into Peru (thanks to a designated donation) to assist a fellow missionary starting his first church in Andahuaylas, Peru. This trip also allowed Jon to gather information from other missionaries serving in Peru. Please pray with us as we meet with our Pastor to select a target date and make more detailed plans. We are getting even more excited as we see the light of hope at the end of the tunnel to the deputation trail. Jon ate guinea pig (cuy), dressed in Peruvian clothes, and preached while in Peru.

We are thankful for the opportunity to present in churches together as a family throughout Florida this Summer. God has revealed Himself by providing safety on the road, lodging, food, and health; which we do not take for granted. We have been encouraged with the opportunities to serve and of hearing of decisions that have been made. A Peruvian Lady in Hollywood, FL trusted Christ as her Saviour during our time with them and we have had many children share with us their surrender to serve God in full time ministry this summer. We have been blessed to see former friends in other ministries serving God faithfully and to make new friends along the way.

Vacation Bible School during the summer time is a tremendous tool to preach the Word of God to the younger generation. Jon preached during the Jungle themed week of Vacation Bible School at Berea Baptist in Palm Harbor, Florida. We were able to be involved over the phone with another VBS and have heard that a Church sponsored us as their VBS missionary for their week.

School is back in session. Jon preached in the church and school at Fairfax Baptist Temple and we were delighted to hear that they added us to their mission family by supporting our ministry. We took a few days as a family to take in some of the sights near the Washington DC area. We are thankful to Bill, an assistant Pastor, and our host family (the Snyder’s) for showing us around. It was breathtaking to see our heritage through the eyes of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and the soldiers of the Vietnam and Korean War but discouraging to see where we are today by visiting the Museum of Natural History filled with evolution and beliefs without God. May we all pray for God to work in our own country as well as the mission field abroad. We ask for prayer as we will be in meetings throughout Ohio and starting up homeschooling with our four children.

May the Lord find us Faithful,
The Harris Family

Jon's visit to Peru, South America

2009-08-18T15:22:00.010-04:00

Jon had the opportunity to visit Peru on a short missions trip due to a break in our schedule and someone providing designated funds. He was able to assist the Greenwood's in their reconstruction of their upcoming church building , make jail visits, go on visitation, preach and share testimony in churches in Peru, encourage Missionaries , and be encouraged as well.
Jon was able to visit with the Greenwood's, Chapman's, Brock's, and Kotvas Missionary Families who serve in Peru to glean information to better prepare for our departure into Peru.

Nathan's 9th Birthday

2009-08-18T15:22:00.004-04:00

We celebrated Nathan's 9th birthday as a family in Georgia just before Dad left for a missions trip to Peru. Chuck-E-Cheese provided some excitment but being together as a family made it a memorable time. We thank those of you who sent birthday cards and wishes to let us know that you are thinking of our children as they serve with us.