Survey trip to Oxapampa

It was now time for Jon to drive to Oxapampa and survey the area that we believe God wants us to start a new church. It's a dangerous time to travel during the rainy season which causes many landslides. Nisha and the girls flew to Cusco and waited with fellow missionaries (the Ricker Family) who were watching our dog until Jon found a house and got things prepared. 

 I, Jon, arrived in Huancayo safely to check on our house items in storage and to drop off some items. I was delayed there for a couple of days due to a tunnel collapse and the road to Oxapampa being  blocked. It provided a good opportunity to visit a service at our last church established in Huancayo and fellowship with our friends. Thank you to all who made me feel so welcomed and invited me to fellowship with them.

 It didn't take long before our new vehicle was being used to transport people and be a blessing.

 The Huancayo center plaza brought back many memories.

 I had begun my drive to Oxapampa when I received word that it was possible to get through the blocked roads. The passage around the collapsed tunnel was only open for two hours each day as well as waiting in other areas for them to clear the roads. We praise God for safety while traveling.

Obtaining a 4x4 Vehicle

God answered our prayer concerning obtaining a reliable 4x4 vehicle. We thank all who joined our sending church to raise the funds. Many supporting churches, family, and friends gave toward this necessity. 

Upon our return to Peru, we began the long search for the right vehicle at the right price. We were able to find a 4x4 automatic 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.  

 Paper work is usually never easy or fast in Peru. We had to wait over ten days to get the title in our name and finalize the process. I had to return to Lima to finish the paperwork approval after my trip to the jungle to find a new house. It was a blessing to be able to sell our minivan and to get the needed funds transferred from the States to make this purchase.

 We were able to get it serviced and prepared for the trip into the jungle.

Entertaining Brother John in Lima

It was not possible for us to bring all the materials from the States that we were wanting to bring but a dear brother in the Lord from Indiana who works for an airline volunteered to deliver ministry materials to Peru for us. We were able to take a couple of days to show him around the capital city of Peru. It was a blessing not only to receive the packages but to spend some time showing him around.

 The Pacific Ocean provides many scenic lookouts.

 We had time to visit the statue of Jesus Christ.

 It was a beautiful day to watch the many hanggliders along the coast.

 The water park is always a fun place to visit.

 The  stadium where the Pan-American games will be this year in Peru.

 A big thanks to Brother John and his love for God revealed to us through his generosity.

Adjusting back into Peru

We finished our furlough at the end of 2018 and were able to enjoy bringing in the New Year in Villa El Salvador, Peru with friends and fireworks. 

 We are thankful to EFATA Baptist church for allowing us to stay with them on the coast of Peru while we needed to finish paperwork, sell our minivan, purchase a 4x4 vehicle, and make arrangements to move to a new area in the jungle of Peru.

 It didn't take long for us to adapt back into the Peruvian culture with the Spanish language, great food, and friendships.

 The coast of Peru and especially the capital city of Lima provides many shopping malls, restaurants, and other convenient comforts that will not be available to us when we enter into the jungle.