The camp this year had 200 single adults "Professionals". Each night we enjoyed table games and fellowshipping together. The girls and I took the opportunity to teach new table games.
Friday, March 20, 2020
Professional Camp Day 1
I always enjoy coming to this camp each year. The church asks if I would be willing to be one of the speakers and also to direct all the activities. It was a special blessing to see those from our previous ministries at the camp whether from Andahuaylas, Los Olivos or Huancayo.
Trip to Lima
We were able to stop for lunch and visit with Missionary David Lott in San Ramon. We enjoy fellowshipping with other missionaries and hearing what God is doing in their ministry.
Lima definitely provides attractions and restaurants that are not available in the jungle. The girls and I had the opportunity to visit a few places before camp started and we included Nisha by phone which probably made her jealous that she was not able to be with us this time.
Another favorite american restaurant in Perú is Chili's.
I loved spending time with the girls especially before they return to the States in just a few short months.
Oxapampa is beautiful
We enjoy serving God in Oxapampa. It's a place of beauty from the green mountains, waterfalls, lakes, wild animals, rainbows, to the people and neighbors. It has been a blessing to build friendships and minister to those that God has brought to our church.
These pictures were taken the week before the twins and I would leave for camp on the coast. Nisha would stay behind and oversee the church in our absence. I was able to contact a special speaker to preach on Sunday but Nisha would oversee the children's ministries and order to things. I'm so thankful for those in the church who all lent her a hand to make things go smoothly. An opportunity for involvement that would not have normally taken place since our girls and I would be there to complete the tasks.
Vehicle check and paperwork
Owning a vehicle is a blessing but maintaining it in Perú can be very difficult. I took it in to get a routine check before driving it over the Andes Mountains to the capital city of Lima. We were scheduled to direct a camp and to get the yearly government technical revision papers along with its insurance. The mechanic discovered that our brake pads were worn and that it was a good thing that we didn't attempt to drive through the mountains before getting them changed. We needed to replace the battery which only lasts two to three years in Perú. The fluids were changed, oil and air filters replaced, and a good cleaning all added up to a pretty penny but needed to be done. I'm dreading the time that we will have to get new tires as they are expensive but on the other hand it's a great way for God to reveal His provision and watch over us.
The story continues concerning our vehicle after rejoicing that our trip to the capital was safe and secure. Upon arrival to the place to get our vehicle inspected we were informed that the vehicle had to be emptied before being inspected. Our vehicle was packed tight with camping materials and our luggage and was unloaded in the parking lot. The yearly inspection checks your vehicle lights, horn, brakes, exhaust, and proper paperwork. I was confident that it would pass since the mechanic checked all of these things earlier and that this was the same inspection place that approved our vehicle the year before.
As Becca and Katie guarded the items in the parking lot, I was told that everything passed except ---- there was a new law passed this year that changed the description or type of vehicle that would result in needing to change our vehicle card before being approved.
Getting paperwork done in Perú is usually not an easy or quick task. I needed to get a certificate from only select offices and than take that certificate to a notary for approval before submitting it to the government office for the change to be made. Each individual office are not close to each other and each have their long lines and expenses. It took me two days to get the paperwork submitted to the government office to be told that it would take them seven days before I could receive the update. The papers to the vehicles yearly inspection would expire by that time and would not be able to be used.
Changed Plans: After camp I would send the girls back to the jungle on a bus so they would not fall behind in school while I would wait a couple of days to pick up the vehicle papers from the government.
After the seven days, I returned to the government office to receive my revised paperwork but was told that they would probably need another seven days due to delays. I could not wait on them and their uncertainty. I called my lawyer and scheduled an appointment in two weeks to return to Lima to renew our visas with him and to finish our vehicle paperwork. I parked our vehicle at a church in Lima and returned to Oxapampa to be with my family and continue to minister in the church. One week later the government of Perú went into a two week quarantine and shut down all transportation. This will extend our trip to get our vehicle and visas renewed until probably April.
God is in control and we continue to place our Faith in Him!
Matthew playing Basketball
Our son Matthew was thrilled to return to Maranatha Baptist University after the Christmas break. He has really enjoyed meeting new christian friends, seeing God provide financially, learning from his classes but even more his opportunity to play on the basketball team. They were able to finish their season just before the corona virus cancelled the furtherance of sports activities.
As parents, we enjoyed seeing him play online and the encouragement received from his teammates and fans. Praising the Lord that Matthew is pursuing God's Will and in a secure place to receive good christian strength.
Oasis Kids Club
Our "Oasis Kids Club" continues to grow in numbers. We now are averaging 40 people during our midweek service. We are seeing precious fruit developed as kids memorize verses, learn Bible stories, and so much more. It's also encouraging to see some of the parents coming to observe and ask questions. Praying to be able to minister further to the adults who don't normally come to services.
Summer English Classes
Perú celebrates their Summer break from mid December till March. Nisha was able to offer English classes during the summer break to those interested. It provided open doors to build new relationships and keep in contact with others. The children get bored when their parents are working all day and they don't have school. Even though the break time offers camps, VBS, and other activities there still a lot of free time. We were able to open up our home many times to interact and fellowship throughout the break.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Nathan's last days with us
Nathan has helped in our ministry in so many ways while he was with us during his holiday break. He served in the church and helped with projects as well. It was good having him with us to enjoy the fellowship and family time. The children are still asking for him and wondering when he will be back for another visit. Nisha has taken Nathan to the capital city of Lima by bus and he will be flying back to the States tonight.
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