Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Greetings from Cuzco!
Peru 2008
Team Cuzco
Friday June, 27th – Departure from Houston
We all arrived at the airport and instantly it was as though the team instantly came back together from our last mission, all those returning for this trip including Todd Hull and Rose Faz, from Austin Scott Carley returns for his second trip as well Rigel Garcia, Ruth Mendez, Efren Martinez of Lakewood, also returning our friend from Venezuela Pablo Perez. There’s something supernatural that occurs between people when they set out on a mission. Each of us have a way of encouraging and inspiring each other. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit at work to draw out the gifts and talents in each of us. I look forward to seeing what God will do through this team. Each of these have such a passion for God; an unquenchable desire to worship and an unstoppable drive to serve. There is a great sense of expectation and the excitement is tangible, the smiles and the joy that you sense in someone stepping out in faith and going on an adventure like this is nothing short of divine.
Father, I thank you for this team and we believe that you have great experiences in store for each of us, touch our hearts, help us to see your children as you see them, equip and anoint us to touch those you place in our path and may you be glorified in all that we do so that the truth of the gospel will go forth so that every ear shall hear and every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Amen
Monday June, 30 2008 - Chonta
Today we ventured up a very steep mountain, the entire team packed into 2 four wheel drive vehicles, to describe the very nature of this adventure can only be done as you personally embark up this mountain to see the adventure of looking over 1000 ft drop off, and traversing road that are chiseled out of the side of the mountain. The views looking out across the valley of the opposite range that we are climbing can only be described as majestic.
One of the many experiences that touched my heart today was taking the gospel to families who really had no concept of a relationship with God through Christ. Many equated salvation with church attendance and considering church is not an option base on the non-stop requirements of tending and protecting free range animals, the life focus in purely on provision and survival. I prayed how can I relate to these precious people? A word that Lord clearly spoke to me early in the week was to simply present the truth of the gospel and show them the love of Christ. I encountered many people who did not believe for many reason, some because of religious strongholds and others because of deceptive spirits and past hurts.
One couple in their late 70’s explained that they would not receive and they would die without because they simply did not know what to believe. The only thing I could think of was the one thing the Lord spoke to me, give them the truth. In the end before we departed from them they sincerely asked us to lead them in the salvation prayer and to ask the Lord to show them the truth so they could know it for themselves. In addition we prayed for the woman’s sight to be fully restored. I believe today a seed of salvation was sown and a miracle of restoration is coming for this couple. This was one of many similar events that took place on this day.
I visited another couple, as our small team walked into the courtyard of their home, an area where they harvest is laid out and worked we were welcomed with big smiles and warm hugs. Immediately before our translators could inform us, I knew we were in the home of born again believers. What I saw was a family that had the joy of the living God living inside of them. Although their clothes were dirty and tattered and their skin was aged beyond their years, there was a presence of excellence upon this family. In the midst of poverty and darkness, they were rich and full of light. There was a peace upon this family that can only be explained by the goodness of God. This family did not let their surroundings dictate who they are they are blessed because of whose they are. They’re richer than any other human on the face of the earth because they had Christ and they are children of the Most High God. To see this family without the support of a church and Christian friends surrounding them, to see the joy inside of them, this was such an encouragement to me. What a blessing, God is so good!
Tuesday July 1, Ministering at Rio Blanco – Colegio Cristiano
Today we visited two groups of youths and we ministered in music and the team share testimonies to encourage the kids to dream big and to know that they have been blessed to be placed at such a great school with teachers and resources that will afford them great opportunities and equip them to conceive and achieve great heights. This school is nestled in a valley set at the foothills of the highest peak in Peru, the mountain is covered with Glacial ice, the views here are so majestic,….what a place to live, you see God’s greatness everywhere you look. The facility has 8 rescue homes that house orphans from all around the country of Peru. This compound was founded by a Texas base business man and has evolved into a great source of education, hope, faith and transformation for the people of Peru. The school is open to the public and currently has primary education through High School, it currently has about 250 students and there is a waiting list for students to come and go to school here. The school cultivates leadership qualities within the students and really focuses on having an attitude and spirit of excellence, as evidence by the cleanliness and organization of the facility. The Kids are so obedient and well mannered and all have an understanding of the gospel through the education received at the school. As we ministered in a community very remote from here we spoke to a couple who had sent their daughter to live and be educated here, it was a great honor for them to have their daughter being educated here, as it would afford her, the best education that she could receive within the country. What I gleaned from this though was that this daughter would be able to really impact her parents with the knowledge of who Christ is. The school is impacting the community through the children, every benefit that the children who live here in the facility is also dispensed to the surrounding community.
This afternoon we set out for a village known as Markuwasi. It’s a small village that has a very dirty and dusty appearance. Dealing with the dust from the bumpy mountain road was tuff. As we arrived we split into three teams for house to house ministry. Each team carried stores of food, clothing, gospel tracks and toys for the kids. One of the rare instances that I saw was a woman who was a single mother, you could tell she felt awkward as she explained her situation. Pablo Perez and I ministered to her as we are both single I feel like we were specially placed to encourage her and let her know that in God’s perfect timing He will bring the right man into her life. There were tears in her eyes as we both told her of the peace that we had in our hearts and that we knew that God has a plan for each of us and He has not forgotten her.
At another place we were welcomed into a man’s home his name was Roger, his wife and two children were there, he explained to us that he had a store and it had failed and through that failure he felt like he was a failure to his family as a husband and father. He asked that we agree with him in prayer that God would help him with his business and his finances so he could provide for his family. We ministered the word of God and as we prayed he began to weep which caused my heart to break, I felt his frustration, but I also felt as though what he was feeling at that moment was that God had sent someone from so far away to tell him that he was going to be O.K. and that he was going to pull through and that his situation was going to turn around. In that moment hope was born.
Tuesday July 1st, 2008 - Rigel Garcia
Hello everyone! We are having such a great time over here in Peru!
So much to talk about, and so little time to be able to express it in a few sentences.
The one thing I have enjoyed so much is the great camaraderie (friendship) that we enjoy with all the missionaries as we all have gone on a mission trip before. We are constantly laughing, it is so good. A definite refresher outside of daily work grind.
We are staying at an orphanage in the city of Limatambo. Today we had the great privilege to encourage and share with the children. After our luscious breakfast; we went to the church building and set up. God once again showed us how he can put together a worship band out of nothing. The church was set up with everything needed. Efren was on the guitar, Martin in the drums and I grabbed the bass in almost blind faith. I had never played that instrument with a live audience but I’ve had a great desire to do so.
The children rolled in and filled the 100+ seats in the church and it was on. I greeted them and introduced the team following the roll down from Pastor Todd. And we played the songs that Efren picked out. It was such a worshipful atmosphere as we jumped up and down singing “Eres Todo Poderoso” and all the children & missionaries clapping.
Then Martin led us by sharing a message of purpose for the children. He really has a gift to minister to people. I then was introduced and shared a message that God guided me to share from the book of Daniel. Through it the children were encouraged to seek God and continue to study (as Daniel was instructed for three years while in exile) so to reach their full potential for God. Pablo (aka “Father Abraham”, due to his newly grown beard) ended by encouraging them in finding their identity in Christ.
You know; the more I meditate on the things we have done here so far, I think ministering to the children is where it’s at. To be able to inspire them to come up higher and become all that God wants them to be is so good. A year ago I felt so good being obedient in taking the message of Christ to the nations and once again I felt it here today. There is no greater true/spiritual satisfaction than this.
I look forward in the coming days to what God will continue to do. We have prayed for people every day and everywhere we go people have received Christ in their lives, others have heard the word and others received prayer for healing. What an awesome work this is!!
Ok I got to go to bed now (I am the only one a wake now and I hear someone snoring J ). We get to wake up early and head to a town nearby to minister with a medical mission team tomorrow.
Be blessed all you who read this post!!!
Rigel
Wednesday, July 02, 2008 – Scott Carley
Today has really been a great day! It’s really great to see God going before us to prepare the way. I rode in the “Little Yellow Bus of Torture” up into the mountains today! There were nine (9) of us guys packed into the Toyota Land Rover. We became close friends all the way up the narrow road. The handles are off the windows… so they don’t roll down. It got a little snug and smelly! LOL! Of course I don’t speak much Spanish… and they were all laughing and talking in Spanish! Rigel would clue me in every now and then.
The climb up the mountain was beautiful. It’s no wonder these people love to live in the high places despite the rugged terrain. Houses spotted the mountain side everywhere. The “Little Yellow Bus of Torture” took us up PAST the clouds! It was a little cool, but the sun warmed things up real quick so we were in short sleeve shirts as soon as we got there.
Today we partnered with a dentist and a physician from Peru. They set up shop doing procedures and we did Children’s ministry. The kids were so eager to participate in songs, dances, activities and anything else we did. Todd and Pablo were very animated and the kids loved it! Martin did the Gospel story using white, black and red scarves. It was great and they got it! Then Rose did hygiene class to teach them the importance of taking care of your teeth and your body!
Working with the dentist and physician, we did lots of one-on-one evangelism. While they waited in line, I was able to present the gospel story to all the adults. We had a translator from English to Spanish and then to Quechua. You should try that some time!!! They were so open and receptive. After that, Rigel and Martin took the new arrivals into one-on-one evangelism. They really have a passion for that.
We spent a lot of time today playing with the kids! Volley ball, soccer, group games and lots of other things. I took videos of the kids and played them back so they could watch! They laughed and laughed! We gave crayons and coloring books to the kids. They would color exactly in the lines and then bring them over for our approval! Lots of smiles!
On the way down, we lost our brakes on the “Little Yellow Bus of Torture”. Did I mention we were on the side of a MOUNTAIN! They came back but were not perfect. I’m sure they will be fixed before the next trip… tomorrow!!
Today, God touched a lot of adults and children with his love… and He did it through this mission team. I guess that’s one of the most powerful aspects of our trip that really stir my heart… seeing the hope and joy come into the faces of those people when we show up with bags of food, medicine and attention. They have no problem understanding we love them! I read once that Jesus was real big on showing love!
Scott Carley
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Today was a great day! We started out with children’s ministry and this was the day that I really connected with the kids. With a language barrier and what little experience I have with children’s ministry it makes it difficult, but today the Lord gave us lots of witty invention. We started out with an impromptu song, with hand illustrations, the kids picked it up immediately, then we went into the adults doing animal imitations and the kids had to guess what kind of animal we were. Scott Carley did a very good burro, kick and screaming on all fours. I chimed in with an imitation of a chongo (monkey) and Rigel stole the show with his impression of a pavo (turkey), it was amazing and had all the kids and the adults rolling with laughter on the ground.
Later in the day I was assigned as a team leader of children for an array of competitions, in one instance we had to build a pyramid with my group, but again all the while I cannot effectively communicate as the leader, so I took to throwing kids around, affectionately and frantically of course trying to build a pyramid out of kids. We won this particular event and then upon the announcement out pyramid came crashing down with a thunder of screams and laughter, it was a day that touched my heart. To have kids so eager to receive all that you have to give, I have to say I did not leave anything on the field today I poured out everything I had to give, I know I’ll sleep well, happy and fulfilled, this is such a great way to express and share our faith.
Todd
Team Cuzco
Friday June, 27th – Departure from Houston
We all arrived at the airport and instantly it was as though the team instantly came back together from our last mission, all those returning for this trip including Todd Hull and Rose Faz, from Austin Scott Carley returns for his second trip as well Rigel Garcia, Ruth Mendez, Efren Martinez of Lakewood, also returning our friend from Venezuela Pablo Perez. There’s something supernatural that occurs between people when they set out on a mission. Each of us have a way of encouraging and inspiring each other. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit at work to draw out the gifts and talents in each of us. I look forward to seeing what God will do through this team. Each of these have such a passion for God; an unquenchable desire to worship and an unstoppable drive to serve. There is a great sense of expectation and the excitement is tangible, the smiles and the joy that you sense in someone stepping out in faith and going on an adventure like this is nothing short of divine.
Father, I thank you for this team and we believe that you have great experiences in store for each of us, touch our hearts, help us to see your children as you see them, equip and anoint us to touch those you place in our path and may you be glorified in all that we do so that the truth of the gospel will go forth so that every ear shall hear and every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Amen
Monday June, 30 2008 - Chonta
Today we ventured up a very steep mountain, the entire team packed into 2 four wheel drive vehicles, to describe the very nature of this adventure can only be done as you personally embark up this mountain to see the adventure of looking over 1000 ft drop off, and traversing road that are chiseled out of the side of the mountain. The views looking out across the valley of the opposite range that we are climbing can only be described as majestic.
One of the many experiences that touched my heart today was taking the gospel to families who really had no concept of a relationship with God through Christ. Many equated salvation with church attendance and considering church is not an option base on the non-stop requirements of tending and protecting free range animals, the life focus in purely on provision and survival. I prayed how can I relate to these precious people? A word that Lord clearly spoke to me early in the week was to simply present the truth of the gospel and show them the love of Christ. I encountered many people who did not believe for many reason, some because of religious strongholds and others because of deceptive spirits and past hurts.
One couple in their late 70’s explained that they would not receive and they would die without because they simply did not know what to believe. The only thing I could think of was the one thing the Lord spoke to me, give them the truth. In the end before we departed from them they sincerely asked us to lead them in the salvation prayer and to ask the Lord to show them the truth so they could know it for themselves. In addition we prayed for the woman’s sight to be fully restored. I believe today a seed of salvation was sown and a miracle of restoration is coming for this couple. This was one of many similar events that took place on this day.
I visited another couple, as our small team walked into the courtyard of their home, an area where they harvest is laid out and worked we were welcomed with big smiles and warm hugs. Immediately before our translators could inform us, I knew we were in the home of born again believers. What I saw was a family that had the joy of the living God living inside of them. Although their clothes were dirty and tattered and their skin was aged beyond their years, there was a presence of excellence upon this family. In the midst of poverty and darkness, they were rich and full of light. There was a peace upon this family that can only be explained by the goodness of God. This family did not let their surroundings dictate who they are they are blessed because of whose they are. They’re richer than any other human on the face of the earth because they had Christ and they are children of the Most High God. To see this family without the support of a church and Christian friends surrounding them, to see the joy inside of them, this was such an encouragement to me. What a blessing, God is so good!
Tuesday July 1, Ministering at Rio Blanco – Colegio Cristiano
Today we visited two groups of youths and we ministered in music and the team share testimonies to encourage the kids to dream big and to know that they have been blessed to be placed at such a great school with teachers and resources that will afford them great opportunities and equip them to conceive and achieve great heights. This school is nestled in a valley set at the foothills of the highest peak in Peru, the mountain is covered with Glacial ice, the views here are so majestic,….what a place to live, you see God’s greatness everywhere you look. The facility has 8 rescue homes that house orphans from all around the country of Peru. This compound was founded by a Texas base business man and has evolved into a great source of education, hope, faith and transformation for the people of Peru. The school is open to the public and currently has primary education through High School, it currently has about 250 students and there is a waiting list for students to come and go to school here. The school cultivates leadership qualities within the students and really focuses on having an attitude and spirit of excellence, as evidence by the cleanliness and organization of the facility. The Kids are so obedient and well mannered and all have an understanding of the gospel through the education received at the school. As we ministered in a community very remote from here we spoke to a couple who had sent their daughter to live and be educated here, it was a great honor for them to have their daughter being educated here, as it would afford her, the best education that she could receive within the country. What I gleaned from this though was that this daughter would be able to really impact her parents with the knowledge of who Christ is. The school is impacting the community through the children, every benefit that the children who live here in the facility is also dispensed to the surrounding community.
This afternoon we set out for a village known as Markuwasi. It’s a small village that has a very dirty and dusty appearance. Dealing with the dust from the bumpy mountain road was tuff. As we arrived we split into three teams for house to house ministry. Each team carried stores of food, clothing, gospel tracks and toys for the kids. One of the rare instances that I saw was a woman who was a single mother, you could tell she felt awkward as she explained her situation. Pablo Perez and I ministered to her as we are both single I feel like we were specially placed to encourage her and let her know that in God’s perfect timing He will bring the right man into her life. There were tears in her eyes as we both told her of the peace that we had in our hearts and that we knew that God has a plan for each of us and He has not forgotten her.
At another place we were welcomed into a man’s home his name was Roger, his wife and two children were there, he explained to us that he had a store and it had failed and through that failure he felt like he was a failure to his family as a husband and father. He asked that we agree with him in prayer that God would help him with his business and his finances so he could provide for his family. We ministered the word of God and as we prayed he began to weep which caused my heart to break, I felt his frustration, but I also felt as though what he was feeling at that moment was that God had sent someone from so far away to tell him that he was going to be O.K. and that he was going to pull through and that his situation was going to turn around. In that moment hope was born.
Tuesday July 1st, 2008 - Rigel Garcia
Hello everyone! We are having such a great time over here in Peru!
So much to talk about, and so little time to be able to express it in a few sentences.
The one thing I have enjoyed so much is the great camaraderie (friendship) that we enjoy with all the missionaries as we all have gone on a mission trip before. We are constantly laughing, it is so good. A definite refresher outside of daily work grind.
We are staying at an orphanage in the city of Limatambo. Today we had the great privilege to encourage and share with the children. After our luscious breakfast; we went to the church building and set up. God once again showed us how he can put together a worship band out of nothing. The church was set up with everything needed. Efren was on the guitar, Martin in the drums and I grabbed the bass in almost blind faith. I had never played that instrument with a live audience but I’ve had a great desire to do so.
The children rolled in and filled the 100+ seats in the church and it was on. I greeted them and introduced the team following the roll down from Pastor Todd. And we played the songs that Efren picked out. It was such a worshipful atmosphere as we jumped up and down singing “Eres Todo Poderoso” and all the children & missionaries clapping.
Then Martin led us by sharing a message of purpose for the children. He really has a gift to minister to people. I then was introduced and shared a message that God guided me to share from the book of Daniel. Through it the children were encouraged to seek God and continue to study (as Daniel was instructed for three years while in exile) so to reach their full potential for God. Pablo (aka “Father Abraham”, due to his newly grown beard) ended by encouraging them in finding their identity in Christ.
You know; the more I meditate on the things we have done here so far, I think ministering to the children is where it’s at. To be able to inspire them to come up higher and become all that God wants them to be is so good. A year ago I felt so good being obedient in taking the message of Christ to the nations and once again I felt it here today. There is no greater true/spiritual satisfaction than this.
I look forward in the coming days to what God will continue to do. We have prayed for people every day and everywhere we go people have received Christ in their lives, others have heard the word and others received prayer for healing. What an awesome work this is!!
Ok I got to go to bed now (I am the only one a wake now and I hear someone snoring J ). We get to wake up early and head to a town nearby to minister with a medical mission team tomorrow.
Be blessed all you who read this post!!!
Rigel
Wednesday, July 02, 2008 – Scott Carley
Today has really been a great day! It’s really great to see God going before us to prepare the way. I rode in the “Little Yellow Bus of Torture” up into the mountains today! There were nine (9) of us guys packed into the Toyota Land Rover. We became close friends all the way up the narrow road. The handles are off the windows… so they don’t roll down. It got a little snug and smelly! LOL! Of course I don’t speak much Spanish… and they were all laughing and talking in Spanish! Rigel would clue me in every now and then.
The climb up the mountain was beautiful. It’s no wonder these people love to live in the high places despite the rugged terrain. Houses spotted the mountain side everywhere. The “Little Yellow Bus of Torture” took us up PAST the clouds! It was a little cool, but the sun warmed things up real quick so we were in short sleeve shirts as soon as we got there.
Today we partnered with a dentist and a physician from Peru. They set up shop doing procedures and we did Children’s ministry. The kids were so eager to participate in songs, dances, activities and anything else we did. Todd and Pablo were very animated and the kids loved it! Martin did the Gospel story using white, black and red scarves. It was great and they got it! Then Rose did hygiene class to teach them the importance of taking care of your teeth and your body!
Working with the dentist and physician, we did lots of one-on-one evangelism. While they waited in line, I was able to present the gospel story to all the adults. We had a translator from English to Spanish and then to Quechua. You should try that some time!!! They were so open and receptive. After that, Rigel and Martin took the new arrivals into one-on-one evangelism. They really have a passion for that.
We spent a lot of time today playing with the kids! Volley ball, soccer, group games and lots of other things. I took videos of the kids and played them back so they could watch! They laughed and laughed! We gave crayons and coloring books to the kids. They would color exactly in the lines and then bring them over for our approval! Lots of smiles!
On the way down, we lost our brakes on the “Little Yellow Bus of Torture”. Did I mention we were on the side of a MOUNTAIN! They came back but were not perfect. I’m sure they will be fixed before the next trip… tomorrow!!
Today, God touched a lot of adults and children with his love… and He did it through this mission team. I guess that’s one of the most powerful aspects of our trip that really stir my heart… seeing the hope and joy come into the faces of those people when we show up with bags of food, medicine and attention. They have no problem understanding we love them! I read once that Jesus was real big on showing love!
Scott Carley
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Today was a great day! We started out with children’s ministry and this was the day that I really connected with the kids. With a language barrier and what little experience I have with children’s ministry it makes it difficult, but today the Lord gave us lots of witty invention. We started out with an impromptu song, with hand illustrations, the kids picked it up immediately, then we went into the adults doing animal imitations and the kids had to guess what kind of animal we were. Scott Carley did a very good burro, kick and screaming on all fours. I chimed in with an imitation of a chongo (monkey) and Rigel stole the show with his impression of a pavo (turkey), it was amazing and had all the kids and the adults rolling with laughter on the ground.
Later in the day I was assigned as a team leader of children for an array of competitions, in one instance we had to build a pyramid with my group, but again all the while I cannot effectively communicate as the leader, so I took to throwing kids around, affectionately and frantically of course trying to build a pyramid out of kids. We won this particular event and then upon the announcement out pyramid came crashing down with a thunder of screams and laughter, it was a day that touched my heart. To have kids so eager to receive all that you have to give, I have to say I did not leave anything on the field today I poured out everything I had to give, I know I’ll sleep well, happy and fulfilled, this is such a great way to express and share our faith.
Todd
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