Two of the little girls at my kid´s club on Saturdays 

Busy as a bee  

Sunset at camp 

What´s on the Menu for this week?

I will be heading out to camp this Monday for Missionary camp where the Baptist Mid Missionaries to Perù will be meeting. I am looking forward to learning about each of their ministries.
I will be teaching the teenage group of the MK`s and I am very excited. We are going to be looking at Biblical principles on how to make choices according to God´s will. Many of them will be heading off to college, or choosing a career, and need to make some big choices. Hopefully this week will benefit each of our lives as we study God´s Word.

Back from Pastor´s Camp

I made it back yesterday from camp. It was a busy week. My job was to run games for the teens each morning, wash dishes for the little kids, serve meals, and help out wherever needed. I had some time to hear Dr. Jordan preach each morning, and that was a great encouragement. First English message in a long time! He challenged me in many ways, and one of them is how I use my time. I may not have hours to dedicate to prayer and study each day, but I have moments. Five minutes here, and ten minutes there. These add up. Yet, I cannot live on these moments, but also need the hours, the afternoons, and the specific days of study. I have been challenged to seek the face of my God as David did throughout the Psalms.

The week also offered some new experiences. I have always joked about having an intestinal worm, and now I think I have a few of them. At least, the doctor is making us all take medicine to get rid of the parasites. Personally I rather enjoy going through the food line and telling them that I will be eating for 1,700. Motherhood has its perks!

Shaving in the jungle- It´s a spectators sport 

Home at last! (for one more day)

We made it back from out trip to the jungle safely. We arrived yesterday at 3:00 after a 16 or 17 hour bus ride with enough time to wash my clothes and make it to college and career meeting.
We were able to see many decisions made and kids saved over this past week. It was exciting to see teenagers giving their lives over to Christ and then bringing their friends to hear about Jesus.
My week included leading games for 60 crazy little kids, helping with songs and crafts, and keeping control (or attempting too). We also sang specials in the evenings and did several skits. When we werent working we were hanging out at the river. The temperature got pretty high, so I spent what time I could soaking in the river and playing with little kids.
One answer to prayer was that we did not have problems with cockroaches. When we arrived they told us that there really were not many around because the big rats eat them. That gave me comfort when I was sleeping on the floor.

Leaving on a Bus

This afternoon we take off for Bagwa, Northern Perú. It will be about 18 hours in the bus, provided the trip goes well. When we arrive, the job for the Arriba group will be to teach and entertain in between 50 and 100 kids during the teaching times of the family conference. There will be Bible lessons, verses, games, crafts, and lots of songs!
Please pray for our group, that we may work together for the glory of God, and that we will be able to serve effectively.

In the Jungle 

One of the Bible clubs in Manchay 

Update from the week

This past week brought many little tests and challenges, but each have helped me grow in my spiritual walk. God keeps challenging me with His Word and the testimony of His servants here in Perú.
We spent many an hour preparing for our next few weeks of camps and activities. Please pray for us that we will not be so busy with the ministry of the Lord, that we neglect the Lord of the ministry.

Hanging out in the jungle 

Flower in the Hidden Valley, Cusco 

Machu Picchu 

Kimi, a little tired 

Still learning

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
These verses have been echoing throughout my mind for the past two weeks. No matter where I turn, they seem to be manifested in my life! I think God is trying to tell me something. Seeing the everyday and seemingly overwhelming struggles in the ministry, the thought came to my mind, "Why do God's most faithful servants seem to have the hardest tests in life?" The reply that came to my plea was, "Maybe that is why they are His most faithful servants." May I be able to say with Job: "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10 (NIV)

What is Perú without a soccer game or two?! 

Learning is Fun! 

One of my friends and I from church. I call her "Mini"

Well, the fun has begun.

Here is a brief outline of my weeks to come here in Peru:
January 16-22 - We will be traveling to Bagua, an 18 hour bus ride, and participating in a conference. Our job as the Arriba group will be to keep the kids up to age 11 busy. We are planning to have around 80 kids. My job is Mr. Game man and the review time.
January 24-29 - We have Pastor's Camp in Huaral, Peru. My job during this time will be Mr. Game man. We will be entertaining little kids for a couple hours each morning and each afternoon.
January 31- February 5 - Missionary Camp. Our group will be dealing with the missionary kids. I will be teaching a class for the older teens. We will be studying "Making right decisions." The challenge for this camp will be switching in between Spanish and English, as I will have to teach in both languages.
February 7-12 - Kid's Camp! I will be one of the three teachers during this camp (studying the life of Paul). Also I will be an assistant counselor, helping with games, songs, and anything else that may come up.
During the weekends we will be working again at church in Musa. I am in charge of one Bible Club, discipling two teens, and teaching the college and career class on Saturdays. Tentatively, throughout February, I will be preaching in each of the morning services. I hope this gives you a better idea of how to pray for me, I am getting excited!
James 1:2-4

Don't Drink Soy Milk! 

Our Arriba Group 

Some of the little kids wondering what is inside of my camera 

So what is going on in my life right now? Good question.

Right now the Arriba group is preparing for camps. We will be serving in Kid´s Camp, Missionary Camp, Pastor´s Camp, and a Family Confrence. I will be teaching for both Kid´s and Missionary Camp, and will be in charge of games for Pastor´s Camp and the Conference. When we finish these four weeks, we are planning on a missions trip to Iquitos, a large city in the Amazon jungle. I have watched Anaconda, so I am alittle nervous on this one.
Another ministry opportunity is Jovenes Mayores. This is the college and career age group here at church. I will be teaching the guys during this time as we study the book of James.
In addition to camps and Jovenes, I have the privelege to help in Kid´s Club each Saturday afternoon. Earlier today, Johan and I cleaned out the place were we will be meeting with all the kids. This is the one of the main avenues to starting a new church down here. We are hoping to see several new families visit church because of the influence these clubs have on the kids.

Anyone know how to swim? 

This is a drama that we did for about 15 schools in Trujillo 

Caleb, my roomate, and the three little terrors 

Me and some of my buddies at Machu Picchu 

The group at Machu Picchu 

Kimi listening to some tunes 

What? We are just trying to fit in with the Nationals?! 

Before you start thinking I am just here to sight see...

I have been able to help out and minister here in Perú in a variety of ways. I have the privilege to help in Kids Clubs, Youth Group, Choir, directing singing, visitation, discipleship, camps, missions trips, and a variety of other ministries. In each of these, the Lord is teaching me how to trust Him. I have learned so much.

Our missions trip to the jungle, this was our group 

Hanging out at the beach with some guys from the seminary in Trujillo