REDEMPTION-Peruvian Style

Well, we are coming into our last few days of our missionary support trip in Peru, and all I can say is, amazing. I continue to struggle with a lot of the things I've witnessed again and the differences in culture as compared to what I've grown up in. I won't say that it has been culture shock, because nothing is really new to me this time around. What I will say is that compared to my last trip down here, I have witnessed many different God movements that I would not have necessarily noticed last time. To see 'the Oasis' completed, compared to last time when it was only about half way finished, was an emotional experience in itself. To witness first hand what can be done when God's people unite their hearts and minds to one purpose. Serving God in whatever form that comes. To see a school/care center that is fully functional when only a few years before, was just a large plot of land that otherwise would be the home of a people desperate to survive on minimal amounts of food and minimal income. Something that most North Americans will never and have never experienced.

Today we went to a church in Manchay, full of the people that directly surround it. People that have so little, except that by God's loving hand of mercy and kindness, have everything at the same time. These same people would not have a place to worship together like this if it was not for the love of God in the hearts and souls of thousands of Christians who have answered to God's voice. I can't describe it. I didn't even get any pictures to show you. Maybe on purpose, maybe by accident, maybe by God's prompting not to take my camera. If you want to see it, maybe you should go down there and witness it for yourself. No words alone can or ever will give you a clear enough picture to see what I've seen, what I've witnessed here. To see a people that so genuinely love God and daily rely on Him for provision. Yes, thats right, daily!!

I strongly feel that the majority of North American christians have forgotten what is it like to 'daily' rely on God's provision. Most of us have jobs that help to pay our bills, put a house over our heads, and food on our plates. Our jobs also pay a lot more over all than most of the jobs here in Peru. Adults, teenagers, children all work together here to afford food for their families. My four year old son has no idea what work is. He won't know the first thing about selling a little toy, tricket, or candy on the street. I pray that he won't know what that type of work is until he is a lot older. He needs to be able to be a kid first. Yesterday in downtown Lima, a nine year old boy was trying so desperately to sell me candy or toys I didn't want or need. He just wanted to make that one sale and then move on. I could have bought something from him. I could have helped him and his family out by purchasing a chocolate bar, but would that have really solved his problems? Even if he had an idea of what would permentantly solve his problems, would that really have been the answer he was looking for?

Over the past few years since my last trip down here, I have struggled many times to see where in the world God's hand of love and mercy has been. I get frustrated, angry, and discouraged when I hear of and see the oppression of our world. I wonder at times where God is. Why He seemingly isn't doing what He promises in His word. The Bible says that He takes care of the sparrows so He will definitely take care of His children if we trust Him to, but why does it seem that more people are starving and dying? Or why does it seem as if more people are suffering oppression due to a lack of proper governing over their countries? Why does this all seem to be happening in such an uncontrollable way? What more can be done? What aren't we doing that we should be doing? Where is God when the world needs Him the most?!

Then I saw Him. I saw the results of His hands. The results of His children being obedient to his voice. I saw my/our brothers and sisters in Christ worshipping Him. The same God we worship and serve. I am not saying that I will never struggle with frustration, anger, and discouragement again, but what I'm saying instead, is that today, along with other days on this trip, God has graciously and freely revealed to me what is it that He has been doing all along. These little pockets of Light are popping up all over the oppressed world we live in. Yes, the world is a very dark place and it doesn't take a genius to see it. Satan and his servants have a strong grip on our world. I think it is very easy for someone to become overwhelmed with the potentially impossible task our God has set out for us; but the idea of trusting God and His sovereignty has been confirmed over and over again to me this time. He allowed/called me to come on this trip so He could show me first hand the fruits of our labour.

All this being said, I can't tell you what to do. I can't force you to do it. Only God can prompt you. If you have felt convicted by something God has inspired me to say in this note, please, don't hesitate to act on it. God's not going to call you or convict you to do something and then not be there with you the hole way along. He doesn't do that. I have been forced to call on God for strenght and help numerous times in the past couple weeks, and I know that I will only have to call on Him more. This is the way He desires us to be. To constantly be in a position that we will always need Him and His hands of love and mercy. The same way that many people in a poverty stricken Peru are forced to call out to Him daily for help.

Oh yeah, the rest of the story in regards to the nine year old boy. Please see the purpose behind me telling you this portion of the story, because I do not intend in any way to lift myself up. It was only done because of the love, grace, and mercy God has shown me. I took the boy into the restaurant and bought him dinner; immediately after receiving his dinner, he quietly thanked me and took his meal out to his family. Once there he began to share a meal meant for one with his family of at least four. What an example this child set for me. What an example this child sets for all of us who have more than we need.