Greetings from the Peru Mission Team.
By the grace of God we have safely traveled down the mountain from Tarma to Lima and are happy to report we are now safely home in the States. Despite the delays in getting to and from Peru, God has been gracious and merciful watching over us in His sovereignty and keeping us safe. Even with the shorter time here to do ministry, the fruit of God’s Word is evident in the community of faith at work here. Here are a few details of the work God has done through us and some opportunities to contribute to the continued work and needs here.
I am reminded of the SOTW school song written many years ago by Carl Helmers which was simply and aptly called: “God’s Work Our Hands.” That has certainly been the true blessing of this short but ministry-filled week here in Peru. As we sit back at the home now and reflect back on the week, so many blessings of God’s work come to mind.
On Monday (7/24) we got to work a good and full day both indoors and outdoors. We got to follow up on our prep work from Sunday and got to start on a fresh coat of paint on the walls and baseboards of the entrance, main hallway and fellowship hall of the church in Tarma. On the outside, with the hard work and welding skills of Pastor Araujo, we were also able to construct and paint one side of the new fencing for the outdoor courtyard. Additionally, we were able to replace a damaged pipe and gutter area on the roof outside the sanctuary to allow better drainage without leaking into the roof.
On Tuesday and Wednesday (7/25 and 7/26) we finished up the painting inside the church as well as continue with the construction, installation, and final painting of the fencing. We also got to do some beautification work on the front garden of the church that allowed the beauty of the flowers there shine even brighter. It truly was a team effort and what a blessing it is to have the property more secure and safe beautiful for the children and community to use both the outdoor and indoor spaces.
As much as we loved the work and the blessing of productive days, it has been an even more abundant blessing to renew and grow in relationship to those here in the local communities in both Huancal and Tarma and to see so many smiling (and growing) faces. Some of the children we met nearly nine years ago are now budding teenagers and have helped us throughout the week. We also had a visit from the principal from the school next door to the church and were blessed by a gift of some succulent plants to mark our trip and partnership with them in the Kingdom Kids program.
In addition, we were invited to the Municipal Building in Tarma by the mayor, our friend Fathy Jimenez, and were blessed by an official certificate of recognition and thanks for all the years of work and dedication to the city of Tarma. What an honor and witness to Christ for His work among the people there. Thanks be to God for all His work and His grace for using our hands to bring Him glory!!
