Day 17

Got a lot of info to catch up on. Haven't blogged for several reasons: some days the kids are watching Netflix on the computer, other days I'm too busy, and some days I just don't feel like writing after studying many hours. So, here we go....

Recall, our goals for this trip is to further develop us for Spanish ministry. First, to further our vision for the ministry God would have for us at OHBC. Second, for us to get an extended look at a thriving church-planting movement. Lastly, to help me learn the language. In a mere two weeks, we are making great progress in realizing these goals. First, God is using this ministry in Peru to reinforce the things concerning ministering that has been taught to us at OHBC. Ministry is so much more than a Sunday School lesson. It's about building relationship that will lead to training faithful men that will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). Secondly, we've been able to make a handful of meaningful connections that has allowed us to listen and ponder how God has used these people to build His Kingdom here in Arequipa, and to the world. This ministry is producing churches and sending out missionaries at a much more frequent rate than what I've witnessed in the States. Lastly, I've been able to log many hours worth of studying Spanish that would have otherwise taken months to accomplish. I'm building confidence, and things are starting to make sense. I'm currently at that stage where my mind processes the language, but very slowly. I'm no longer relying on memory only, but actually thinking through the various rules as they apply.

One thing that was heavy on my heart was to not be a burden to the ministry. In other words, it was my desire to have as little interruption as possible on our hosts. Chris Gardner had told me that it's impossible for a trip like this to occur without causing extra work on the hosts. Chris further explained that helping others is a part of this ministry here. It's a great feeling to know that others are willing to pour into our lives, and that we in turn will pour into others. This week at Omega Church was the annual Missions Banquet, and the message was about just that, pouring my life into others and letting God fill me. I was reminded of many awesome principles concerning giving. The text for the message was our of 2 Kings 4: 1-7, and Luke 6:38. One principle that really stuck out was the instruction to give is unconditional. We shouldn't wait for God to do something in our lives before we commit to give.

Last paragraph for this blog. When I state that we want to observe the field here, I do mean observe while serving. Thankfully, we've been able to minister while observing. Last Thursday we went with a couple brothers from the Bible college to evangelise a park close to the church. With Sindy doing all the speaking, we saw six people come to faith in Christ. Unfortunately, we did not take down their information to follow up with them. We did give them fliers to invite them to church, and I do pray they receive the necessary means for growth: the gentleness as a nursing mother, and the comfort and challenge as a father loves his children (1 Thessalonians 2: 7,11). Also, Sindy will continue to meet with some girls for discipleship. Pray God will allow her to establish a relationship strong enough to influence them, even after we return home.

Here is a pic of the post service, missions banquet at Omega Baptist Church

Day 7

One week in the books. Getting settled in, and finally got acquainted with our neighbors, the Henry family. They've had visitors this week, and haven't been around much. They are on a one year mission to prepare themselves to plant a church in the midtown area of Atlanta. They are being sent out of Victory Baptist Church in Loganville, and are friends with the Gardner family. It's a pleasure to see others responding to the burden God has given them, and to share a kitchen with them too. lol.

Today we hosted Sindy's disciples for lunch, Daysi and Estefani. The first impression is that they are very humble. We look forward to worshipping alongside them tomrrow at church. Sindy will meet with them throughout the week for that very important life-on-life Bible study. I'm excited to see what God can do in such a short time. Maybe, via technology, God will continue to use Sindy to help them grow. Discipleship is a process that takes years, then continues for the remainder of life (see example of Jesus). I can't help but think of how God used Paul in Thessanolica. Paul was only there for three weeks before getting kicked out. Check out the story in Acts 17: 1-12, then go read the letters to the Thessalonians. Pretty amazing how God used Paul to establish those people in just a short period of time!

That's Daysi sitting next to Sindy, and Estefani sitting next to Rebekah Hall, wife of Jeremy Hall, and missionaries we support, er actually their doing a lot to support us right now......

Day 5

As Sindy had her first discipleship meeting, the wheels in my head began to turn... These are newly born Christians. As a baby they require the 'milk of the Word' (1 Peter 2:2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2). As with physical babies, we don't have to teach them how to drink the milk. It should be a natural tendency. I remember when my kids were born, God gave them the innate knowledge that they needed to drink milk, and they already knew how to drink. Sending them to a how-to milk-drinking conference wasn't necessary. Seeing this trait in a newborn Christian is evidence that their newly found faith is genuine. As is the case with Sindy's disciples, they're hungry, and looking for some milk. Wouldn't it be odd for a physical baby to be born, and not have a desire to drink milk? God's plan for a newborn Christian is to grow, hence the analogy to a physical baby. How will they grow if nobody gives them milk. I recall my own salvation. I remember that desire for the milk. For someone to teach me something that would facilitate my spiritual growth. I didn't want to be a baby. I wanted to be spiritually mature like some of the leaders around me: Clip Suddeth, Van Ferguson, Al and Tom Goss. It was there, at Mile Straight Baptist Church, that I received the milk necessary to grow. Albeit, as a result of my own disobedience, the growth was slow for the first 7 years.

So, that leads me to ponder a surreal question: What about Christians that have been saved for many years, but are still babies? Let me be clear, the question isn't meant to judge the sincerity of their faith. That is between them and the Lord. The many answers to the question is a solemn assesement of how we, as the church, are doing in the area of discipleship. Think about the current condition, and what you (I) can do about it.....

Update on Spanish classes: the light has been turned on. Four hours of class time, and four hours of homework each day is paying off. I'll try to keep my language updates infrequent and brief, so not to bore you. lol.

Day 4

Today was a day we won't soon forget. Sindy went to meet her potential disciple, and was met with open arms. Additionally, she had a friend with her that was saved last month. Praise the Lord that these two girls are eager to learn God's Word, and praise the Lord Sindy will get to spend the next 3.5 weeks with them. After meeting and greeting for 45 minutes they informed Sindy of another friend that lived close by. They had invited her to meet Sindy, but she declined. So, Sindy left their house and payed this girl a visit. After discussing God's Word, and sharing the gospel, this girl made a decision to be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen! We're hoping she'll join the other two girls for bible study, but we're not sure about that yet. The girls are between 15-16 years old, named Daysi, Stefani, and Cynthia. The first two have already made a commitment not only to meet with Sindy each day, but to get involved with Omega Baptist Church. Inspired by the girls' responses, on the way home Sindy proceeded to share the gospel with another man in the street. He was in a hurry to get to work, but the seed was planted.

I'm telling y'all Sindy is great at evangelism. Most notably, this is her spiritual gift (Ephesians 4:11), and it's something she enjoys putting to use (Romans 12: 6-8). If you ever need a pick-me-up, then just ask her to go soul-winning with you. I often think, or over think, my role in evangelism. I don't share the same gift as Sindy, but that's no excuse NOT to evangelize. It's just fun to watch her. I have to think about responses, and memorize what verse to use in each situation. The preparation is a lot of work for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it too. However, it's exciting to see someone do it with such ease and natural ability.

Next, we met Juan Pacheco as he arrived at the Bible College to teach a class. He is the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church, here in Arequipa. For anyone reading this not affiliated with Oakland Heights Baptist, our church took a special offering to help Juan's church with a new building. Under Juan's leadership the church in growing, and having an impact on the world. He's such a nice and humble guy. I was anxious to meet him just to tell him how excited we are to partner with him in his ministry. He's a cool guy, and most definitley someone I want for my family as a hero.

Day 3

Lots of Spanish today. Four hours of class, and more than double that in homework. I get excited about the thought of being able to converse in Spanish. Pray God I will have the aptitude to speak enough to ministry to Spanish speakers soon.

Other than that, I think the family has finally adjusted. It's a little cold at night, but nothing a few extra blankets can't take care of. It gets daylight about 5:30 am; so, the temerature is usally warm enough for t-shirts and shorts by breakfast time.

Also be praying for Sindy tomorrow. She'll be going to meet her potential disciple, Daysi. Pray for her safety as she commutes back and forth.

Day 2

Early in the morning I experienced my first earthquake! Everyone was sleeping, except me, and the earth just started moving. The epicenter was a good distance away from us; so, it wasn't much to talk about for the locals. No damage here. No injuries. Just a unique feeling for me.

Went to a pastor's meeting with Jeremy today. Very interesting to see the group of 20+ pastors maintain close relationships. All of these guys went to the Bible College, and are now doing the work of the Lord as leaders of independent Baptist churches. This meeting was sort of a continuing leadership training they do once per month. The teacher is well respected, and spoke extensively on the characteristics they should possess as leaders. It was yet another good event for me to meet people, and to tune my ear to the language.

Spent some time with some guys here at the Bible College also. They're eager to share testimonies, and seem to always drive the conversation to spiritual things. They ask what my favorite verse, what I'm currently studying, etc. I guess you would expect that from students at a Bible College, but it's still inspiring. I definitely need to converse about spiritual matters more often.

Lastly, Monday is the day off around here at the Bible College. So, I'll actually wasn't in language school today. It'll be Tuesday through Saturday.

Day 1

Worshipping with Omega Baptist church was a very encouraging experience. I knew half of the songs, and Pastor Jeremy Hall delivered an inspiring message out of 1 Samuel about Hannah. I was able to understand portions, and Sindy translated some for me. I'm reminded of our disciples Adrian and Veronica. The worship at OHBC was so inspiring, that even though they didn't fully understand the language, they saw how powerful and sincere the worship was. I saw this same thing today. I was trying to sing, but I couldn't keep up on a few songs. As I observed others I couldn't help but notice the Holy Spirit power and presence. After the service the church had some unique ways to honor the mothers with gifts and kind words.

After a nice Mother's Day lunch we hung out, and returned for the evening service. This service is dedicated to leaders-in-training and they do the worship and teaching. Great peek at how this church movement trains leaders by giving them opportunities to practice ministry.

It was a privilege to meet several brothers and sisters in Christ. As expected, Sindy was a big hit. No matter where we go people seem to like me more because of her. I guess she fulfills the expression "better half". We interacted with both young and aged. A couple of guys named Victor and Alvaro helped us grocery shop, and they live here at the Bible college. They are amongst several that shared their testimonies with me.

Honestly, today was long and tiring. The kids are not adjusted, and especially Bubba is giving us a hard time. We'll work through it though. I'm anxious to start language school tomorrow. Also, Sindy will go to meet the people she will be discipling. They are cousins. One is named Daisy. She is saved, has been baptized, but needs help building the necessary foundation to be an integral part of the church. She is only fifteen so pray that she will be receptive, and that the four short weeks here will be enough to pique her interest in more spiritual growth. I do not know her cousins name, but she is 29 and unsaved. Pray God will use Sindy to clearly present the gospel to her.

Day Zero

Well, this is painful to type. Our Peru trip is delayed, and could potentially be changed. Sindy and I were unaware that, as a Salvadorean citizen, she is required to have a visa to enter Peru. On top of that, Delta failed to ensure we had these documents at check in. So, we enjoyed a seven hour plane ride to Lima, then an hour later, put back on the same plane headed back to Atlanta. We'll follow up with Sindy's visa on Monday when the Peru Consulate office opens. Let's review the adjectives that describes our state of mind as Peruvian officials informed us we would not be staying in Peru: sad, frustrated, speechless, clueless, ashamed, disappointed embarrassed, and best of all, humbled.

My friend, Blaine Greeson reminded me that the enemy attacks when there is something good worth attacking. You know the principle that Satan is NOT hanging out in pubs or Buddhist temples; instead, he's in our churches trying to break down anything that advances the kingdom of God. This principle gives us affirmation something good is in the works.

Another principle that applies comes out of the book of John, which we're studying at OHBC. This week in chapter one we'll see where Jesus asks his followers, "why are you following me?" The question here is to ask, when ministry becomes challenging, will we still follow Jesus? Things just got difficult for us, and time will tell our response.

I'm also reminded of the storm in Mark 4: 35-41, in this passage the storm came up quickly. The disciples weren't expecting it, and they didn't have a chance to prepare. That is exactly our prediciment. This visa issue came out of nowhere, and gave no time to prepare. Next, notice that the disciples feared the storm so much that they thought they were about to die! Where was Jesus? Asleep on a pillow. The storm didn't awake Jesus, His saints did! They asked him if he cared about them. lol. Of course He cared about them (1 Peter 5:7). The problem was they had little faith, and Jesus wanted to refocus their attention on Him. Notice, the purpose of the storm was fulfilled as they took their focus off nature and on to the Saviour. Now here's a nice analogy, stay in the boat where Jesus is during a storm. Why does our flesh desire for us to hide when we're embarrased. Honest to God, Sindy and I pondered staying at home instead of going to church tomorrow. I'm not proud to admit that, but it's worth mentioning that staying in God's Word, and in fellowship with His people is important. I've seen it before where a brother or sister in Christ doesn't show up for church for a few weeks, and when you see them you ask, "where have you been?" The response indicates they were going through a storm, and instead of staying in the boat and focusing on the Saviour, they jump shipped and focused on the storm. I've been praying the past 24 hours that God will give me the wisdom to apply the principle to stay in the boat through this storm.

Thoughts Before I leave

God has used our trip preparations to teach me a few things.

Aunt Joy explained to me when Mawmaw was ill that one of grandma's faults in life was not allowing others to help her. God would send people to help her in a time of need, and in her humbleness she would not allow the helper to help. I know that doesn't sound like a character flaw, being too humble. However, there is certainly an element of fellowship, and sharing in ministries that is spiritually healthy. Sometimes I see myself like Mawmaw, not wanting to inconvenience anyone with the burdens God has laid on my heart. So, I've had to learn to overcome this. In short, God has instructed all of His children to be stewards of the gospel, and specific to me He has burdened Sindy and I to do this to Spanish speakers. This is God's will, and He has established the church to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20 > Act 13:1-3) If this ministry is going to happen as God wishes then it will be because my fellow brothers and sisters at OHBC are supporting us! So, here are the tidbits God showed me as prayers were answered and financial support started rolling in:

• When people provide their time and treasure, it is an INVESTMENT not a DONATION. I desire to be the fruit producer God has called me to be, and any fruit I can produce will be fruit abounding in the accounts of those investing their lives into me. (Philippians 4:17)
• Accountability. What if three years from now I have no fruit to show? The investments will have been in vain! Not too long ago I weighed thirty pounds less, and was about twice as strong. I was going to the gym regularly, and I had a work out partner. Half of the reason I went to the gym was because I wanted to look good, the other half was because I was accountable to my partner. If I didn't show up then he wouldn't be able to get in the workout he desired. I needed to spot him, and push him to do more. I still desire to look good, but when there is no accountability then there is no motivation. Likewise, I'm motivated for ministry more than I ever imagined I could be, becasuse I'm accountable to many who have invested lots of time and money into me. (1 Corinthians 4: 1-2)
• Encouragement when you're down is great, and encouragement when you're not down is equally great! I've been down plenty of times, and God has used a wide variety of people to encourage me. However, as of late I've been excited about what God is doing at OHBC, and with my family. One might be led to believe that encouragement is not effective when you're on top of the mountain. However, I've found that God is still using people to encourage me, and instead of pulling me out of a valley it's helping me to see that there are mountain peeks even higher than where I stand now! As we go to Peru I'm asking God to increase and clarify the vision for the new ministry. Maybe God really does want to use me to reach the WORLD.