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