Time to brag a little...
We haven't bragged on our little ones for a time now. Take a look at the PoeKids blog for a few recent pictures and a quick update on our little ladies. You can visit the PoeKids blog here!
Beware of the Dog:
Yesterday while visiting I had a real scare. We had enjoyed talking with several people and it was nearly dark. I decided to climb a huge set of stairs to get a view of the sunset and the twinkling lights that were starting to come on across the valley below. The homes in this area are built right into the side of the steep mountainside. Without the steps, these homes would be impossible to reach. After climbing what seemed to be hundreds of steps, and nearly at the top, I saw a huge dog come bolting out of a home. He was running double time directly towards me. It scared me to death, he was jumping 5 steps at the time and would be on me in a matter of seconds. Thankfully, Daniel was a quick thinker and jumped towards the dog with a loud bark. The dog hesitated and gave me time to "escape!"
When I returned home, Debbie asked how our visiting went. I told her that it was fine, but that I was a little scared when I almost had my head bitten off. She was glad to hear it was only a lone dog, not the neighbors.
It continues to amaze us how so many people can be crammed into such a small area. The opportunities are truly endless. We continue to search for a place to rent. We have checked on signage and materials we will need when God provides a place to meet. Things are coming together well. So, its off to visit some more today. I'll be watching for the dogs!
When I returned home, Debbie asked how our visiting went. I told her that it was fine, but that I was a little scared when I almost had my head bitten off. She was glad to hear it was only a lone dog, not the neighbors.
It continues to amaze us how so many people can be crammed into such a small area. The opportunities are truly endless. We continue to search for a place to rent. We have checked on signage and materials we will need when God provides a place to meet. Things are coming together well. So, its off to visit some more today. I'll be watching for the dogs!
Wake Up!
This morning at 5:49 a.m. we had a rude awakening. The house began to shake as a strong tremor shook the earth. We stayed in bed for a few seconds, but then ran to get the girls when the shaking continued. We went to the doorway and stood there for about 30 more seconds until the shaking stopped. We later read that the earthquake was 6.5 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was about 95 miles SE of Lima. Thankfully it was not closer and there was no reported damage. We had some trinkets that fell over in the house, but other than that, life returns to normal.
I couldn't help but think about the people we witnessed to yesterday. So many heard the Gospel, yet no one received that priceless gift of salvation. What if this had been the big earthquake? What if we had all been cast into eternity this morning at 5:49 a.m.? I'm glad I was ready, I'm saddened that so many others are not. It was just another reminder of the urgency of our work.
I couldn't help but think about the people we witnessed to yesterday. So many heard the Gospel, yet no one received that priceless gift of salvation. What if this had been the big earthquake? What if we had all been cast into eternity this morning at 5:49 a.m.? I'm glad I was ready, I'm saddened that so many others are not. It was just another reminder of the urgency of our work.
Have you ever seen God?
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the week is the 3-4 hours each day that we are spending going out and knocking on doors. I guess its true that "time flies when your having fun!"
Early this week a little girl ran up to us waving her hands in the air. "I have a question for you, have you ever seen God?" I went on to explain that I had not seen God with my own eyes, but that I know He exsists because I have seen His working around me. I then blew on her hand and asked if she could see my breath. She said, "No!" I then explained that even though she couldn't see my breath it truly did exsist. She smiled, commented "that's true!" and ran off skipping and smiling all the way. Another example of the child-like faith that God is looking for.
Another lady named Irene was very interested in what we had to say. We spent 15 minutes sharing the Gospel with her. She smiled and said, "I have listened to so many religions. This is the first time anything has ever touched my heart. This has to be the truth!" She invited us back and wants us to tell her again with her husband by her side.
Everyday people are hearing the Gospel. For most this is the first time they have ever heard about God's love and the hope they can have through Christ.
Early this week a little girl ran up to us waving her hands in the air. "I have a question for you, have you ever seen God?" I went on to explain that I had not seen God with my own eyes, but that I know He exsists because I have seen His working around me. I then blew on her hand and asked if she could see my breath. She said, "No!" I then explained that even though she couldn't see my breath it truly did exsist. She smiled, commented "that's true!" and ran off skipping and smiling all the way. Another example of the child-like faith that God is looking for.
Another lady named Irene was very interested in what we had to say. We spent 15 minutes sharing the Gospel with her. She smiled and said, "I have listened to so many religions. This is the first time anything has ever touched my heart. This has to be the truth!" She invited us back and wants us to tell her again with her husband by her side.
Everyday people are hearing the Gospel. For most this is the first time they have ever heard about God's love and the hope they can have through Christ.
Here to Stay
Today while visiting door-to-door a man walking by smiled and said, "you all are here to stay, aren't you?" People have told us that the other religious groups come through occasionally but never come back. No real churches have ever been established in the community where we are now visiting. It's suprising because the people are friendly and open.
We continue to search for places to rent. We believe this could help us gain credibility with the people. So many have asked where they could come for a church service. Today, we were surprised when a very friendly lady offered to let us use a huge room in her house. The room is totally unfished and very primitive, but could at least give us a place to get started. She is ready to invite her friends already. When asked what she would charge for rent, she commented, "oh I couldn't charge you all, your here to help us."
We are in the process of making contact with community leaders in the area as well. They can give us the legal permission to hold outside events and campaigns. Continue to pray for open doors.
We continue to search for places to rent. We believe this could help us gain credibility with the people. So many have asked where they could come for a church service. Today, we were surprised when a very friendly lady offered to let us use a huge room in her house. The room is totally unfished and very primitive, but could at least give us a place to get started. She is ready to invite her friends already. When asked what she would charge for rent, she commented, "oh I couldn't charge you all, your here to help us."
We are in the process of making contact with community leaders in the area as well. They can give us the legal permission to hold outside events and campaigns. Continue to pray for open doors.
Five Years in Peru
Today marks our fifth year in Peru. Looking back it is amazing the things we have learned and accomplished. We remember the anxious feelings we felt on October 16th, 2001 when we first arrived. Now, Lima is like home to us. We sure are thankful to the Lord for His care over us these last years.
We continue to visit every house in our target area. The response continues to be strong and we have witnessing opportunities everyday. We have prospects on a couple of small locations to rent. We are also putting together plans for a small campaign to be held the last week of November.
We were recently invited to the home of a large family. We spent nearly three hours talking to them about the Bible, salvation and their personal relationship with God. They are very open to the Gospel and have invited us to return and study more with them.
Keep praying! God is at work!
We continue to visit every house in our target area. The response continues to be strong and we have witnessing opportunities everyday. We have prospects on a couple of small locations to rent. We are also putting together plans for a small campaign to be held the last week of November.
We were recently invited to the home of a large family. We spent nearly three hours talking to them about the Bible, salvation and their personal relationship with God. They are very open to the Gospel and have invited us to return and study more with them.
Keep praying! God is at work!
Purple Month
October is a historic month in the city of Lima. October is actually known as "mes morado" in Peru. Thousands of people show their devotion to "El Señor de los milagros" by wearing purple garments the entire month. This weekend marks the start of several major events commemorating the special month.
"The Lord of the Miracles" is an image that is carried through the streets of Lima. The processional is viewed by thousands of people. It is considered the largest processional in South America. The event dates back to colonial times when a slave brought to Peru painted the image of a black Christ on the walls of a simple shack. Legend claims that several attempts to remove the image where made. Nothing would remove the image. In 1746, a major earthquake leveled all the surrounding buildings but the wall containing the image remained intact. This led to widespread respect and worship for the image. Today it is carried through the streets on an elaborate display weighing more than a ton. Street vendors sell special food, clothing and commemorative items.
For us it is a sad serious of events. Tens of thousands of people gathering in the streets to see the image of a christ they hope will give them hope. Thousands of very religious people, yet with no personal relationship with the living Christ! This month we will see the influence of "purple month" here in Lima. We'll continue to share the message of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
"The Lord of the Miracles" is an image that is carried through the streets of Lima. The processional is viewed by thousands of people. It is considered the largest processional in South America. The event dates back to colonial times when a slave brought to Peru painted the image of a black Christ on the walls of a simple shack. Legend claims that several attempts to remove the image where made. Nothing would remove the image. In 1746, a major earthquake leveled all the surrounding buildings but the wall containing the image remained intact. This led to widespread respect and worship for the image. Today it is carried through the streets on an elaborate display weighing more than a ton. Street vendors sell special food, clothing and commemorative items.
For us it is a sad serious of events. Tens of thousands of people gathering in the streets to see the image of a christ they hope will give them hope. Thousands of very religious people, yet with no personal relationship with the living Christ! This month we will see the influence of "purple month" here in Lima. We'll continue to share the message of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Rain in the Desert
Coastal Peru is one of the driest deserts in the world. Lima normally receives about 1/10 of an inch of rain each year. This "rain" usually comes in the form of mist that falls in the winter fog. The lack of rain is evident: there is virtually no vegetation. Only areas that are planted, watered and maintained can sustain plants and trees. Actual "rainfall" is rare along the coast.
Scientists believe that the water temperatures along Peru's coast is warming up again. This causes weather changes around the globe. This phenomenon is called "El Niño." This simple change in water temperature can cause great changes in Peru. It actually can cause rain in the desert. The last two El Niño events in Peru, in 1982 and 1998, caused significant rain. This is not good news for those living along the coast. Most homes are not constructed to withstand large amounts of rain. Drainage systems are not in place to handle a large rain event. Landslides are also a problem because of the lack of vegetation. Fortunately, scientists believe this El Niño event will be minimal and have less influence on Peru's weather.
We have noticed more damp mornings than usual. We have actually had enough mist to make the ground wet several times this month. Usually this only happens a couple of times a year. We will actually enjoy the mist for now; it means less dust floating around in the air!
Scientists believe that the water temperatures along Peru's coast is warming up again. This causes weather changes around the globe. This phenomenon is called "El Niño." This simple change in water temperature can cause great changes in Peru. It actually can cause rain in the desert. The last two El Niño events in Peru, in 1982 and 1998, caused significant rain. This is not good news for those living along the coast. Most homes are not constructed to withstand large amounts of rain. Drainage systems are not in place to handle a large rain event. Landslides are also a problem because of the lack of vegetation. Fortunately, scientists believe this El Niño event will be minimal and have less influence on Peru's weather.
We have noticed more damp mornings than usual. We have actually had enough mist to make the ground wet several times this month. Usually this only happens a couple of times a year. We will actually enjoy the mist for now; it means less dust floating around in the air!
WANTED: Building to rent
Our door-to-door visitation ministry continues to go well. We are overwhelmed by the tremendous response. So many of the people we have encountered are so open and willing to talk. Many people have shown interest in coming to a Bible study or meeting. Dozens of people have asked, "Where is your church and when do you meet?" We have to explain that we don't have a church in their area at this point.
We have started searching for a building or large room to rent. Unfortunately their are not many options. Most larger buildings have been divided up into tiny rooms. People rent rooms in their house to folks simply looking for a bedroom. Few large rooms are intact. The neighborhood does have a large community center. There is a possibility that we could use this facility for our meetings. Please pray as we search for a property or building for a new church. We feel that having a visible location will add some credibility to our ministry.
We have started searching for a building or large room to rent. Unfortunately their are not many options. Most larger buildings have been divided up into tiny rooms. People rent rooms in their house to folks simply looking for a bedroom. Few large rooms are intact. The neighborhood does have a large community center. There is a possibility that we could use this facility for our meetings. Please pray as we search for a property or building for a new church. We feel that having a visible location will add some credibility to our ministry.
Sorry for the delay!
Thanks to all of you that regularly read our BLOG. It means a lot that many of you take the time each week to log-on and check up on the Poe family. We especially appreciate your prayers.
We've had an especially busy week and the BLOG wasn't updated regularly. Hopefully the posts will be a little more regular again.
We've had an especially busy week and the BLOG wasn't updated regularly. Hopefully the posts will be a little more regular again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)