As many of you know we organized a concert and mini-campaign for yesterday evening. Last night more than 20,000 people gathered to hear a concert of lively music. The same concert was broadcast on national television and watched by countless thousands more. But don't get too excited! That massive gathering of people wasn't there for our campaign, they were gathered nearby for a Shakira concert. We only managed to get a crowd of about 100 people.
We spent the afternoon visiting nearly every house in our target community. 1000 invitations were handed out, each with a gospel tract attached. The day was filled with chaos. All of our planning and organizing began to fall apart. Our rented sound system was not delivered. The lights in the park burned out. The city changed its mind at the last minute and would not allow us to connect our equipment to their electricity. The neighborhood president changed directions and wouldn't let us use the park for our campaign. It made for a frustrating day. Yet, in the end we saw God work and how He helped make the concert a success. A new sound system was loaned to us by a fellow missionary. We managed to find lights to rent at the last minute. We convinced both the neighborhood president, and the municipality that our campaign wouldn't cause problems. We managed to get all this done and only start 15 minutes late! The best news is that several people trusted Christ as their savior. Hundreds more received tracts and invitations to our new location.
So who was more successful, Shakira with a crowd of thousands, or the missionaries with a tiny campaign in a dimly lit park? For us it was a huge success when a few heard the Gospel message and found the life changing good news of Christ! Shakira will keep on singing, and we'll keep on preaching. In the end we'll let God judge who was more successful! Thanks for praying!
Thanksgiving
Here in Peru the people don't have an "official" day to be thankful. Most Peruvians haven't even heard of our Thanksgiving feasts. But as missionaries we always enjoy getting together and spending the day being thankful. This year we hosted 22 people for the annual celebration. I guess we should be thankful that we have a dining room that will hold 22 people! We enjoyed all the traditional Thanksgiving favorites: Turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green been casserole, stuffed mushrooms, broccoli salad, gelatin salad, and everyone's favorite, nine different pies! The food was great and we all enjoyed our fill. In the afternoon we enjoyed a devotional time together and sang hymns and choruses.
It was indeed a day to be thankful. Yet, when we look at our lives and consider all of the blessings God has sent our way, everyday should be Thanksgiving Day!
Take a moment and read about Elizabeth's Thanksgiving scare.
It was indeed a day to be thankful. Yet, when we look at our lives and consider all of the blessings God has sent our way, everyday should be Thanksgiving Day!
Take a moment and read about Elizabeth's Thanksgiving scare.
Pirates in Peru?
It doesn't take long to notice that "pirating" is a real problem here in Peru. A quick search in any marketplace will uncover counterfeit goods of every product imaginable. The most notable pirated items are CD's, DVD's and software. The government estimates that 98 percent of all music and video sold in Peru are illegal copies of the original. This gives Peru the honor of having some of the highest piracy rates in the world. I imagine that's why Blockbuster just closed all its stores in Peru. A rented original DVD in Blockbuster rented for $3.50, your own illegal copy from the street vendor sells for $1.00!
The illegal products don't stop with simple CD's. Counterfeit brand name clothing, cigarettes, even medications are being sold throughout the country. For a small fee, copies of important documents are available. This means that the diploma hanging on your doctor's wall might not prove to be credible. It also means the prescription you purchase at the pharmacy might not be safe. Those new Nike tennis shoes the neighborhood kids are wearing are probably cheap imitations. Oh, and check that money you get from the currency exchange, it might be fake as well!
We do our best to avoid purchases of pirated items. We would prefer the higher quality originals and we don't like the idea of stealing from those that deserve credit for their product. It looks like a spiritual parallel is clear. There are lots of counterfeit religions in Peru and around the globe. People trying to copy "the original" for their own good. People taking the Bible and using it as they see fit. But how many true religions are there? Jesus clearly shows us there is no room for counterfeits when it comes to our salvation: "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6) Pirating continues in Peru. We can't stop the production of fake CD's but we can deliver the true message of Christ. Pray for us as we share Christ here in Peru.
The illegal products don't stop with simple CD's. Counterfeit brand name clothing, cigarettes, even medications are being sold throughout the country. For a small fee, copies of important documents are available. This means that the diploma hanging on your doctor's wall might not prove to be credible. It also means the prescription you purchase at the pharmacy might not be safe. Those new Nike tennis shoes the neighborhood kids are wearing are probably cheap imitations. Oh, and check that money you get from the currency exchange, it might be fake as well!
We do our best to avoid purchases of pirated items. We would prefer the higher quality originals and we don't like the idea of stealing from those that deserve credit for their product. It looks like a spiritual parallel is clear. There are lots of counterfeit religions in Peru and around the globe. People trying to copy "the original" for their own good. People taking the Bible and using it as they see fit. But how many true religions are there? Jesus clearly shows us there is no room for counterfeits when it comes to our salvation: "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6) Pirating continues in Peru. We can't stop the production of fake CD's but we can deliver the true message of Christ. Pray for us as we share Christ here in Peru.
Church Closed
Tomorrow there will be no church services of any kind in Peru. But don't worry, there has been no change in the freedom of religion laws. Tomorrow is election day. Peruvian law prohibits public assembly during election weekends. This is designed to prevent vote tampering, fraud and intimidation. It will certainly seem strange not being in the Lord's house on Sunday.
Things continue to go well with our new location. The painting, both inside and out, should be completed today. Things are shaping up quickly, and the building should prove to be an excellent meeting place. We'll look forward to posting some pictures of everything real soon.
Things continue to go well with our new location. The painting, both inside and out, should be completed today. Things are shaping up quickly, and the building should prove to be an excellent meeting place. We'll look forward to posting some pictures of everything real soon.
"Daddy, don't worry..."
Today we did some catching up on projects here at home. As we worked, the peaceful calm of the morning was interrupted by loud snapping firecrackers and booming fireworks. We looked out into the street to see a huge crowd of people, all dressed in purple, parading with an image of the Virgin Mary. Debbie and Elizabeth rushed to the end of the street to take a closer look. They returned saddened by what they had seen. The people, including most of our neighbors, were hoping for miracles and a closer meeting with God as a result of this idol passing in their presence. It is just another part of the misleading doctrines of the Catholic church.
Tonight at bedtime as I prayed with Elizabeth I could tell she was troubled by what she had seen. She wanted to know why so many people didn't believe in Jesus. She wanted to know why they thought a doll was God. Our conversation turned to the work we have been doing down the hill at our new rented building. Elizabeth asked when I was taking her to see the site. I realized I hadn't taken the time to show her yet since she is in school during the week. I started to tell her about the building. She then made a sweet comment that made my night: "Daddy, don't worry, I know I'll love the building because we'll get to tell people about Jesus there and they'll get saved." Our little one is starting to see the real need. May it always stay fresh in our minds as we strive to reach Lima with the Gospel.
Tonight at bedtime as I prayed with Elizabeth I could tell she was troubled by what she had seen. She wanted to know why so many people didn't believe in Jesus. She wanted to know why they thought a doll was God. Our conversation turned to the work we have been doing down the hill at our new rented building. Elizabeth asked when I was taking her to see the site. I realized I hadn't taken the time to show her yet since she is in school during the week. I started to tell her about the building. She then made a sweet comment that made my night: "Daddy, don't worry, I know I'll love the building because we'll get to tell people about Jesus there and they'll get saved." Our little one is starting to see the real need. May it always stay fresh in our minds as we strive to reach Lima with the Gospel.
Spring Cleaning
On Tuesday we finalized arrangements and now have keys to our new location. We have contacted an electrician that will help us install better lighting. We'll soon design a sign for the front and side of the building. We have lots to paint and freshen up. Tomorrow we will start the lovely job of cleaning. The building was last used as a restaurant, and the kitchen and bathroom are unbelievably dirty. (I'm glad I never had to eat in this place since I have seen the kitchen!) When all is said and done I think we will have a lovely place to meet. We'll post some pictures soon, perhaps after the kitchen is cleaned!
We had asked you all to pray about the legal status of starting a new church. After talking with a number of missionaries and neighbors, it appears we will not need to worry about this issue. The zoning would make legally opening a new church in this area of town almost impossible. Thankfully, nobody with the government is out checking to see that these laws are enforced. Basically things are set up to favor the Catholic Church. We don't anticipate any problems at this time and will proceed with our plans.
We appreciate your continued prayers now and in the days ahead!
We had asked you all to pray about the legal status of starting a new church. After talking with a number of missionaries and neighbors, it appears we will not need to worry about this issue. The zoning would make legally opening a new church in this area of town almost impossible. Thankfully, nobody with the government is out checking to see that these laws are enforced. Basically things are set up to favor the Catholic Church. We don't anticipate any problems at this time and will proceed with our plans.
We appreciate your continued prayers now and in the days ahead!
The Good News and the Bad News
Let's start with the good news! This week, after spending a lot of time searching, praying and begging, we finally found a place to rent for the start of a mission work. We had resorted to knocking on every door of every home and business on the main streets asking if they had space for rent. Everything was totally full. Finally, when we had almost given up we were directed to a tiny secluded house. There we met the owner of a small store front location that is centrally located. After a few minutes of discussion we convinced him to get it ready to rent. We should have the keys in a few days! The location is highly visible, and on one of the busiest streets in the entire area. There is no way that anyone could possibly miss seeing our church once we get established and put up a sign. God provided us a wonderful place to start a ministry.
Now for the bad news: After finding the location we headed to the local municipality to check on the legal work required to legally open a church. We wanted to also find what requirements were necessary to put up a large sign. We spent 90 minutes going from one office to the next. We were directed to nearly every corner of the complex. We could never get a straight answer, but it appears that the zoning requirements make it almost impossible to legally open a church in La Molina, Lima, Peru. The land and building requirements are unbelievably strict. Yet, countless business, churches and clubs operate without these legal requirements. We want to do things the right way. Perhaps this is not necessary or possible. We did hear of one church that has been in place for 16 years. They never could get permission to be there.
Pray that God will make our paths clear when dealing with the local government. We want to avoid any issues that could hinder the work in the future. We want to do things right to maintain our testimony and be obedient to the wishes of the government. Take a moment and thank the Lord for His provision in finding a great location to rent.
We figure there really isn't any bad news to be worried with. This is just another way that God will show us that He is doing the work, He just lets us play a small part.
Now for the bad news: After finding the location we headed to the local municipality to check on the legal work required to legally open a church. We wanted to also find what requirements were necessary to put up a large sign. We spent 90 minutes going from one office to the next. We were directed to nearly every corner of the complex. We could never get a straight answer, but it appears that the zoning requirements make it almost impossible to legally open a church in La Molina, Lima, Peru. The land and building requirements are unbelievably strict. Yet, countless business, churches and clubs operate without these legal requirements. We want to do things the right way. Perhaps this is not necessary or possible. We did hear of one church that has been in place for 16 years. They never could get permission to be there.
Pray that God will make our paths clear when dealing with the local government. We want to avoid any issues that could hinder the work in the future. We want to do things right to maintain our testimony and be obedient to the wishes of the government. Take a moment and thank the Lord for His provision in finding a great location to rent.
We figure there really isn't any bad news to be worried with. This is just another way that God will show us that He is doing the work, He just lets us play a small part.
New Website
John has been working hard on a new website for the MK school here in Lima. Take a quick look at the site and see where Elizabeth goes to school.
You can visit Fetzer Academy here!
You can visit Fetzer Academy here!
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