Yesterday at 7:51 a.m. our house began to shake. Pictures crashed to the floor and windows rattled. Our neighbors ran into the street and we heard the sound of children crying. The shaking lasted for less than a minute but was enough to get our hearts racing. We had just experienced an earthquake centered only 9 miles from Lima. In the coming hours we heard news of a few houses that had collapsed and buildings that were damaged. Along the coast one road was closed because of fallen rocks. It was just another reminder of God's omnipotent control of the world.
Immediately after the earthquake all of the phone lines were dead. This is to be expected since nearly everyone in the city attempts to call and check on friends and loved ones. The telephone company reported that over 6 million phone calls were attempted in the minutes following the tremor. The system was simply overwhelmed.
We are reminded of the power of prayer during moments like this. As Christians we often cry out to God when we are distressed or in need. God promises to provide His guiding hand during life's difficulties. Isn't it a blessing to know that when problems arise, like an earthquake, that God is always there to listen? Our line of communication with Him is always open and His system will never fail. May we be faithful to keep our communication open with God during the good times and the bad.
Only One Life
Today we are grieving the loss of a dear friend and co-worker in the Lord, Barbara Stuart. Barbara had a tremendous impact in my life and in the life of many young people. I have so many fond memories of Barbara. She always had a big smile and a servants heart. During my teen years she was a vital part of our church youth group working as a leader alongside her husband Warren. They were by my side on six youth missions trips. Barbara was there when I nervously took my first airplane flight and gave my testimony for the first time in front of a large group. I remember her being there on my graduation days from High School and then College. She was there when we finished deputation and started our journey to Peru. Barbara was always there pushing us to grow and served as an example of a godly servant.
I am reminded of the saying: "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!" Barbara's life was far too short. Her time with us is now over. Yet, the heritage of humble service she left behind will not soon be forgotten. I can only imagine the number of young people she influenced in her nearly 20 years of service with church teens. Barbara had many friends. She accomplished a lot in her life. Her work for Christ will now live on in the lives of so many that she influenced.
Now we begin to search for a much needed replacement. Who will take over where she used to minister? Who will strive to impact teens in their local church? Who will promote missions and pray daily for a great harvest of souls around the globe? Who will work to be a servant like Barbara? Our lives are short. Let's get to work for our Lord!
I am reminded of the saying: "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!" Barbara's life was far too short. Her time with us is now over. Yet, the heritage of humble service she left behind will not soon be forgotten. I can only imagine the number of young people she influenced in her nearly 20 years of service with church teens. Barbara had many friends. She accomplished a lot in her life. Her work for Christ will now live on in the lives of so many that she influenced.
Now we begin to search for a much needed replacement. Who will take over where she used to minister? Who will strive to impact teens in their local church? Who will promote missions and pray daily for a great harvest of souls around the globe? Who will work to be a servant like Barbara? Our lives are short. Let's get to work for our Lord!
Difficult Questions
Today while out visiting around the church we met a friendly neighbor. He was very thankful to receive a Gospel tract and wanted to know if we had time to talk. (This is always music to the ears of a missionary or pastor!) He said he had an important Bible question if we would be willing to wait while he went inside for his personal Bible. We of course agreed and stood in front of his house as he disappeared inside. He returned with a compact Bible. I was wondering what tough doctrine he might want to discuss. He then asked, "Why are some Bibles smaller than others? Are they all the same? My Bible seems small, has someone tried to alter God's Word?" It turned out to be an easy question to answer. He was not speaking about different Bible versions or various translations of the Bible. He simply wanted to know why his copy was thinner than ours. We explained that some Bibles are larger than others because they are printed on thicker paper or perhaps have a larger font. Others are designed to be compact so they can easily be carried about. He was content with our answer and was pleased to know he didn't have an adulterated copy of the Bible!
We often meet people in the streets that have difficult questions. Many want help for serious problems that have come their way. We are thankful that we have the answers as we study and learn more of God's Word. Each day we see so many people that are lost and looking for hope for their lives. How sad that most haven't heard the true message of the Gospel. May we be faithful to share God's message with those around us.
We often meet people in the streets that have difficult questions. Many want help for serious problems that have come their way. We are thankful that we have the answers as we study and learn more of God's Word. Each day we see so many people that are lost and looking for hope for their lives. How sad that most haven't heard the true message of the Gospel. May we be faithful to share God's message with those around us.
VBS Report
On Sunday we finished a very successful Vacation Bible School. We had a total of 38 children that took part in the activities. Most of the kids already attend our church on a weekly basis, but we did have several first-time visitors. Each lesson during the week had an evangelistic emphasis with the theme being "fishers of men." The children enjoyed games, stories, crafts and verse memorization.
We were really happy with the good number of parents that came to the closing program. For most, it was their first time in the church. We pray that they will feel welcome to return in the future.
Back to School VBS
The kids proudly show their "door hanger" craft they made on day one of Bible school.
Yesterday was a big day here in Peru. Many of Peru's school children headed back to school. The schools got an unusually early start to the school year. Some years the schools start as late as April and we were caught a little off guard! You see, yesterday was also the scheduled first day for our "Vacation Bible School!" When we found out about the school calendar it was too late to make a change. We decided to make our VBS late in the afternoon and pray for a good turnout. I guess we could call it "After Vacation Bible School."
We were pleased with a strong attendance for the first day of 25 kids. They were happy to be at the church, and even happier to hear we'd be there every day this week. Several commented that it was great to get to go to school and Bible school in the same day! It's a blessing to see their excitement. Please pray that we can continue to impact the lives of these children. We hope to win this neighborhood for Christ, starting with the youngsters. We'll let you know how the week goes.
We were pleased with a strong attendance for the first day of 25 kids. They were happy to be at the church, and even happier to hear we'd be there every day this week. Several commented that it was great to get to go to school and Bible school in the same day! It's a blessing to see their excitement. Please pray that we can continue to impact the lives of these children. We hope to win this neighborhood for Christ, starting with the youngsters. We'll let you know how the week goes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)