Most of you are probably aware that Lima is located in one of the driest regions in the world. On average Lima receives about 3/10 of an inch of rain per year. (That's 0.7 cm for those of you using the Metric system!) That makes Lima the driest metropolitan area in the world. Recently we have had unusually damp weather. We almost never have actual rain but during the winter we do have early morning mist that will occasionally coat the ground with a slight dampness. We were humored recently when Elizabeth looked out the window and shouted, "Hey y'all look! It's pouring down rain, the ground is almost wet!" I guess that's a good sign she has grown up in a desert!
If you have a moment visit the updated PoeKids BLOG!
The Real Thing
Today I read an article in a Lima newspaper. The article talked about the major problem of counterfeit prescription drugs in Peru. Local authorities held a news conference and a crowd gathered as they destroyed more than one ton of adulterated medications. The article went on to describe the major problems that pharmacies and medical facilities are having with illegal and counterfeit drugs. We've personally been warned by several doctors to avoid generic prescriptions in Peru. Others have warned that we should only purchase drugs from a handful of certified pharmacies. Counterfeit drugs are a dangerous problem in Peru.
We've realized that these fake drugs aren't the most dangerous counterfeits in the country. Millions of Peruvians are being deceived by false teachers and preachers. Many churches are preaching messages contrary to the Gospel found in the Bible. Peruvians are caught up in lots of ancient religious traditions, yet they have no personal relationship with God. They never trusted Christ for His redeeming offer of salvation. How sad that these evil preachers are dragging millions of lost souls with them into eternity without God.
We've experienced this counterfeit Christianity first hand recently. Our church was the only church located in our target neighborhood. We have made an influence among the neighbors and people are starting to take notice that we are there. A couple of months ago we started noticing people standing outside of church watching our children's and youth meetings. They've been taking notes and observing all of our programs. Then a couple of weeks ago we saw that another group has started holding meetings during our regularly scheduled meetings. They've done their best to mimic our services and activities. They've gone to the children and started pulling them away from our church. They claim to be Christians but their reputation and testimony in Peru says differently. They are a religious group. They can even claim to be a church, but they are not teaching the Gospel. They are not leading others to a personal walk with Christ. They are dangerous counterfeiters and they are misleading many, starting with our church kids. Thankfully many of our children and teens have already seen the difference. One young girl came to us and apologized that she had attended one service at the new church. She had already noticed that what they were teaching is not the truth of the Bible. The counterfeit religions will keep offering their way. Counterfeit drugs and counterfeit religion will always be a problem for Peru and the world. May God give us wisdom as we continue to offer the "Real Thing."
We've realized that these fake drugs aren't the most dangerous counterfeits in the country. Millions of Peruvians are being deceived by false teachers and preachers. Many churches are preaching messages contrary to the Gospel found in the Bible. Peruvians are caught up in lots of ancient religious traditions, yet they have no personal relationship with God. They never trusted Christ for His redeeming offer of salvation. How sad that these evil preachers are dragging millions of lost souls with them into eternity without God.
We've experienced this counterfeit Christianity first hand recently. Our church was the only church located in our target neighborhood. We have made an influence among the neighbors and people are starting to take notice that we are there. A couple of months ago we started noticing people standing outside of church watching our children's and youth meetings. They've been taking notes and observing all of our programs. Then a couple of weeks ago we saw that another group has started holding meetings during our regularly scheduled meetings. They've done their best to mimic our services and activities. They've gone to the children and started pulling them away from our church. They claim to be Christians but their reputation and testimony in Peru says differently. They are a religious group. They can even claim to be a church, but they are not teaching the Gospel. They are not leading others to a personal walk with Christ. They are dangerous counterfeiters and they are misleading many, starting with our church kids. Thankfully many of our children and teens have already seen the difference. One young girl came to us and apologized that she had attended one service at the new church. She had already noticed that what they were teaching is not the truth of the Bible. The counterfeit religions will keep offering their way. Counterfeit drugs and counterfeit religion will always be a problem for Peru and the world. May God give us wisdom as we continue to offer the "Real Thing."
Not "Rookies" Anymore
We spent the last week helping to orientate a new missionary family that will soon be arriving to Peru. Bruce Maddux came down to Peru early to help find housing, look for a vehicle and make arrangements for language training for his family. It was a busy but rewarding week, knowing that God has sent another family to minister in Peru. This will be the first new missionary family to come to Peru with Baptist Mid-Missions since our arrival in 2001. The Lord has also blessed our field with a new single lady, Rachel Tarvin who just arrived a few weeks ago. This summer several families will begin raising their support to join us here in Peru. These are exciting days for the ministry in Peru. Our team of workers is growing!
We are always excited to know that God is sending more laborers to our needy mission field. Yet, it seems a bit strange to be orientating new families. It seems just like yesterday that we arrived here in Peru for the first time. I think we need another 30 years of experience before we could be considered veteran missionaries!
Please be praying for all of our new co-workers. The Maddux family will be busy the next two months as they pack, sell their home, and say goodbye to friends and loved ones. Pray for Will and Erika Gibson, a couple from our own home church that have recently joined BMM and will be attending our missions candidate school next month. Pray that God will continue to send more laborers to Peru!
We are always excited to know that God is sending more laborers to our needy mission field. Yet, it seems a bit strange to be orientating new families. It seems just like yesterday that we arrived here in Peru for the first time. I think we need another 30 years of experience before we could be considered veteran missionaries!
Please be praying for all of our new co-workers. The Maddux family will be busy the next two months as they pack, sell their home, and say goodbye to friends and loved ones. Pray for Will and Erika Gibson, a couple from our own home church that have recently joined BMM and will be attending our missions candidate school next month. Pray that God will continue to send more laborers to Peru!
What's our homework?
We just completed another good weekend of ministry. God continues to open up doors of opportunity, for which we are thankful. Perhaps one of the most exciting ministries we have is with adolescents. Each Saturday evening we have a group of 10-20 young teens that meet together. We sing choruses, play a few games, have a quiz competition and finally a Bible study. We are currently studying the book of Revelation. About a month ago a young man named Jason came for the first time. From day one he was very interested to learn more about God and the Bible. He obviously has a real thirst for spiritual things. Near the end of his first meeting he raised his hand and asked, "What is our homework for this week?" We were a bit taken back, and explained that it would be good if he would read the next two chapters of Revelation. Most kids don't come to church looking for more homework! The next week when he returned he had hand-copied a quarter of the book of Revelation. He had studied it, and memorized many of the future key events. As we study together he has an incredible knowledge of the book he has picked up studying on his own. Jason has since publicly acknowledged that he is a Christian and wants to serve the Lord. Since he started coming the other young people have noticed his diligence and several others are starting to study on their own during the week.
I once heard a speaker say "Prophecy isn't profitable if it doesn't prod us to tell others." As we study the book of Revelation and reflect on the future events that will take place in the world it should move us to action. There are billions of lost souls in the world that haven't heard the truth of the Gospel. Thankfully there are some young people like Jason that are hearing, taking action and doing their homework for the Lord. What's your homework assignment today from God?
I once heard a speaker say "Prophecy isn't profitable if it doesn't prod us to tell others." As we study the book of Revelation and reflect on the future events that will take place in the world it should move us to action. There are billions of lost souls in the world that haven't heard the truth of the Gospel. Thankfully there are some young people like Jason that are hearing, taking action and doing their homework for the Lord. What's your homework assignment today from God?
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