Full Circle

Full-Circle!
Thoughts on the Peru Luncheon June 28

Driving home from the Peru luncheon Sunday, the words from 1 John 1:1-4 in The Message, about ‘The Word of Life’ came to mind--and that is exactly what the luncheon meant to us the returning 2009 Peru Team. “From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, … The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; … We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!” (Msg)

You honored us with your presence. THANK YOU! Sharing a meal with the congregation brought us full-circle: preparing to go to Peru, doing what was ask of us in Peru, and sharing our joy with you our brothers and sisters in Christ here at home. Even though we did not know if anyone would show up in the middle of summer when meeting times are changed. Even though we did not think people would come back after the 8:00 A.M. worship. We had no idea how many people might show up, if any. We knew we wanted to share our joy with you. We prepared a meal for 150, even though the Fellowship Hall will only hold 128 with tables. God surprised us with a great turnout. As the not so great rice began to run out, the line was still out the door, and I wondered if there would be enough. When I checked again and there were three scoops of rice left, I glanced at the line once more with only three people left to serve. I am continually humbled by the faithfulness of God to—this not so always sure—child of His.

Time after time--exactly what we need, exactly when we need it, at exactly the right moment!

We are truly blessed!

Dancing in Curahuasi

Nine Days & Eight Nights

Nine Days & Eight Nights: an adventure in Christian living featuring seventeen North American Christians and two hundred Peruvian brothers and sisters in Christ. The adventures of a Harrison Ford movie pales in comparison to the adventures had in Cusco, Peru, June 3-11 by this team of seventeen from Broadway & Tahoka who set their mission to meet a few physical needs of our fellow Christians in the Curahuasi, Apurimac congregation in Peru. The Curahuasi church of more than 60 faithful members began in 1983 with Lucho CHoquemago, a graduate of ENBOC, preaching. In 1993 this congregation alone bought a piece of rocky land that was worthless to the agriculture community for 200 soles ($50) and built their adobe building in which to meet. This church is a direct result of the faithfulness of God, the love of Hipólito and Francisca Triveños, and the training received at ENBOC.

The day began early Saturday morning June 6 in Curahuasi, at 5:00 A.M. with barely enough hot water for a quick shower, and enough time for breakfast together with the twenty member team that arrived from the Tinta congregation. We all arrived at the local public school at 6:45 A.M. to set up the Wellness Workshop consisting of: Doctor’s office--Dr. Israel Triveños, Nurse/Hygiene--Evelyn, our twenty-two year old nurse from Tinta; Eye Glasses--Jan Roberts. Paul Rostad, Todd Knowlton, Luis Estrada, plus Mario and Jose Luis, our driver and guide; Pharmacy--Tim Mack, Karen Randolph, Betty from Curahuasi; Hearing & Stroke--Lindsay and Jonathan Wilkerson and Barry Hestand; Sun Glasses / Tooth Care / Misc Supplies-- Alex Scarborough, two Marios from Cusco, Thomas from Tinta; and Children’s Bible Class--Bailey Scarborough, Tucker Mack, Kaley Knowlton, Judith Jenkins, Rachael Dansby, Kyra Jenkins, Maria Estrada and Carlos from Tinta. Everyone had responsibilities to each area and the supplies flew out of the suitcases and into the appropriate areas. The Cusco and Tinta Christians helped us with everything from counting pain meds for packages of 50 tablets to setting up the eyeglass clinic, and serving lunch. Ready before 8:00 A.M., we were not sure if there were enough supplies yet absolutely confident that God brought us to this place, gave us a task to complete, and the results--HIS Glory.

There was a steady flow of people all day. Our teens played, read Bible stories, played all games possible with a ball, sang, and laughed with the 35-40 children all day long. We fitted 52 people with prescription glasses, provided vitamins, pain meds, antibiotic cream, sunglasses, toothbrushes, and soap for 150+ and 25+ with arthritis rub and Tums. At 7:15 P.M. when the last Christian came through the pharmacy, there was 1 bottle of vitamins, 60 ct.; 1 package of pain meds, 50 ct.; and one tube of Neosporin. The prescription from Dr. Israel, across the complex with no knowledge of what might be left in the pharmacy, read: 1 bottle of vitamins, 60 ct.; 1 package of pain meds, 50 ct.; and one tube antibiotic cream. God reminded us of His faithfulness. A Glorious Day! Everything we needed to the exact amount every time.

So we the Peru Team say, “Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ for loving the people of Peru and blessing them with both physical supplies and also your prayers.”

Singing in Quechua