Here is a short update from a recent team we took to Lima, Peru. Ron Houp- Team Leader
I just returned from a great mission experience in Lima, Peru. Our team of seventeen ministered in one of the poorest areas of the city with our partner there, Wilma Grandez. We had a dentist and hygienist, a team of ladies that taught sewing classes, a VBS team, a reading glasses team and a construction/painting team.
The ministry was successful. People flowed into the dental clinic, abscessed teeth were removed, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo were distributed, and good hygiene was taught. Ladies lined up to learn how to operate the new sewing machines that were generously donated by First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, TN. Many beautiful articles of clothing were sewn and fitted to the delight of all. Dozens of children attended the Bible classes each day and heard the Gospel and how much Jesus loved them. More than a hundred older residents of the area received reading glasses and Gospels of John to read with them. The ministry center received a fresh coat of paint for the classrooms and a thorough cleaning and organizing. Relationships were formed and hugs were exchanged. There was much laughter and joy throughout the week.
The team was tired and ready to go home after a busy week of ministry. At first, it seemed like a cruel hoax, but it quickly turned into painful reality. We weren't going home....yet. We arrived in Peru on January 4th and were scheduled to fly home on the 11th, but on that day, a blizzard covered much of the eastern US. In fact, there was snow in 49 of the 50 states. The Atlanta airport got more than 10 inches of snow and thousands of flights were cancelled including our flight home. What we didn't know at the time was that there were more than 2,000 people trying to get from Lima, Peru to Atlanta, Georgia at the same time we were. The result was our airline told us we could not board a plane home for at least six more days.
When we first heard the news of our lengthy delay, there was panic in the air. We have jobs to get back to, children and elderly parents to be cared for and classes to attend! We can't possibly stay another week in Peru. Get the airlines on the phone- they must get us home. But that was not to be. After numerous phone calls, the truth began to sink in. We weren't going home after all. As we prayed we asked the Lord to show why he delayed us and what we should do with this extra time in Peru. The Lord met us and brought peace to our hearts. While we certainly didn't like our schedules interrupted, we began to think we might survive. Calls were made to bosses and teachers, families and friends.
It turned out that we not only survived our extra six days, but we thrived as well. We had time to go back and visit another ministry location and share the love of Christ with nearly a hundred more children and mothers. We attended additional church services and preached and shared testimonies. Many people responded to the messages and came for prayer. We fellowshipped in the home of our host and several of the team members actually spent several days living with the Grandez family. Relationships were solidified and future ministry plans were made. It was a very fruitful time.
As I reflect on our "extended" stay in Peru, two thoughts come to mind. First, I feel deep gratitude for the Lord's provision and protection. And second, conviction that He really has divine purpose for each of our lives. We are truly meant to be His hands and feet and to carry out the charge to "go and make disciples of all nations...." I am thankful that I had a small part in making that happen.
