I have an FBB (Favorite Bolivian Buddy). Janet Perez Eckles---Author, Speaker, Encourager, Crazy Person. She has described herself as a bold chica who trusts in God. How Bold?

On July 11 Janet begins a mission that will take her to Peru and Bolivia. She will speak to government workers, churches, prisons, rehab centers, orphanages, youth groups, and small cell groups...sharing the Gospel and reaching out to those who are in despair, lost, and depressed.

Janet will be alone. No traveling companion. No one to greet her at airports or drive her to locations. And as of this writing, no guaranteed place to stay. Oh, one more thing. Janet is completely blind.

Why would she do such a thing? Because God called her to do this and she trusts Him. People need encouragement and inspiration. They need to hear the Gospel. So God said, Go!

Join us in praying for Janet and her mission. Pray for safety and guidance. Pray for God to fill her with His Spirit, overflowing to those who desperately need His love and mercy. And check out her video on the trip at http://bit.ly/JanetPerezEckles. It's only 2 minutes. You've got time.

Take care & be God's,

Chuck

a Ciloa Note of Encouragement

[Janet asks for a ride from her son, Jeff. His car? Low on gas, squeaky doors, wires hanging from the dashboard, sagging roof liner, a loose wire in the radio. "Got to slam it to work."]

Jeff's car, with each turn of its bald tires, begs to be laid to rest at the nearest salvage yard. But Jeff's appearance? Gracious, what a contrast! Neatly shaven, clean haircut and dressed with stylish designer clothes.

Strange, but my son's car and his personal grooming mirrors my life. I encountered devastating malfunctions while moving down the road of life. Adversity had rusted my soul, dented my confidence, and scratched my sense of purpose. Worn out, I too was a candidate for the emotional junk yard.

But when it all threatened to crumble, like Jeff, I kept one area of my life well guarded and cared for---my faith in Christ. And with each trial I encountered, my well polished trust in Him saved me from despair and defeat.

When I lost my sight, fear of living in darkness nearly devastated me, but God promised to be...a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

My husband's sudden unemployment threatened to drown us in financial ruin. But God's reminder lifted me to safety. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. (Isaiah 43:2a).

And when the flames of sorrow scorched my heart after losing Jeff's 19-year-old brother to a senseless murder, God refreshed my soul. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2b).