The days since our last report have been full of work, evangelism activities, head colds, and water shortages. Rest assured, all is well, and the Lord has been so, so, so good to us! It’s safe to say about 80 percent of our team has been working through a mild head cold. We thank the Lord it hasn’t been worse and that it has passed through quickly. The students here at the school seem to have had a worse case than us, but thankfully the cold seems to be leaving the property more each day. Throughout the week, the water supply has been very back and forth, but mostly off. A neighboring ministry graciously offered us the use of their restrooms and showers while a new water pump was installed here on the property where we are serving. Praise the Lord for His provision for both the school and our team, and that we could help in this process, even if only in a small way. Yesterday the new pump was installed, and everything seems to be working again. Projects have been moving along nicely. The boys’ dorm and bathroom roof is complete, outside of hanging the ceiling. Benches and fencing have been built using repurposed wood from the building we knocked down during one of our earlier projects. Work has also begun on replacing a wall in the girls’ dorm. This weekend has been filled with amazing evangelism and cultural opportunities. On Saturday, we joined the Peru Teen Missions coordinators for a youth gathering at a local park. Our team performed their presentation of the Gospel through singing, drama, puppets, balloon animals, testimonies, and literature distribution. Afterward, we organized some fun group games and played soccer and volleyball. The ages ranged from little tykes to teens and beyond. What a blessing it was to spend time together! On Sunday, we visited El Shaddai Missionary Bible Church. Worshiping alongside the congregation was such a beautiful experience. The church projected the song lyrics on a screen, allowing us to sing along in Spanish with them. Some of the songs included “Let Everything That Has Breath,” “Mighty to Save,” and “Lord, I Give You My Heart.” To hear familiar songs and sing them in another language alongside a group of fellow believers is truly a gift. After worship, the team presented to the congregation. Mr. Russ shared a message from Isaiah 61:10–11, speaking about how God transforms us from the inside out. He challenged us to consider how others see our lives. When people look at us, do they see God? He also reminded us that no one is too far gone to be transformed by the Lord. Following the message, our team joined the children for more songs, games, and fun while the adults stayed for a message from their pastor. When the service concluded, we were blessed with a traditional Peruvian meal of Causa Limeña (a layered potato, meat, and vegetable dish) served with rice and Chicha Morada (a purple corn and spice drink). It was ¡muy delicioso! We are hoping to make it ourselves when we get back home. All in all, today (Sunday) has been a very restful day!
We’re going to continue that trend by giving the lady leaders a break from the kitchen and heading out for supper this evening as we prepare for another busy week ahead.
Josiah P: Hey family, I have had such a good time in Peru. We made very quick progress on the roof and have been able to start on some smaller projects. I have really enjoyed growing closer to the team members and learning more about them. We have been able to meet a bunch of the Peruvian kids here and have made attempts to talk to them in Spanish. It’s crazy that we are already halfway through this trip. I’m excited to see what God will do during the rest of this trip. Love and miss y’all so much!
Cash M: Hello mom and dad I love you and miss you guys. The reality of the trip is a lot better than what I expected. I’ve made great friends and have been having a great time. We have finished our work super quick and have been able to do other work projects that we didn’t think we were going to be able to do. Hanging out with the school kids has also been a joy. Can’t wait to see you guys -Cash
Eli P: Hi family, we made it to Peru and the trip is going well so far. We’ve already finished most of our work project, and I’ve made some great friends along the way. I had the opportunity to share my testimony with the high school during our presentation this week, which was exciting, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know some of the Peruvians. I can’t wait to see you guys.
Micah P: Hello family! This summer has been very difficult but also very rewarding. Waking up at 5:45 AM every day and working till 5 PM is definitely not what I’m used to, but I’m happy to say we finished the renovation projects we came here to do and are now working on smaller side jobs. The weather here in Peru is a little bit overcast. So, I have not gotten the blonde hair tan skin. I was hoping for yet. The thing I find most joy in is playing soccer volleyball and basketball with the kids at night. They have become not just kids. We are serving but friends that I love. I ask you to pray for a sickness that has been traveling around the site to go away. Luckily, I have been immune to it so far. I miss you guys very much and will see you soon!
