“Church Service in Lomo De Corbina 10am-12pm,” is what the schedule for the day read. We arrived at Lomo De Corbina after 10am, but we walked around inviting people from the community to come to the service that would begin ahorita (in just a little bit). The members of the Shalom church were very excited for the first service to take place in the new church. The four walls were up, but no roof, so they put a tarp up to protect us from the sun along with balloons and streamers for decorations.
When I returned from inviting the community I ran into my friend Grace. I asked Grace when the service would begin and she said, “Ahorita.” I sat and talked to Grace for a while, watched her play on the slide, and took some pictures. Grace brought her grandmother over and asked her when the service would begin, “Ahorita,” is the response we received. Well, ahorita turned into more than just a little bit and we finally began the service after noon. Many children turned up for the service of songs and messages, but not many adults. It is my prayer that the children will bring their parents and the church will grow.
This evening was our final service with the congregation of the Church of Shalom. After about two hours of singing, praying, and preaching I thought the service was wrapping up. That would be unusual, because the services at Shalom usually last about three hours. Sure enough the service was not over as a pastor stood up and gave another message. Then I thought it was over, but an announcement was made. Then I thought it was over, but a woman from the church asked the World Racers to come forward. The congregation said a prayer for us then gave each of us a gift of a Peruvian hat. Then the pastor invited the congregation to come forward to give us hugs and kisses. What happened next is unlike anything I have every experienced in my life. Peruvians came at us from all angles pushing and shoving to give us kisses and that is no exaggeration. It seemed like the couple hundred people that make up the congregation felt the need to give us a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Twenty minutes and 158 kisses (that number is exact-I counted each kiss from the first one I received) later the herd cleared, but the scent of perfume and cologne lingered on my clothing. I felt very loved and cared for. This church has been amazingly hospitable and kind to us. They provided food, housing, and ministry for us and consistently went beyond the call of duty.
