Alright guys – I have to share this with you. Before I go on the World Race in June I’ll be heading to the jungles of Peru in October to meet with the Asheninka people who live there. And I am PUMPED. I’ve wanted to go on this trip ever since my church started participating two years ago and I’m thrilled that it’s finally happened because God is doing some AWESOME work there.
We’re going with Extreme Missionary Adventures and being led by Randy White. Three years ago he met with the Asheninkans and a couple people dedicated their lives to Christ. The next year a group of four from my church went with Randy on what they thought was another evangelistic mission. But, when they arrived in Bella Nueva, more than half the village were now followers of Christ! Fast forward two years and this village has now formed a church association with three other local villages and they finally got a translation of God’s word in their native language. And now, I get the privilege to teach them! I can’t even fathom it.
And I have no doubt I’ll be doing just as much learning as I will teaching.
Now, this trip wont be easy. Here’s the low-down:
Day 1: The team of three + Randy will fly into Lima.
Day 2: Fly to Pucallpa.
Day 3(aka,the start of the crazy): We fly into the jungle in little puddle-jumper planes to Dulce Gloria (the only village nearby with a landing strip) and then immediately float down the river for anywhere from 3-6 hours – depending on the water levels – until we FINALLY make it to Bella Nueva!
Day 4-6: We’ll have three FULL days of teaching and fellowship with the Asheninka people in Bella Nueva. This mean up EARLY, lots of mosquito repellent, and yummy dehydrated food. Also, lots of teaching and questions and forming relationships. This is what I’m super excited for!
Day 7: Pack it in and paddle back to Dulce Gloria. Take the same puddle-jumpers to Pucallpa.
Day8: Fly to Lima and then take 2:30am flight back to Tampa! Phew!!
I’ve also recently learned that the itinerary has never once gone according to plan! Last year there was so much rain in the area on the way back to Lima that the team had to spend the night in Dulce Gloria. This wasn’t their ideal… but it WAS God’s. They showed the Jesus film there and SO many people dedicated their lives to Christ that night. This “quick-stop” village – which used to be so resistant to the gospel – had become fertile soil for the Word of God!
And that’s why I’m ready. I’m so ready to step out into the unknown knowing that God has already planned every minute of the trip. Our timelines may not match, but I’m praying that our hearts will.
I’ll post pictures once I return and let you know all about the trip. Any questions, be sure to let me know!
