Check out the video! If you prefer just to read it, I have the transcript below! But I encourage you to check out the video since I put in hours of work into it and it shows you what we went through!
Living in Peru was an experience and a big challenge for us this month. It was a tough month of learning how to roll with the constant changes in plans as quick as the hour. Complications of logistics and permits and many other factors kept us on our toes. But it was a month where we all learnt a lot What I’ve come to realize is that people in these small towns are very welcoming and friendly. Hospitality for the Ashaninka people were shown through traditional face paint. They also gave us bracelets and ear rings, of which mine was hand made by Andrea, one of the widows daughter!
Living in the jungles was a stretch for a lot of us. Living in our tents with high humidity and hot temperatures, and the constant insect bites and from various unknown insects, we quickly learned to drop our comfortability of what we know living in North America, and embraced the way locals lived here.
Because of the changes of plans, we weren’t able to do the construction work we hoped to do for the orphanage, so instead, we went to the local schools and spoke with the students. We would open up with introduction and playing games such as Ninja and 4 corners to break the ice. Each time we visited a school, we would share with them a little bit of how God has impacted our lives and what it means to be a Christian. I spoke about during our life’s toughest struggles, we can find peace through God. Many of my teammates spoke about how God impacted their lives. At the end of the day, we would share the important message that it was not my works but by faith alone that we are saved and brought into a relationship with Jesus.
Because we lived with the widows and the orphans, we had a chance to spend time with them and speak into their lives, to encourage them in their faith with God when we weren’t doing assigned ministry. It was a beautiful time of connecting with them and building relationships. What was also a surprise to me was meeting the very few Christians that were there in these towns. Wilson in particular had the passion for God that I haven’t seen in a person for a long time. He was incredible, and being with Him really encouraged my walk with God. He would lead us in devotional every morning, share a mini sermon, and lead us in Spanish worship.
The second half of the month, we spent our time in a new town called Cubantia. When we arrived, we were warmly and eagerly welcomed. The local students gave us baskets of fruits and vegetables and the towns people dressed us in traditional clothing and adornments. Through Gods divine appointment, we had a chance to partner with other missionaries from the ministry called Camino de Vida. They lead a school kids events where we had the pleasure to help them out. It was so cool that Daniel actually knew one of the missionary there from his prior visits to Peru, yet there we are in a far remote town, many years later where our paths crossed for only that one day.
Through all these, I realized these kids were always super curious about us. They would run and surround us in whatever we are doing. There wide eyed curiosity reminded me of how Jesus calls us to be if we are going to accept the kingdom of God.
Another great moment of God’s divine appointment was how the principle of the elementary school needed a photo of the school from above to send to the government. It just so happens we were there at the right time, and that I had brought a drone. In that very hour, I was able to fly the drone and transfer the files to her via USB. She knew it was God’s appointment and that it was a real blessing. I am very happy that I finally have a powerful use for the skills God has given me in video work. Partnering with Connor for video editing, we both were able to bless President Freddy, the town folks, the school board, and the ministry by creating multiple videos that they can use to further their town. We even made a video specifically for President Freddy with a little testimony of our lives.
Coming out of Peru, we’ve learnt a lot and it will always be a memorable time living in the Jungle. Please pray for President Freddy for him to continue welcoming missionaries with open arms and for him to find life in Jesus. Please pray for the town folks of Rio Tambo and Cubantia and the Widows and Orphans here. Thank you guys for your continued support and prayers!
