On the road again.....Pomabamba

On November 17th I will have the privilege of traveling with John Grady, the leader of our Ancash Quechua Team across the mountain to Pomabamba. It was in this area, over 10 years ago, that God started telling me "stay tuned, got something else in store for you and if I told you now, you wouldn't believe it."
Though there has been a missionary presence there and in the Northern Conchucos for a number of years, it is only recently that we have seen the harvest begin. We will visit with the Fleetwood’s and while there John will lead part of the Bible study time.
Please PRAY that the Spirit will guide John to share scripture that will grab the hearts and minds of those who attend. It will be a time of bringing together outreach groups from Chuyas, Jancapampa, Rajra / Conopa, Tarapampa and Huanchacbamba for a time of worship and Bible study. Please PRAY especially that leaders in each group will make commitments to look after the spiritual health of those who live in their communities. In other words, that each group will have at least one identifiable leader who has a passionate vision of their family and community being transformed into a Bible-believing, Spirit-empowered, God-seeking community of faith in Jesus.
Also, PRAY for our safety as we travel. The rainy season began some time ago on the eastern side of the Andes and the roads have begun to deteriorate.

In the top photo are Pedro and his family listening to Christian music, perhaps one of his favorite songs that says:

Sing of your victory, Brother
Don't be discouraged by the struggles
By the struggles and tests that you face
Because we know we have a Savior!
When we die, we will carry nothing with us
Not profit nor riches
Because we have in heaven
Great gain and a crown!

Amen!!!
(Photo credits - Russ y Sonia)

Recuay and Beyond

Arriving this week to work in the Recuay area will be Phillip and René of North Carolina. They first came to Peru in 2004 and have faithfully returned every year and many times since then to disciple and baptize. Pray they will have safe travel throughout their journey as well as stamina walking the mountains as they teach, “Who is Jesus?”  Pray that God will lead them to the people and places where He is already working. Also pray for Erick and Luis, their translators.
(Show above is Phillip assisting Pastor Victor in the baptism of Dominga. Inset- Phillip and René. – Photo composition credit – Anibal Salazar))

Jesup Serving in Yungay, Mancos and Ongo

On Friday, a team of 5 from FBC - Jesup, GA will arrive in the Huaylas Valley. They, along with translators Anibal and Erick, will be serving  in Mancos , Ongo and Yungay. In these towns of are many opportunities to minister to the children. Pray for safe travel and good health and that  Pastor Joel, his wife Hilda, missionary Maria and the team will find ways to connect with the parents of the children.
(Pictured above are Creston, Earl, Edna and Ricky. Miriam was not available.)

Lifepoint Church (Ohio) to Pararin, Tapacocha and Cotaparaco

This weekend a team of 6 from Lifepoint church and their translator Fernando will arrive and be working in the Cordillera Negra.
The team has asked that you pray with them for the following:
1. To establish healthy relationships with new government officials in our villages.
2. God would provide places to stay in all three villages that we hope to minister to.
3. That we would be be able to quickly determine Gods activity and join Him in what he is doing in the villages.

(Pictured above from high on the mountain, the villages of Cotaparaco and Tapacocha can be seen. PHOTO CREDIT - Carly Frazier)

Ingleside to Santa Cruz, Huaylas and Macate

On Sunday the Ingleside team (Carter, , Jaime & Mijail)  will be traveling down the valley and then back into the mountains to visit pastors and leaders in churches they have partnered with over the past years. We’ll be going to the Santa Cruz district, then Huaylas and on to Macate and Huanroc. The team requests you pray for them as follows:
“We are planning to do pastor encouragement, training and discipleship on this trip in response to the Great Commission. In addition, we will be planning the January Pastors conference as well as introducing the pastors/ leaders in Macate to "Training Pastors International", which is a 4-year seminary actually on site in Macate. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would be at work among these pastors and leaders.”

Thanks to those who pray!

Special Prayer Request

Today I have a special prayer request. Recently we had 2 of our short term missionaries in Recuay discover a very distressing situation in a village near where they were working. It involves 4 little girls who have had a serious skin condition since birth. The children have unsightly blisters and scaling about there bodies. They are cousins with 3 from one family and 1 from another. For now, the parents of the 3 have declined any help. We have arranged for the other girl to go with her parents and a national missionary to Lima for diagnosis and treatment.
I have included 2 photos. One is of Elisabet who is 8 years old. She apparently attended school for a short period of time but was teased by her classmates and now no longer attends. She is extremely shy and the smile you see in the photo is very rare. In a way, she will going to see the doctor for her cousin's also since it seems likely they suffer from the same problem. The other photo is of María, the national missionary who will assist them in Lima. She serves in Yungay for now but hopes to serve in Africa one day.

Please pray for:
1. Safe travel to Lima
2. Wisdom for María as she guides the family to their appointments.
3. Comfort to the parents and Elisabet as they encounter the big city of Lima.
4. Wisdom and discernment on the part of the doctor's as they try to diagnose the problem.

Thanks so much to those of you who faithfully pray....and to Victor C., Erick J. and Mindy for helping make this happen, ALL of you are numero 1!

Semester Missionaries in Recuay

This week in the Huaylas Valley we welcomed 2 young ladies and their translator who will be serving in Recuay until early December. They will continue the work of the summer missionaries and look for new opportunities.
Pray for Becca and Meagan and their translator Carmen as they adjust to the new culture. Also pray for them to build relationships with the adults and children as they make disciples.

Lifepoint and Chillicothe

Today a team of 5 and their translators are making their way to the Cordillera Negra. They will be serving in Pararin, Tapacocha and Cotaparaco for the next few days. This will be a vision trip of sorts for the group from Chillicothe. Pray for Jonathan, Carly, Charles, Cole and Terry as well as their translators Javier and Jerry. Pray they will connect with the people and identify more people hungering for God. Pray for the Chillicothe team as they learn the culture and seek to determine if these places are where God wants them to serve.
(above is a photo of the mountains in the area)

Carhuaz ~ Universal City and National Partners

Tonight a team from FBC-Universal City, TX arrived in Carhuaz. They will be serving alongside national partners from the Church in Lima and Carhuaz. A number of translators will be assisting them for the next 5 days. While there they will split into 10 groups to evangelize and assist with the local food program. Universal City has been working in this area for several years and is now in the process of passing the ministry off to local Believers.
Pray that the local Believers will catch the vision and continue the ministry without outside assistance.
(Shown above is a dance group at one of the many fiestas and below are some of the translators that will be serving.)

Pray for the New President of Perú

Today, Ollanta Moisés Humala Tasso, will take the oath of office and become the new president of Perú.
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Also, pray that all people will come to know that our hope is not in government or men, but in Christ.

Bells Shoals Medical team in Marca and Huayllapampa

A team from Bell Shoals Church (Florida) began a door-to-door medical ministry in Huayllapampa today. They will return there tomorrow then minister for 2 days in Marca. They will separate into 2 teams allowing them to contact more people and also share the Gospel in a more personal way.
(Pictured above is a statue near the river in Marca. The statue depicts the traditional dress of the ladies there.)

Where He is Working

Later this week a team of 4 from the South Carolina Convention will be coming. They will minister in Recuay, Ocunan, Utcuyacu and Huaripampa. They will be prepared to share what the Bible says about being a spouse, parenting and resisting the temptations of the world. We have tried to make plans for their time here but it just seems everything isn’t falling into place like WE think it should. This is often the case but I have always found God to be faithful in leading us to people and places where He is already working.
Pray for April, Will, Leigh and Gloria (above) as they seek those people and places.

Work continues in Caraz

A couple of weeks ago, a team from the South Fork Association (North Carolina) ministered in Caraz. While there doors began to open. Two of the team members, pictured above, stayed behind to continue the work. Since then they have continued to conduct Bible studies, teach in the schools, show the Jesus film and build relationships with town officials, the police and just about everyone else they encounter. Pray these relationships will grow even stronger and that people will see the love of Christ in Bartley and Krystle.
(Pictured above – Bartley and Krystle with local policemen. This is rather unusual as police usually refuse to have their photo taken. Perhaps Bartley bribed them with ice cream.)

South Fork team to Caraz, Again!

For the second time this month, a team from the South Fork Association (NC) will be working in Caraz. Pray for this team of 6 as they continue to build relationships begun by the last team and that they will have many opportunities to share the Word with those who have been coming to the evening Bible studies. Two of the team will stay and continue to minister for another 5 weeks. More on their ministry in the next post. We are thankful for the commitment these folks have made to reaching the lost in Caraz.

First Baptist Jackson returns to the Northern Conchucos

This next week a team of 18 students and adults from First Baptist Church, Jackson, MS will be serving the Northern Conchucos Quechua in the Pomabamba area. They will conduct evangelism classes and medical clinics.
Pray for safe travel and good health for those that are traveling.
Pray that the team will be able to identify those who truly seek to know more about Jesus and that they will come to know The God of the Bible is the only one who is worthy of our worship.
(The photo above is in Jancapampa, elevation 11,500' , one of the villages where the team will be serving. The Gospel has been shared in this village many times but only recently have we begun to see lives truly changed. We pray the Holy Spirit will continue to penetrate their hearts.)

By the way, click on the above photo to enjoy a better view of this beautiful and special place.

Lifepoint Church to Cotaparaco

This week, a team from Lifepoint Church, Delaware, Ohio will be ministering in the village of Cotaparaco in the Cordillera Negra. Team Leader "Ro" requests that we pray specifically for:

* We can continue to build strong, lasting relationships with people in the village
* That spiritual leaders in village will rise up and take lead
* Our words and actions will impact the lives of the villagers to come to Christ
* Help us break down the barriers for the men in the villages, especially those who rely heavily on alcohol
* Allow us to step out of our comfort zone and give us confidence so that we may effectively share our stories

Already, their visit has been delayed due to their flight being cancelled. Pray there will be no more delays.

(Pictured above is the unique plaza in Cotaparaco with it's meticulously sculptured topiaries.) 

South Fork team to Caraz

A team of three from the South Fork Association in North Carolina will be working in Caraz through June 14th. Their team will also include two translators from Lima and Huaraz. They will conduct Bible studies in the hotel, show the movie “La Esperanza” and continue to build relationships in the community.
Pray that God will give them direction, that they will identify new seekers of the truth and that they will continue to build relationships in the area.
(Pictured above is a lady in the Caraz market carrying her baby and the team translators.)

Summer Missionaries in Ancash

Arriving tomorrow and pictured above is the team of summer missionaries and their translators who will be serving in the Recuay area for the next 7 weeks. They come from Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland and Peru. They will lead adult and children's Bible studies, teach English, disciple believers and look for new opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray that the team will adjust rapidly to the high altitude (11,100') and enjoy good health as they serve. Pray that they will see and respond to opportunities as Christ would. Pray that the ladies, children and men they come in contact with will truly hear the Message.

FBC Yazoo City Youth Recap

What do you get when you have a focused, energetic, well-prepared  and "prayed up" team of 21 from Mississippi + 4 of the best translators in Peru? Answer - An incredible week serving the Lord! They served in the plaza in Huaraz, in the local university, Huancapama, Recuay, Ocunan and Utcuyacu with great success. Through Bible-storying, testimonies and crafts, they shared the Good News boldly and faithfully.
Pray for the little ones above, that they will grasp the true meaning of the stories they heard and the meaning behind the crafts they made. Pray for the Yazoo Team, that they will continue to grow in their faith. (Yazoo team - you were an awesome group, come back anytime!)

~ Pictured above are some of the faces in the village of Utcuyacu & one of the team members with Erick, translator, sharing a Bible story.~

Election Runoff for President on Sunday

On Sunday, June 5th, the people of Peru will cast their vote for the next president. Many businesses will close and there will be no church services. Peru has been blessed with economic growth the past few years, construction is going on everywhere, the highways are better than I have ever seen and the country has once again been peaceful after many years of violence. Many are fearful that the economy will regress, others think the government needs to do more for the poor and some speak of  a possible return to a violent  government. No matter who wins, the next five years will be very interesting.
Pray that the people of Peru will select the best person to lead the country. Pray for the next president whether it be Keiko Fujimori or Ollanta Humala, and that they will serve all the people of Peru in an unselfish and wise manner.

First Baptist - Yazoo City Youth Team

This week, youth from First Baptist Church, Yazoo City, MS will be coming to the Huaylas Valley and Huaraz to minister in neighboring villages. They will conduct backyard Bible studies, share their testimonies with children and other youth and experience playing futbol (soccer) at 11,200 feet. Pray for safe travel, good health and that they will find ways to connect with those they minister to.

Macate and Santa Cruz Recap

The team returned yesterday from Huanroc and the Santa Cruz district after having a very productive week. As is often the case, it exceeded our expectations. In Huanroc, the team taught "Pioneer Evangelism" to a very faithful group of about 25 each night. They left their fields early and got home far after their usual bedtime to attend the training. Pray for these fellow believers who will soon be going out in their communities with new skills to reach others.
(Top photo - Esperanza, Pastor Victor Saenz with new believers. 2nd photo - Pastors Josue, Raul, Juan Julio and others. Bottom photo - Some of the faithful attendees just before the last session in Huanroc)
NOTE - If you would like to hear a praise song sung in Huaylas Quechua by Juan Julio Huaman, middle photo in his distinctive hat, go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X13QL_OVqFM

To Santa Cruz, Huaylas and Macate

Later this week a team from Ingleside Church (Macon, GA.) will make their way to the end of the Huaylas Valley. After a day in Santa Cruz in the Cordillera Blanca some of us will travel to Macate in the Cordillera Negra. The team will minister in various ways in these places and will encourage the local pastors and leaders. The team has asked that you specifically pray for:

* Flexibility to deviate from their plans if God has other plans for this team
* Safe travel and good health
* Willingness to serve in any capacity that God asks of them
* The Holy Spirit to be upon each of them to give them power, boldness, and the words that the Lord wants them to speak
* Opportunities to witness
* For God to open the hearts of the Peruvians who will hear these messages and lead them to salvation and transformed lives - that those who are already believers would be encouraged in their walk with the Lord
* For the lost in Peru to come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ
* That the families these men are leaving behind will feel the arms of the Lord carrying them during this trip and providing for all of their needs
*That the Lord will be glorified in all that these men say and do.

Thank you for your willingness to be a part of this mission through prayer. I know these men will feel covered and empowered through them. Glory to god! ~ Ingleside Team - May - 2011

(Ingleside Church has been a Strategy Coordinating Church for about 10 years. They have invested there lives and resources to reach the people of this area. If you believe your church is ready to "get out of the boat" please let me know. We at REAP North will assist you in finding a place to serve. Also, I know that Ingleside will be glad to share their experiences with you.)

Return to Llacón and Llacsa

While in Llacón and Llacsa we were blessed with good weather and far better roads than on the last trip. The team from Riverland Hills has begun to build relationships and learn more about the people and their worldview. We encountered one group who did not know: (1) the "connection" between God and Jesus Christ (2) That God loves them and (3) how to pray. Above is a photo of calla lillies and a burning candle before the image of Christ in the little and all but abandoned church. I see this as evidence that at least one person in the village is searching for the One True God who loves them and wants to have a relationship with not only them but everyone.
Continue to pray for the Huallaga Quechua and the Riverland Hills team as they search for methods to reach the people of these villages and beyond.

A New Work in Llacón and Llacsa

A team of 5 from Riverland Hills Church (Irmo, S.C.) is now making their final preparations to come to Perú. This will be their first official trip to Llacón and Llacsa, villages they have adopted in the department of Huánuco. At the end of the road in Llacsa there has never been any evangelical presence. Their ideas and beliefs are very different from ours. Pray for the folks from Riverland Hills and our translators Gladys and Robert as they begin to build relationships with the Huallaga Quechua, learn their culture and find bridges to share the Gospel.

Semana Santa in Yungay

This weekend and most of next week, our Strategy Coordinating church from Jesup, Georgia will be ministering in the city of Yungay. While there they will conduct Bible studies, prayer walk in the city, hand out tracts and witness. Pray that their efforts will not diminished by the Semana Santa (Holy Week) fiestas and noise.

Presidential Election in Peru

 Things are getting quite lively here and around the rest of the country. Many people are traveling  back to their hometowns for the big election tomorrow. Citizens are REQUIRED by law to vote. Among the frontrunners are a congresswoman, retired soldier, former prime minister, former mayor and a former president. Pray the elections will run smoothly and peacefully. Pray that the most capable and most honest person will be elected.