The Conchucos Team

Pictured above are the people and their families who are serving in the Northern and Southern Conchucos Valley. They live in places that are isolated and often difficult to reach due to hazardous road conditions. These places are dominated by tradition and syncretism. As they serve they are also learning to speak the local dialect of Quechua. From April 3 through 6 they will receive further training on Bible Storying and  leadership development.  Please pray that through their studies the team will be better prepared for reaching the people God has called them to reach!

Caraz ~ Searching for a Man of Peace

This week a team of 4 (with 2 translators) from the South Fork Association in North Carolina will return to the city of Caraz at the north end of the Huaylas Valley. While there the team will prayer walk, witness, study the Bible with new Believers and perhaps conduct a service project.  In Luke 10 we are given a model to follow, to seek a “man of peace.” Thus far, we have not yet identified this person in Caraz. Please pray we find this person to partner with so we may better continue the task we have been commanded to do.

(Pictured above are 2 ladies selling corn, beans and onions in the central market in Caraz.)

Huallaga Quechua ~ Recap

First let me say that I could never create a story on my own that would describe our trip last week with the Riverland Hills Church. I don’t think the most creative writer of fiction could either. It was an adventure that few have experienced and only by trusting and submitting to our Lord did we "survive."  This past week 14 Believers and an incredible group of Huallaga Quechua and Spanish translators presented themselves for service in Huánuco. They were continuously challenged by:
1. rain and more rain
2. mud and more mud
3. illness,
4. thievery
5. oxygen levels at elevations of 13,000 feet (only 63% of what you are probably breathing right now)
6. unfamiliar food
7. 6 hours (minimum) of travel daily on single lane roads where one couldn’t lean over far enough to see the bottom
8. trucks and taxis stuck in the road and blocking the way
9. an incompetent missionary driver who backed into a ditch (name withheld by request)
10. fatigue
11.   cancelled flights
12.   and I know I have left something out!

All were rewarded with occasional sunshine, breathtaking views, friendly people, smiling faces of children, barley coffee, and fresh boiled potatoes.

But more importantly, they were rewarded with continuous protection by the One who called them to GO. It is only by God’s power we can do anything. One person said he believed that the enemy did not want us to be there as we were constantly being attacked. I hesitate to give any kind of “credit” to the enemy but in this case I must agree. And these are the kinds of places we must go to.

The teams’ response, in spite all of the above, was to begin planning another trip to this area. This is what God’s people do and in doing so glorify Him.

Again, thank you for your prayers and I hope you are going to places where you aren’t wanted!  ; ) 

(The above picture was taken in Llacsa at the medical clinic. It is at least 4 hours from town, at the end of the road and at an elevation approaching 13,000 feet. One man walked 5 hours to see the doctor. There is a very modest church building there but no resident remembers a worship service ever occurring or a priest visiting the village.)

Huallaga Quechua ~ Huallmish, Boronda, and Llacsa

Next week I will be venturing away from the Huaylas Valley and traveling to the eastern side of the Andes to work with a team from South Carolina and a fellow M. The People Group is the Huallaga Quechua and they number about 50,000. This will be a medical trip and the team leaders will also be considering adopting the area where we will be working. We will be in Huallmish, Boronda and Llacsa. Pray the clinics will open doors to share the gospel, for discernment on the part of the leaders and as always, safe travel.

Closing Worship ~ ¡Porque Él vive!

The closing worship at the conference is always a very special time. Though some had begun to make their way back to parts unknown, many stayed until the last song was sung. One of my favorites ¡Porque Él vive! (Because He Lives) was sung and please know it is no less inspiring when sung in Spanish. At times like these I cannot help but think I am seeing a glimpse of heaven when every knee will bow and every tongue confess....
Romans 14:11
As always, thanks for your prayers.