Pray for Huaylas

Ancash Research

2012-02-22T00:51:00.001-08:00

Leaving today for the uttermost parts of Ancash are two student missionaries and their translator. Jared, Jacob and Martin will be traveling for the next three months conducting research in areas that we know little about. Pray for their safety and health. Pray they will easily build relationships with the Northern and Southern Conchucos Quechua as they try to determine the health of the Church in these areas.
(Pictured above are Martin and Jared.)

North Carolina in Recuay

2012-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Already ministering this week in the Huaylas is a team from North Carolina. They have been leading Bible studies and ministering among the poorest areas in the Recuay area. Please pray for them this week and next as they faithfully serve and seek more opportunities to share with others. Pray for understanding by those who hear the truth from God’s Word.
(Pictured above is Phillip, Erick, their translator, Earl, René, and Marshall.)

UPDATE – The team was in town today to resupply and shared the news of 3 men who expressed an interest to follow Christ. Two of the men came to the Bible study the next day. During Q & A time, the men wanted to know more about security of the believer and speaking in tongues. Salvation by works is believed by many here and the charismatic movement has become more broad spread in the last two years. Pray for Phillip and Earl as they share what the Bible says about these topics.

2012 Conference Recap

2012-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that this years conference was a success! Believers came from the coast, mountains and jungle to be fed, to learn and be encouraged. We are thankful for many things but especially:
1. Dr. Joselito Orellana and Dr. David Sills (a fellow Mississippian) who met the challenge of presenting the lessons in a manner that could be grasped by farmers and seminary graduates. Not an easy task.
2. Pastor Andrés Caller of La Iglesia Evangélica Centro Bautista and more than 40 of his flock who dedicated their hearts and many hours of their time. A number of them left their jobs to serve before and during the conference: planning, cooking, feeding, providing worship music and many other aspects of service.
3. To our translators - who bridged the language gap. They were and are an indispensable and incredible blessing.
4. Ingleside Baptist Church of Macon, GA., the sponsoring church in the U.S. - for also giving guidance, counseling, providing child care and for bathing the conference in prayer before and during the conference. They are a long-time partner yet still humble and willing to learn.
5. And we are thankful to Our Heavenly Father, for by & through Him, all things are possible!
(A highlight of the conference was the baptism of two new believers by Pastor Jaime, a true hero of the faith, pictured above.)
Thanks so much to those of you who prayed! I know there were many.

7th Regional Conference

2012-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Excitement is building in anticipation of the annual conference this week. This is a time for learning but also encouragement to those who have chosen to break from their culture and follow Him. The team asks for prayers for the following:
1. First and foremost, that the Lord would receive the glory and honor due Him—and Him alone;
2. That through the conference, men and women, boys and girls, would be encouraged and their faith strengthened, and that they (II Tim. 2:2) would be equipped to teach others;
3. That God would continue to clothe the Church in the Huaylas area, and beyond, with the full armor of God to enable it to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11);
4. For Drs. Sills and Orellano and Pastor Andres (and the other speakers), that God would anoint their teaching and fill them w/ His Spirit;
5. For traveling mercy, for unity and health among our group, for the fellowship time among the believers that it would be rich and joyful, restoring the soul; and
6. For the translators, that their every word would be bathed in the Spirit of God, with His full anointing and power.
Thanks so much to those of you who are faithful in praying.
Pictured above are some of the people we will be serving, the speakers, our translators and some of the team members from Ingleside Baptist Church, Georgia. (Thanks to my son, Will Smith, for designing the composite.)

Manna Ministries

2012-01-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is Pastor Wilmer, his son Daniel and wife Marisol along with translator Freddy and Tony of Manna Ministries.
Manna Ministries has been ministering in the Aija Valley since October of 2004 and Wilmer and family have been serving there since October of 2011. Tomorrow they will travel to visit the various churches and believers.
Wilmer asks that you pray for safe travel and good health in the days ahead. He travels the area on motorcycle and often the roads are difficult to negotiate. He also asks that you pray he will grow in wisdom as he leads the ministry there.

On the road again.....Pomabamba

2011-11-16T04:31:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-05T04:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

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.

The Conchucos Team

2011-03-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-03-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

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.

Conference Update

2011-01-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

While the number of participants was not what we had expected, we were greatly surprised in that we have 8 different People Groups represented this year. Representing 4 of them are pictured above. (L to R) Juan Julio Huaman - Huaylas Quechua, Elvis Shantiori - Ashanika, Aquiles Tapullima - Shipibo, Jhoni Cenepo Sangama - Quechua San Martin and Alfredo Guimaraes - Shipibo. Pray that these men will find the information useful and will find ways to apply it to the cultures they represent.

Across this river and .......

2011-01-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous blog, many Believers have little opportunity for training. This applies to the people of the jungle more than anyone else. The Amazon Basin and jungle could be a synonym for UTTERMOST PARTS, and having been there, in my mind it is. I just received a request for prayer for 3 or 4 brothers who are planning to attend the conference. Pray that the funds ($) transfer for travel expenses arrives in a timely manner and once there, their travels will go well. Also, if God wills, maybe they will bring a friend or two. It is men like these who will carry the Gospel to the Uttermost Parts and beyond.....to people like Percy and his tribe, pictured below, on the Urubamba, who are still waiting.....

Sixth Annual Regional Conference

2011-01-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is a particularly busy and exciting time of the year for me here in the Callejón de Huaylas and Huaraz. For a number of weeks many people have been preparing for this annual event that continues in attendance. Pictured above is the main meeting place for this year’s conference, the Iglesia de Dios. We are expecting over 500 people from all over Perú to fill the sanctuary. Since most pastors, leaders and Believers have little opportunity for formal training this event is an opportunity to learn as well as fellowship with other Believers. Topics will include how to deal with alcohol abuse, recognizing sects, dealing with factions in the church and others.
Please join me in praying for those who will be attending, the speakers and those will be working behind the scenes during the meetings. More prayer requests will be coming later.

McNeese State Student Ministry

2011-01-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

As this is being written a team from McNeese State (La.) is making there way to Peru. They will serve in Huaripampa, Olleros, Huancapampa and Octuyacu. We will be working with Pastor Cristian who has been leading Bible studies in the area. The group will share their testimonies, conduct Bible studies and work with the children. Pray for safe travel and that attendance will be good at the various activities. Also pray for our translators, JB, Humberta, Eva and Alberto.

Pray for Huaraz

2010-12-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

For the past week there has been considerable unrest in Huaraz and the Huaylas Valley. One person was killed and a number were injured. All roads have been blocked to Huaraz, many businesses and government buildings have been damaged and the central market was looted. A strike has been taking place in protest of a mining companies exploration plans near Laguna Conococha. For the moment talks are taking place and we are hopeful order will return beyond the 5 day moratorium now being observed. Fortunately, I left the area Monday afternoon (Dec. 6) with a team and headed to Lima so they could catch their flight back to the US. I plan to leave Lima tomorrow and return to Huaraz for a few days. Pray that the negotiations will go well and all parties will seek peaceful solutions.

Pray for Caraz

2010-12-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

This week we will be working with Pastors Ken and Jonathan and from North Carolina along with our translator, Tavo. We will be in the northern extreme of the Huaylas Valley. While there we will be prayer walking, engaging people on the street and setting up a crusade for February 2011. We also hope to spend time with 2 new Believers at the hotel where we will be staying. Pray for the pastors and the translators as they seek to share the Gospel with the people in Caraz. Pray for the people we will encounter.

Please pass this on to other prayer warriors.

Stay Strong

2010-11-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our leaders in Tapacocha, Lucho and Claudia, pictured above with their sons Jesús and Jack. (They have a new addition who was not born at the time.) There are few, if any, other Believers to fellowship with and turn to in times of trouble and temptation. Pray that they will always turn back to the Word and know that people as far as 3,000 miles away are praying for them. Pray they will know "He is near."
Isaiah 55:6.

Planting and Watering

2010-11-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

This week, Shae and Samuel from Ingleside Church, Georgia, will serving in the Macate area. A while back, Shae spent 2 years working with the people in this area. While there, they will be renewing friendships and encouraging the local believers. They will also be planting new seeds and watering those planted earlier. Pray for their safety, that people will be placed in their path, touched by their presence and the message they are bringing.

Yungar

2010-10-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

A team from FBC-Universal City, Texas will be traveling to Yungar and several other neighboring villages to work with Pastor Fausto (far left) and members of his church. Five teams of 5 to 6 persons will live in various villages and minister.

Pray for safe travel, good health and opportunities to share the Good News as they train the local church in how to minister in this area.

Radical and Obedient

2010-09-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Zeke of Ohio as he serves in the village of Cotoparaco along with his translator Javier. They will be working with a local pastor in an effort to build up the church through Bible study and discipling. Pray that the pastor and his wife will be encouraged and that the people of Cotoparaco will have open minds and hearts.

Santa Cruz District Medical Team

2010-08-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Next week a veteran team from Ingleside Church, Macon GA will conduct medical clinics in the Santa Cruz district. In addition to the clinics, they will also share the Gospel. Pray for Kerry, Alex, Diana, Lee, Steve and Jason as they travel on Saturday and Sunday. Pray that they will take advantage of every opportunity to share the Good News and love of Christ.

Tapacocha

2010-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

This week a team from Ohio is working in several villages in the Black Mountains (Cordillera Negra). The team will be reaching out to Tapacocha, Cotoparaco and Pararin. In T and C they will be continue to sow seeds that have already been planted. They will continue to develop leaders and show them how to study on their own as well as how to evangelize. Pararin is new ground so they are hoping to establish relationships with community leaders to prepare for future influence of the Kingdom.

Pray for this team from Lifepoint Church in Delaware, Ohio and also the people they will come in contact with.

Hungering to Know More

2010-08-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago after showing the movie "La Esperanza" with a team from South Carolina in Huaripampa, we met Antonio. He is seated with his hat on in the center of the photo. Antonio simply thanked the team for coming and said he wanted to know more about God. Pastor C. from Huaraz invited him to visit the church in Huaraz and sure enough he showed up the following Sunday and the next. While there, we also traded Bibles with him since the one he had was inaccurate.
Pray for Antonio and Huaripampa; pray that this will be the beginning of a church that teaches the truth.

Already there will be a Bible study every other week in Huaripampa.

Pray for the Lost of the Huaylas

2010-08-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

Greetings from the Huaylas Valley of Peru!
This is the beginning of a new prayer blog I am putting together with the hope that you will join me in praying for the lost of the Huaylas as well as those who are serving here. I plan to post several requests each month and will also use this means to provide information and news.

The people of the Huaylas Valley need your prayers and they need a savior; they need Jesus in their life.

If you will join in this effort and commit to pray regularly for them, please send an email to me at ssbg1@yahoo.com

I will let you know when there are new prayer requests.

Blessings,
Tommy in Huaraz