How do you tell of an adventure that changes your life? Everything that I started to write and erase
sounded trite. I knew beforehand that
going to Peru would make things different for me and that it would open my eyes
to view the world more globally, but I did not expect to fall in love with a
country.
I went on a mission trip to Piura, Peru, where my church,
Powerhouse (in Katy), has a covenant church.
Jose and Kathryn planted the church four years ago. They left their convenience, died to
themselves, and stepped out in faith. A
mission team of 12 individuals, with varying backgrounds, all decided that
going to Peru would be the adventure that they chose. The list of cultures is amazing: Some native
Texans, an Alabama Slamma, a Nicaraguan, some Mexicans, a Puerto Rican, two South
Africans, and a Colombian. You would
think that this would be a volatile mix of cultures, just on differences alone,
but when their all Holy Ghost filled, then you have to watch out with what can
be done.
Day 1- Tuesday (Handed out flyers on the streets of Peru and
attended a Life Group)
The Peruvian culture struck me as stoic. As we walked along the street handing out
flyers, I used my broken Spanish to invite them from the street to the Life Group. I never got a smile only some blank
stares. That could be attributed to my
Spanish, but I was assured that I was making sense. Young men and women passed by hugged up on
each other and casually looked at the flyer.
Despite the aloof response from the people on the street, the Life Group
was on fire. The worship, the message,
the hospitality of the church members bowled me over. After several youth publicly confessed their
dedication to the Lord and were baptized in water. I could not believe how this small act of
obedience to the Lord moved me to tears.
Day 2- Wednesday (Went in to the schools and a girls’ night
out)
Today was full of smiles.
We joined the Peruvian Power Team in Mi Divino Nino Jesus to talk to the
children (ages 4-6) about child sexual abuse.
We were allowed to go in to the schools to talk to them about what to do
if or when they were victimized. Statistically,
one in three Peruvian children is a victim of child sexual abuse. How can I wrap my brain around that
fact? We provided them with a book
entitled “Cuentos que no son cuentos.”
We also showed them corresponding videos that show them what child abuse
might look like (exposure) and what to do if that happens. The children get to color a picture and
circle their private parts, the parts that nobody should see or touch. What was most powerful? The fact that we were able to tell the
children that God made them special.
That boys and girls are made special and unique. That God created our sexuality and it was not
to be abused. God. He was the center of the message. At the end of the presentation, the kids were
allowed to get an affirmation hug. It
had not hit me yet.
Later, all the ladies from the church went to Chili’s. Yes, I
said Chili’s to have a meal and fellowship.
The men were receiving a word and playing soccer at Hombres de Poder
(aka Man Church). One hundred and sixty
men were in attendance. Take to that
check to the bank and cash it.
Day 3- Thursday (Going in to the school/university and
leadership meeting)
We went to a different school today. Did I mention that the schools we went in to
were concrete slabs with four concrete walls?
Did I mention that it was a building that the average American would not
park their car? I think it would be a
disservice if I failed to mention that, or it might be construed that I was on
some sort of holiday. The kids all sat
on the floor while we gave the same presentation as yesterday. We talked about how secrets (about abuse)
were not okay and how they should tell someone they trusted. A woman from our church gave her testimony
about how she was victimized when she was a little girl. We did the affirmation
hug at the end. I knelt down on the
floor to be a Peruvian kid level. I had
kids run to me and squeeze me so tight.
They did not want to let go. Then
it hit me. I excused myself
outside. The Holy Spirit stirred
something in me that I did not know was there.
I have worked with kids who were victimized. I have worked with sex offenders. I have seen it all. However, those little bodies squeezing me
back and not wanting to let go made me lose my cool. In the small alleyway near the bathrooms, the
Holy Spirit tore my heart for these kids.
Can you fall in love with a cause? A people? A mission?
Later that night we went to the Universidad Nacional de
Piura to pass out water to the students and invite them to an outreach outside
the library that night. As we walked up
and down the main road passing out water, I was struck again with the lack of
smiles. Some took the water and kept
walking, but others stopped and talked to us.
They enjoyed practicing their English and I believe seeing someone who
took an interest in them coming to an event.
I would not say my gift is evangelism, but this was the exception. The excitement of being in a new country,
uncharted territory, and spreading the love of Christ in a different way, was very
breathtaking. The event consisted of
worship and watching Taller del Maestro (The Way of the Master), which answers
some basic questions about evolution vs. Christianity.
Following that, the church leadership had a meeting. Our Executive Pastor gave a word to the
leaders about the desires of a pastor’s heart and the things that pastors long
to say. Each American was called upon to
give their testimony. Everyone talked
about his or her personal growth within Christ.
We all have a story about how we are maturing in Christ. My story was about tithing. It is hard to explain to explain to someone
to give up 10% if their income. I was
one of those who lived in fear of how I would survive. The spirit of fear kept me chained to an
ordinary life. I was like a flower that
lived under a glass vase. I could only
grow so far. Tithing opened up the
windows of heaven (lifting off that glass jar) and I was blessed beyond
measure. I never lacked, I found a
better job, and my credit is excellent.
What do you have to lose, but what you already owe God?
Day 4- Friday (Fun day…God’s mysteries revealed)
This was our fun day.
We went with some of the members of the church to Chulucanas. There is an area there known for their
pottery (called La Encantada). They have
preserved the history of how the Inca people forged pottery by hand. The local was kind enough to open the shop
and give us a demonstration. He took a
hunk of clay and began to shape it with his hands. He narrated that when he starts he does not
know what it will be, but in the process of molding and refining it, the vision
becomes clear. It touched me how God
used this Peruvian man to show me how he was the Potter. He formed us from clay and uses His graceful hands
to mold and refine us. The potter used
the simplest tools and his worn hands to construct a beautiful sculpture and
while he did not know what it would be, once it went through the fire, it was a
beautiful creation. God is good.
In the afternoon we were able to go to the market to see the
trinkets and wares that were for sale. The hustle and bustle of the market was
a fun diversion from the seriousness of the trip. Nothing in Peru is firmly priced and all
goods and service transactions require some haggling. If you do not haggle, it seems as if this is
an insult to the culture. God revealed
to me how we do this with Him. We want
to negotiate with the Creator, that it has become our culture to wheel and
deal. This is not the culture of the
Kingdom. God’s ways are fair, just, and
firmly set.
The group spent the evening in Piata, where I was told, and
the youth worship team ushered in the Holy Spirit amazingly. I choose to stay
at home with Kathryn and the niños. I
spent this time learning the heart of a missionary. It changed the way I looked at my life, dying
to myself, and stepping out in faith.
How do I want to serve God?
Day 5- Saturday (Children’s outreach)
The morning was spent setting up the youth outreach that
would last in to the afternoon. There was a stage, bounce houses, games, and
God. The bounce houses brought out the
playful attitudes of even the adults! I think my favorite part were the
clowns. They were obviously new the
clown biz, but I think that might have been to their advantage, except when a
little girl took a juggling pin to the face.
Oops. The book “Cuentos que no son cuentos” was presented again. Another woman from our church was able to
give her testimony about the victimization in her childhood. How brave to stand before another culture and
have your trauma translated to children.
At the end, the children were asked if they needed to forgive
anyone. Nearly every child, and some of the
adults, raised their hand. Nearly.
Every. Child.
Day 7 (Church and youth group)
Sunday morning worship was amazing. The entire worship team was under 18 and the
raw talent and heartfelt seeking of the Lord stirred every spirit in that room. Our Executive Pastor preached a word about
obedience. How much more can you real
can you get? Dr. Ed Cole says that you
cannot make up with prayer, what you lack in obedience. Preach!
The last night was filled with young adult tomfoolery. Oasis is a group for jovenes adultos; yes,
that is I in Peru. Apparently, I am only
old in the United States. We grilled
meat on a fire pit and had the most amazing potatoes and played outstanding
games of valor (i.e. tug of war)! As we circled to eat, once again, several
Americans were asked to give their testimony.
I decided to talk about my sex life, or lack thereof. I explained how I worshipped my previous
husband as an idol and when he left, I thought I would fall apart. I took that song looking for love in all the
wrong places to heart. I did things to
shame myself before God. However, I
repented. I have given my life to the
Lord. He is my husband. Currently, I pray for God to send someone who
is more in love with Him than with me. In
addition, while I wait, I keep myself pure to honor him, even though I do not
know who he is yet.
Day 8-Monday (Back to reality)
Go home. Once I
arrive back in the States I thought I would be happy to come back to “reality.” However, I am struck with how much I miss
people that I have only known for 8 days.
How much I appreciated the culture of Peru. How I much I was excited by the vigor of
spreading the word of the gospel on the streets and at the university. How much I was in love.
