Our First 100 Days
(June 5 - September 13)
By Ruth Templeton
I was recently listening to a pod cast of Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She had a guest that mentioned that she had begun to list all of her struggles and it became overwhelming and not edifying at all. It was a wrong focus. So, my intentions are not to list our woes but Merely share what God has done in our lives these first 100 days in the capital city of Lima.
We arrived Saturday morning, June 5, and went to fellow BMM missionaries Gary and Penny Whipple's home in Chaclacayo, about 25 miles outside of Lima proper. They have been here for over 25 years and have recently completed a new church plant and building in Ate. They call "home" in the States western PA, so we had another special kinship. But they were "blessed" with our presence for not a mere 4 days but almost 4 weeks! Yes, the Lord put us on hold as far as moving to a property that we thought we should have. God had other plans. Yes, it was difficult during those weeks to see how the Lord was leading as far as housing was concerned. Gary and Penny were so gracious to show us around the city and reacquaint Stanley - it's been 24 years since I lived here. We were able to begin a Bible study with a family in Comas, about two hours away on the north side of the city. That study has continued and it is such a blessing to heard their questions and see their interest in spiritual matters. I will say that the 7th Day Adventist have been active here in the city along with the Jehovah's Witnesses.
June 29 we took a bus ride of 9 hours to Trujillo to retrieve some of the furniture and other items needed to setup housekeeping in a two bedroom apartment in La Molina. It was a whirlwind trip and after loading a moving truck, Stanley, Wilfredo and I Hopped into our Pathfinder (car) to make the drive to Lima. About an hour outside of town we noticed that the car was not shifting properly and another hour down the road, we knew that we could not go on. Praise the Lord that we broke down in the town of Chimbote where fellow missionaries, the Steve Stilwell family, live and serve. It was afternoon and they took our car to a mechanic and fed us an awesome Peruvian meal. We had to leave the car and take a bus back to Lima. (That was July 2 - Happy Birthday, Stanley ?!!!!) After arriving early in the morning, we met up with our moving truck at the apartment and the landlords shocked by all of the stuff that we had. Fortunately, we are able to store many things at Fetzer Christian School. Wilfredo was a great blessing in helping us setup the gas stove, washer, dryer, refrigerator, clothes poles, and so much more. What a servant's heart and dear friend to Stan. So we settled into our little nest on the third floor.
Most of July found us going to public Internet places to keep in contact with the folks back in the States, walking to the market, preparing for the Two PA groups coming in August; getting our visas, checking into possible radio stations, and starting another Bible study. Yes, the Lord has given the opportunity to share the salvation of Cornelius (Acts 10) with our landlady. She and her husband (White & Peter) came to Stanley and asked if I would share with them! We still trust the Lord to work in their hearts. We both believe the Lord led us to this apartment for that very reason.
Pastor Edward, Margaret and their three children left Trujillo by bus and went to Chimbote to retrieve our "fixed" car and drive it down to Lima - a normal 6-hour trip. Sad to say, those 6 hours turned into 18 hours. The transmission was not fixed and they could not go over 30 mph, nor in reverse. As of now, the Pathfinder is still awaiting the mechanic to work on it again.
But we are so grateful to have Pastor Edward and his family join us as a new Lima team. Stanley and I are quite the duo and work so well together.
Late in the evening of July 31, Pastor Edward, Stan and I met the group from the Church of the Open Door (Fort Washington, PA) at the airport. They got to sleep in one day but then it was "hit the road running" the rest of their 9 days here. They ministered through VBS programs in 3 different towns. The numbers of children and moms ranged from the 30's up to the 90's. We know of one boy at Manchay who was ready to receive Christ and one of our precious translators had that opportunity to bring him to the Savior. Two of the areas that we held the clubs are new works and it was a blessing to reach out to those communities and Encourage those new works. Thank you India Crew (teens & leaders) for your service to the Lord and people of Peru.
After a day and half of "rest" and preparing for round two, we met the Calvary Baptist group at the airport. This is our sending church from Lansdale, PA and they came to work. I mean work - like with a pick, shovel, mortar, trowel, etc.. Their goal was to help the phrase Horeb Baptist Church with two of their building program. In four short hours of work, this group of mixed ages, from 13 - 70, tore up concrete, put in footers, tore down a brick wall and built two others. It was amazing to see them work so well together. It reminded me of Nehemiah and his crew that worked on the walls of Jerusalem. When we dropped them off at the airport, they were super tired but so pleased with what the Lord allowed them to do.
Let me assure you, we did have some "fun things" planned for both groups. Shopping downtown at the Indian markets was a highlight for guys and girls alike. We also took the Mirabus - an hour long open, double decker bus tour around Miraflores. From there they got to see the beautiful, upper class part of Lima and we drove along the Pacific coast too. One evening we took in the colorful magical fountain / light show. A few of the braver souls chose to get wet on this excursion! It is winter here, so that was a chilling experience. Of course we ate at several of the American fast food places as well as Peruvian restaurants. Praise the Lord, there were only 2 cases of slight sickness among 39 people during these twenty days.
The rest of the month of August found Pastor Edward Stanley and scanning the city and countryside for property on Which to build homes and adequate space to place the radio tower and studio. Praise the Lord with us that we are in the process of purchasing an AM radio station. Stan is holding his breathe until the papers are all signed Because in the past, complications had arisen. So the million dollar radio / church project is half way there. I am being stretch in my faith to see how the Lord provides and will continue too for the property that we will need for the tower and a place for the studio, church, and for the staff to live. In the Midst of this, I had read in John 20:29 as Jesus rebuked Thomas (the Twin), "... blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Thank You, Father, for the reminder! As of now, we have a possible site that would fit those needs but .... Time, renovations, and money will keep us seeking God's leading. So many people crowded into this widespread city and the radio can broadcast right into their homes and lives.
Thanks to so many of you - churches, individuals, couples precious, businessmen, widows, children's clubs, and family have given and prayed. You share in this effort and we hold high the responsibility Entrusted to us. These first 100 days have Strengthen our faith in the Lord and Increased our love for the souls of Lima. May I receive all of the glory!
