November in Trujillo

Sunday, November 8, we boarded a bus bound for Trujillo. Stanley has made this 9 - hour trip many, many times. But for me, it was only my second time. The double-decker bus had a good noon meal and snack later. It showed 4 movies and one of them was “Fireproof!” How great to see that again – even in Spanish! We spent our weeks with Evelyn and Steve Stilwell, veteran missionaries of Peru. What examples, to this rookie, to see the time they spend in counseling, teaching, and entertaining their church members, Seminary students and fellow workers. Plus I learned some more Peruvian culture tips that I need to relate better with these wonderful Latin people. I was able to go to the local Christian school and observe several classes and get more practice speaking Spanish. The kids are always so patient with repeating words or phrases for me to grasp. See, the teacher can always learn from their students! Twice I had the opportunity to share a short devotional/testimony with the girls in the dorms in the evening at the Seminary. That was a stretching time to share publicly in Spanish. It was a blessing to be reminded and share what great things God has done.

The main purpose of making the trip was for Stanley to teach a modular course on pastoral theology at the Seminary. He has taught this class for many years, but it is still a joy to see how the students respond. They ask great questions and request personal time to discuss issues that they face on a daily basis. Yes, all those education classes at Tennessee Temple many years ago still help! But he too spent many hours counseling and discussing with other pastors concerns deep on their hearts. And the itinerant Lima preacher – for these few months – got to preach elsewhere too. His former church, Fe, had him teach a Sunday School class and he preached in two of the chapel services at the Seminary. The time was interrupted with Stanley making a weekend trip back to Lima to investigate potential land for the radio tower. He and Pastor Edward spent all day one Saturday seeking but as of today, there are no definite leads. This is our major prayer concern at time.

Thanksgiving in Peru? It was a first for me. We spent the day here in Trujillo with Steve, Evelyn and Martha Stilwell, David and Kandie Stilwell and their 4 children, Stephen and Molly Stilwell and their 4 children, 2 Arriba college-age girls and a couple who were recently married. The holiday is American and so was all of the food! We enjoyed a song fest in the afternoon. What a wonderful time to share and praise the Lord for another year of His protection, care and guidance.

The three weeks ended with a few Seminary board meetings and then graduation on Saturday. Eight Peruvians were sent out to different areas in Peru and Ecuador to begin serving in local churches. Sunday afternoon Stan and I hopped on the bus back to Lima and our little apartment there to continue the project of getting the radio station, tower and studio off the ground.

What does December hold? Hopefully we want to see the completion of the purchase of the radio license and equipment; finalize the acquisition of land for the tower; renew our efforts with the two families for Bible studies; and prepare for Christmas. Now that is another blog!