Peru Ministry Team Conference

The second full week in February was our ministry team conference time. Once a year all the missionaries in our Mission (Baptist Mid-Missions) meet for five days for spiritual refreshment and fellowship. We also use the time to evaluate our ministries, and make a strategic plan on how to further the cause of Christ together as a team.

We can honestly say we work with some of the greatest servants in the world.

This BMM camp week this year was one of the hardest we have ever experienced. Our colleagues, Samuel and Bethany Rojas were expecting a son and Beth was six months along. Due to life threatening condition to her, the doctor was forced to take the baby by c-section. The little fellow only lived for a very brief time. So in the middle of the week, we had a funeral at our camp. Beth was not able to be present for the funeral or burial. She was still in the clinic recovering.

The funeral service.

Several of the missionaries sang a special at the funeral and I was asked to bring the message. Ruth also ministered in song in a trio.

The tiny casket broke our hearts. It looks big in this picture, but consider the size compared to the roses.

After the funeral, we went to the cemetery for the burial. I read some Scripture and we had prayer. Then after the casket was lowered, the missionary men took turns filling in the hole with a shovel. A sobering moment for all of us as we grieved with the family.

The next day, Beth was released from the clinic. This was a happy time for the Rojas family who rejoiced to see their Mommy again. Ruth took a lot of pictures during the funeral and burial for Beth in case she wanted to see them later.

This is Sam with his three children in the absence of his hurting wife. Sam showed God's wonderful grace during this difficult time. But it was a very hard time for him.

Ruth caught this happy moment when the family was reunited.

Mommy and daughter see each other for the first time after several days.

Samuel and Bethany are choice disciples of Christ who serve in southern Peru. Pray for the Lord to strengthen and comfort them. No one comforts like Jesus!