On Being a Missionary

Okay. So, the reality is there's no difference between serving the Lord here in Lima and in the States, my home country, when it comes to who the Lord is and who I am.

What I mean is, it seems like in order to be a missionary a Christian would have to be a super-Christian, one who really is close to Jesus and mature and strong. But, in reality, Jesus calls all of us to that whether we're in the States of overseas or wherever. It's always true that I'm weak and always need Jesus to forgive me and make me strong to be able to do anything. I will say, it's a little more intense here, than in the States because of the language/culture factor, though.

I also think that right now, I'm not completely hitting "culture shock" yet (as has been defined by others for me). I'm still in the honeymoon phase, I believe.

Sometimes I worry about when it will come and how hard it will be. But, that's not my concern today. I have things to do today, just like you do, right? So, that's all I'll concern myself with.

But, I do need to learn how to do this daily thing WITH Jesus and not on my own. I'm really good at having a time of reading the Bible and praying to Him but then the rest of the day I just do on my own. :(

Thankfully, Jesus works with me and inside me because He loves me and has changed me through His cross! And not because I am so good at being obedient (because I'm not...I have a long way to go).

Yo Soy Un Bebe...

Yes. It's true, when it comes to speaking Spanish, I am a baby. It hurts my pride and can be very difficult at times when you want to say something and it either doesn't come out at all or it comes out completely off base so that the person you are speaking with just looks at you and has no idea what you really want to say.

Ah...it's a good thing that the Lord is always and ever-ready to help in all circumstances!

Dios es bueno!
Siempre!

Earthly Worries and Fears

Just now, I am thinking about other missionary friends who are in great need of fundraising to either get to the field or to stay on the field.

I have to say that that is my fear; that we'll have to go through the same thing.

However, there are several things I know to be true in our lives:
* God loves us and will put us where He wants us to serve and when He wants us to serve there; it's completely His choice
* He is faithful to provide what we need when we need it; whether that's support to stay here in Lima long-term or to go to the States and remain there or wherever
* Lastly, I know that we must do our part by faith; God has called us to be support raisers...that is a part of our life now as overseas missionaries; and it will always be a part of our life. So, we will take it day by day and week by week, making the contacts we need to so that people and churches catch the vision God has for Lima and for ministering through the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8, 9).

So, it's Friday night and Sara and I just got back from a date. Whew-hew! A date in Lima, Peru. How fun.

Thank you, Lord, for the chance to go out with my wife! We went to Jockey Plaza - a mall like place where TONS of Limenans go on Friday night. I mean, this place was PACKED! We were able to see a movie. It was pretty good and then we had time just to look around and even get ice cream.

Anyway, nothing "exciting" to report on a blog like this, I guess, you'd say. But, it was a blessing to me and sara.

Playing Hookey

Is that how you spell the word? I'm not sure. But, today, Sara and I played "hookey".

Why? Because last night our family had a meltdown. It was a tough night all around for the five of us. At the time it seemed like the reasons were right in front of us: bad attitudes, laziness, failure to do what I said I was going to do, etc.

But, when we met with the Lord and our team leaders, Mark and Lori, this morning, it became evident that the reasons for our meltdown were (are) deeper than that. All five of us are feeling culture shock on some level and all of us in one way or another are feeling, "Okay. We've had a great visit here in Peru. Let's go home."

So, we're at the place where we are very aware of our NEED for Jesus to save us and pour out His love and be our strength and helper.

Thanks, Lord, for always bringing us HOPE when we want to give up all hope.

Hugo

Last Tuesday night I went to pay my rent to our landlord. His name is Hugo. He is Peruvian and he speaks English pretty well. It's been a good thing to have him as our first landlord.

We had a great time of visiting with one another. I think we spent 2 hours together! We talked about music (which he loves; and, rightly so, is very proud of Peruvian music) and religion.

Please, ask our King Jesus to draw Hugo very close to Himself. Clearly, He has led me to Hugo to develop a relationship and share my life with him as a new Peruvian friend. So, ask the Lord to use me in his life in a way that will bring the Kingdom more into Lima than before.