Oops...I Forgot I Have A Blog :)

So, I was kindly reminded last night about this blog and how I have not written anything in a very long time (July 30th, I believe was the last entry).

I want to apologize. I have let my habit go and that makes me sad. ;(

BUT I'M BACK! So, let's get this thing started once again.

It is amazing to me that we've been here in Lima, Peru for 7 months! It's a whole new world still to me but I do feel much more settled in. Time does that, doesn't it?

The challenge for me, in addition to the normal desparately needed prayer for learning Spanish well, is beginning to get from the Lord what specifically He wants me to be involved in here. I mean, I have my ideas but as Scripture says, "Proverbs 16:9 'In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.'"
So, I need much patience but also intentionality to pursue that part of God's Kingdom that he's placed on my heart.

To this end I'll share here the verses that REALLY light a fire in my heart:
Proverbs 31:8-9
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."

I was drawn to come here because I wanted to be a part of the Lord caring for those dear souls who are lost and oppressed and need to surrender their hearts as well as their needs to the Lord.

And Ezekiel 11:19-20
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Plus, there is the constant need for people to be shepherded in and encouraged in this reality: God does in fact have the power to change a heart - to change a life. No one is beyond hope and no believe ever needs to dispair for his/her own failures or others. God is in the business of changing the very nature of sinners. I love this story!

All for now. I'll write a little later.
Jim