All of the "new creatures"What a glorious day! We began with words from Chris Russell who explained his testimony. He had recently accepted Christ into his life and began growing in his faith through the Essentials class at church. When he began researching baptism and what it meant for a believer, he knew he wanted to be baptized…and what a better place and time than at the end of our trip, with our Peruvian family, in the ocean! He and his wife Jennie are extremely thankful to all of you who are helping out with their kids in order for them to be here. As a team, we thank you for allowing them to be here!
There was a fun surprise in our day that lead to pure joy. Matt Kolling, Sarah’s husband, decided to fly down for the baptismal service and join his wife in being baptized. There was not a dry eye in the room as the couple was reunited! Matt was thrilled to be back in Peru to not only witness Sarah’s baptism but to be baptized right along side of her.
With all of this excitement, we loaded the bus for the beach about an hour and half away. As we arrived at the Christian camp, many of us were overjoyed to see green grass where we could toss a Frisbee around before heading to the sandy shores. The beach was porous with crab holes but it was some of the finest sand we’d ever touched.
As our Peruvians siblings arrived, we spend time playing in the water, playing games and chatting. The baptism service then began with each person telling their story of how God had changed their life. How sweet it was to hear how God had grabbed a hold of each person’s heart in different situations, different points in life, in different countries.
Another sweet moment of the trip was Gerry's baptism because he was baptized by his son, Alex. A huge part of Gerry's story is the love his family had for him despite poor decisions he made. Through Alex's involvement at Woodlands, Gerry began attending and accepted Christ exactly one year ago today. How awesome!
Alex and Gerry after being baptized.The rest of the day was filled with swimming, body surfing, food and fellowship. Many of us drove under the waves and tried to catch a big one to ride back to shore. Unlike any other beach we’d been to, this one had an abundance of crabs called moi moi by the locals. The further out you swam, the more crabs there would be nibbling at your feet. Not to worry, they were small and harmless but it was the strangest feeling.
Dr. Bob enjoying the ocean.We ate some sandwiches at the hotel and then grabbed taxis to El Parque de Aguas. This fountain park was build to sway voters opinions in a recent election by providing the people of Peru a beautiful park filled with stunning displays. Some of the fountains can be played in and many of us got wet for the second time. It was a great way to end the day.
One of the fountains at the park.Trevor- would like to thank Bob and Doug for their teaching. He was humbled to rely on translators but witnessed many incredible things.
Parker- was overwhelmed by the love God has for us; the Peruvians were in awe of us, but think of how much more God loves us!
Nancy- increased her prayer with and for patients. As she’s in a transition state of life, she wants to be in places like Condevilla and praying about how her gifts can best be used.
Bree- gives thanks to the water boys for their constant encouragement. She was in tears when people refused work when they desperately needed it. The cultural differences were hard to understand.
Bret- prayed for extractions and was able to do them. One person needed 5 teeth out and answered with, “Ok, As long as I’ve got enough teeth to eat with…”
Sarah- “my gifts are good.”
PRAYER REQUESTS:
* Please pray for our last day in Peru. We will be going back to Condevilla to hand out vitamins and basic supplies to the least- outcaste people living on top of an Inca burial site. The original plan to go swimming with the sea lions was cancelled due to the size of the waves.
*Please pray for our safe travels returning home…for the many bus, taxi, car and plane rides.
*Please pray for the 6 of our teammates who will be staying an extra day to do some follow up ministry at La Esperanza Viva on Sunday before returning home.
who Photoshopped Matteo into that picture?? ;)
ReplyDeletePraying for a safe wrap up and return!!