Chiclayo Peru
FAME AND GLORY
Thursday, June 26, 2008
What a Day!
We pretty much got Sean married off today. There was this cute little 14 year old girl that was really hung up on him. I think he was ready to kill us, but it sure was fun joking with him about it. By the end of the day, I had her walking up to him and calling him honey. Sorry Sean....
Shamon
Salvation Message
At 5pm, I was blessed with the opportunity to present the Salvation message to the adults. I felt pretty confident until I saw the numbers of women growing in the room. Julia translated the message very well. We asked questions and they answered with knowledge. Majority of the women prayed and received Jesus Christ as their Savior. At the end, Doris request for us to pray for her. Doris had a stroke 2 years ago and is paralyzed on her left side. Daniel prayed for her. It was very neat to see all members of the group layed their hands on her. I believe that Doris was blessed by our presence. God is good.
It was truly a pleasure for me to be at Ciudado de Dios. The community showed us love. Some of us got cooked meal from the school teachers. One of the ladies expressed that her daughter and her were happy that I visited them. They enjoyed my interacting with the children and as a result, she wanted to give me a present (necklace and earrings). This was awesome.
I am very happy that I am apart the Peru Missions Team.
God Bless!!!!
Novene
Ciudad de Dios- 6-26-08
What a blessing. But... we had not brought enough of anything. Ohohoh!!!!!
Well, we sang, we did some ABCs, shapes & numbers until Juan made more copies of our Creation booklet. Finally, we were able to do our Bible lesson, some more songs and all went well. We had 24 3-5 years old and 9 under 2, then about 40 more showed up with Yolanda and Novene, so you can imagine how much more we had to improvise. It was a challenge that turned into a blessing after all. By the afternoon we joined the volleyball teams , jumped rope with a group of the younger girls and ate a tone of dirt during the wole activity. The wind was very strong. But we had a ball! Andy borrowed someone"s motorcicle and showed of his skills.
The time spent with the adults went very well. The ladies were all very receptive. Praise God!
They were all ready to receive Christ as their personal savior. Novene did a great job sharing her testimony and the Plan of Salvation. Undoubtly, a day of many blessings.
Please pray for our final tournament as only God knows what will we encounter tomorrow.
See ya! In Christ's precious name,
Juia
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Wow!
I`m sorry to report that the ladies lost the first Copa de Gringo volleyball match, 10 to 0! These Peruvians are serious about their sports! Don´t worry, we plan on using part of our day tomorrow to practice in hopes that we might at least score one point at the championship on Friday. (To be honest, we were impressed that we got the ball over the net... and that´s only because we served first!)
(just as a side note... we´re being serenaded by a Peruvian in the hotel lobby. I`m not sure where he came from, but he´s pretty good. Shawn matched his skills by playing ¨Stairway to Heaven. Not quite the same genre, but it worked.)
To end, Peruvian driving tip number 352--
When driving a taxi, honk your horn only after you are mid-way through an intersection that has no stop signs or traffic lights, so that another taxi stops only inches away from your car. Your customers will give you a bigger tip because they´re greatful to be alive!
Ok, the Peruvian is now playing Hotel California and we´re all trying to remember the words-I have to go so that I can concentrate. Wait... now we´re on La Bamba. Have a great night, guys!
-- Yolanda
Day Two
Day One Recap
Tuesday!
Christian was worried that he would be run over by the kids here playing soccer, but he held his own with them, and even scored twice. He also gave a devotion yesterday, about God having a plan for each of their lives. He did great. My "baby" is really growing up-- I think he would have been fine on this trip without us, just goes off with the rest of the group and does his thing! He's already eaten cow heart and ceviche, and wants to try everything else he can. Let me tell you, the adults on this trip are amazed at how much this kid eats!
I was able to share a devotion with the kids yesterday, and then the plan of salvation with the adults as the camp was ending. Please pray that God`s Words are sunk deep into these people`s hearts. As you might know, this area is heavily entrenched in witchcraft.
Also pray for poor Novene and Wardel... they are still without bags!
Much love,
Yolanda
Peruvian Driving 101
I know that seems like a bold statement, so let me explain...some of our outings require us to ride in the local taxis. Doesn`t sound particularly miraculous, but the fact that we have all thus far lived through the experience is truly a miracle! Most of the streets here are standard streets with lines, however, those lines are apparently just a suggestion and there does not appear to be any laws requiring drivers to stay within them!
Some other observations about driving "etiquette" here in Peru:
1. If you don´t have a horn, and use it liberally, you will get nowhere.
2. Bumpers are for...well, bumping.
3. You can fit 6 cars (maybe more) in 2 standard lanes.
4. If you don´t get there first, it doesn´t count.
5. Finally... you really can get 6 people in a Daewoo hatchback.
On a more serious note, today was our first day of camp. Julia and I helped 42 preschoolers make a book about the 7 days of creation. They were so excited to make something for themselves with pretty colors and shiny stickers. They even insisted on having their pictures taken with their books. The kids are absolutely precious and treat us like celebrities--I had several moms hand me their babies just to have a picture taken with me. It has been very humbling to see how they live and how readily they accept us. God is so sweet to allow me the privilege of being here. Although the day was hectic, and I am very tired, I am excited to see what God has planned for tomorrow. I don´t want to miss one whisper He speaks or one fingerprint He leaves! Our God is truly amazing!
Resting in His arms (especially on the taxi rides!),
Tera
Monday, June 23, 2008
Shamon Update
Here we go!
Today is the first day we´ll get to spend with the kids, and I think we´re all ready for that! I am so excited to be able to play volleyball with the groups of older girls- that was such a special thing last time. I hope that I am able to have some one on one with them.
This trip so far has been much different from last time. The hotel is nice, we have been eating great restaurant meals, and I even got a hot shower this morning! It almost feels like this part is the vacation! I am sure I will be exhausted by tonight... out schedule is very busy. Please pray for strength and endurance for all of us!
Yesterday was incredibly long, but wonderful. We ended the day by going to a local church service. It was wonderful to worship with the local congregation, even though I understood very little of it (except for Mitch York`s LONG message!). It is cool that we are working with local churches!
Ok, it is time for breakfast, so I am going to take advantage of tea and toast!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rest Up And Ready to Go
Wardell
Thank you Lord for our safe trip to Chiclayo. Unfortunately, our bag did not make it to Peru. We are anxious and hopefully that we will receive it within 5 days. We are blessed and are ready to meet the children.
Novene
Traveling Man
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Tampa Tribune Article About Our Mission Trip!
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jun/14/pa-church-mission-gets-ball-rolling/
By DIANE LOEBEL
The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 14, 2008
NEW PORT RICHEY - Twenty-one people from First Baptist Church of New Tampa will leave June 21 for a weeklong mission trip to Chiclayo, Peru.
This year - the Wesley Chapel church's fifth in Peru - the group will work with missionary Juan Barone Vargas, Peruvian and Chiclayo government officials, educators, schools and individuals from mission teams already in the country.
The church funds Vargas and budgets money annually for a mission trip. Team members kick in extra money for personal items that aren't covered. Fundraisers are held throughout the year.
"The program is very well-received, with great support from the congregation," said Jim Allee, an associate pastor at the church.
This year, the group again will stage soccer camps. Last year's camps drew about 260 children from the rural Zania Valley area.
More than 450 youngsters from shantytowns across the coastal city of Chiclayo have signed up for soccer this year after hearing about the camps at school, church and by word of mouth.
"We hold soccer camps in Wesley Chapel in spring and fall," Allee said. "They are very popular and very well-attended. We adapted our local soccer program for the mission program."
First Baptist officials say the soccer ministry is a good way to encourage children to go to church. Vacation Bible School studies are intermingled with the soccer sessions.
Youngsters ages 6 to 12 play on concrete or dirt because there's no grass. In the morning, children 3 to 5 keep busy with crafts and Bible stories. All are fed a nutritious lunch daily.
"The children love it," church mission director Michael Ritchie said. "They don't have a chance to play organized soccer in their towns and villages, although they do have village teams that compete with each other. The kids are tough. If they fall on the cement, they just get right back up and keep going."
Four two-day camps are offered, with a tournament capping the mission trip. Each participant receives a T-shirt, medal and photo. Tournament winners also get trophies and soccer balls.
In the evenings, the missionaries work with adults in neighboring churches and villages.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NEW TAMPA
WHERE: 28125 County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
WORSHIP: 8:15 and 10:50 a.m. Sundays; 9:30 a.m. is Sunday school for all ages; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday is Bible study; a Spanish mission service is at 7 p.m. Saturday
CALL: (813) 907-1685
ONLINE: www.fbcnewtampa.org
To suggest a Faith in Focus feature, call Jeff Scullin, (813) 779-4614; write him at The Tampa Tribune, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills FL 33542; or e-mail jscullin@tampatrib.com.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Mission Support Letter
Dear Mission Support Team,
It’s almost time to go and we are getting very excited! In-country missionaries Juan and Alicia have been busy contacting local schools and setting up locations for us to do soccer camps with elementary aged children and vacation bible schools with preschoolers. They have told us to prepare for over 400 children! We praise God for opening these doors of ministry to us.
We are still putting the final details in place and preparing for our departure. We’ve ordered our supplies and we’re getting our vaccines. We’re trying to learn some songs in Spanish and we’re preparing our hearts for whatever God has for us to do. We ask that you continue to pray for us in these final weeks of preparation and especially while we are away.
Specific prayer needs:
· God’s blessing for Juan, Alicia and their family.
· The Holy Spirit to go before us and open the hearts of the children and parents we will meet.
· That our spiritual eyes would be open to God’s hand at work and that we would each be changed by our time in Peru.
· Health and safety as we travel. We will leave on June 21st.
· Safety and protection for our children and their caregivers left behind.
Thank you for your prayers and support for this ministry. We look forward to sharing with you when we return!
Serving Him,
Peru Mission Team
Come celebrate with us!
Please join us for our Missions Dinner
Wednesday, July 9th at 6:00pm
At First Baptist Church of New Tampa
We’ll be sharing photos and testimony from our Peru trip.
Come see how your prayers and financial support made an impact
on the people of Peru and on us!
Please RSVP to the church office (813-907-1685) by Friday, July 4th
We are located at 28125 County Line Rd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Just off Bruce B. Downs, across from Super Target--Inside Meadow Pointe Subdivision
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Gearing Up
Shamon, Christian, and I went today to get shots-- yellow fever for all of us, and tetanus for Shamon and me (probably a good idea... I was a little nervous last year when I scratched myself on a rusty iron fence!). Christian was the first one to get poked, and he took the needle like a champ, even after we told him it was an early birthday present (his birthday's Monday)! ;) I'm so proud of him; he is so ready to just take in the whole experience, and is quite adventurous. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in my baby's life while we're in Peru!
Please, please continue to pray for us! We covet the petitions you place before the throne of God on our behalf. It's only through the power of prayer that we will be able to accomplish anything on our trip, and I SO want to show God off and glorify Him!
Those shots have wiped me out, so I'm off to bed!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Schedule of Activities 2008
Sunday 22
5.10 am - Arrive in Chiclayo
1.00 pm - Orientation and Coordinating Meeting
6.00 pm - Sunday Service (Jesús the Savior Church)
8.30 pm - Dinner
Monday 23
7.30 am - Breakfast
9.00 am – Soccer Camps
1.00 pm - Lunch
3.00 pm – Soccer Camps
5.15 pm – Minister to families
8.00 pm - Dinner
Tuesday 24
7.30 am - Breakfast
9.00 am – Soccer Camps
1.00 pm - Lunch
3.00 pm – Soccer Camps
5.15 pm – Minister to families
8.00 pm – Dinner
Wednesday 25
Down day to recover and regroup
Thursday 26
7.30 am - Breakfast
9.00 am – Soccer Camps
1.00 pm - Lunch
3.00 pm – Soccer Camps
5.15 pm – Minister to families
8.00 pm – Dinner
Friday 27
7.30 am - Breakfast
9.00 am – Soccer Camps
1.00 pm - Lunch
3.00 pm – Soccer Camps
5.15 pm – Minister to families
8.00 pm – Dinner
Saturday 28
9:00 am Local Ministry
5.00 pm Airport Return trip to Lima
Peru Chiclayo 2008 Soccer Mission
Friday, June 29, 2007
Maggy
God´s is been so good to us during this time, we will be back soon and our prayers need to be with the Missionaries here Lisa, Juan Baron and his wife Alicia.
Our last day
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and prayer last night. This part of Peru is really sunk in witchcraft, and you can tell that there´s warfare going on-- but nothing God doesn´t already have a handle on. It´s so important for us to continue to build relationships with these people so that they can understand that our only motive for being here is to tell them about Jesus and show them His love.
Í had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with four teen-aged girls, who I had been playing volleyball with until they stopped and asked if they could practice their English. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to practice my Spanish, and Maggie gave us a tract to go over together. I was able to share on a very intimate basis God´s love for them and His perfect plan for them. Surprisingly, I was also able to share with Molly, an American Peace Corp volunteer who is working with us. Each one in our group could share similar stories... I´m learning that missions work is all about making yourself available to the people around you.
I will be sad to leave tomorrow. The time has gone by so quickly, and we´ve made a little home away from home here--with the exception of the toilets and the cold showers! ;) I´m really going to miss the kids and their bright smiles and hugs, and the parents thanking us for being here. Today, as our group left Popan Bajo, a little old lady who knew Mitch and Debbie from their trip in October was there. She had the Bible that they had given her from that trip and asked us to come back again and again. That´s what it´s all about!
Shamon Updates Again!
For these camps, we broke down into two teams and each team ran two camps that were two days each. After the teams came back in today, we had a "Copa de Gringo" where a bunch of the local people watched us make fools of ourselves when we played each other. Andy´s team won, but only because the game was on concrete and the other team had been playing in the sand all week.
The funniest thing happened the other day, while playing the kids in one of the remote sites, Mitch York was putting the ball in play via a corner kick. Well, he ended up kicking the cow crap farther then the ball. Today, when we were playing, I was passed the ball and turned around to see that I was being covered by a cow. I was able to beat the cow to the ball though. This place is a hoot.
We spent some great time in prayer last night with everyone in our group and were able to take a few minutes to catch our breath and talk things trough. The group really enjoyed it, and needed it, we were able to use the time to refocus on why we were here. It is really easy to get lost in the busyness of what we are doing.
It is funny, almost everyone has decided that they will be back next year to do this again. This has just made such an impact on the communities and us. I am trying to talk Landy into moving down here with me and living in a adobe hut in the middle of nowhere. All we would need is a couple of chickens and a cow.
Shamon
Chiclayo Information
According to THE PROJECT DIRECTOR METROPOLITAN "CHICLAYO 2020" , will contemplate Chiclayo in future eight districts, which nowadays are the six of the central nucleus and two of the integrated discontinuous area of expansion of Chiclayo's city:
1.-The districts the City (Central Nucleus) at present: Chiclayo, Jose Leonardo Ortiz, The Victory, Pomalca, Pimentel, and Reque. Population urban = 546 054 Inhabitants.
2.-The districts , the Integrated discontinuous Area: San José (in Lambayeque) and Picsi. At present Chiclayo's city has a light trend and urban development projection of urban expansion to these two districts.All these districts were projected in form planned to 2020 for a future integration.
3.- Chiclayo a spatial urban area of has 30 km : Lambayeque, Ferreñafe, Monsefú , Picci, San José, Tumán, pucalá, Pátapo, Eten , Port Eten , Mochumi, Pítipo, Zaña, Cayaltí. Area metro population 910,255 Inhabitants.