God, Grace, and Guinea Pigs

My Bags Are Packed and I'm Ready to Go...

2012-01-11T21:49:00.002-05:00

Well, not really. Actually, nothing even close.

There's no time to pack for Peru when there's so many good blogs to read! Take, for instance, this exciting post over at the LCMS World Mission Blog about 4 career LCMS missionaries that are set to arrive to their respective fields in the coming weeks. Praise the Lord of the Harvest for calling servants to His harvest fields all over the world!

Si no fuera por el nacimiento del niño Jesús…

2011-12-24T14:27:00.010-05:00

“Por eso, el Señor mismo les dará una señal: La joven concebirá y dará a luz un hijo, y lo llamará Emmanuel.” Isaías 7:14

Ya sea que el nacimiento que tienes armado en tu casa se ve así…

Un nacimiento tipo “gringo” del autor norteamericano Sam Butcher.

O así…

Un nacimiento “andino” que se puede apreciar a lo largo de todo el Peru durante la navidad.

El mensaje del mismo es igual. Los nacimientos son adornos navideños que nos recuerdan de la verdadera razón que se celebra la navidad. A saber, que el Dios del universo se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros (Juan 1: 14), para salvarnos de nuestros pecados, de la muerte, y del poder del diablo.

Porque si no fuera por el nacimiento de aquel niño campesino en Belén hace mas de 2000 mil anos, nosotros hoy día seguiríamos siendo esclavos al dominio del pecado.

Por lo tanto, les animo a que esta noche mientras gozan de la rica comida navideña, también den gracias a Dios que Cristo nos ha librado de la culpa, del castigo, y del dominio de pecado. (Catecismo Menor de Lutero, p. 76)

“Cristo nos redimió de la maldición de la Ley, haciéndose maldición por nosotros.” Gálatas 3:13

Y si no fuera por el nacimiento de aquel niño campesino en Belén hace mas de 2000 anos, nosotros hoy día viviríamos en temor a la muerte.

Por lo tanto, les animo a que esta noche mientras intercambian regalos, también celebren que gracias al sacrificio de nuestro Salvador en la cruz, se nos ha dado el mejor regalo en el mundo, nuestra vida eterna!

“El cual quito la muerte y saco a la luz la vida y la inmortalidad por el evangelio.” 2 Timoteo 1:10

Y si no fuera por el nacimiento de aquel niño campesino en Belén hace mas de 2000 anos, el diablo podría acusarnos por nuestros pecados.

Por lo tanto, les animo a que esta noche mientras disparan los fuegos artificiales al cielo, también celebren que Cristo ha vencido al diablo y que ahora nosotros podemos llevar vidas santificados ante nuestro Dios.

“Para esto apareció el Hijo de Dios, para deshacer las obras del diablo.” 1 Juan 3:8

Oración: Gracias, Padre Celestial que a través del nacimiento, la vida, la muerte, y la resurrección de tu Hijo nos has dado tanto que celebrar esta Navidad! Gracias por haber venido al mundo de una manera tan humilde para salvarnos del pecado, de la muerte, y del diablo. Bendícenos mientras celebramos esto, Amen.

El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 9

2011-12-01T21:26:00.001-05:00

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El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 8

2011-07-30T18:57:00.001-05:00

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Article Featured in Reporter Newspaper

2011-07-23T14:51:00.004-05:00

Check out an exciting article featured in the Lutheran Church-Missiouri Synod´s Official Newspaper, The Reporter about the fruits of LCMS mission work in Perú!

Click here to read the article entitled, ¨In Peru, quake relief efforts lead to first worship service.¨

Celebrating Heritage with Peruvians

2011-07-09T16:29:00.011-05:00

This past week marked the 100th anniversary of the scientific discovery of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This pre-Columbian era citadel sits tucked away in the Urubamba Valley of the Peruvian Highlands, where it´s mythical existence has baffled archaeologists and tourists for the past 100 years.

Not only is Machu Picchu a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the 15th century Incan complex has become the most recognizable icon of the Andean World. Peru´s current president, Alan Garcia during celebrations this week called Machu Picchu the ¨synthesis of Peruvianess.¨

Teammates Jamie and Katie in front of the historic sanctuary of Machu Piccu.

The anniversary of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu is great cause for celebration in Peru. Peruvians should take pride in their rich cultural heritage and their identity as descendants of the largest, most powerful empire of pre-Columbian America.

The Peru Mission team celebrated alongside the Peruvians this week, too. We raised our pisco sours and toasted to the rich cultural identity of our Peruvian brothers and sisters in Christ.

In fact, we were able to join the celebration in a way not many other gringos were able to. On Wednesday, July 6th, Pastor Mark, his family, Jamie, Katie, and I traveled to Lunahuaná for a day jam-packed with celebration festivities of a different kind.

Approximately 31 Peruvians joined the Peru Mission team as we celebrated our identity as dearly loved children of the creator of the universe! It was the very first official worship service we´ve led since LCMS mission work began here just under 4 years ago, and it was nothing less than a celebration of the rich heritage God graciously allows all of us (Anglo/German and Incan descendants alike) to lay claim to on account of Jesus´ suffering, death, and resurrection!

Hotel Las brisas del sol: our worship site close to the main square in Lunahuaná.

¨And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God´s possession- to the praise of his glory.¨ Ephesians 1:13-14

¨Amiguitos en Cristo¨ (Little Friends in Christ), one of our many celebration festivities.

¨Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and coheirs with Christ…¨ Romans 8:17a

Check out my teammates´ blogs for more details on our first worship service in Lunahuaná!

Eisold Family Blog
GEO Missionary, Katie Lane´s Blog
GEO Missionary, Jamie Endorf´s Blog

El Cuy Times Issue 2 Volume 7

2011-05-31T15:09:00.000-05:00

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El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 6

2011-04-30T23:24:00.000-05:00

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Though the Earth Give Way

2011-04-12T20:29:00.007-05:00

My teammate Jamie and I have started writing devotions to distribute on a weekly basis. I plan to post them here too, so that you might be blessed by their message. I’ve embedded the original document below. Feel free to print them out and distribute them to your Spanish-speaking friends!

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But he [Jesus Christ] was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The recent earthquake in Japan has caused panic and terror all across the globe. Especially here in Peru, where news of the devastating events have brought back to memory that horrific day in 2007, when (according to what my Peruvian friends tell me) the earth seemed to split in two, threatening to swallow anything and anyone in it’s path.

The earthquake in Japan has not only reminded my friends here of the pain they felt after losing every last possession. It has also brought back to the surface the questions and doubts that naturally arise from disasters of this magnitude. I’m talking about questions we can’t help but ask. Why me? Why my family? What did I do to God to make Him take away everything I hold so dear? Is God punishing me?

Is God punishing Japan?

Let’s see what the Word of God has to say about it. Are there situations in which suffering comes as a result of our sin? Of course!

My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Hebrews 12:5b-6

In the Gospel of Luke we read a story in which a group of Galileans have suffered and died an embarrassing death. A crowd approaches Jesus curious whether or not the men had suffered because of their especially sinful lifestyles. Jesus responds,

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:3

And just in case that wasn’t clear enough for the crowd there, Jesus tells another story in which a tower falls on a group of men and kills them all. Jesus says,

Or those eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them- do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:4-5

Here Jesus teaches us that it does no good to speculate over that which God has not revealed in His Word. What He has made explicitly clear to us is that we are all guilty of turning our back on our father in heaven and deserve death because of it.

All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Psalms 14:3

Jesus tells the crowd not to speculate about why the others had suffered, but to instead examine their own lives and relationship with God. In the same way our Heavenly Father allowed tragic events in first century Palestine to remind His people of their futility, He reminds His people today of our utter hopelessness without Him.

Thanks be to our loving God that 2,000 years ago on a little hill outside of Jerusalem, our Savior took all of our sins and received the punishment that we deserved.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

When it’s all said and done, it’s not up to me to say why our brothers and sisters in Japan our suffering so much, because not all of God’s purposes have been revealed to us in His word. But what has most certainly been revealed there, and I can tell you with absolute certainty is that those of us who are in Christ Jesus have nothing to fear. Now that our sins have been removed, we are free to join the Psalmist when he says,

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalms 46:2-3

References
Burnham, Joe. ¿Dónde está Dios cuando sufrimos? Brochure published by Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones.

El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 5

2011-04-01T16:39:00.001-05:00

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Bienvenidos a la familia (Welcome to the family)!

2011-02-14T16:34:00.005-05:00

Please join me in welcoming Valeria Fernanda Tadeo Vicente to God's family! The Peru Mission Team and I were blessed with the opportunity to visibly witness the grace of God this weekend as Pastor Mark Eisold baptized the sixth little Lutheran from the farming community of Lucumo! Praise God for the precious gift of baptism, where Christ's forgiveness of sins and salvation are applied through the water combined with the Word!

El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 4

2011-01-29T11:58:00.001-05:00

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Foto of the Week: Bienvenidos a Pastor Mark and family!

2011-01-24T15:35:00.005-05:00

Join Katie, Jamie, and I as we praise God for the arrival of the newest additions to the Peru Mission Team, Pastor Mark Eisold, his wife, Sandi, and their two children Annalise and Erik. Pastor Mark and his family will spend their first couple of months on the field learning Peruvian Spanish and culture before devoting their efforts to church planting and leadership training. If this news isn't cause for celebration, I don't know what is. Pisco Sours all around!

Click here to listen to an audio interview with Pastor Mark.

Click here to check out the Eisold's Blog.

Click here to learn more about the entire Peru Mission Team.

Foto of the Week: 2011 Short-Term Missions

2011-01-17T15:53:00.006-05:00

This week's Foto of the Week was taken during an English Camp put on by a wonderful group of short-term missionaries from Faith Lutheran Church in Oakville, MO. Not only did our partners in mission from Faith play a vital role in the expansion of an English as a Foreign Language program that begins today in the small community of San Jeronimo, they were also a tremendous blessing to the Peru Mission Team through encouraging words, prayers, and meaningful discussion. Praise God for the wonderful servants at Faith Lutheran, Oakville.

El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 3

2011-01-01T22:27:00.001-05:00

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Foto of the Week: Panetón

2010-12-13T17:59:00.005-05:00

Panetón is a sweet bread originally from Milan, Italy that has become a key component of Christmas celebrations all throughout Latin America.

In this week's Foto of the Week, I'm on the verge of destroying a mound of these delectable little Christmas goodies during a Christmas celebration the Peru Mission Team attended last week. ¡Que rico!

VINO: El Cortometraje

2010-12-10T16:18:00.012-05:00

VINO El Cortometraje is a short film directed and produced by my good friend James Neuendorf together with the Lutheran Church of Panama that plays with the question:

What if Jesus hadn't been born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, but rather in modern day Panama City, Panama?

Check it out and pass it on!

Click here to visit the official VINO website.

Foto of the Week:Trip to Panama

2010-12-06T18:38:00.007-05:00

My teammates and I just returned to Peru after a week jam-packed with good food, friends, and fellowship in Panama City, Panama. We're still working out the details for our visas here in Peru, which means every three months Peru's president, Alan Garcia tells us to get out of town.

I've been hopping between Peru and Panama since I first arrived on the field, really. And I wouldn't have it any other way. This week's Foto of the Week features my teammates and one of the best parts about my trips back and forth, my good friend and the president of the Lutheran Church in Panama, Milton Castillo A. Click here to read his blog or here to read about the national church there.

Peru Mission Team enjoying the beach on a swing in Portobelo, Panama.

Praise God for blessing us with safe travel, fellowship and sabbath. Special thanks to Christel and James Neuendorf, LCMS World Mission missionaries serving out of Panama, for putting the Peru Mission Team up for a week and showing us a great time!

El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 2

2010-12-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

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Foto of the Week: LWR Visit

2010-11-22T16:00:00.006-05:00

Lutheran World Relief is an international, nonprofit organization that works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. They work with partners in 35 countries across the globe, promoting peace and responding to disasters.

Thankfully, one of those countries is Peru! This week's photo features LWR's Executive Director, Pastor John Nunez, Deputy Director for Latin America, Alex Wilson, Board Member, Jonathan Schulz, and Andean Region Director, Pedro Veliz Marquez (not pictured is Andean Region Program Manager, Eduardo Contreras Ivarcena) posing alongside the Peru Mission Team during their time here two weeks ago.

It was an honor to have them visit us here in Lunahuana to share our respective ministries with one another and to discuss the potential for a relationship of mutual learning and growth in the future. I can't wait to learn more from the guys at LWR! Click here to learn more about Lutheran World Relief's work all over the world.

Foto of the Week: Sand Boarding in Huacachina

2010-11-15T16:42:00.006-05:00

This week's installment of Foto of the Week was taken in Huacachina, Ica, a natural oasis about 5 hours south of Lima that seemingly pops out of nowhere in the middle of the dry, barren desert of southwestern Peru.

Huacachina means "the crying woman" in the Quechua language, because as the legend holds, the lagoon was created from the tears of a broken-hearted Incan Princess at the loss of her lover.

The small town of Huacachina is quite the tourist hot spot, attracting people from all over the world in search of a breath of fresh air or an adrenaline fix. We took Katie to celebrate her 24th birthday there this past Saturday, and, let me tell you, she was no "Huacachina."

Foto of the Week:Nike's We Run Lima 10K

2010-11-08T16:27:00.008-05:00

Featured in this week's photo is "Team Luterano" gearing up for Nike's We Run Lima 10K last Saturday, November 6th. We had a blast lighting up the streets alongside 9,997 other participants wearing neon green shirts for the first ever night race in Miraflores. There were free goodies, live music all throughout the route, and we even had our very own cheerleaders (LCMS WM Area Facilitator for Latin America Bruce Wall and new friend, Steven Namanny).

We flew through the streets of Miraflores in style!

The sign reads "va pa lan" ("go for it" in Panamanian Spanish) and was made by our good missionary friend, Christel Neuendorf.

Foto of the Week: Money, Money, Money

2010-11-01T11:43:00.008-05:00

This week's Foto of the Week shows a small stack of the local currency, el Nuevo Sol. The smallest paper bill is worth 10 soles, meaning I use change for a whole lot more than just the bubble gum machine here. Many restaurants offer full course meals ("Menus"), that consist of an appetizer ("entrada"), a main dish ("segundo"), and desert ("postre), all for around six Nuevo Soles. The stack of coins you see here paid for three full-course meals!

El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 1 PG 1

2010-10-29T18:40:00.000-05:00

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El Cuy Times Volume 2 Issue 1 PG 2

2010-10-29T18:38:00.000-05:00

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Foto of the Week: A Not-So Peruvian Birthday

2010-10-25T18:39:00.009-05:00

Cebiche de pescado is mouth-watering. Aji de gallina is to die for. Pollo a la brasa is finger-lickin' good. But sometimes, melted cheese in between two crispy tortillas is all this California kid is craving.

Good thing Chilis has a whopping 1800 locations in 25 countries around the globe. What better way to kick off the second addition of G3's Foto of the Week (which aims to give you a glimpse into life and ministry in Peru), than with a picture of me pretending I'm in North America. Thanks for all the prayers and birthday wishes!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2010-10-08T17:25:00.025-05:00

I’m reading “When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself” (Moody Publishers, 2009) at the moment, and while I’ve enjoyed the framework it puts forth for understanding the problem of poverty, the book has been anything but a walk in the park. The authors, Christian international development gurus, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert argue that, “until we embrace our mutual brokenness, our work with low-income people is likely to do far more harm than good” (pg. 64).

They go on to challenge their readers (mainly North American missionaries and development aid workers serving in the developing world) to think twice about what motivates them to work amongst “the poor” in the first place. They write,

“Do you really love poor people and want to serve them? Or do you have other motives? I confess to you that part of what motivates me to help the poor is my felt need to accomplish something worthwhile with my life, to be a person of significance, to feel like I have pursued a noble cause...to be a bit like God...I sometimes unintentionally reduce poor people to objects I use to fulfill my own need to accomplish something.” (pg. 65, italics mine).

Gulp...

September 7th, 2010 was a big day for LCMS mission work in Peru. On that day the Peru Mission Team (yours truly) and LCMS World Mission’s Area Facilitator for the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Peru (Bruce Wall), welcomed the two newest members of the team, Katie Lane and Jamie Endorf!

Katie, Jamie, and I on the night of their arrival.

Since their arrival, I’ve been busy “setting them up for success” by introducing them to different aspects of life in Peru:

The Good...

Pisco Sours are Peru’s national cocktail...and mmm,mmm good.

The Bad...

Peru has it’s fair share of "Asentamientos Humanos" (Shantytowns in Peruvian

Spanish), lacking many basic amenities like plumbing and safe drinking water.

The Pretty...

Sunset from “Lover’s Park” (Parque de amor) in Miraflores.

The Ugly...

The third member of the Peru Mission Team....looking as guapo as ever.

The Happy...

The Peru Mission Team jumping for joy upon arrival to their new mission field.

The Sad...

Exhibit at Peru’s “Museo de la Nacion” that remembers the estimated 69,000 people that lost their lives during Peru’s internal conflict ("Shining Path" terrorist movement) in the 70’s and 80’s).

It’s been tons of fun introducing my new teammates to what I often hear described as, “la realidad peruana,” (the peruvian reality). As we walked through the small, impoverished community of Lucumo the other day, I began describing some of the hardships the people there struggle with and something dawned on me (“hit me over the head” might be the more appropriate expression here) that is painful to make public....

I wanted my new teammates to really get a picture of the “the bad, the ugly, and the sad,” part of life in Peru because maybe if they did, I’d feel like I had “accomplish[ed] something worthwhile with my life [...or like I had] pursued a noble cause,” by serving in Peru. I realized that all too often I have “unintentionally reduce[d] poor people to objects I use to fulfill my own need to accomplish something.” (pg. 65).

Heavenly Father,

Forgive our arrogance. Forgive our pride. May your Holy Spirit show us our spiritual poverty and keep us mindful of our brokenness. We recognize that without the righteous blood of Jesus covering our sins and making us whole, we ourselves are nothing but spiritual beggars. Give us humble hearts and teach us to "consider others better than ourselves" and to look not only to our own interests, but to the interests of others." Give us an attitude like that of Christ Jesus. In HIS name we pray, Amen.

Help me go one more round!

2010-08-26T16:11:00.011-05:00

Ding! Ding! After almost two full “rounds” of ministry in Peru, I need you’re help to stay in the ring.

My first two years of service as a Globally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) Missionary with LCMS World Mission in Peru are coming to a close. It’s been a tremendous honor to serve God’s people in Peru and to witness God at work in their lives. And so naturally, I’m hungry for more!

The best part is…my back-up is finally on the way! That’s right, after two years of “flying solo,” I’m happy to report that come September 7^th, the LCMS World Mission Peru Team will increase threefold!

It’s my pleasure to introduce to you my two new teammates, Katie Lane and Jamie Endorf!

Katie is a Concordia University Wisconsin grad that will be building relationships through teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in the district of Lunahuana. Click here to download Katie’s prayer card.

Jamie is a Concordia University Nebraska grad that will help plan and organize short-term mission trips. Click here to download Jamie’s prayer card.

In order to help me to “stay in the ring” for one more year of service in Peru, I’m going to need you all the prayers I can get! Also, would you be willing to partner with me by making a one-time donation or a monthly pledge? Let’s make this next year a knock-out! Thank you!

If you'd like to help out, you can make checks to and send to, making sure to put "Anthony DiLiberto Support" in the memo line:

LCMS World Mission

Missionary Support

PO Box 790089

St. Louis, MO 63179-008

Or give securely by going to my Give Now Support Page at the LCMS World Mission website.

Foto of the Week: BAAAAAH!!

2010-03-29T22:06:00.007-05:00

This week´s photo was stolen from LCMS World Mission´s Picasa Web Album, where you´ll find a sweet collection of shots by LCMS World Mission Latin America Communications Specialist, James Neuendorf. The picture shows a Lunahuaná resident herding her ovejas (sheep) along the main highway that connects all the small farming villages that line the Cañete River. Click here to check out the album!

Foto of the Week: Lucumo Irrigation Canal

2010-03-15T22:24:00.005-05:00

This week's photo may look like just a skinny canal with some water running through it. But, what you're looking at is the end result of hours and hours of sweaty, back-breaking hard work. This is a nearly 200 meter strip of Lucumo's main irrigation canal that was recently cemented through the combined efforts of short-term missionaries and men from the community. This one's for you Faith Lutheran Oakville! Muchas gracias!!!

Foto of the Week: Magaly and Me

2010-03-08T21:18:00.014-05:00

As promised, here's the first installment of G3's Foto of the Week. From here on out, I'll be posting "una foto" from Peru on a weekly basis to provide you with a glimpse into my life and ministry here. Make sure to come back every Monday to learn more about this gorgeous country and it's beautiful people. I can't promise that you'll always like what you see- mainly due to the incredible jealously the images are likely to provoke within you, but also because my hope is show you some things you're normal travel guide won't.

The very first G3 Foto of the Week is a picture of me patiently waiting for Peruvian actress/singer, Magalier Solier to autograph my copy of her debut CD, "Warmi." Magaly has been all over the news since I arrived in Peru, but just recently became an even greater symbol of national pride when the latest film she stars in, "La Teta Asustada" (The Milk of Sorrows) became the first Peruvian film in history to be nominated for an Oscar. Arriba Peru!!! Learn more about the movie here...

Hey...I Can Get Used to This!

2010-03-02T12:11:00.015-05:00

I remember hitting the 6 month mark of my service in Peru and feeling as though I had pretty well "adjusted" to life here. Locals began to notice the hard work I was putting in to learn their language (you know you're making progress when you can order the equivalent to an "ice cold brewskee" instead of just a plain ol' "beer."). Ordering at restaurants stopped being such a gamble (no longer did I have to employ the "close your eyes and point" method). I was even able to give directions to helpless "gringos" by that point (poor foreigners...so vulnerable with their 80 pound trekking packs and their Lonely Planet travel guides).

Some aspects of Peruvian culture have been a piece of cake to get used to. For example...

Local Gastronomy - You have no idea! My mouth's watering just thinking about it. (Click here to read about Peruvian Food)

Latin Women - Who wouldn't find a passionate girl with a permanent tan, who's native tongue is considered a romantic language attractive. God help me!

Family Orientation - Here, family's number one...no excuses.

Juerga - Latin Americans sure know how to have a good time...think Salsa, Merengue, quincenera, taquila...you get the idea.

Other parts of life in Lima (specifically in Miraflores), however...have required a little more effort to adjust to.

Without venturing into the unfruitful land of ethnocentrism (that is, the belief that one's ethnic or culture group is supreme to all the others and should be used as a standard to judge the rest), there are certain things about life in Lima that, even after being here for 15 months, I'm still having a hard time getting used to. For example:

Los Taxistas: living in Peru's largest tourist district undoubtedly has it's benefits, but it also means that just about every taxi that passes me by either honks their horn, looks at me and points the direction they're headed, or yells "taxi" out of the window. I appreciate the offer, but if I really wanted a ride somewhere I'd let you know. Most likely by standing on the corner and waving my hand. Gracias.

Los Heladeros: City streets are littered with ice cream vendors riding bikes attached to carts filled with all sorts of ice cold treats. Sound's wonderful, doesn't it? Well the sound these guys make when they're passing through is anything but that. Imagine the sound of a duck hunter's whistle multiplied to the tenth power. I'll take the whole cart if you promise to stop making that wretched noise! Deal?

Pidiendo limosna: Walk along Ave. Jose Larco (the main drag in Miraflores), or take a stroll through Parque Kennedy (Miraflores' Central Park), and you're bound to come across dozens of mothers and their children "pidiendo limosna," (pan handelling).

This sign reads, "Your alms are of no use."

Just the other day, I was on my way to grab a coffee and a teenage mom with an infant strapped to her back walked towards me with an empty cup in hand and a helpless look on her face. My response was the same as it always is, "no tengo" (I don't have anything for you.). When I first arrived in Peru, my heart would crush at the sight of every impoverished kid I saw on the streets. Now, the sight of a hungry 4 year-old has become so routine that I'm almost used to it.

When did I start pretending it was normal that the kids I see on the side of the street will most likely go to bed hungry tonight? Have I become accustomed to the fact that these little ones are stuck washing windows for Nuevo Soles instead of playing hide and go seek like a normal child? Have I become used to the fact that they're probably going to sleep on the hard, cold concrete tonight? I suppose there's nothing I can do about annoying taxi drivers that won't let me walk in peace. Maybe in a couple of months the ice cream duck whistle won't be so bad. But don't let me ever get used to the sight of children forced to beg on the side of the street.

So, should I start grabbing my change purse (yes, I just publicly admitted that I carry a change purse) every time I see someone homeless and hungry?

President of Hope International, Peter Greer writes in his book, The Poor Will be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty, that "the detrimental effects of some of the most minor and well-meaning actions are more common than people want to believe." He goes on to argue that, "misguided giving can actually rob the poor - not of physical resources, but of their dignity, responsibility, and self worth."

Giving spare change to beggars is not always the most helpful response. In fact, more often than not, "charity" of this sort hurts instead of helps. "Hand outs" to the homeless destroy dignity and create an unhealthy dependance.

Surely there's a more responsable, sustainable solution- a "hand up" instead of a "hand out." Maybe I'll start carrying snacks wherever I go. Maybe I'll do some more homework and find some legitimate homeless ministries that I can connect with. Maybe I'll start investing time in these people. What would you do?

Would you take a minute to pray that I would never "get used to" children asking for spare change? And if you have a couple more minutes, would you brainstorm with me about an appropriate Christian response to this problem by commenting on this blog-post?

Getting Upset About Poverty

2010-01-18T17:31:00.021-05:00

There's nothing like being home for the holidays! My trip to California this past December was like a breath of fresh air. I was able to connect with some old friends. I chowed down on some delicious home cooked meals (mom's world-renowned beef strouganauf was just as heavenly as always). I was also able to enjoy certain aspects of suburban life in America that I never realized were such a luxury until I started working in rural Peru- like being able to hop in the car and drive wherever you're heart desires, taking long hot showers, or being able to throw you're dirty clothes in a machine and have them ready to wear an hour and a half later. As much as I enjoyed the comforts of home and being with the people I love the most, I couldn't help but think about my new family in Peru whose reality resembles anything but life in a suburb of Los Angeles. Here's a video edited, filmed, and produced by missionary James Neuendorf called The Faces of Lucumo, to give you a glimpse into the daily lives of the people LCMS World Mission has served for the past 2 years in the small farming community (follow this link if video doesn't play here).

Basic questions from friends and family about my ministry in Peru turned out to be more difficult to answer than I anticipated during my time at home. Should I share with my friends and family the most recent statistics about poverty in Peru, or should I keep it simple and talk about what guinea pig tastes like? Should I share pictures of dirty children with no shoes on, or play it safe and show off the breathtaking landscapes I witnessed during my hike through the second deepest canyon in the world ("El Canyon de Colca")?

With each new inquiry about my ministry in Peru came a new reminder of the inadequacy, helplessness, and confusion I often feel in the face of the "problem of poverty." Maybe I had a hard time responding to the question, "How's life in Peru?," because I was too afraid my answer would upset someone. Because, let's face it, nobody wants to talk about poverty...especially not during Christmas!

One of the most rewarding aspects of coordinating short-term mission trips in Peru is the opportunity it gives me to witness Jesus' followers "get upset" about the living conditions their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ find themselves in. Here is a picture featuring several members of the latest short-term team to pay me a visit from Faith Lutheran Church, St. Louis. This group came down from Jan 2 - 9 to help repair Lucumo's main irrigation canal and put on two separate VBS programs - one in Lucumo, and the other in a closeby village called Santa Rosa.

I couldn't be more thankful for these short-term missionaries. The compassion they showed to the communities of Lucumo and Santa Rosa made me realize that getting upset about the problem of poverty is the logical response of people who have been transformed by God's grace. What else would you expect from people who recognize the deep spiritual poverty we ourselves would be in if it weren't for God "getting upset" about our sinful condition and doing something about it.

The apostle John writes about the logical response to God's grace in I John 3. He exhorts his readers not to "love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (vs.18). Earlier he writes, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (I John 3:17). So, consider this a challenge to "get upset" with me and do something about the "problem of poverty," both in far off lands where the locals eat guinea pig (the answer's chicken, it tastes like chicken), and in your own backyard.

La Zona Pituca

2009-09-28T17:17:00.013-05:00

My room atop the Lutheran World Relief regional office building here in Peru is about the size of a walk in closet. But what the little place lacks in space, it makes up for in location. Miraflores is the tourist district of Lima; it's streets are filled with fine dining restaurants, luxurious hotels, giant supermarkets, and a modern mall carved into the cliff that over looks the pacific ocean. It's no wonder most Peruvians call it "la zona pituca."

"Pituca" is Peruvian slang for "ritzy," or "wealthy." Just about every Peruvian I've met in Lima's Provinces (the rural areas outside the city) that finds out I spend half the week in Miraflores responds the same; "Ah, estas en 'la zona pituca!" (Oh, you're in the ritzy area!). For obvious reasons, living in Miraflores is a blessing. I feel safe walking through the streets. My room here is comfortable. Not to mention the amazing staff at Lutheran World Relief who provide support and offer a helping hand whenever I need anything.

Still, living in the "zona pituca" of Peru while simultaneously serving families that are struggling to put food on the table just 180 km south from there has made the social/ economic differences harder and harder to reconcile. The question constantly plagues me, "How should North American Christians respond to poverty in Peru, and around the world?"

The most obvious response is, of course, to "spread the wealth" that none of us deserve to begin with. North Americans are truly blessed with material resources that some of our brothers and sisters lack in other parts of the world. It only seems natural that our Christian response to poverty be "loving our neighbors as ourselves" by pulling out our check book or even sometimes taking the shirt off of our back.

But my question is this: do all the gifts from the "gringos" inevitably link us to a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel? How many times do the humble people we serve wrongly assume that believing the message we share will make them happy, healthy, and rich?

In a sermon to the University Christian Fellowship in Birmingham, Alabama, pastor and inspirational author John Piper had this to say about what is commonly called the "the Gospel of Prosperity." "It is not the gospel. And it's being exported from this country to Africa and Asia, selling a bill of goods to the poorest of the poor: 'Believe this message, and you're pigs won't die. You're wives won't have miscarriages.'" He goes on to say, "When was the last time any American, African, or Asian ever said Jesus is all-satisfying because you drove a BMW? Never! They'll say, 'Did Jesus give you that? Well, I'll take Jesus!"

How should North American Christians respond to poverty in Peru? By giving material gifts? Of course, but my prayer is that everything we do in the small pueblos of the district of Lunahuana would give the "campesinos" there a gift that is worth so much more than "a bill of goods." My prayer is that we would not only give gifts that improve the quality of life by meeting physical needs, but that we would give the gift of hope in a Savior who is "all satisfying" in every and all circumstances.

It's Always Worth It

2009-08-18T21:29:00.001-05:00

When was the last time you enjoyed a delicious meal cooked con leña (outside over a stack of firewood)? Or listened to cumbia (a hip, new musical genre on the rise in Peru) while sipping on you're pisco sour (the national cocktail made with pisco, lemon juice, egg whites, and amargo bitters)? Or saw a donkey on the side of the road hauling pasto (a plant used as guinea pig feed)? The sights and sounds produced by daily activities in the rural, farming communities of Lunahauna are anything but familiar to this California kid, born and raised in a suburb of Los Angeles.

Even back in the city, where some places make me feel like I'm home (Starbucks in Latin America look exactly the same as Starbucks in the States), it doesn't take long after finishing my tall Vanilla Latte for things to turn "exotic" again. Ten steps from the doors of Starbucks, combis (old, oversized vans) fly by as the cobrador (a man standing at the door doing his best to lure you onboard) screams out the route his partner behind the wheel is driving, "Arequipa, Arequipa, Tacna, Wilson!" On the corner across the street, there is a group of cambistas (money changers found on just about every corner of the city that organize their huge wads of cash out in the open, offering a transaction to every passerby). They're chatting as they chow down on their picarones (a fried, doughnut shaped dessert made with squash and sweet potatoes). Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore.

Nine times out of ten, ask my opinion on doing ministry in a cross-cultural context, and I'll tell you it's the adventure of a lifetime! Differences in language, lifestyle, diet and dress can make working and living abroad exhilarating. Sometimes these cultural differences, however, can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and embarrassment:

You try expressing gratitude to your graceful hosts for the amazing papas rellenas they've prepared by finishing every last bite on your plate. "Estuvo ricisimo!" (that was great!) you tell them as you pat your belly, indicating you won't be able to eat for the next week. Next thing you know, there's five more grease-ridden stuffed potatoes staring at you from the plate in front of you. "Buen provecho!" (bon apetit!).

In an attempt to be a gentleman, you offer to fill the glass of the elderly lady sitting next to you at dinner. "Te lleno?" you ask her, as you motion towards her glass. The other Peruvians at the table snicker. "What was so funny," you ask one of the guys as everyone is leaving the table after dinner. "You just asked that 65 year old grandma if she wanted to have your child." ("llenar" is literally, "to fill," but when you're talkin' drinks, the verb is "servir").

It's the end of a long week. It's been a huge success and a great deal has been accomplished, but the group is mentally, physically, and emotionally drained and can't wait to get on the road. The time comes to settle accounts with the hotel manager. When you ask him how bad the damage is, he tells you the girl at reception hasn't even started putting the bill together yet. You ask if maybe he can push things along for you; speed the process up a bit. Trying not to let the anxiety show, you ask him, "Bueno, te puedo cargar." He laughs. "I'm sure you can carry me, Anthony, but that won't help you get out of here any faster." ["Te puedo encargar con eso" ("Can I put you in charge of that"), is what I meant to say]

With life as you know it a world away, unfamiliar sights and sounds can be overwhelming, uncomfortable, and make you wish you could catch the first plane that leaves in the morning, destination: comfort zone.

I haven't been here all that long, but my time in Peru has taught me some very important life lessons. One of the most valuable, is that while following Jesus might not always be comfortable, it is always worth it. Jesus never promised that it would be easy. But jumping out of our comfort zones willing to laugh at ourselves along the way can make the inevitable cultural clashes a little less uncomfortable and a little more enjoyable. Not only can cultural misunderstandings lead to some highly amusing incidents, but if we're willing to invest in a culture different than our own, we'll learn to see the love of God through a new set of eyes, making even the most uncomfortable, embarrassing situation worth it.

Here's a group of short-term missionaries from Kent State Campus Ministry in Ohio that helped with the repair of Lucumo's irrigation canal by day and did intentional outreach in the evenings the last week in July. Praise God these humble servants jumped out of their comfort zones to share the love of the Jesus with the pueblo!

Las Letras Chiquitas de Mi Biblia

2009-07-14T15:32:00.004-05:00

The sun strikes the desert coastal region of Peru with a fierce, unforgiving fury. The sierras that surround the conglomeration of small farming communities two and a half hours south of Lima are grey and barren, lacking even the slightest hint of life.

Various cultures throughout history have regarded the sun as much more than just the big ball of burning gases closest to planet Earth. People groups across the world (in locations as geographically diverse as Egypt, Mexico, and China) have revered the star at the center of our solar system as a deity and worshipped it for its life-giving and sustaining properties. If just one of these ancient tribal myths were true, it would do the rural farmers here some good to sacrifice some of the area's most prized liquor, Pisco to the sun god who is apparently upset with them about something.

The sun's wrath was all too visible in the eyes of hundreds of country folk attended to at the MOST Ministries Eye Glass Clinic June 3 - 8 in the town square of Lunahuana. The majority of patients seen by the gracious volunteers from Michigan suffered from either cataracts, pterygium, or both. These "campesinos" work in their fields sun up to sun down with little or no protection from the sun, making them especially vulnerable to it's punishing UVB rays.

Consider also the difficult economic situation faced by rural farmers in Latin America, and you can begin to grasp the impact offering free eye care can have on these humble people. Here is a picture of just one happy patient with glasses with which she otherwise couldn't "ver las letras chiquitas de su biblia" (see the small letters of her Bible). After seeing over 600 patients and distributing over 1500 pairs of glasses, I think it's safe to say that the MOST Ministries Eye Glass Clinic restored some hope to the province of Lunahuana- hope in the compassion of others, hope to see the small words in their Bible again, hope in a Son that truly gives life and sustains it!

Prayer Requests:

thanksgiving for a successful Eye Glass Clinic.

thanksgiving for a relaxing trip home to California to see my family and friends.

preparations for the Kent State University short term mission team that will be working on water projects and doing intentional outreach in the evenings (July 17-26).

Lo Que Aprendi de un Taxista en Lima

2009-05-24T11:51:00.000-05:00

According to the most popular newspaper in Peru, "El Comercio" (www.elcomercio.com.pe), there are an average of 10 taxi-passenger robberies reported every day in the country's capital city, Lima. Open up just about any South America Travel Guide and you will find a warning against hopping into just any car that passes you by with a neon green "taxi" sticker posted to the windshield. The first book I read in Peru was about taxi drivers in Lima that pick up foreigners leaving popular discotecs, wait until the night of alcohol consumption and dancing leaves their rich passenger passed out in the back seat of their fake taxi, and then strip them bare of all their belongings.

Needless to say, I'm overfilled with joy and excitement every time I have no choice but to wave my hand at one of these beat-up, yellow vehicles that are no bigger than a Hotwheel. The most unnerving part about boarding a taxi for any foreigner is having no idea where you are, where this shady looking character behind the wheel is taking you, or how to get back to where you started.

While I normally wouldn't voluntarily put my life in the hands of a crazy stranger, taxi rides in Lima have turned out to be some of the most rewarding experiences I've had since my Latin American adventure began seven months ago. Taxistas (taxi drivers) in Peru are never shy, always talkative, and some of the most patriotic people I have ever met. It didn't take me long to realize that my roller coaster rides through the city could double as lessons in Peruvian culture and history. And so it' s my pleasure to introduce to you the newest section of G3, "Lo Que Aprendi de un Taxista en Lima" (What I Learned from a Lima Taxi Driver). So, abrochese el cinturon y disfrute la "carrera" (buckle up and enjoy the ride) as I recount my adventures aboard my "culture classroom."

Lesson #1: Comida (Food)

The trip 182 kilometers south to Lunahuana normally takes about 5 hours, changing modes of transportation a total of four times along the way. My favorite leg of the trip comes at the beginning, when I hail a taxi from my room in Miraflores to the "Souyus" bus station about ten minutes away. Just the other day I was making my way down south to tie up some loose ends for an upcoming Eye Glass Clinic that MOST Ministries will be putting on June 2- June 10. I hailed the most trust-worthy looking cab in sight (this guy was professional- he even had a sign on top of his car), agreed on the very reasonable price of 8 soles, said a quick prayer and hopped in, curious to see what my new friend would want to talk about.

Initial conversation was the same as it normally is: Where are you from? What are you doing here? How long are you in town? And then we turned to a topic that made me realize something about Peruvians- they are proud of their food. Almost without fail, taxi drivers in Lima ask me what I think about their country's menu, "I love it!" I sincerely respond. I name some of my favorite dishes (Lomo Saltado, Cebiche, Chicharron de Cuy) and my driver's response would make you think I was complimenting him on a meal he spent all day preparing me.

Peruvian cuisine is considered to be one of the most diverse in the world due to the country's unique geography (Peru hosts 84 of the world's 104 ecosystems) and blending of distinct races and cultures (the Spanish conquest in the 16th century brought together two of the most delicious cuisines). In fact, a recent New York Times poll of international chefs voted Peru to have one of the most exquisite and varied cuisines in the world, along with China and France. (Moon Handbooks, Peru).

So, it's no wonder most of my conversations with cabbies in Lima turn to gastronomy. Peruvians are very proud of this aspect of their culture- and for good reason. And it's no wonder I feel like I'm always hungry in Peru- people never stop talking about food. Here is a shot of one of my favorites, Chicharron de Cuy (Guinea Pig Nuggets).

Upcoming Events:

June 2 - June 10 MOST Ministries Eye Glass Clinic

June 10 - June 13 Volunteer Coordinators Conference in Chicago

June 15 - July 1 In' N' Out, El Pollo Loco, BJs Pizza, Mom's beef-stroganauf... I'm goin' home!!!

Much More than a NGO

2009-03-27T11:02:00.014-05:00

There's no denying it. I don't fit in here. My pasty white skin, orange colored hair, and "gringo" accent make me stand out like a sore thumb. And so, many times to my amusement, Peruvians investigate this foreign creature living amongst them. "Where do you come from?" "What are you doing here?" "White people are so hairy. Do you use shampoo on your whole body?" One interesting question many locals often ask is if I work with an NGO ("Non Governmental Organization").

Without a doubt, my work in Peru is similar to that done by humanitarian relief and development organizations like Mercy Corps, the Peace Corps and CARE. Aid agencies such as these exist to alleviate human suffering and defend human rights in some of the world's most desperate places. So, what makes LCMS World Mission different than these aid/disaster relief organizations? Well, here's a look at the type of work LCMS Short-Term Missionaries have done in Peru in recent months...

ASEQUIA PROJECT: from Jan 10-18, a short-term mission team from Grace Lutheran Church in LeMars, Iowa and Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota left their busy lives back home to work on the Lucumo Asequia Project. A couple cement bags, blisters, and long days of hard manual labor later, and a significant portion of an essential canal that brings water to the pueblo of Lucumo is fixed.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: from Feb 3-12, a short-term mission team from Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Tennessee sacrificed a week of their time and efforts toput on a Vacation Bible School in Lucumo (among other things!). A couple of fun songs, games, and puppet shows later, and the Word of God was successfully taught to both children and adults of the community.

GRAPE HARVEST: from Feb 21- Mar 1, a women's ministry team from St. Peter's Lutheran Church in North Carolina left their husbands and families back home to minister to the ladies of Lucumo. A couple of hard days out in the sun, grape stomping sessions, and successful medical clinics later, and the women of Lucumo have been encouraged and empowered!

As you can see, these short-term teams have helped improve the quality of life in the small pueblo of Lucumo, but they're work there is more significant than the finished projects they leave behind. What distinguishes LCMS World Mission from Mercy Corps is the life-changing power of the Gospel. Every short-termer that serves the Lucumenos makes an ETERNAL IMPACT on the community by sharing the love of Christ! It was more than a pleasure working alongside such humble servants. Thank you!

Prayer Requests:

thanksgiving for a successful "first round" of short-term mission trips

that my relationship with the people of Lucumo would continue to grow

for the preparation of my "second round" of short-term mission trips this summer

Saludos Desde Lima (Greetings From Lima)

2009-01-03T16:36:00.000-05:00

Lutheran World Relief (an international relief and development organization that works on behalf of both the LCMS and the ELCA in 35 countries--www.lwr.org) has been gracious enough to let me stay in a small room above their office building in the Miraflores district of Lima. I'm happy to report that I'm successfully moved in and now have a place I can call "home" until at least May. Here is a picture looking out at the city from the top of the LWR building.

Aside from the sometimes unbearable smog, the potential danger of being a "gringo" living in the heart of a Latin American big city, and the nonstop horn honking that comes from the congested city streets, life here in Lima is good! I live 3 blocks from the nearest supermarket, 4 blocks from a collection of restaurants, bars, and local music venues, and 5 blocks from Starbucks. Everything I could possibly want is right at my fingertips (except for an In'N'Out Double-Double). Life in Lucumo, however, is a different story. There are no supermarkets or Starbucks to be found in the streets of the little pueblo; no internet, microwaves, or cable TV (some don't even have toilets). Traveling between my room in Miraflores and the worksite in Lucumo has made the gap that exists between the rich and the poor here in Peru painfully obvious.

The separation between the "haves" and the "have-nots" in Peru can be difficult to make sense of. Why doesn't God step in and do more to eradicate the injustice of the situation? I can't answer that. But I do know that we serve a compassionate, just God that will not let His people suffer for long (see Psalm 12:5; 1 Sam. 2:8; Isaiah 19:20). And I do know that until He does away with all pain and suffering for good (Rev. 21:4), He wants us (His representatives) to be a part of the solution to the problem of poverty. Please pray for the short-term teams that are coming to Peru starting Jan. 10 to act on God's behalf (and with the strength He provides) to alleviate some of the suffering in Peru.

The Ladies of Lucumo

2008-12-16T12:39:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Lunahuaná, a small town of about 500 inhabitants in the Ica Province of Perú. I´m blogging from a ¨sala de internet¨ (internet café) in the ¨downtown¨ area of the pueblo. Across the river (rio de cañete) and about a 15 minute busride away is the small pueblo of Lucumo. I´ve been spending a day at a time with each family there since last Friday, learning more about the pueblo and their way of life. Right about now, the Lucumeños are out working in their ¨chakras¨ (the land where they cultivate grapes, corn, and apples).

Yesterday, I worked alongside Señora Sanchez , a sweet older lady who takes care of her elderly mother and raises cuy (guinea pigs) and conejos (rabbits). We spent the day out in the chakra, weeding in the hot desert sun. You want to talk about a humbling experience! This lady is more than double my age, and I could barely keep up. I was ready to go home and put my feet up two hours before the thought of calling it quits even crossed her mind. The ladies of Lucumo are strong, very strong- out of necessity.

The Lucumeños depend heavily on the chakras and the fruit that is harvested from them. The chakras are their life-line, their means of survival. When we finally cleaned-up shop and headed home, I complimented Señora Sanchez about her work ethic. ¨We don´t really have a choice but to work hard,¨ she responded.

I look forward to working alongside the short-term teams that are leaving behind their busy schedules to come and demonstrate the love of Jesus to the ladies of Lucumo. The first group will arrive Jan 10 and work to improve the water canals that bring water from the river to chakras. The impact these groups will make on the lives of the tired people of Lucumo will last forever.

Mucho Gusto En Conocerlo! (Nice to Meet You!)

2008-11-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

Meeting someone for the first time can be intimidating; especially when you don't share the same language, ethnicity, or culture with your new acquaintance. You can imagine the way I felt two weeks ago when I crossed the bridge into the small Peruvian pueblo of Lucumo, a small self-subsisting community south of Lima. LCMS World Mission has worked with this group of roughly 80 farmers since they suffered the effects of the Ica based earthquake in August of '08. Numerous short-term teams have traveled from the States to help these people improve their quality of life. Combine those efforts with the power of the Holy Spirit and it gives me the honor of sharing with you that we now have a total of three new sisters in Christ in Lucumo. Here is Pastor Jorge Groh baptizing Helly, one of the two little Lucumenas that were baptized during our trip there two weeks ago.

And this is just the beginning! I will coordinate my first short-term mission trip January 10-17. We will be working on the "Acequia" project, which involves improving the conditions of a water canal that brings water from a close-by river to the community.

I'm back in Panama City, Panama now tuning up my Spanish. I'll be headed back to Peru the second week of December to strengthen relationships with the people of Lucumo and to find an apartment. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for all the prayers and support.

Por Fin! (Finally!)

2008-11-01T19:20:00.000-05:00

I've been reading about Peru for the past 5 months. I can tell you when to go, what to take with you, and what shots you need to safely enjoy all the country has to offer (thanks Lonely Planet!). Travel guides can be a missionary's best friend, but ink on a page can only take you so far. This coming Monday (11/3), I finally get to put down the books and hop on a plane!

I will be traveling to Peru with Latin American Regional Director Jorge Groh, and Regional Business Mgr. Jon Heisterkamp. Both Jorge and Jon have been to Peru several times, establishing a relationship with the people there. I will be there for five days, getting to know the people whom I will serve and looking for an apartment.

Please pray...

for safe travels to and from Peru.

that the people of Lucumo would accept us with open arms.

that God would prepare my heart to serve.

Nicknames and New Stuff

2008-10-22T22:06:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Panama City, Panama! I’ve been here for just a little over a week now; learning Spanish, making new friends, and getting used to the way they do things in Latin America. God has blessed me with a sweet place to stay (a roomy 2 bedroom apartment that I share with missionary Jack Johnson), some great new friends (missionaries, national church workers, and Spanish profs), and all sorts of opportunities to learn and grow (4 hrs of Spanish classes, 5 days a week).

I even have a new nickname! I’ve collected quite a few of them over the years because of the color of my hair (red, flame, firedome…). But in all my years of being a carrot-top, I’ve never been compared to a battery. That’s right, Panamenos (Panamanians) call redheads “Duracell.” Can you see the resemblance?

Please pray…

for the LCMS World Mission missionary team here in Panama (God is going to do some great things through these guys, I guarantee it!)

for my language training and cultural transitions.

for my preparations to serve in Peru (more specifically, for my trip down there in a couple weeks).