DAY SEVEN - I will give you my son!

(Picture on left: Seminary class I taught on missions)



After breakfast, our team worshiped and had a good devotional by Tina. It was on Psalm 1, about a tree planted by waters, how it will prosper. After the devotional, we sand the song from Newsboys called, "He Reigns". I sensed that we were to sing the song but I wasn't sure what the connection was with the devotional. The song is about every nation singing praises together to God and then I got a thought, "Revelation 22". I went there and the connection came . . . "And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. . . And they will reign for ever and ever." Missions is about being part of that healing to all nations, bringing joy, peace and love.

This morning, four of our members had to stay back. One of our desires on mission trips is to do what others can't do for good. We were asked to paint a room at the Christian School. It seemed like those that were able to work were tired, fighting sickness too and were not too energetic. As soon as we began painting, the team was energized. We finished a whole room in a very short time and it looks great.

During lunch we sat around and asked our hosts David Q's family to share how they trusted Christ. They all grew up in a Christian home and trusted Christ at a young age. But the interesting story is how their parents came to Christ. The pastor that had introduced them to the gospel. He asked them, what is the most important thing to you that you should offer God. The mom came back and said, I offer God my son that I am about to deliver. That son is David Q. David has been a missionary in China, USA, Switzerland and Peru. The rest of the children are all in ministry too. Jonathon is the President of the Maranatha Seminary, Elizabeth and Carlos work at Emanual Bible Church in Lima, George is the Vice-President of the denomination, Mary is the Administrator of the Christian School. We are amazed that they are now all having major impact on the country of Peru. One mom, one commitment, country changed.

That four of our members went to teach the parents of the Christian School. I got to go to the Seminary and teach a class on Missions. It was pretty incredible to hear about the Seminary. They are training 300 students for less than $15,000 per year. They charge students about $12 a month. They have eight institutes all over the country including two in the jungle and the others in the mountains. God is doing amazing things in this country through these friends.

I am going to come back to Peru for sure. I have been here six times but never felt this excitement for long-term strategic and sustainable ministry. I also love Cusco, great city.

Our team members are recovering but still not 100%. Keep praying for us!