Peru Day Two - Who is in Control?

Maybe we are not in control like we think. Maybe even things that seem random are part of a plan. Today God convinced me that even events that seem trivial are orchestrated by him.
So last night we had the banquet with the pastors from Huaycan, it was a blessed night. Three of our pastors had chosen their choices of churches they wanted to preach at. There were only two options left, Kirk and I had to choose. Being the coordinator, I asked him to choose and I would take the left over . . But Kirk was gracious, he said, lets flip a coin. I called it and he won. This was purely by chance right?

I was stuck with the early church and I was exhuasted. How could I get up at 6:00 AM, leave by 7:00 AM in a time that I'm struggling with a chest cold, coughing alot and to top it off, I was the only one without a translator which means, I had to preach in Spanish.
When Jen and I went down for breakfast, we were surprised that David Q was there to meet with us, it was a great morning. We then arrived at the church I was preaching and the pastor recieved us during the praise and worship, we went to his office. While we were talking the praise and worship team sang, "Cosecha", one of my favorite spanish songs about the harvest and I thought . . ."Screw it, I'm supposed to be there, I love that song and it is exactly what I'm preaching". The worship was awesome, then they sang another favorites, "Todo Poderoso" . . .I began to melt and I sensed His presence in worship like I haven't in a long time. . . I love spanish worship, it speaks to my heart like nothing else.
Jen and I went up during the sermon time, she shared about our family, adoption and her cancer scare . . .the people were moved. I then preached on John 4, about the Harvest. It was perfect for the church. Afterward we were asked to pray for a young woman with cancer, she was weak and fragile but in faith we begged God for healing.

We were ushered out to a taxi to the next church where I was to preach. It was another amazing church, the worship was wonderful and led mostly by young people. The offering was led by middle schoolers but the quality was just the same. The pastor's daughter played the drums with so much skill, coolness and worshipful attitude - she is 11 years old.
(Picture on left is the pastor, his wife and children, the girl on the far left was the drummer)
They were so amazed that I preached on the Harvest as they are doing a major outreach next Sunday and this is the message that they needed . . . by chance? Not a chance. There are no accidents. We were so blessed.


In the afternoon we joined Prince of Peace Carrollton for outreach in the plaza of Huaycan. There were thousands of people there, it was packed with people and activities. The POP youth did their mimes in front of hundreds and afterwards we went out and shared the gospel with people. Beth Daugherty and I teamed up as we shared with a group of 15-20 people. Beth was sharing and I was translating for the first half and I did the second half all in spanish. The people were intently listening to our message, with full attention on our words about eternal life. When I asked who trusted Christ for the first time, over 15 hands were raised, most of them were men. (See pics on left of the group) We were awed at the response. We gave them bibles and instructions for their next steps. Many people were ministered to that night, many trusted Christ. One of the best things was the joining of forces between PLI pastors with POP missionaries . . . can Lutherans actually do this?

I am learning that though I think I'm making choices, many of them are already orchestrated. Instead of worrying, instead of thinking too much, I need to "relax and enjoy the ride". Even a person like me that doesn't worry too much still needs to give up the thought that I have some control - I don't . . . and neither do you! So enjoy the ride!

Prayer Needs:
1. Continued health for our team (get rid of my cough/cold)
2. On Monday we will minister in the orphanage, grace, strength and love to help them.
3. Continued unity of our team and working of God within our team.

Thanks friends for praying for us! We love you!