Before beginning this post-Peru post, I re-read my last one. The Scripture the Holy Spirit laid on my heart that day was one that was needed more than I even knew at that time. We went to Peru with our agenda laid out, as best we could. But, God had His own agenda.
As we were preparing to go, I was puzzled by the make-up of the team. There were five fine and godly men...and then this one, solitary woman: me. We prayed for others to go, especially for other women to go. It was not to be. When we got to Peru and began to minister to the people there, it became clear why those who went were truly chosen. God did a mighty work there through our team, and I give Him all the glory for that. There were times we laughed and rejoiced. There were times our hearts were so broken that we sat, speechless. There were times that drove us to our knees in prayer over the darkness that confronted us.
That battle is still being fought, though these soldiers had to leave the battlefield. The chief weapon of this team will be prayer, until we can be present with our Peruvian brothers and sisters in person once again. The spiritual darkness in Peru is great, and the laborers are few in number. I now have a clearer understanding of the magnitude of the need there and of the scarcity of resources. The disparity is appalling. It is in these situations, when you realize that only God can save. Only the power of God can bring the light which dispels spiritual darkness.
There were also times of outpouring of God's blessing, times of victory, encouragement, uplifting of hearts and hands. I believe that God allowed us to experience the former in order to endure and to battle what lay ahead. He did a mighty work in Peru these past few days, and to Him belongs all the glory.
These are the Scriptures that are in my heart as I look back and look ahead.
No weapon that is formed against you will prosper, and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from me, says the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17 NASB
2And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3“Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4“Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. 5“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6“If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7“Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. 8“Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Luke 10:2-9
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 NASB
God willing, I long to return to Peru next year, to teach and minister in whatever way God calls me back.
Cesar, Gabi, Fio, Vale, Matteo, Rollans, Friene, Deisy, David, Marilia and Luis - - - - you will all be in my prayers, until we meet again.
Father, thank you for the privilege of spreading the Gospel here at home and to the "ends of the earth". Please bless the work of Zona Zegura and Village of the Children and keep my friends in your tender care. Guide them, direct them, empower them in their efforts to reach Cachora, Cusco and ll of Peru for Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.
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