Chinchil Mission Trip: October 2012

We'll start our photo tour with two pictures of the church building being built there in Chinchil. We had hoped to help put the roof on, but they were still cutting the wood for the joists. They hope to start the roof next week.

The first floor (basement) has 4 rooms for classrooms. The auditorium is on the second floor where people can walk in from the "street."

I knew some of the construction men would want to see how the floor is done. The canes will be covered with a packed dirt or some cement if they can afford it.

The afternoon kid's club started on the town's soccer field with games. This seemed to have been the first time the kids had played the "stomp on the balloon" game.

The ARRIBA students did the skits to introduce the theme of each lesson. 

Five different ladies from church taught the lessons. This afternoon was Becky's turn. None of us are sure what she had them raising their hands for!

Emily leads the theme song (Follow, Follow I will Follow Jesus) while Johana and Maria hold the words. Jesus came to save sinners and give His life as the price to redeem.

The craft time came last. With 100 kids we needed every ARRIBA student and young lady from church. 

Maria helps with the gluing.

Melly's group with their finished booklets showing the days of creation.

One of our favorite pictures. One of the little boys looking at his finished booklet.

Now something to eat before getting ready for the service. The food was good - thanks to Pastor Josue's wife.

It's been raining all night long, the roads are washed out, and we're going to do WHAT?!?  Leave!?!?! 
Plan A: leave Chinchil and head for the van to take us back. That "was" the plan. Only one problem: the van wasn't there. Plan B: an 11 hour, maybe 20 mile hike to the town of Huacrachuco. Becky is seriously thinking of attacking me with that black tube in her arms.

The last sight of our suitcases for about 30 hours.

We arrived at this landslide after walking 9 hours. It was an hour or so after dark and since we couldn't see a path well with our flashlights, I decided the safest course of action was to spend the night right there on the path. In the light of the morning it didn't look nearly as bad to cross.

Great bonding time for the group.

Some are even smiling after "sleeping" all night on rocks with the temperature in the low 50s. 
Though this wasn't what we had planned, we thank the Lord for His care and safety all the way home. 

VBS August 2012

The theme for this year's VBS was "The King's Request." Using 4 different kings from the Old Testament, the children learned about God's power, wisdom, holiness, and mercy. The last day King Josiah's life emphasized loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. There were many new kids who were at our church for the first time and many kids from our weekly children's Bible club.

The two teams were the Orange and Blue teams, and each day we opened with songs and a game. The two teams were the Orange and Blue teams, and each day we opened with songs and a game. 

The youngest class - 4 to 6 year olds. The little girl up front on the left is Grecia. She was a new girl this week and such a very bright and interested student. On her way to our closing program Sunday morning she was hit by a car and suffered a broken collar bone. She's all right, but we would appreciate your prayers for her recovery. Her mother is a believer and we were able to visit her after church this evening.

Working on crafts.

Bible time for the 7 to 9 year olds.

 Sharing the gospel with a wordless book in the 9 to 11 year old class.

Class on the roof - 12 to 14 year olds.

Time for Bible quizzing and skit.

It was somewhat chaotic at times, but we had a good group of teachers and helpers to maintain order so everyone could listen and learn.

A last photo with many of the children and helpers. We ended the week with about 80 kids.

Farewell Pachamanca: September 2011

On our last Sunday in Peru, the folks at El Manantial Baptist Church had a "pachamanca" for our "despedida" or farewell dinner. A pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dinner from the Andes Mountains. Since most of our folks have moved to Lima from the mountains, it is something they enjoy preparing for special occasions.

A fire is made in a hole in the ground to heat the stones or bricks that line the hole. After the fire dies down, the food (meat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and beans) is placed in the hole, covered with herbs and dirt, and cooked.

Removing the food.

Separating the beans and potatoes.

Placing the meat in a pot to keep warm.

Taking the food to church.

DELICIOUS! Most often a pachamanca is eaten with your fingers. I don't know how a fork showed up in this picture!