Manzanamayo Building Dedication

The whole family had a really good visit in Cajamarca this week. One of our rural churches, Manzanamayo, just completed the building that we, along with First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, MS, and the brethren in Cajamarca, helped begin in 2002, so they had a big inauguration and vigilia which we attended.The building was really surprising - we expected the typical mud building with no finishing touches like the rest of the buildings on the mountain. But, they really pulled out all stops up there - it is painted inside and out, has pretty wood floors and wooden beams in the ceiling - and even has electric lights (maybe the only ones on the mountain) hooked up to the generator donated by First Pres. Corinth in 2000. It looks great and they are so excited - it will be greatly used! It was fun for us to be up there again, even to eat the goat intestine soup for breakfast and the guinea pig for the big banquet.

Inauguration of the newly completed church building in Manzanamayo

(photo courtesy of Juan Marquina)

Setting up for the Inauguration Ceremony

(photo courtesy of Juan Marquina)

Bill participating in the traditional "breaking a water pitcher" to inaugurate the building

(photo courtesy of Juan Marquina)

Cooking guinea pig and goat for the Inauguration Banquet

Congregation in their first service in their new building - a "vigilia" (all night worship service)

The brethren in Manzanamayo are thrilled and so thankful to the Lord for all He's done for them - and a whole lot of that has been through the generous brothers and sisters in the USA. Thanks to all our supporters for your dedication and sacrifice for these humble brothers and sisters. They continue to pray for you, as do we.

We stayed in Cajamarca with our friends and co-workers, the Ramirez's, one week and were able to visit with many of our other friends as well, notably Eduardo Vargas. In addition to the Manzanamayo festivities, Bill was able to take over the pastoral duties in the Los Rosales Church, permitting the minister, Juan Santa Cruz, to have a little vacation. He also preached at a special youth service on "Friendship," which was held at the downtown, "del Batan" church. Then, he was able to participate in the vigilia at the Quinuapata church plant. The Lord is slowly but surely adding his increase to the work in Cajamarca. Please pray for all these churches and church plants, that God would pour out his Spirit in power upon them.