First Pres. Pastor's Blog

We've known for a long time that Ligon Duncan, our old seminary professor, who is currently pastor of Bill's home church, has a way with words...but this entry on the First Pres Jackson Pastors' blog proves it - he sums up our team's ministry to a "T"! Thank you, Ligon and First Presbyterian, for your support and prayers. We keep you all in ours as well!

Medical Ministry Prayer Request

There is so much potential in our medical ministry down here - so many families torn up by tragic illnesses, such as disability that prohibits the husband from working or a sick child whose medical bills are more than the family income. Physical and spiritual needs are so intertwined in our lives that our pastoral approach to medical care provides unlimited opportunities to present our Healing Savior to the sick and hurting.

Our Wichanzao clinic is undergoing much change and activity this year - some of which we have pursued to improve care, some of which has been forced upon us because of unforeseen circumstances. For example: We are implementing a new administrative system. The pastor, Guillermo, recently moved to a church in Moyobamba, leaving the church in search of a pastor. Rocio, the Obstetrics Nurse who has run the clinic for the past 3 years tendered her resignation. We are almost finished with the construction of the new medical facility next to the church. Two days a week we have Peruvian doctors who attend in the clinic; one day a week, a dentist attends there. We have had several USA doctors visit already this year, with several more on the calendar. Peru Mission interns and Peruvian medical students from our churches are conducting extensive research in our neighborhoods so that we may provide the help most needed.

Our Arevalo clinic is going up quickly now, and will provide numerous opportunities to minister to the people in that neighborhood. The church itself seems to be going through a time of trial and resistance, though the recent relocation of the pastor, Eduardo, and his family is providing for a long-needed presence of Christ there.

Please pray for our medical ministry down here. Over the last 2 days Bill has been counseling with two men in the Wichanzao parish, who were relatively steady workers in their fields, but over the last year have either suffered an accident or an illness that has barred them from providing for their families. He hopes to be able to visit these people on a more regular basis. Following up on these patients is a crucial aspect in ministering to the whole person and family - opening up channels for the love of Christ to flow into their hearts and change their lives.

Microfinance Praise

This just in from Lawson Konvalinka, one of the interns in charge of the new Microfinance Program:

Pastors,

Just letting y'all know that we got 100% of our first payment! The ladies even showed up before they were supposed to, considering the Peruvian culture, I think that is even a greater victory than getting the money. Anyways, big praise to God for this one!

Just sharing the joy with y'all,
Lawson

March 2007 e-letter

Left click on image for larger view.

The Berrys in Peru

God blessed us with an encouraging, fruitful week with our dear friends, the Berrys, from Mississippi...

...Mont attended patients in the clinic...

..Sara taught in the Arevalo church...

...the kids played in the Pacific Ocean...


...and we all enjoyed making lots of new memories with old friends!

Texas Visitors

This will be a busy week of ministry in our Arevalo neighborhood. 24 visitors from RUF at Texas A & M, RUF at Baylor University, and RUF at University of Tulsa are here to preach, assist in the Vacation Bible School, sponsor a community-wide BBQ, and paint the newly acquired pastoral house. Please keep them in your prayers throughout the week.

Aunt Marianne Visiting

We are really enjoying our current visitor - Bill's sister, Marianne! We toured the ancient pyramids outside of Trujillo today - The Pyramids of the Sun & the Moon.