Enrique & Lucia's baby

We are excited to report the healty arrival of Grace Maree, covenant child of Enrique and Lucia of Larco Presbyterian Church. We give thanks to God for the growth we have witnessed in Enrique and Lucia over the years, not only in numbers (this is their 2nd child), but, most importantly, in spiritual depth. Please pray for this precious family: Enrique, Lucia, Andrea & the new baby.
(Thanks for the baby picture, Grace!)

Katie's Bridal Shower

All of the Peru Mission Ladies threw a Bridal Shower for our lovely Katie Gaylor, who is to wed our own Joshua Burdette on July 5 in Oklahoma! Blessings to y'all, Katie and Joshua!

Happy Easter from Peru!

Happy Easter from the Egg Hunters and Gatherers of Peru Mission!

And special thanks to those interns who endured the blazing sun to hide the eggs for the kids! You went above & beyond the call of duty!

Spring Breakers in Peru

Spring Break provides a great opportunity for many folks to trek down to Peru and give us a helping hand around Peru Mission. During the month of March, we have had a variety of visitors:

• Hugh and Donna (Dr. Donna Breeland - OBGYN) Trussel and family from Jackson, MS
  
• RUF from SMU in Dallas, TX, with Rev. Chad Scruggs
  
• RUF from University of Alabama with Rev Marshall Brown
  
• RUF from University of Oklahoma with Rev. Doug Serven
  
• Grace Presbyterian Church, Lexington, VA
  
• RUF from University of Tulsa with Rev. John Knorr (in Cajamarca)


• Mrs. Dixie Ball from Jackson, MS


• Alex Sherling from Columbia, SC (via Guadalajara, Mexico)

Their activities ranged from attending patients in the Wichanzao Clinic, preaching in churches and university meetings, demolishing an old church building for new construction to begin, painting in the new Wichanzao Clinic and practicing English with our language institute students and university students. It has been a great month of ministry!

Liz & Obal's Wedding

Saturday, March 15, was a joyous day around Peru Mission. Liz, (directs a Christian orphanage) and Obal (a university student), who met through Peru Mission's University Ministry, married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Trujillo.

The wedding guests arrive slowly in Peru - because the bride traditionally arrives several hours late. But their wedding only began one hour late. They had to wait for the Justice of the Peace to arrive. In Peru, church weddings are not recognized by the government, so Christians usually have two ceremonies: one at the courthouse and one at the church. Liz and Obal decided to combine the two into one so that all their family and friends could celebrate with them.




The traditional first waltz of the newlyweds at the reception. The reception featured a sit-down dinner that included a delightful show by typical Peruvian dancers along with all of the traditional wedding activities.

A Peruvian tradition similar to the USA tossing of the bouquet: The blindfolded bride feels the hands of the single girls and picks who will receive the bouquet. Luckily, Liz picked her best friend, Elva.





(Thanks for the photos, Heather and Clara!)

Arevalo Women Begin Again

Peruvian schools are back in session after their 2 month summer break. So, over 30 women women gathered at the Arevalo Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 14, for our first weekly meeting of the year - a time of joyous reunions and announcing upcoming events. We are studying a book by Shelly Volkhardt and Mimi Wilson called "Holy Habits", which Shelly translated into Spanish (having ministered in Ecuador and Miami, she has excellent Spanish). We are also initiating a rotating activity schedule which includes crafts classes, discussions with visiting professionals (doctors, business people, etc.), cooking classes and sporting events. The women are excited about the upcoming year. Please pray that they grow and mature in their faith as they seek His face.

Wesley & Holly's Wedding

Allen's brother, Wesley, married his lovely bride, Holly, in a beautiful ceremony on March 8. As you can tell, we are all thrilled and look forward to seeing how the Lord blesses their lives together. Congratulations, Wesley and Holly! We love y'all! (And thanks for coming, Pewall - so good to see you!)

Paving Arevalo

We are thrilled to be free from the dustclouds that swirl up from the dirt roads in Arevalo!

This is a picture of the road being paved in front of the Arevalo church plant, where I'm working with the micro-savings project. The municipality recently announced their plans to pave the most of the roads in the Arevalo neighborhood! It's always an encouragement to see the great economic growth Peru has experienced in the past few years trickle down to the poorer areas. We're looking forward to it being finished soon! Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the work in Arevalo.

From a report by Grace Bateman

Peru Mission E-bulletin March 2008

Left click for larger, readable view