The last day of camp was a sad but joyous day. Relationships built with our new brothers and sisters in Christ make it difficult to leave, but knowing that we have made such an impact on their lives and the lives of their churches turns sorrow into rejoicing. Multiple Peruvian team members told us tonight at our going away despidida that they had never ministered to children before. Through this week at camp they now see gifts and needs that they never saw before. Many have gained a confirmation of God’s call to minister to those around them in their own hometown.
The “North American” team has been solid as a rock all week long. They were inspiring to watch – laying down their lives for these children by serving them tirelessly. Tuan did not feel well today, but we are glad he is getting better. A few team members felt poorly at the home of the Baker’s last night, but after some aqua and much needed sleep – we were ready and thrilled to have one more day to minister.
Kids love inflatables. After this morning, our male team members may not feel the same way. Due to an awkward location and lack of a forklift, a crucial inflatable (weighing around a thousand pounds) needed to be moved about 50 yards through pathways and around walls. The guys stepped in to save the day. It provided a morning and evening workout for the men on our team.
The kids wrote us individual letters and gave them to us today. It was hard to tell if we had made an impact on many of the children, but these notes were encouraging beyond words. They told us about camp being the best week of their life, about their counselor being their best friend, about how much they had learned about how to have a relationship with King Jesus.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would equip the young Peruvians of the three churches – Arevalo, Larco, and Wichanzao – to continue discipling these kids throughout the year.
Everyone is healthy and heading out to see more of Peru Mission’s work tomorrow. We will run an unofficial VBS for a church plant nearby, see the woodworking shop, visit the clinic, and take a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
The children that these North American and Peruvian counselors were able to point to Christ have heard the most beautiful story every told – that of redemption in Jesus Christ. One day we hope to worship with them all before the throne of God in heaven – all in the same language.
