A time to plant and a time to uproot

Sorry I have not posted in a while, time has flown by-not just these past two weeks but my entire 4 months. In many ways it feels like I just got here, and in other ways it feels like a life time ago. As you can imagine I have mixed emotions about leaving-as everyone does when it is time to end a chapter in your life. As I finish my time here I look to the Lord for strength and guidance. As Ecclesiastes says; there is a time for everything. A time to plant and a time to uproot. As we say our goodbyes, we welcome in the summer missionaries and say hello to the next chapter. Please continue to pray for Amanda and I as we say our goodbyes. May it be a smooth transition both here for the Peruvians and for us, as we know it will not be an easy one. Also that we finish strong! There is still a lot for us to do! The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few...
Love,
Christie
...10 days left

Praises!

Hey everyone,
Just a quick update to let everyone that this weekend was wonderful. First of all after I posted on Thursday before class, we had an amazing night. One man who always comes for the English classes (and makes it know he is only there to learn English) Asked some awesome questions!!! It was a total God moment- we ended 15 minutes early, which NEVER HAPPENS! More like 15 minutes over, but it was so planned for him to be able to ask some important questions. Needless to say hearing the gospel every week for months has sunk in. We left with him thinking on the very hard decision of where he is going to accept God or reject him. Please pray that this man will continue to think on this decision and ultimately pray for his salvation!
As for the orphanage it was CRAZY! Turns out everyone was off or out sick so we showed up to only one lady in a room of 40 babies! Needless to say we were working overtime. But again another total God moment. The one lady who was there, has never warmed up to us or really liked us coming. Hopefully Friday changed her mind, pray she will remain open and that we can share the gospel with her. As soon as I walked in Ruby's big brown eyes caught a hold of mine, and I had never seen a smile so big. It is crazy to think of how a 9 month old can pick one person out of a crowd, someone whom they only see once a week. My entire team were amazed at how Ruby always recognizes me and cries out for me. The time spent in Ventinilla was very refreshing. We were able to see a completely different side of Peru and a different way of life; every time your eyes are opened you grow. Also future ministry opportunities were established, now please continue to pray with us through the logistics...
As some of you know my birthday is Tuesday. In the IMB all missionaries are prayed for on their birthday. I ask that you would pray for me on that day, my prayer is that I could see one person accept Christ-that would be the best present ever!
Love
Christie

To die is gain

Hello!

Sorry it has been a few weeks since my last post, time flies when you are having fun. So lets see where to start?!? I have been able to meet with Erica every week for discipleship, she is always excited about meeting and telling us what verses she has been reading. I have gone to the orphanage and continue to love it; granted there are really disgusting moments, but they are definitely making me stronger. lol 

Pamaplona-(drum roll please)  We have a church!!!! So we found a old house to meet in, so this past week we went there and cleared it out, we brought chairs and  a bunch of bibles. Santiago was able to find a pastor who is willing to come out on Saturdays to have a service! Now this church is definitely not like what anyone in America thinks it looks like, it is a two small room shack, with holes in the roof, but that doesn't matter. It is the house of the Lord, and He will rejoice at their praise. Please continue to pray for Pamplona and that this church would grow and multiply.

Tomorrow morning Amanda and I are going out to the Orphanage then out to an area a little further past so about 3 hours away-total by bus. We will be staying with an independent missionary out there to see possibilities for future mission work. Please Pray for Amanda and I, that God would keep us safe (it is not dangerous, but it is always a concern) and that doors would be opened for future missions. 

I will update you all when I return...

Love Christie

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Highlights from the week...

On Tuesday we went to Pamplona as usually, but this week Brittne, a former journey girl came back to Peru for a week and went with us. Brittne was the fist missionary to go to Pamplona and we the one who started our ministry there. It was so great for all the ladies to see Brittne again, but at the same time I saw a missionaries greatest fear become a reality. We all fear that no matter how much we train, disciple and teach that when we leave that people will stop meeting. When we go to Pamplona we meet with 3-6 women for Bible study, this week with Brittne back in town there was over 10 women there. Brittne encouraged them to keep coming and they all said they were sorry and would continue to come and tell others about Jesus. Wednesday was an overwhelming day for me. My computer crashed last week so I went to get it fixed. Long story short they had to wipe my computer, I thought I lost everything and I ended up having two emotional breakdowns in the store with Peruvians watching. Everything is more stressful when you cannot fully communicate with someone. Thankfully most of my files were recovered, and the guy felt so bad for me he gave me a discount and cleaned my whole computer for me. Then we left from getting my computer fixed to go to a going away party for Melissa and Gerica, two volunteer missionaries who have been here for a year. It was fun to be with all the missionaries in the Lima area along with some of the translators, but it was bitter sweet. Amanda and I will be taking on more work now that they are gone, so please pray for us and the whole team, they will be greatly missed. Thursday, all phone lines in Peru stopped working, then our internet went out in our house and does not look like it will be fixed anytime soon. OH Peru...So Amanda and I have ventured to Starbucks to get some work done. I cannot say I really missed technology, it was very refreshing but we have to do work, preparing lessons, logistics... My family were a little concerned when I missed our weekly skpye date, and they couldn't reach me for a few days. But all is well. Hope everyone had a great Easter, here Easter marks the end to summer, much like our labor day. It has started to cool down (and by cool down I mean 70s and 80s lol) but it has been nice. Soon we will saw goodbye to the sun as Lima's sky turns gray for all of fall/winter. Till next week...
Love,
Christie
ps At Starbucks we got to meet a talk with a man here on business that works in Switzerland and who's family lives in Germany and all over Europe. Never underestimate the power of sharing the gospel. with one man, who knows several nations can be met. Take every chance you get!

The Angels are Rejoicing!!!

Okay, so I told you earlier that I would be presenting the gospel at class tonight, but first let me back up and add somethings. So this morning when I got up (well when the Spirit woke me up) I was praying and reading the Word, a few hours later Amanda came down stairs and we sat and just read the bible. We chatted about tonight and I told her we should read through the whole crucifixion story, she and I were on different pages as far as vision goes and just misunderstanding each other's idea. So finally I looked up and said "I don't know what you are doing tonight, but I am presenting the gospel!" She just smiled and said okay! So When tonight came after English we read parts of all four gospels telling the story of Christ's betrayal, sentencing, crucifixion and resurrection. After that the Holy Spirit just continued to give me the words to say and His truth just flowed. We then broke for a break, and then split into groups for what we call conversation club. We started talking about Holy week, and the events the Catholic Church is doing this week. I shared how I am so thankful I do not have to work my way to heaven through all these rituals that literally millions of people in Lima are doing this week, from there the conversation just flowed. I had 3 other believers and a girl named Erica. Erica began to ask questions (she is Catholic) and I presented the entire message again, sharing what God's word says we need for salvation.and....SHE ACCEPTED CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHH I am so happy to be able to say I have a new sister in Christ, not only that but she wants to continue to do discipleship. We are getting together Tuesday evening to read the Bible and talk further. Continue to pray for Erica and for strength to share with her family.
Happy Easter
Also on a side note, I have been having trouble with my computer, to come home tonight, to find it has completely crashed :( I will be using Amanda's so please pray that God will provide a way for me to do my school work, recovery lost files, and communicate with friends and family.
Love,
Christie

Come Awake, Come Awake, Come rise up from the Grave

What a week of blessings! So Sunday I was able to go to a huge church and see hundreds of my brothers and sisters worship their savior. It was so amazing to get to see men and woman of all ages raising their hands to God in praise, even an elderly woman in her wheelchair shouted for joy! It was a little glimpse of what heaven will be like one day. This Tuesday at Pamplona, we celebrated Santiago's Birthday (our friend/translator) It was so good, because all the women showed up and even more for his birthday, but ultimately they heard the WORD OF GOD! I was introduced to a great Peruvian tradition, where they always smash the cake in your face before you eat it! It was fun, but not looking forward to that on my birthday lol. Thursday we went out to the orphange and put on an Easter skit for all the kids. It was a long day, as you can imagin, doing everything 4 times, groups of 200 each! But what a blessing, 800 children heard the gospel, and what is even better, all the workers, whom are mostly atheist heard the gospel as well!
Yesterday was probably the longest day since I have gotten here. We went back to the orphanage again and helped out with the little ones (Ruby is doing great!) And a team that was in from the States installed a washer and dryer for them!!!! Then came all the way back to the other side of Lima for Secret Church. For those of you who do not know, David Platt (author of Radical) hosts Secret Church 2 times a year, we watched the simulcast and dove into the word for 7 1/2 hours. It was so amazing, we prayed for the horn of Africa (which is the focus of the IMB this month) Please continue to pray for this dangerous area, and for workers to go.
Last night was so good, and rejuvenated my soul! God's word is so good, and HE is GOOD ALL THE TIME! I did not get to bed till almost 2, just for the Holy Spirit to awaken me at 6:30. But what can I say, God's timing is not our timing, and my brother in Christ needed prayer. Now back here, preparing for my lesson this afternoon and evening. We are presenting the full gospel/crucifixion tonight. Please Pray that their hearts would be ready to receive it and that I can stay awake!!! I will post tomorrow to let you know how it went.
As we celebrate Easter let us remember the great sacrifice that Jesus gave. I want to leave you with this small piece of my journal entry this morning:
"The battle is over,  You have won.
You are victorious-not death, Satan, or anything of man
We do not fight for Victory.
We fight from Victory!
I will put death to my own hypocrisy
For you are what is important, YOU ARE WORTH IT!
And it is YOU I am running towards!

May you have a blessed Easter. Luke 24: 46-48

Beautiful Feet

I cannot believe that I have already been here half of my term! The weeks fly by! Okay so lets catch up...we continue to teach class and bible study but as for fun stories and interesting things- Okay so when we went to Pamplona this week, nothing went as planned or usual (God probably just laughs when we say things like that but...) anyways we decided to go to the top of the mountain to do bible study with a pregnant woman. We go all the way up the approx 600 steps to the top to find there has been a land slide and the path is blocked, so back down we go, but that could not stop us, so around to the other side we went and up those set of 600 stairs! Between the group splitting to go different directions and other circumstances we get up there and I have to lead Bible study off the top of my head. Good thing the Holy Spirit is faithful and gave me the words to say. Amanda's group got the share with a a new believer about the boldness of Paul in Acts; she continues to share with others living around her :-) We continue to go back to the orphanage and Ruby is doing great, she has completely stolen my heart, and I do not think I will be able to leave her. I do not know if I already mentioned this but Lima is a desert. And we walk miles and miles every day. Between and city smug, dirt, sand and sweat you can only imagine how gross our feet can get. Then this week I was reading in John where Jesus washes the disciples feet. This took on a whole new meaning! Their feet must have been disgusting! BUT we are called to be like Jesus and serve. That is why in Romans 10 we are told "how Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" my feet are dirty, unclean, sore and have patches of skin falling off, but I hold to the truth that GOD sees them as beautiful and will continue to walk beside me as I seek his ways and share the greatest news the world has ever known.

Be EFFECTIVE!

While I usually wait till the end of the week to post, too much has happened in the last few days not to share. As previously mentioned in the last blog, last week was especially hard. However, I serve an amazing God and He used the past 2 weeks to show my dependence on Him. On Sunday night the Lord and I spent some quality time together (I can only imagine how amazing it was to "walk in the cool of the day with God" like Adam and Eve got to!) during that time I had to pray some tough things. During my quiet time I recalled, my grandpa telling me that he wanted to die in his bed. Knowing that they were moving him the next day to a center, my saddened heart prayed that the Lord would honor his request and take him home to be with Him. It was hard for me to pray, but the Lord listened and now my grandpa is resting in Him. The Lord is good all the time! When I received word that he had gone home only two hours before they were to move him. I began to cry- overwhelmed and mourning but then the Holy dove whispered in my ear, "he is with me" AMEN! My Grandfather's faith has now become sight!
Last week I was able to speak with him during one of the last times he was lucid, and you know what the very last thing my grand father said to me was?!?! "Christie, be a light, make sure they know the Truth, be effective"
Can I get an AMEN!!! What power last words, and I plan to honor every word!
Then today was particularly long, as Tuesdays usually are, traveling out to Pamplona. After a few discouraging events I dragged my shattered heart home to my apartment to find a memory verse on my pillow. My friend Margo had given me a stack of face cards with Bible verses on them, one must have blown off and onto my bed. It reads "Ephesians 2:3 In Him and through faith in Him, we may approach the throne of God with freedom and confidence." GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! What am overwhelming past few days, so glad that God has carried me through them.

Ruby

This week has been a long, and hard week...but good. We went to Pamplona and the orphanage as usual and taught class. I am happy to say that Ruby-the little girl whom was brought to the orphanage the first week I went and was about to die of starvation is doing excellent! She gets excited to see me, has has gained weight and is so responsive. She has brought great joy to my life, how fitting her name means precious gem-that she most certainly is. On Thursday night we arrived at the church where we teach and they had no power. So we opened the doors gathered around and taught by the street light. To Amanda and I it was very unusual but apparently its just one of those things that happen in Peru. A friend taught me how to make two Peruvian dishes and I ate a cricket! (it did not taste good) This week has been an exhausting one, full of ups and downs. It has been an emotional tough week for Amanda and I both, please continue to keep us in your prayers especially regarding choices about the future (i.e. after Peru)

March Madness!

We have officially entered march madness, no not basketball, but teams are arriving from the States! In this month alone there are 40 teams coming into Peru! Can I get an AMEN!?! This is so exciting to be part of the connect Peru team, and see so many people involved in God's work! Amanda and I continue to keep a very busy schedule teaching class along with other ministry outlets. Our main purpose for being here is to teach translators so that they can go out with our teams and share the gospel. Please pray for all the teams and translators.
Today we went back to the orphanage and was able to love on some kids :-). But, when I got back to the apartment tonight I was struck with tragic news that a fellow OBU student on the swim team drown in a accident this afternoon. I instantly thought: "Did He know Christ?" Here, a 20 year old boy on the National Championship team drowns? We are never promised tomorrow, people are dying all over the world and the reality is-they are going to hell. We do not have time to waste friends. Get out there and let and tell the world the best news known to man kind. It was not meant to be a secret, Jesus Christ died for every single person's sins so we could be forgiven!
Romans 5: 7-9
Matthew 28: 18-20

Pamplona!

Another week has come and gone. Where to start? Well Sunday we visited a different church with many warm and welcoming people;  Amanda and I really like it and plan on returning. We went to lunch after and went to the beach to play soccer. I know it may not sound like much, but building relationships is key! God has blessed us so much with new friends and opportunities to serve. This week we went back to Pamplona on Tuesday where I got to lead bible study twice, with very wonderful women. We went back today to make lunch and do more bible study. It is amazing to see people hungry for God's word! Last blog I mentioned Santiago-one of the translators for the IMB. He has been amazing, and a great brother in Christ, he has gotten Amanda and I involved in different ministries. On Wednesday Santiago invited us to go bowling with some of his University friends. We met new people and Amanda was even able to share the gospel! Thursday we taught class and bible study for the translators all by ourselves! God has truly blessed our time here and has been opening up many doors. On a sadder note, we have recently found out that two of the hands-on students in Latin America, whom we went through orientation with, are going home tomorrow. There are numerous reasons, but it is always heart breaking when ministry has to stop. Please keep those girls in your prayers as it is very hard for them to return home.

They will know we are Christian's by our Love

This week has been filled with amazing events! Since we do not teach class till the evenings most of our mornings are open to do many different things. Amanda and I have seized these moments to venture out and around Lima. We have traveled to Pamplona, and Cieneguilla which are on the out skirts of Lima to do Bible study. My new friend Santiago-a translator who works with the teams that go into the jungle-is definitely giving me lots of opportunities for ministry here. He has such a great heart for the people of Peru and is burning to do ministry every chance we can. When we went to Pamplona we went inside a woman's home where they meet for Bible study, Santiago turns to me and says, "okay so I will lead it this week so you can get a feel for it then from here on out you can do it" (the Bible study went well with the exception of me saying "monkey's in Christ" instead of "brothers in Christ") Then we leave the house and he says "oh there is a woman down the road who has never heard the whole story of the gospel. I will be your translator and you tell her" (apparently people here are more willing to hear from the "gringa" or foreigner) Needless to say, Santiago has no problem throwing Amanda and I into any situation lol. Today we traveled 2 hours by bus to an Orphanage with over 800 children. At times I was so overwhelmed that I did not know what to do. Then God said "Christie, just love them." How simple is that! God loves every single one of those children b/c they are his creation! They may be forgotten by the world, but they are NOT forgotten by Him. So I spent my day hugging, kissing, holding and playing with kids. Just showing love to children who do not know what is like to be loved. It didn't take long for Amanda and I to decide that this Orphanage will become part of Amanda's and my schedule. It breaks my heart knowing that these kids are about to go to bed with no one to tuck them in, and kiss them good night. We learned that many people are willing to give "things" but not money, so many times the children go hungry because there is not enough food. I ask that you pray for this orphanage and the children there. I also ask that you remember Amanda and I in your prayers, as doing ministry like this can be very hard. Also for our health as we are still adjusting to Peru. 

Let me off the bus!

Hey so I have greatly enjoyed my first week in Peru. I have be able to experience many new things, see different places, and make new friends. On Thursday we went to our first class. We got to meet all of our students, but getting there was an experience in and of itself! It was my first bus ride and we had to go all the way across town. My entire team got off the bus and I was the last one, but the man did not want to let me off, b/c he wanted to keep going. Long story short, I had to jump off a moving bus!!! But no worries all is well and my students are amazing! Yesterday we went to a town/village out in the mountains to have a bible study (again more buses, taxis and places) Today we had advance English class, and bible study. Then we went to a water park (not like an American water park- a lot of fountains that light up and that we could play in) with a group of the students. In the words of my partner Amanda-"it was like we were the Kardashians" b/c they wanted to know all about us. lol. They were all extremely nice, and we were invited to go play soccer tomorrow at the beach with them! I am so excited that God has already opened so many doors. Continue to pray that Amanda and I are able to make connections, build relationships and share Christ.
God Bless
Colossians 2:2

First Day in Peru

Well Amanda and I arrived safely in Peru late last night, and after waiting an hour in the immigration line we were pleased to see all of our bags arrived with us! On the first flight from Guat. to Mexico I sat next to a woman who was from Guat, her husband is from Lima and she live in Maryland for 2 years! Needless to say we had a lot to talk about, God sent her my way to help me with all the forms, immigration and customs (Mexico city airport is very confusing) Then on the next flight to Lima, Amanda and I sat with a guy who has lived literally all over the world and had a great conversation-even got to share about our faith! He was very nice, and helped Amanda and I again find our way through the 100s of people trying to get into Peru. He is still searching, pray that he realizes he will not be happy no matter how much money he makes or different places he lives w/out God.  Today we settled into our apartment and became accustomed to the area. We ate some AMAZING food and even walked to the ocean (less than a mile from our apt) Oh and I located the nearest Starbucks...one block up, one block over!!!!!!!!! As you can tell, I am suffering here big time. ;-) Tomorrow we are possibly visiting an orphanage were we will be working, and having our first class with the translators!
Isiah 32:17

On to Peru

I have had a wonderful week of training in Guatemala. I have made some great friends and while its sad to leave I know that we all are ready to get on the field! Here we had a great time with training and meeting new people. On Saturday we went to a mall and just tried to meet people. We prayer walked around some of the local universities where one team will be ministering. And on Sunday I got to experience my first service in all Spanish! I have learned many important things, among them is to always watch for "gringo traps" aka huge pot wholes in the sidewalks. ;-) Tomorrow will be a very long day with us leaving at 6:30 in the morning and arriving after midnight, prayers for safe travels and for luggage arrival is greatly appreciated. (my partner Amanda just read this and wanted to add a big "YES!" to the needed prayer)
God Bless

Good, long day of training!

Had a wonderful day of training. Today we learned about the catholic influence in Latin American and all about the mixing of Catholicism and the native/indigenous beliefs. We went to Antigua, to look at some of the old cathedrals. The picture is from one of the ruins caused by earthquakes. We are currently having ice cream with a team in from Arkansas, here to work on a Baptist seminary. 

I'm HERE!

All of the hands on students landed in Gautamala last night (with all of our luggage!!!) and we are semi settled in. We currently having breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee that taste amazing!

I leave tomorrow!

Wow, I cannot believe that my day of departure is almost here! I leave tomorrow for one week of training in Guatemala City before then flying on to Peru the following week. Yesterday in both of our services, my wonderful church family prayed over me in a commissioning service. It is such a blessing knowing that I have the support of so many brothers and sisters in Christ. The process for getting to this point has taken 11 months, and through it all God has affirmed that this is what He wants. 

My bags are packed and waiting by the door-with one bag weighing in at 49.5 lbs and the other 45 lbs-hey maybe with that extra 5 pounds I could bring another pair of shoes ;-) I am so excited for tomorrow, I can hardly sleep!

God is so Good!

I serve an amazing God, all of the funds came in for Peru! I can't not believe we are down to 3 week, still so much to do!

Only 5 weeks Away!

Hello Friends and Family,

In only 5 short weeks I will be leaving for Lima, Peru! I am so excited to see God work in Lima and cannot wait to get there, but there is still lots to be done. First, I only have a little over a week to raise another $1,500! I know God is faithful and will provide; prayers for funding would be greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray that God will prepare my heart, and the hearts of the people in Peru that I will come in contact with. I am still trying to learn Spanish, but watching episodes of Friends in Spanish is helping! 

I will try to post regularly to keep everyone in the loop!