Hi Everyone,
Mike blogging again, and on very little sleep, so I will keep it short and sweet :)
Tammy came through the surgery yesterday with flying colors and is now (still in the hospital until at least tomorrow) recovering. The surgery was long and complicated - it took 2 surgeons almost 6 hours. But praise God, even though she looks like a bloody mummy from the waist down, she is on the road to recovery. She can't get back to normal for at least a month, but all signs point to a complete recovery.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Tammy says carving the turkey on Thanksgiving will be different from now on, since she spent Thanksgiving being carved on ;).
God bless,
Mike
The World Comes to Peru
Recently, the difference between Peru and the US was was very obvious
yet once again. Peru hosted the Apec (Asian Pacific Economic
Cooperation) summit here in Lima. Now it is a big event, many world
leaders were here from 21 countries - even President Bush and
Chairman Hu from China. But the different and surprising part was the
security. In order to try to keep order , the Federal government declared the whole four days - Thursday through Sunday a holiday. All schools were closed, banks were closed, factories were
closed - only small casual businesses were allowed to be open - outside of downtown. And in
the central City and surrounding areas many of the important streets
were closed.
Of course kids loved a 4-day weekend (and out here in the in the beach
town of San Bartolo, the partiers came by the hundred - and a few were
sober at times). It was hard on regular folks because, they just lost
4 days pay, I had to reschedule a Dr. appt, because the clinic was
closed. Only emergency services were available. I saw news shots of
the normally ultra-crowded streets of Lima, but they were blocked off
by police and/or the army and ghost-town vacant, paper-blowing-down-the-street vacant.
You see the difference - in New York, the United Nations meets all the
time and it is business as usual, international summits come and go - only the protesters and hotel/restaurant folks know, but here, we have a four day summit
of a few countries and we have to go into a practical lockdown.
They did this for 2 reasons. One was broadcast and kinda true - to
increase security for the leaders and one reason was on the quiet and
shushed up, but sadly true - the leaders here didn't want the world to see
just how poor Lima (and indeed all Peru ) really is. They wanted to hide the poor folk scrambling to make a living by selling stuff on the streets, the ill-dressed hordes working their 12 hour days for $6 a day, the scads of homeless and crazies that just wander the streets - often naked. They didn't want the world to see the real Peru. There isn't really One World.
yet once again. Peru hosted the Apec (Asian Pacific Economic
Cooperation) summit here in Lima. Now it is a big event, many world
leaders were here from 21 countries - even President Bush and
Chairman Hu from China. But the different and surprising part was the
security. In order to try to keep order , the Federal government declared the whole four days - Thursday through Sunday a holiday. All schools were closed, banks were closed, factories were
closed - only small casual businesses were allowed to be open - outside of downtown. And in
the central City and surrounding areas many of the important streets
were closed.
Of course kids loved a 4-day weekend (and out here in the in the beach
town of San Bartolo, the partiers came by the hundred - and a few were
sober at times). It was hard on regular folks because, they just lost
4 days pay, I had to reschedule a Dr. appt, because the clinic was
closed. Only emergency services were available. I saw news shots of
the normally ultra-crowded streets of Lima, but they were blocked off
by police and/or the army and ghost-town vacant, paper-blowing-down-the-street vacant.
You see the difference - in New York, the United Nations meets all the
time and it is business as usual, international summits come and go - only the protesters and hotel/restaurant folks know, but here, we have a four day summit
of a few countries and we have to go into a practical lockdown.
They did this for 2 reasons. One was broadcast and kinda true - to
increase security for the leaders and one reason was on the quiet and
shushed up, but sadly true - the leaders here didn't want the world to see
just how poor Lima (and indeed all Peru ) really is. They wanted to hide the poor folk scrambling to make a living by selling stuff on the streets, the ill-dressed hordes working their 12 hour days for $6 a day, the scads of homeless and crazies that just wander the streets - often naked. They didn't want the world to see the real Peru. There isn't really One World.
Surgery and a 30 day delay
Definitely there is surgery in my future. The vascular surgeon and another cardiologist say that there is no other option for my problems with my legs. Yes, LEGS , I am going to have vein stripping (they really pull the veins out of your legs! eewww!) So next week I should get the bad veins removed (that sounds very creepy to me!) Unfortunately the doctor also said it would be four weeks before I could travel, so the move to Andahuaylas will have to be after Christmas.
I know that God has a plan in this happening at this time.
Please praise God for a good housing solution for the one month extra. The landlady yesterday suggested that we could stay where we are--which would be the best solution--but because it is beachfront and summer is beginning it would be way out of our price range if they charge the usual summer rate. Also they are very nice people and we don't want them to lose any income from the apartment by us staying here. However, today the Landlord said that we have been such good tenants, quiet, maintaining the house nice, paying on time and so he said we could stay here for the same price! God truly is in control and good to us.
In Christ,
Tammy
I know that God has a plan in this happening at this time.
Please praise God for a good housing solution for the one month extra. The landlady yesterday suggested that we could stay where we are--which would be the best solution--but because it is beachfront and summer is beginning it would be way out of our price range if they charge the usual summer rate. Also they are very nice people and we don't want them to lose any income from the apartment by us staying here. However, today the Landlord said that we have been such good tenants, quiet, maintaining the house nice, paying on time and so he said we could stay here for the same price! God truly is in control and good to us.
In Christ,
Tammy
Health News Update
We went back to the cardiologist yesterday for all of the test results.
items for praise:
My blood pressure is normal and the heart arrhythmia has gone away!! Real answer to prayer.
Mike has lost 3 kilos and his diabetes is well under control.
items for prayer:
I am going to need surgery on my leg as my tests came back showing severe venous insufficiency. Pray that I can get this taken care of quickly as we are coming right up to time to move.
Pray that I have no further complications with this leg such as more infections and tissue damage.
Pray that Mike's blood pressure continues to come down. It is much better now, but not quite there, as they are still adjusting his medicine.
Pray for the strength and peace to deal with additional complications to the moving process.
Thanks for your prayers! They really work!
Tammy
items for praise:
My blood pressure is normal and the heart arrhythmia has gone away!! Real answer to prayer.
Mike has lost 3 kilos and his diabetes is well under control.
items for prayer:
I am going to need surgery on my leg as my tests came back showing severe venous insufficiency. Pray that I can get this taken care of quickly as we are coming right up to time to move.
Pray that I have no further complications with this leg such as more infections and tissue damage.
Pray that Mike's blood pressure continues to come down. It is much better now, but not quite there, as they are still adjusting his medicine.
Pray for the strength and peace to deal with additional complications to the moving process.
Thanks for your prayers! They really work!
Tammy
If you have an abundant life, shouldn't you have an abundance mentality?
The idea of an abundance mentality is very popular in personal development literature. And with good reason-- a lot of personal development literature reads like Christian literature with the Bible, God, and Christ removed. In fact, that's exactly what it is. And this teaching is actually OUR teaching, with its essential spiritual parts removed.
As Christians we know that we have an abundant life--because Jesus said he came to give us one. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b NIV) But sadly, that is sometimes the only way we know it.
Our problem is that to recognize the abundant life that we have in Christ, we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Rom. 12:2) While we look at things in the same old way, we miss the rich gifts that God has given us in Christ.
So, if we put the missing elements into the teaching of "abundance mentality" we come out with some teachings that are real and meaty, instead of the "encouraging" personal development teachings that lack REAL power to transform our lives.
For an example, let's look at the teaching about abundance mentality from http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Abundance-Mentality. The opening paragraph goes as follows:
"Much of society seems to be built on a scarcity mentality. It's a mentality that tells people that there is a lack in life, that opportunities are few and far between. This is, of course, useful for society because if people feel that there is a lack, then you can get them to buy stuff. And so the economy and society can continue to live and prosper by reinforcing a scarcity mentality in people."
So the mentality of abundance, or the perception of the abundant life (what we are really talking about) has an opposite--the mentality of scarcity, or the perception that our life is lacking, meager, shabby, and sad. Jesus tells us about this too, in the first part of John 10:10 (The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy) Jesus, however, comes that we may have life to the full--abundantly in the King James version. So one source of our perception of the shabby life is the thief. There are a lot of thieves in this world, but the ultimate thief is our enemy himself, the devil.
But he's not our only enemy. Even WikiHow recognizes that our other big adversary, the world, is in on this scam: "This is, of course, useful for society .... the economy and society can continue to live and prosper by reinforcing a scarcity mentality in people."
So.... looks like we need to stop conforming to society. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, says the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:2 (again).
So let's look at the WikiHow suggestions for perceiving the abundance of your life, beef them up and transform them with the light of Scripture, which reveals a true abundance beyond our best thoughts and wildest dreams:
Look for symptoms of a scarcity mentality. This usually shows by an exaggerated sense of your own importance. I have to succeed, if I fail, the consequences are--GRAVE.
Too often, we think like this--in my life I know that I get feeling this way about sharing the gospel, home schooling, cleaning house, teaching a bible study--even blogging! To feel this way puts all the focus on us and our efforts--and off of God.
Two antidotes:
Focus on the abundance, not on the lack. WikiHow says, "What you focus on, you will see in your world." Since you can’t take in everything around you, your reticular activation system – your focus system in the mind – will bring into focus what you focus your thoughts on.
And the scriptures say: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things". (Phil. 4:8).
And so thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy will open our eyes to a world full of things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
While we have our mind set to focus on what we don't have, we are like someone sitting in a beautiful room with a beautiful view, with a Christmas tree in the corner piled with gifts, doggedly staring at a sad black and white movie and crying. Turn off the tv and open the gifts!
Appreciate. Give thanks! ....give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Th. 5:18) Some ideas: give thanks for God's forgiveness, for his great sacrifice for our sins, what he has done for you in the past year, what he WILL do for you in the coming year, for the natural beauty of our world, for your church, for the individual people who have come to it this year, and for those who have loved you, taught you, reached out to you, discipled, or rebuked you, the pastor and leaders, Sunday School and other ministries, your family, your friends, your health, your trials, those in authority over you, your material blessings, etc. The sky isn't even the limit for someone who has been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm! Make a list of your blessings and thank God for them.
Get an abundance vibe from other people. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Prov. 27:17) Look for friends who lift you up, not who bring you down. Find what makes you wrongfully discontented with life, and what doesn't. DON'T hang out with people that make you feel jealous or discontented. DO hang out with those that infect you with optimism and gratitude.
And importantly "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Rom. 12:15-16). Be happy for others' successes.
Share the wealth. One very good way to acknowledge how much you have is to share it. Do you feel like you're not making enough money? Give some away. Not enough love? Give some away. Not enough validation, appreciation, recognition? Give it all away. It's hard for something to feel scarce when you're giving it away. Did you really need WikiHow to tell you that?
How about, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor. 9:7-8)? Giving it away ensures that you will have all you need--or that you will notice that you already do.
"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.. . . you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. . . . And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:14-19)
Create win-win situations. Don't think that it's you against "them." Especially in the church! If we are one body, this is the only option. Win-lose is like one hand cutting off the other! So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (1 Cor. 12:25-26) Look for the good of the whole body, in the church, in your family, even in your work. As part of the body, it will benefit you!
Remind yourself. Monitor your thoughts to see if they pass the Philippians 4:8 test.
Post verses where you can see them. Meditate on them. Teach them to your kids. Talk about it. Witness. Go to Bible Study. Be as diligent in this as big-bucks companies are in getting their marketing before your eyes! "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deut 6:6-7)
Finally, if you are starting to slip, remember the words of the Apostle Paul--who enjoyed a life of abundance even in prison--"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:11-13). It is Christ who gives us strength and a life of abundance. He is the secret.
Remember, this is not taking a worldly teaching and putting Christian clothes on it, this is reclaiming or retaking a Biblical truth that the World took from the word (stripping it of any of its true power) and putting it back in a Biblical context.
So transform your mind--have a real mentality of abundance and enjoy the abundant life that Christ has given you!
As Christians we know that we have an abundant life--because Jesus said he came to give us one. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b NIV) But sadly, that is sometimes the only way we know it.
Our problem is that to recognize the abundant life that we have in Christ, we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Rom. 12:2) While we look at things in the same old way, we miss the rich gifts that God has given us in Christ.
So, if we put the missing elements into the teaching of "abundance mentality" we come out with some teachings that are real and meaty, instead of the "encouraging" personal development teachings that lack REAL power to transform our lives.
For an example, let's look at the teaching about abundance mentality from http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Abundance-Mentality. The opening paragraph goes as follows:
"Much of society seems to be built on a scarcity mentality. It's a mentality that tells people that there is a lack in life, that opportunities are few and far between. This is, of course, useful for society because if people feel that there is a lack, then you can get them to buy stuff. And so the economy and society can continue to live and prosper by reinforcing a scarcity mentality in people."
So the mentality of abundance, or the perception of the abundant life (what we are really talking about) has an opposite--the mentality of scarcity, or the perception that our life is lacking, meager, shabby, and sad. Jesus tells us about this too, in the first part of John 10:10 (The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy) Jesus, however, comes that we may have life to the full--abundantly in the King James version. So one source of our perception of the shabby life is the thief. There are a lot of thieves in this world, but the ultimate thief is our enemy himself, the devil.
But he's not our only enemy. Even WikiHow recognizes that our other big adversary, the world, is in on this scam: "This is, of course, useful for society .... the economy and society can continue to live and prosper by reinforcing a scarcity mentality in people."
So.... looks like we need to stop conforming to society. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, says the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:2 (again).
So let's look at the WikiHow suggestions for perceiving the abundance of your life, beef them up and transform them with the light of Scripture, which reveals a true abundance beyond our best thoughts and wildest dreams:
Look for symptoms of a scarcity mentality. This usually shows by an exaggerated sense of your own importance. I have to succeed, if I fail, the consequences are--GRAVE.
Too often, we think like this--in my life I know that I get feeling this way about sharing the gospel, home schooling, cleaning house, teaching a bible study--even blogging! To feel this way puts all the focus on us and our efforts--and off of God.
Two antidotes:
- "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". (Heb. 12:2) Not just a command to put our focus on Jesus, this verse gives us Jesus's example-- how he focused on the joy before him, not on the cross, and the result was triumph.
- Remember that God is compassionate--he knows that you are dust (Ps. 103:13), so he is not expecting perfection, and if you are perfect now and then, it's not you, but him--girding you with strength, making your way perfect. (Ps. 18:32).
Focus on the abundance, not on the lack. WikiHow says, "What you focus on, you will see in your world." Since you can’t take in everything around you, your reticular activation system – your focus system in the mind – will bring into focus what you focus your thoughts on.
And the scriptures say: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things". (Phil. 4:8).
And so thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy will open our eyes to a world full of things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
While we have our mind set to focus on what we don't have, we are like someone sitting in a beautiful room with a beautiful view, with a Christmas tree in the corner piled with gifts, doggedly staring at a sad black and white movie and crying. Turn off the tv and open the gifts!
Appreciate. Give thanks! ....give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Th. 5:18) Some ideas: give thanks for God's forgiveness, for his great sacrifice for our sins, what he has done for you in the past year, what he WILL do for you in the coming year, for the natural beauty of our world, for your church, for the individual people who have come to it this year, and for those who have loved you, taught you, reached out to you, discipled, or rebuked you, the pastor and leaders, Sunday School and other ministries, your family, your friends, your health, your trials, those in authority over you, your material blessings, etc. The sky isn't even the limit for someone who has been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm! Make a list of your blessings and thank God for them.
Get an abundance vibe from other people. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Prov. 27:17) Look for friends who lift you up, not who bring you down. Find what makes you wrongfully discontented with life, and what doesn't. DON'T hang out with people that make you feel jealous or discontented. DO hang out with those that infect you with optimism and gratitude.
And importantly "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Rom. 12:15-16). Be happy for others' successes.
Share the wealth. One very good way to acknowledge how much you have is to share it. Do you feel like you're not making enough money? Give some away. Not enough love? Give some away. Not enough validation, appreciation, recognition? Give it all away. It's hard for something to feel scarce when you're giving it away. Did you really need WikiHow to tell you that?
How about, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor. 9:7-8)? Giving it away ensures that you will have all you need--or that you will notice that you already do.
"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.. . . you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. . . . And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:14-19)
Create win-win situations. Don't think that it's you against "them." Especially in the church! If we are one body, this is the only option. Win-lose is like one hand cutting off the other! So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (1 Cor. 12:25-26) Look for the good of the whole body, in the church, in your family, even in your work. As part of the body, it will benefit you!
Remind yourself. Monitor your thoughts to see if they pass the Philippians 4:8 test.
Post verses where you can see them. Meditate on them. Teach them to your kids. Talk about it. Witness. Go to Bible Study. Be as diligent in this as big-bucks companies are in getting their marketing before your eyes! "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deut 6:6-7)
Finally, if you are starting to slip, remember the words of the Apostle Paul--who enjoyed a life of abundance even in prison--"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:11-13). It is Christ who gives us strength and a life of abundance. He is the secret.
Remember, this is not taking a worldly teaching and putting Christian clothes on it, this is reclaiming or retaking a Biblical truth that the World took from the word (stripping it of any of its true power) and putting it back in a Biblical context.
So transform your mind--have a real mentality of abundance and enjoy the abundant life that Christ has given you!
Sondor
This picture is from the top of Sondor, the ancient Chanka ( the culture of the area) fortress. The Chankas rebelled against the Inca empire and were defeated at this place.
This is at the bottom, where you first arrive.
Chris is at the very, very top.
WE are a little bit lower, but the view is beautiful. I have a lot of pictures of other people here, so I was glat to get to go myself. God bless you and have a great week!
Tammy
Munay Wasi (new center of operations)
These are not my pictures--I still don't have a cable to get them off of my new phone :(
But I found these online from the people who built it. The pictures are: 1. The front gate, 2. The house--we will live on the second floor. The part in back is where the auditorum, guest rooms, and kitchen are. 3. The library, 4. The school,
Mike's office will be on the first floor of the house, next to the dentist's office across from the auditorium.
Prayer Request - Health
As part of getting ready for the move, we have scheduled checkups. This Tuesday we went to the cardiologist, Mike to check on his blood pressure and to change his medication because he found out it is linked to kidney stones, and me to check on my problem leg.
My problem leg is the one that I have had recurrent cellulitis in since a trip to Piura where a mosquito bite started the trouble.
It turned out that I have slightly high blood pressure too. Probably a result of the weight I picked up on the US trip!
Also that the recurrent infections are related to a circulation problem, so I will be having a test today to see how much of a problem that is.
Also that Mike's medication wasn't controlling his blood pressure well anymore, anyway, so definitely needed changed.
Please pray--
Thank you for your prayers,
Tammy
My problem leg is the one that I have had recurrent cellulitis in since a trip to Piura where a mosquito bite started the trouble.
It turned out that I have slightly high blood pressure too. Probably a result of the weight I picked up on the US trip!
Also that the recurrent infections are related to a circulation problem, so I will be having a test today to see how much of a problem that is.
Also that Mike's medication wasn't controlling his blood pressure well anymore, anyway, so definitely needed changed.
Please pray--
- that our test results come out well
- that Mike's new medicine takes effect right away (yesterday we could see that it was starting to work)
- that my pressure comes down.
- that we would lose enough weight to make the difference.
Thank you for your prayers,
Tammy
A breakfast and a funeral
(Still posting from our trip.)
Tuesday morning was practically a day in itself. We had been invited to breakfast with Neli Salazar, and told to come to the main square in Talavera at 8:30. We arrived in the square at 8:30 on the dot, at least by the old clock tower that is the pride and symbol of Talavera.
Tuesday morning was practically a day in itself. We had been invited to breakfast with Neli Salazar, and told to come to the main square in Talavera at 8:30. We arrived in the square at 8:30 on the dot, at least by the old clock tower that is the pride and symbol of Talavera.
Neli arrived and absolutely was the smilingest, friendliest person that we had ever met. We went to her house, where we breakfasted on boiled potatoes, soya, fresh cheese, honey, and bread.
We also were introduced to her mother and father. Her father had been a pastor, and was the first believer in his village. He is now very old, and sits bent over and covered with blankets. He doesn't hear or see well, and you have to give him your hand so he can feel your arm to know who you are. Chris told me afterward that he felt like it was meeting Isaac, and that now he understood how Jacob fooled him. The mother is more spry, wears her hair in the traditional two braids, and the traditional full skirts. She has recently been through a period of really poor health, but has recovered. However, tears come to her eyes when she talks about it. Fortunately for us, both the parents spoke Spanish, not only Quechua, as is common with many elderly people.
Tears also come to her eyes as she recounts the fate of Neli's husband. During the time of terrorism he and three other men set out for Pampachiri in a 4 wheel drive pickup truck. They were never seen again. After six years of marriage, Neli was left alone with their two children.
Neli tells us that she would like to marry again, but she wants to serve God, and she has not met a single man who wants to. Neli had served with Mision Suiza in the Amazon area of Peru until her parents became unable to care for themselves.
After visiting with her father, Neli told us that if we had time she would like us to go to a funeral with her. A prominent man in the community had died, and he was a man who had been a believer and faithful churchgoer, but for the last ten years of his life would not attend church. The family is mostly Catholic, but the son, an engineer and former mayor of Talavera, is a believer and very saddened by his father's dying apart from the evangelical church and the Catholic funeral planned.
So we went. We were dressed in jeans for a normal day around the town. We were introduced to the son, who asked if Mike would preach some words of comfort and present the gospel.
This was actually not the funeral itself, which would take place in the Catholic church. Here, however, the visitation is held in the house (if possible) and they sit up with the dead all the night before. During this time there are refreshments served, and evangelicals generally have preaching throughout the night and day leading up to the burial itself. The deceased is the center of all in his coffin.
This velorio was set up to be very Catholic--lots of candles and images of Christ as Senor de los Milagros, (who protects from earthquakes). Everyone was served a plate of steak, mote, (a type of corn that you peel to eat--it has very large kernels) and an onion relish. Obviously this was a wealthy man!
After eating, Mike took his place in front of the candles and preached. Immediately afterward the coffin was closed and we joined the procession to the Catholic church, marching behind the coffin as a small brass band played a repetitive dirge. At the church itself we took a taxi for home. The taxi driver, on hearing that Mike had preached at the funeral, only charged us half price.
Neli tells us that she would like to marry again, but she wants to serve God, and she has not met a single man who wants to. Neli had served with Mision Suiza in the Amazon area of Peru until her parents became unable to care for themselves.
After visiting with her father, Neli told us that if we had time she would like us to go to a funeral with her. A prominent man in the community had died, and he was a man who had been a believer and faithful churchgoer, but for the last ten years of his life would not attend church. The family is mostly Catholic, but the son, an engineer and former mayor of Talavera, is a believer and very saddened by his father's dying apart from the evangelical church and the Catholic funeral planned.
So we went. We were dressed in jeans for a normal day around the town. We were introduced to the son, who asked if Mike would preach some words of comfort and present the gospel.
This was actually not the funeral itself, which would take place in the Catholic church. Here, however, the visitation is held in the house (if possible) and they sit up with the dead all the night before. During this time there are refreshments served, and evangelicals generally have preaching throughout the night and day leading up to the burial itself. The deceased is the center of all in his coffin.
This velorio was set up to be very Catholic--lots of candles and images of Christ as Senor de los Milagros, (who protects from earthquakes). Everyone was served a plate of steak, mote, (a type of corn that you peel to eat--it has very large kernels) and an onion relish. Obviously this was a wealthy man!
After eating, Mike took his place in front of the candles and preached. Immediately afterward the coffin was closed and we joined the procession to the Catholic church, marching behind the coffin as a small brass band played a repetitive dirge. At the church itself we took a taxi for home. The taxi driver, on hearing that Mike had preached at the funeral, only charged us half price.
Apartments
Even though the facility at Munay Wasi is available for s./100 a month to us, we thought that we should look at apartments to make a wise decision. Two came up available in our price range, around s./400-600.
The first is on the second floor of this building.
Actually it is still more of a concept, but the brother who would rent it would divide it into rooms and build a kitchen and bath, if we put down a deposit that would enable him to do so.
This one is on the third floor. It DOES have two bedrooms.And a small kitchen.
And a small living room.
It has a great view from the roof.
However, we decided after looking at these that Munay was the best option. It is not right downtown, as these are, but the rent difference makes up for the transportation costs.
Transportation is not as easy there, but there are combis (the 15 passenger vans that run a route), which are cheaper than the motos or taxis.
I will post pictures of Munay as soon as I get a cable for my new camera phone. My old phone got lost or stolen on the trip. :(
Monday and Tuesday in Anda
Mike Blogging again. Tammy has a lot of catching up to do with Chris's school and is trying to get us already to move as well as do a ton of washing (by hand).
Monday morning dawned bright and sunny as do most days there. We got to watch the kindergartners coming to school and meet their teacher. They are a cute bunch of kids! Then we went into town to breakfast at a great bakery/cafe - a huge mug of fresh cafe con leche cost about a US quarter! So, fully caffeinated we went to a meeting with the folks from Kawsay. We talked about health care in the area (there is a great German Mission hospital close in Abancay), transportation, office and working conditions, and in order to be sure we are making an informed decision about living at Munay Wasi, we discussed various other possibilities. Most of them ended up being considerably expensive - Andahuaylas is a landlocked valley, so land is high and rent is costly. We had lunch together and then Tammy, Chris and I went to a park and had some ice cream. That night, we went to Cayo Vargas church where I preached - again translated into Quechua from Spanish.
Tuesday, we went with Martin to check out 2 apartments that were for rent by Christians and had reasonable prices - only about 4-5 times higher than the rent at Munay! Tammy will be putting these picturs on soon as well. They were nice, but much smaller and in the center of town - comparatively noisy and dirty to Munay (although nicer than Lima!) Then we met a friend from Lima who has moved to Andahuylas and spent some time her and her family, bought some fresh Cheese and Bread and went home to Munay.
God bless,
Mike
Monday morning dawned bright and sunny as do most days there. We got to watch the kindergartners coming to school and meet their teacher. They are a cute bunch of kids! Then we went into town to breakfast at a great bakery/cafe - a huge mug of fresh cafe con leche cost about a US quarter! So, fully caffeinated we went to a meeting with the folks from Kawsay. We talked about health care in the area (there is a great German Mission hospital close in Abancay), transportation, office and working conditions, and in order to be sure we are making an informed decision about living at Munay Wasi, we discussed various other possibilities. Most of them ended up being considerably expensive - Andahuaylas is a landlocked valley, so land is high and rent is costly. We had lunch together and then Tammy, Chris and I went to a park and had some ice cream. That night, we went to Cayo Vargas church where I preached - again translated into Quechua from Spanish.
Tuesday, we went with Martin to check out 2 apartments that were for rent by Christians and had reasonable prices - only about 4-5 times higher than the rent at Munay! Tammy will be putting these picturs on soon as well. They were nice, but much smaller and in the center of town - comparatively noisy and dirty to Munay (although nicer than Lima!) Then we met a friend from Lima who has moved to Andahuylas and spent some time her and her family, bought some fresh Cheese and Bread and went home to Munay.
God bless,
Mike
Saturday & Sunday in Andahuaylas
Because we had a very slow internet and a very busy time in Andahuaylas last week, we are going to use this week to catch up. Saturday we checked out the facility of Munay Wasi, where we will be living. It is absolutely beautiful - soon Tammy will have some photos up - and went to town to pick up some stuff - breakfast foods, coffee (gotta have that!), etc. and I took Tammy and Chris all over town - The central market, various parks, bakeries, - sort of the 10 cent tour. We also visited with some friends and kind of lazed around after the 30 hour trip.
Sunday was a different story - I was invited to preach at a 9:30 service, after that I was invited to preach at an 11:00 service, both times to Quechua speakers through a translator. I preached in Spanish and was translated - I had forgotten how strange it is to work through a translator ;)! Had packed churches for both.
Then we went to lunch at a lunch place a few doors down from where we will be attending church and had a nice Sunday dinner - cost 2 Soles (about $.60 each)! After lunch I took Tammy and Chris to the big Feria Dominical or Sunday market fair. It is one of the biggest in the Andes and we were worn out before we saw half of what there was to see. It was also a a hot and sunny day, we all got a little burnt. We went back to Munay Wasi for a while and then went back to town to attend evening service in Spanish - I didn't have to preach! It was a very fun and tiring day and we came back home to Munay Wasi about 10:30 exhausted but content.
God bless,
Mike
Sunday was a different story - I was invited to preach at a 9:30 service, after that I was invited to preach at an 11:00 service, both times to Quechua speakers through a translator. I preached in Spanish and was translated - I had forgotten how strange it is to work through a translator ;)! Had packed churches for both.
Then we went to lunch at a lunch place a few doors down from where we will be attending church and had a nice Sunday dinner - cost 2 Soles (about $.60 each)! After lunch I took Tammy and Chris to the big Feria Dominical or Sunday market fair. It is one of the biggest in the Andes and we were worn out before we saw half of what there was to see. It was also a a hot and sunny day, we all got a little burnt. We went back to Munay Wasi for a while and then went back to town to attend evening service in Spanish - I didn't have to preach! It was a very fun and tiring day and we came back home to Munay Wasi about 10:30 exhausted but content.
God bless,
Mike
Encounters on the way
We had a great trip to Andahuaylas. Our internet was super slow there (we will have to fix that) so we will be posting it on a more or less one week delay basis :)
We really could see God at work on the trip up to Andahuaylas (we are back safely now), starting with when we left the house Thursday. We had several really interesting encounters along the way.
Encounter #1
We started out walking to the "downtown" of San Bartolo to catch a bus to Lurin, where we can usually get a taxi. A taxi pulled up and shouted "Lima! Lima!" We negotiated a price to go to the bus terminal, and set off. The driver turned out to be a neighbor of ours who had been recently given a Bible, by another passenger, an evangelical pastor from the US. This man had talked to Vittorio (the driver) and Vittorio told him he didn't know much about the Bible, because he had never had one. The pastor went to a Christian book store with Vittorio. Vittorio was looking at the cheap small Bibles, but the man bought him a study bible worth 240 soles. Then the pastor left. Instantly Vittorio was tempted to return the Bible and get the 240 soles. But he felt that if God wanted him to have a Bible, then there must be a reason for it, so he kept the Bible. When he found out that Mike is a Bible teacher, he asked him to meet with him to explain the Bible until we leave San Bartolo.
Encounter #2
We traveled all afternoon and night and arrived at the city of Abancay (alt. 7,900 ft. or 2400 meters.) We had breakfast and stopped in a drugstore for some ibuprofen. A man, seeing us, said "Hello, my friends, do you speak English?" with a very good American accent. He turned out to be the director of a school for heavy equipment operators and mechanics, who had lived in the US for fifteen years. He is also was a Christian and delighted to hear about the work we will be doing in Andahuaylas. He has also been dying for barbecue sauce, and so wants to come and visit us so he can learn how to make it.
Encounter #3
The bus to Andahuaylas from Abancay takes a dirt road through the mountains--a five hour trip. About halfway there a Peruvian medical doctor got up to preach "to shorten the trip." He was preaching without mentioning the gospel, mainly speaking of prophecy, and inviting participation from the passengers. Mike asked him to read several passages from Romans, and they wound up presenting the Gospel together, with several passengers accepting.
We arrived at Andahuaylas tired, but encouraged, and enjoyed some great pizza at Martin's pizzeria, at his invitation.
We really could see God at work on the trip up to Andahuaylas (we are back safely now), starting with when we left the house Thursday. We had several really interesting encounters along the way.
Encounter #1
We started out walking to the "downtown" of San Bartolo to catch a bus to Lurin, where we can usually get a taxi. A taxi pulled up and shouted "Lima! Lima!" We negotiated a price to go to the bus terminal, and set off. The driver turned out to be a neighbor of ours who had been recently given a Bible, by another passenger, an evangelical pastor from the US. This man had talked to Vittorio (the driver) and Vittorio told him he didn't know much about the Bible, because he had never had one. The pastor went to a Christian book store with Vittorio. Vittorio was looking at the cheap small Bibles, but the man bought him a study bible worth 240 soles. Then the pastor left. Instantly Vittorio was tempted to return the Bible and get the 240 soles. But he felt that if God wanted him to have a Bible, then there must be a reason for it, so he kept the Bible. When he found out that Mike is a Bible teacher, he asked him to meet with him to explain the Bible until we leave San Bartolo.
Encounter #2
We traveled all afternoon and night and arrived at the city of Abancay (alt. 7,900 ft. or 2400 meters.) We had breakfast and stopped in a drugstore for some ibuprofen. A man, seeing us, said "Hello, my friends, do you speak English?" with a very good American accent. He turned out to be the director of a school for heavy equipment operators and mechanics, who had lived in the US for fifteen years. He is also was a Christian and delighted to hear about the work we will be doing in Andahuaylas. He has also been dying for barbecue sauce, and so wants to come and visit us so he can learn how to make it.
Encounter #3
The bus to Andahuaylas from Abancay takes a dirt road through the mountains--a five hour trip. About halfway there a Peruvian medical doctor got up to preach "to shorten the trip." He was preaching without mentioning the gospel, mainly speaking of prophecy, and inviting participation from the passengers. Mike asked him to read several passages from Romans, and they wound up presenting the Gospel together, with several passengers accepting.
We arrived at Andahuaylas tired, but encouraged, and enjoyed some great pizza at Martin's pizzeria, at his invitation.
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