BRYON'S CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

Once again it’s that time of year we all love to celebrate.  Family, friends, and the natural beauty of the season makes wonderful memories each year for all of us.  This year I have been dwelling on a question that was asked me.  Years ago as a young Christian I was in the public school library telling another student, who was an agnostic, about the Lord, when I happened to say that God can do anything but fail.  At that moment the older student looked at me and said, “Oh, Yah, can God make a rock so big he can’t lift it or a chicken that runs so fast he can’t catch it?”  What a conundrum for a new Christian teenager’s mind!  My wife often teases me about taking too long to answer a question, because I ponder every aspect till I am satisfied with the answer.  Well it’s been more than twenty years now since that question was given to me.  I believe that wait is one for the record books.  When I would ask others about the answer they might give, I might get an answer like, “Well, God is infinite and these things are finite, so they don’t go together.”  However, I never liked these answers so I pondered on for an answer whenever it came to my mind.

One day not that long ago it finally occurred to me that the answer is right there in God’s Word.

John 1:1-3,14… “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made …..And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the father,) full of grace and truth.”

Matthew 1:23 “Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

How marvelous a thought that God made rocks and chickens, then he made Himself so small He couldn’t walk, crawl, or even feed himself, much less catch chickens or lift rocks!!  The reason for Christmas answers the agnostic’s question; God chose to wrap HIMSELF in humble, human flesh to become the Crucified Lamb.  The same God that spoke the worlds into existence, measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, meted out heaven with a span, and weighed the mountains and hills, this God stepped down from His throne, laid aside His crown, and became a helpless baby.  This helpless baby then did for us what no other human could do.  God did just what they thought was impossible.  Are you facing an impossibility in your life?  Remember this Christmas, God truly can do ANYTHING but fail!!

COFFEE, BREAD, AND DICIPLESHIP GO HAND IN HAND???

Food, fellowship, and fun....we hear those three words placed together many times when an invitation is given to one's house in the States.  I've even taking some good natured ribbing from folks in the States about all my foodie pics placed on Facebook since arriving in Peru.  I've heard their teasing remarks, "Hey, Shel, I think you can cut down on some of the food pics now.  We get the picture, that you all eat well over there!"  I laugh and then continue to post more pics of a group of Peruvians and us sitting around a table sometimes laden with food, sometimes with only coffee and bread.  However, there is something very important to realize about the Peruvian culture and it is said best through a Peruvian's own lips.  "Throughout the world certain foods are instinctively about one's culture, but in Peru FOOD IS our culture."  If you were to visit Peru and decide you wanted to go to a "flea market", you would not go looking for old antiques, instead you would go to see all the different plates of food representing the different regions throughout Peru.  There you could buy and enjoy all the wonderful, unique flavors represented by the Peruvian culture.  Food, flavors, colors, matching this meat with this bean, etc. is all very important to the Peruvian people.  In truth, at times it has been overwhelming to me, but one thing we have learned is that friendship around a table and the sharing of food breaks down cultural barriers.  As those barriers begin to crumble the door to presenting the Gospel opens.

We had a wonderful time in Argentina reconnecting with Peruvians we once worked with when we lived in northern Peru.  The Dickinsons treated us all out to wonderful Italian pizza and we all enjoyed the fellowship greatly! Bryon was able to talk with Samuel, a former pastor, about his need to return to the Lord.  After the meal we walked to a park, where Heather served coffee and Paneton (a special Christmas bread).  We ladies visited at a separate park table, while the men talked about the things of God.  Samuel stated 3 times that he needed prayer.  The men had a time of prayer with him.  Please pray for Samuel and his precious family.

We have found from making a special Peruvian dish to share or sending Samuel to deliver homemade muffins around our apartment complex, each gesture of love continues to open doors for discipleship.
Recently a lady who had been very unkind to Samuel responded, "FOR ME??!!" when handed banana bread from Samuel's hand.  He came flying back to the apartment to exclaim, "Mommy, the mean lady hugged me!"

This special time with Percy and Sarah meant a lot to us.  We had graduated Percy years ago in the Bible Institute we were directing.  The evening ended with many tears, counseling, and prayer around this same table that we had fed them a special Peruvian dish.

 

 

We were asked repeatedly to travel each Sunday morning to assist the little holiness church shown above.  After prayer, we decided as God helped us we would travel to assist in any way possible for the Glory of God.  To go and come takes us about 3 hrs. of hard traveling.  The pastor and his wife have very little, but they insist upon feeding us Sunday dinner.  We are very appreciative to have a belly full of hot rice as we head off to hold another house service Sunday afternoon, and then another house service Sunday night at our apartment.

 

 

We were thrilled to finally get to meet Fernando and Mariela.  The Dickinsons have faithfully visited and held services in their home.  God has truly done a work in their hearts and Fernando has a desire to study God's Word.  He has recently been in a terrible accident and by God's mercy was spared.  We were able to bring him a large stack of holiness literature to begin studying.  This precious couple does not have a lot of means, so wonderful Heather hauled hot soup, crackers, coffee, and Paneton on a bus, walking blocks, then a long train ride, then walking more blocks. We were thankful to have the men carry the heavy items of food and drinks.  Everyone enjoyed her good food after our service with them!

The Bible instructs us to show hospitality.  I cannot say that I have jumped through every hoop of hospitality with grace.  God has worked on me in this area.  God's Word also states, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging."  I have found that as I am washing the dishes and putting away the food while Bryon is instructing in some Biblical point, I prayerfully offer my little service to Jesus.  Cooking, cleaning, showing hospitality with Jesus' love is my "perfume" to pour at my Master's feet. Yes, we have found that coffee, bread, and discipleship DO go hand in hand!!

SOWING SEEDS!

Here a seed of truth, there a seed of truth dropped prayerfully into different types of soil.  Some types of soil seem to leap up to receive the precious seed of God's love, while others remain hard and disinterested. However, it is not the Seed Sower's responsibility to choose which life seems to have the most potential to invest in, for only God knows what can be produced in a life that humanly appears to be going against all that is good.  Our responsibility is to obedient to HIS will, to lift up our eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 

Where have the Flings been sowing for the last three months in Peru?  What soil has God laid in their paths to receive the seeds of His love?  And where can one find a place to sow a seed?  A park?  A printing shop on a dirty, dark street?  A taxi ride?  A needy plot of soil in the States reaching across the miles via the internet?  What thirsty soil is waiting to be quenched by the showers of His mercy if we are willing to sow and water? 

Let us share a few seeds that are being sown for God's glory!

Juan Pierre was working in a print shop many miles from us, when Bryon dropped off holiness literature to be printed.  When he returned to pick up the materials, Juan Pierre had been reading!!  He had many questions for Bryon and out of those questions was born a friendship.  Juan Pierre has been coming to our home almost weekly for going on 2 months.  What started as just a question and answer session has now developed into Juan Pierre being a part of our Sunday evening services.  He has told us that he has prayed and God is helping him.  Please keep praying for him, only God knows what fruit can come from this little seed planted in such precious soil.

We have for over two months been involved in sowing seeds at our Friday night Bible Studies with up to 3 families.  Since introducing holiness Sunday School literature Marco has mentioned how deep the study and truths have become.  We desire to place as much Godly literature as we can into their hands, for when we are no longer able to be in Peru the seeds of truth can continue to be planted by His Word and holiness authors.  The seeds from our Bible Studies have helped to produce Sunday services in our home.  The above picture is of a Sunday night service held here while our Mission Director Mark and Kristal Becker were visiting.

We've been privileged to have a Sunday morning worship service in our home also.  Martha and her daughter Dafne traveled over two hours on a bus to arrive.  We had others visiting and it made for a wonderful time of worship.  We covet your prayers for Martha as she is seeking to get back to God.  Here is soil that once knew and produced for God.  She is hungering to return to Him.  Today she was messaging back and forth her desire to get her life back to God.  She also wants us to dedicate her daughter Dafne to God, and is going to present this to her husband soon.  Please pray for Martha and her precious family.  Her husband stated recently that he will soon come to our Sunday morning service.

Jose and his wife Judy are new to us, though many years ago he attended the Allegheny Bible Institute in the north of Peru.  He has lived in Lima since 2004 and has converted to the 7th Day Adventist.  A Peruvian friend asked if we would reach out to them, for they live in our district.  We did and they readily agreed to come that very week.  We had a lovely time fellowshipping and hearing of his Bible School days.  They were making plans to see us again soon and to bring their daughter Christine with them.  We covet your prayers that we can drop seeds through Christ's leadings into their lives.

We were invited to attend Juan's son's birthday party. Above is pictured Juan, his mother, and son Eliseo.  We are thoroughly convinced that God had us meet Juan because of HIS GREAT DESIRE to reach him once again.  However, we have only been able to hold one service and attend the birthday party.  Though we contact regularly, there seems to be hardened ground that only the Holy Spirit can work through.  We ask that you will take Juan and his precious family (he is separated from his wife at this time) before the throne daily.  We are trusting God to use the seeds that were planted many years ago, through Bible Institute training and a walk with God previously held, to cause a hunger within Juan's soul.

We desire to sow the seeds of God's forgiveness and cleansing that is available to all mankind.  How much we appreciate each one at home that is holding the ropes for us. Your prayers and support enable us to continue to sow the Good Seed!

HIS HAND AT WORK!

July 9th, found the Fling family flying toward the land that we love.  We were excited to see God's hand at work in our lives.  The flights went well and we landed on July 10th in Lima, Peru.  We laid our exhausted boy in a restaurant booth to sleep, ordering coffee at a nearby table in the hopes that they wouldn't ask him to be moved (many Peruvians were scattered about sleeping on the airport floor).  Thus began the 5+ hour wait for Michele's mother to arrive.  By 8 a.m. our friend Marco's car and a taxi were bursting with suitcases and tired Americans.  We swerved, dodged, and bumped our way to a hotel where we unknowingly would live for a month.  After unloading everything to the 7th floor, we left immediately to buy items for bathing, safe drinking, and eating.  By the time we fell exhausted into bed Friday evening we had been going for over 42 hours without sleep.

 

4 years almost to the day that we arrived home from Peru, God's hand was sending us forth again.

 

 

 

Our exhausted Samuel sleeping in the Lima airport.

 

Many had expressed that maybe God would miraculously and quickly give us a home like He did the first time we moved to Peru.  We did not know the HOW'S but we were assured through prayer it would be HIS hand directing us.  Within two days of arriving in Peru, we were introduced to our new landlords, Wilfredo and Janeth, while visiting Marco's church.  Wilfredo and Janeth took us to their apartment to see it and though small, we felt that we were to accept this place.  It was furnished with appliances and different items of furniture.  This would greatly cut down on our set up costs.  Also Janeth was desirous of having renters that she could trust, for they were being taken advantage of by the previous renters who were seriously delinquent.  When she realized that we could not afford the price she normally received, she lowered the rent to just cover her mortgage payment to the bank.  The long wait came from the process of removing the non-paying renters.  Trying to exist in one hotel room filled with suitcases and purchased necessities can become stressful quickly.  However through it all we felt His Hand at work and with joy and much appreciation entered our apartment the night of August 5th.

 



 

Breakfast and Dining Room Nooks....we are 17 floors up!!

 

Many had asked us, "What ministry will you be doing?  Do you have a church?  Do you know anybody?"  Bryon had clearly felt God impress him to go to be a friend and disciple people.  We arrived on Friday, by Sunday morning we were sitting in a church service with our new friend Marco.  Marco, who is an engineer, was saved 4 yrs. ago after a terrible work accident that crushed his face.  They attend a modern evangelical church.  As we sat down in the church with he and his family, we wondered what impact we could have on his life.  Then right there, he turned to Bryon and asked, "What is sanctification?"  Our hearts were overjoyed to be able to share what God can do in a surrendered life.  Marco and his family have lovingly helped us in so many ways.  They have entertained us in their home and opened their home to us any time we need a place to stay, celebrated Bryon's birthday with us, and written up the letter asking for permission for Michele to enter the women's prison.  God's hand has given 3 feeling very alone missionaries wonderful friends.

 

 

 

Wonderful times in Marco & Sabrina's home.  We want to be a blessing and shine for Jesus to them.

 

We feel that God's hand has been at work practically laying paths of ministry at our feet.  We came not knowing where to begin.  In less than 6 weeks we have had a home service with three families present that are interested in a holiness church in their district, visited the prison to find out the requirements for services, visited with a young woman named Martha that is desirous of having a holiness church in her district (2 hrs away from the others that are interested in a church), entertained in our home while answering multiple spiritual questions, and traveled 13 hours north by invitation for 5 days and tried to be a blessing to those we came in contact with there.

 

A couple of weeks ago a very God appointed meeting was orchestrated by God's hand.  We had walked to a new area that we never had visited before to try a restaurant we hadn't eaten in before.  However, we were not enjoying ourselves in this restaurant because of some of the entertainment that was there and were just desirous of leaving.  My mother took Samuel outside and was waiting for us to settle the check.  We just couldn't understand why it was taking so long to get our food put in boxes and to pay the check.  When we finally got outside my mother stated that she now needed to use the restroom and so we waited longer.  All of this waiting was to ensure that God's hand was moving the meeting into place.  Up the sidewalk coming at a brisk pace was our Bible School graduate Juan.  We were in shock in a city of more than 10 million (they've told us that Peru's census now states 13 million in Lima) that we were looking at someone we had known long ago.  Juan didn't know we were in Lima and we didn't know that he and his entire family lived in Lima.  He had overslept and had raced to get on his 1 hour bus ride to make it to work....where to work?.....you guessed it, the very restaurant we so wanted to leave, but kept being hindered by God.  Though it appears Juan has fallen away from God he was open to a home service and his parents and grandfather attended the service.  Please pray that God will help us to shine for him amongst brethren that need encouragement in the Lord.  They have discussed desiring a church and we are needing your prayers as we continue house services with them.

 

 

A God Moment Encounter with Juan

House service with Juan's family

 

 

Juan's grandfather

 

 



 

Martha's visit....she wrote to me last night that reading the Bible wasn't enough, she really wants to hear the Word of God preached again.  Pray that a service can be held in her district this Sunday.

 



Our landlords are newly saved and hungry to know and understand more about God.  The other day we got in the car with Janeth and she immediately began asking questions about God.  Last Saturday she and her daughter Hannah came for lunch and the entire time was spent answering her spiritual questions.  She has a very hungry and tender heart.  Please pray that God's hand will continue to be at work in their lives.  We have been invited to be a part of the Bible Study in their home. 

 

 

Our wonderful landlords Wilfredo and Janeth.  They have hungry hearts and are full of questions about their new walk with Jesus.

 

 

              Wilfredo & Janeth have opened their home, the use of their vehicles, and so much more to show their love.  They texted us the other night to say, "In such short time you feel more like family than just friends."

 

As you can see our less than 6 weeks in Peru have been packed full of God's blessings.  We give HIM all the glory for every advancement in HIS Kingdom.  We are here to be His hands extended, reaching out to the oppressed, and glory in the truth that in all that is done, it is HIS HAND AT WORK!

 

 

Your Missionaries for Jesus in Peru



 











AND WE'RE OFF!!!

It's 11:35 pm, the living room floor is covered in suitcases.  The closets and drawers are bare waiting for the Lanigans to move in as caretakers.  The refrigerator food has been doled out to thankful friends and family.  The home has a quiet, sad, good bye type of feeling.  Sammy has walked around quietly waving goodbye to items throughout the house.  My heart was touched when I saw this, and I found myself waving goodbye to my ole washer and dryer.  Things, just things, but each thing is a small part of what makes a home.  Now we go forth to make a new home wherever Jesus places us!

Tonight we gathered for the last time in our home for quite a while, to pray and praise God for HIS unspeakable faithfulness to us over this process of returning to Peru.  We thanked God for YOU....each of YOU who have faithfully given and supported us in so many ways.  SO MANY WAYS---The UPS man has made many trips here with toys, books, medicine, food, chocolates, Spanish songs, and Bible Story Hour sets....all from YOU!  We feel so loved by our prayer partners and will endeavor to be the best missionaries we can be for HIM.

We so covet your prayers that the connecting flights will be made, the baggage accepted, and that we can connect in Lima with my mother, who is flying in 5 hours after us.  Now the lights are being turned down, 5 am will come sooner than later, and the FLINGS WILL BE OFF TO PERU!

GOD'S GUIDING HAND!

As we have prayed, traveled, and planned for over a year for our return to Peru, one thing has continually been stated.  Our times, plans, and very lives are in HIS control.  From the beginning we have realized the great need, that this work in Peru be completely HIS doing.  Therefore we are not looking at this upcoming venture as a need for us to work out all the details (though Michele's personality would like to do just that ;)) but a need for complete dependence upon HIS leadings! 

For some time we have planned to move below Lima to refresh our Spanish at a Christian language school.  We were making plans to live in Arequipa (2nd largest city in Peru) for 8 months or so and begin ministering there.  However as the time has progressed and God has led more people into our lives from Lima we began to wonder if HE was directing us back to Bryon's original burden---the capital city Lima.  Humanly we thought we were heading to Arequipa, however, the ONE guiding our very steps had different plans.  It began by us receiving calls in America from Peruvians that wanted us to reach out to their family in Lima.  Then while driving through Nebraska, we received a phone call from a pastor in Maryland who "just happened" to be talking to a pastor's wife in Nebraska that was in our mission service the night before.  He called us that next morning to explain about a Peruvian lady attending his church that was so appreciative of the holiness message and wanted her family reached in Lima.  We were already wondering if God was leading us to remain in Lima, so we began to fervently pray for HIS guidance.  We prayed Thursday and Friday.  By Friday evening we were sitting in a restaurant in Rapid City, SD, when a phone call came from Peru.  It was from a dear man we had not spoken to in a long time.  He wanted Bryon to know that "war" had broken out in Arequipa.  For over 70 days there has been great unrest in the city as the people have resisted a Mexican mine from opening in Arequipa.  Several have been killed and many injured.  That night in South Dakota we saw an article on Fox News stating all that the man had just told us.  We believe God dovetailed all these things to show us HIS open door was Lima.

Lima is a very diverse city with wealth and poverty at both extremes.  It is a Great city with a Great need for the light of holiness to shine brightly.  We were recently told by Bro. Rundell, who was born in Chiclayo, that below Lima there are no holiness works.  Our burden for Lima and the south has been given by God.  We covet your prayers that we will be a light in the Great darkness!

A look at the more affluent side of Lima.  Though we do have earthquakes, Lima being built on a cliff will protect us from tsunamis.

Another look at the way the majority of the 9 million people living in Lima live.  We want to be a light wherever God places us.  We so covet your prayers as we look for housing.  With 30 districts in Lima, some being very dangerous and others very expensive, it can be overwhelming trying to find a home to rent.  However, we are trusting the ONE who is guiding our very footsteps to guide us to HIS choice.

We have recently been in contact with a young man named Marco.  Bryon and Philip Dickinson had a wonderful Bible study and fellowship with this man and his family when they visited Lima in 2013.  They are trying to serve Jesus and were very receptive to God's Word.  Others were also invited to the Bible study and seemed to enjoy it.  Marco's emails have been very kind and encouraging and he is desirous in helping us in any way he can.  We've been invited to his home once we arrive in Lima.  We are looking forward to making friends and shining for Jesus.

A photo of Marco and his beautiful family.  Pray that we will be a light for Jesus to this precious family.

We have also been in contact with Pastor Luiz, whom God used to first direct us to return to Peru.  Pastor Luiz is desirous of meeting with us a day after we arrive in Lima.  Back in 2011, this pastor had reached out to Philip Dickinson in Colombia and stated he had a desire to know more about this holiness way. We are leaning on God to direct us in assisting Pastor Luiz according to HIS will.  The doors are beginning to swing open by God's hand and we are excited to walk through each door HE opens!!

 
We are Your Missionaries going forth in 30 days to shine for Jesus in a darkened city of 9 million people.  We are depending upon your prayers!  As far as we know there will be nobody waiting at the airport to greet us and no home to run to with our mountain of suitcases.  We are completely trusting in HIS guiding hand.  Thank you for every prayer and support as we endeavor to follow GOD'S guiding hand!

STRENGTH FOR TODAY, BRIGHT HOPE FOR PERU'S TOMORROW!!

As we have traveled the many miles, spoken in over 80 services, returned to Cincinnati for Bryon to work odd jobs to cover our personal bills, homeschooled everywhere in between, and continued to work on our home that Jesus gave us, one thing has been certain.....ALL OF IT HAS BEEN DONE THROUGH HIS STRENGTH!  We have very little strength on our own.  Our tired legs and creaky bones bare witness to that fact, as we trudge up the staircase many nights past midnight to drop into bed exhausted! :) Concerned friends and family have asked us to slow down....why keep pushing?  WHY?  Because of the BRIGHT HOPE FOR PERU'S TOMORROW!  We truly believe God is wanting to do something for the countless souls in PERU!!!

Why do we believe God has a BRIGHT HOPE FOR PERU'S TOMORROW you might ask?  Recently our dear missionary friend, Susan Carter, began to list the awesome ways in which God is blessing HIS Plan for Peru, and she encouraged us to make a list and show our faithful supporters God's moving hand in response to your prayers.  Here are just a few areas where God is using you and others to strengthen our faith and provide a way to obey HIS CALL (HE'S also thrown some cherries on top as an added bonus of HIS goodness!)

1.)  HE has called faithful men and women to pray and support HIS WORK in Peru.  Though our support is not raised, we have determined we CAN TRUST JESUS and go forward on what HE supplies!

2.)  HE has given a loving friend that is willing to help with the distribution of newsletters and will be flying down next year to encourage our hearts while on the field.

3.) HE has raised up churches that feel God's and our burden for Peru. They in turn as a church have taken us on as their missionaries.

4.)  HE recently sent a camp President to ask us to become their missionaries for their camp each year!  When we are on the field our Mission Director Mark Becker will speak on our behalf.

5.)  HE has placed it upon a friend's heart to purchase Spanish illustrated songs for Peru, and another friend donated her wonderful illustrated Junior Church packet translated professionally into Spanish!

6.)  HE has given us Peruvian contacts in America that are desirous of us reaching out to their families in Peru.

7.)  HE gave us a beautiful pastor's wife at one church we spoke at that took it upon her heart to contact more churches thus helping us fill empty dates with services!

8.)  HE has given us cherries on top too!!  My mother so desired to accompany us and help us with the set up in Peru. However the funds were not available, so we began to make it a matter of prayer.  God richly supplied for her going through a church that gives annually toward short term mission trips and through her children.  She will be staying in Peru for 3 weeks and what a blessing it will be!

9.)  HE has given us missionary friends (major cherry on top!!!!)  At IHC we encountered a missionary couple that will be living below us in Bolivia.  We are both leaving in July and will be on the field for 2 yrs. before returning.  We were both so excited to realize that we could connect at some of a missionary's loneliest times----holidays!  What a blessing just to know they are there!!

Bryon has felt firmly that God is going to accomplish HIS WILL in southern Peru.  We can trust HIM with EVERYTHING.  HE is OUR STRENGTH FOR TODAY, for the upcoming services out West, for the piles of packing and paperwork to go through, and for every minute detail that goes into moving to another country.  HE IS PERU'S BRIGHT HOPE FOR TOMORROW-----we are just HIS hands extending that HOPE

IHC

IHC proved a wonderful experience for us!  Not only did we get to drink deeply from the messages, rejoice with Papua New Guinea as they received the 1611 King James Bible for their country, we were also able to see so many who have been praying faithfully for our ministry.  My heart was encouraged when Bro. Mason said our prayer card was hanging right where he could see it daily and pray.  We are not so concerned that our faces be seen daily, but that God's BRIGHT HOPE FOR PERU'S TOMORROW is being lifted to the throne daily!

Samuel making sure everyone knew how soon we were flying out!  He thoroughly enjoys IHC and makes friends easily as he hangs out at everyone else's booths. :)

We so enjoyed hearing Adam Buckler, Union Bible College President, preach at IHC.  It was then our privilege last night to speak about Peru to his home church and family.  Though we were unable to make it to UBC this time hopefully when we return it will be on our schedule. :)

Many many bottle of Peruvian Purple Corn Drink was drank at IHC.  Many people asked if they could buy a bottle from me!  To think I had to accustom to it and these ole Americans loved it!  Peru should bottle it more and get rich!!!

Tried my hand at one of Peru's most famous dishes....Lomo Saltado.  Bryon said it wasn't exactly right, but we enjoyed it anyway.  Peru has excellent cooks and we are excited to expand our culinary skills (lack) once we get back!

 





117 DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN!!

We are home from a whirlwind of travel and services. We began by traveling to my parent's home in Kentucky to shave off two hours of our 11 hour trip to Arkansas on the following day.  The following month found us in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, back to Kansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and then home!!! Bryon and I were just as happy as Samuel to drink in the sight of our wonderful home Jesus gave us!

God gave GREAT help as we traveled and defeated the devil as he tried to hinder services.  We praise God for every open door of hospitality.  Even churches that could not get us in for a service opened their places so that we could have a place to stay free of charge.  We cannot say thank you enough to all the wonderful meals, clean beds, and lovely fellowship that we encountered on our way.

It was a delight on our first Sunday out to encounter Rev. & Mrs. Winfield Poe.  What an honor to speak to them and then later visit with them in their home.  It was through Rev. Poe that we received more services at the spur of the moment.  God was good to fill in our calendar with churches that kindly opened their doors.  As we were leaving Arkansas we stopped in at the Poe's home and he graciously prayed over Samuel that he would grow to serve God all the days of his life.  That's our GREATEST desire for Samuel.  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."  III John 1:4

One home that graciously welcomed us was Rev. & Mrs. Lonnie Witt's home.  It was such a lovely and entertaining time.  We came to quickly love and admire these workers for Jesus.  Having great friends in  Lyle and Michelle Witt who are laboring at God's Bible School, it was wonderful to get to know his parents.  Samuel wanted to stay at their house the WHOLE TIME! :)

During our stay I was invited over to the Witt's daughter-in-law's home.  I wondered how an afternoon with a complete stranger would go....I should have had NO FEARS!  As Samuel zoomed around with her boys, we yacked for 4 hours without taking much time for air! ;)  It was a delightful afternoon with homemade goodies and a new friendship born with Dorothy Witt.

In Kansas we made friends with Laura Masters and praised God with her at the transformation the Lord had wrought in her life.  She was a completely delivered person from the bondage of drink, drugs, and sin.  When we began to speak on the GREAT CHANGE God had wrought in the lives of those we have worked with, she began to cry and praise God until I stopped speaking and just rejoiced with her.  Bryon and I were happily remembering the moment while in the car later.  OH, that HIS GREAT FORGIVENESS in each of our lives would bring forth such praise to HIM!!  Let us not be quiet when HE has done so much for us!  It was so good to get to know Laura and her father.

A few days rest between services found us at Rev. Dave & Barbie Kaufman's home in Louisiana.  We so enjoyed their hospitality and rejoice in seeing God increasing their Sunday School and Youth outreach in their community.  We received a grand tour of the buildings that have gone up to house the influx of young people.  What an encouragement to see God's Kingdom going forward.  Here is Dave demonstrating an homemade big bad wolf for children's services, and Samuel demonstrating his strength with one of their "stones" used for creative Bible stories!

Guess we were enjoying our visit a little too long with the Kaufmans.  Samuel had been playing happily with the Kaufman's pets, but I guess he decided it was bedtime for both of them.  What a surprise to find him sleeping happily with the dog.  I think he was disappointed when we made him get out to go to his own bed! :)

While staying with the Switzers in Florida we were invited over for a delicious supper at the Nables.  We so thoroughly enjoyed our meal and fellowship with them.  It's so wonderful to realize that God has HIS people everywhere. 

While at the Switzers' home they encouraged us to take an afternoon off and go out on a date.  JUST BRYON AND ME!!  So they entertained Samuel while Bryon and I slipped off to celebrate my birthday a little late. :)

Samuel has often spoke of wanting a violin.  This kind brother and family heard us speak in one church in Florida on a Sunday night, then appeared at another church on WED. night and presented Samuel with this beautiful violin!  Samuel is thrilled!

We really enjoyed our service and fellowship at Camp Freedom in St. Petersburg, FL.  Rev. Talley and the staff welcomed us warmly.  What a meal those ladies cooked up afterward and served to us in the dining hall.  It was our first time to visit there, but we hope to get to go back and enjoy the beauty of their campgrounds!

Our final service for this tour was held in Georgia.  Rev. & Mrs. Ward welcomed us so kindly into their home.  They spent extra time making Samuel feel loved.  Their church was full of missionaries and missionary minded young people.  What an encouragement to see young hearts burning with the desire to take the Gospel to people who have not heard.  One young couple said that they were impressed to go to areas that nobody else really wants to go.  May God bless them!!

Well you might wonder why I entitled this blog '117 Days and Counting Down'?  Because all these trips speaking about God's work in Peru, pleas for prayer support, and making lasting friendships are leading up to one thing in 117 days.  Each day I see the calendar click down a day brings the realization that the day of return to Peru is nearing.  We are so dependent upon your prayers as we near July 9, 2015.  Many, many things need to be done before that day and we need God's strength to accomplish these things in between traveling for services.  As we come to your mind and heart, count down with us!  God has GREAT things HE wants to accomplish in PERU!!