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!
