Expectations

The Peru team had our last pre-trip meeting on Monday evening. We were given a lot of information and details about what to expect during the trip and you could feel the excitement in the room as we are in the final days of preparation.

Near the end of the meeting, Joni shared this scripture:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Bruce shared these things that we can expect:

Expect it not to be perfect.

Expect to need to be flexible.

Expect to see God work.

Expect it not to be about you, but about what God wants to do.

Expect to have fun.

Expect to be changed.

While we all have many hopes and expectations for this trip, we know God has so much more planned than we could ever imagine.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Crafts!

Preparing five crafts, plus name tags and bracelets, all times 800 in such a short time frame seemed like an impossible task. But God specializes in doing the impossible! With many hands working together, we're happy to report that the craft supplies are ready to go!

Thank you to everyone who helped with this huge task!

Crafts may not seem that important to some, but these children have very little opportunity to make crafts. Like most kids, they love the chance to work with beads, glue, stickers, and paper. Our prayer is that as we work on crafts with them, we will build relationships and show them God's love.

Peru Benefit Christmas Concert

On Sunday evening we enjoyed a wonderful time of worship at the Peru Benefit Christmas Concert. The concert featured Kevin Eubanks. God has blessed Kevin with amazing musical ability, and he uses that talent to bring glory to God.


Several others added their musical talents to the evening through singing and playing. Thank you to everyone who had a part in this wonderful evening!

One of the Peru team members, Tracy, wrote a song based on Psalm 91. The Peru team joined her on stage to sing this song, proclaiming our trust in God for all things.

The Peru team (minus a few who slipped out before the picture,

and a few who couldn't be there Sunday evening.)

Again, we say thank you to all who contributed their talents to the program and also to everyone who contributed financially - over $11,000 was given on Sunday evening! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Blessings from God

As we continue preparing for this mission trip, it is apparent that God has us in His hands and that He continues to bless both the preparations and those going on the trip.

At our meeting a week ago, team members again shared how they see God working:

Donna and Bruce were at Southmont's Christmas Pageant and ended up sitting next to a couple who had been translators for Wycliffe for several years - in Peru. It was another confirmation of God's work in Peru - through this trip and through the lives of many others.

Bruce also shared that he had recently been contacted by someone raising funds for mission work in Peru. With current resources going to our trip, now doesn't seem to be the right time to support this individual, but only God knows what He has planned for this connection with yet another believer focused on Peru.

Nancy was commited to going on this trip, but didn't know where the money would come from. At a college Bible study that she attended the day before the money was due, someone casually asked her about her plans to go to Peru. By the end of the evening, two college students had written her checks - just enough to cover her payment!

Stephen went to Thailand during the summer of 2008 with the college group from Southmont. He has continued to correspond with a student he met there, and had the chance to share with him about our trip to Peru. His friend commited to pray for our trip and get his friends to pray with him. Students in Thailand are praying for Texans who will be traveling to Peru!

Lane had called the church financial administrator to find out how much of his trip still needed to be paid for. He was informed that it was all covered!

Gayla is a Spanish professor at UNT and had the opportunity to share with some of her co-workers about her trip to Peru and why we are going.

As we see the ways God is working and blessing us in this time of preparation, we look forward with great anticipation to what He has planned to do in and through us on the trip!

The School at Sacred Family

The children attend school in the first floor of a partially completed building on the orphanage property. Attending school at the orphanage is safer for the children than travelling to the public schools in the nearby area, saves money on uniforms that would be required at public school, and provides the children with a better education than they would receive at public school.



The children are taught by 30 teachers whose salary is paid by the orphanage with no goverment assistance. Once the school is completed and passes inspection, the government will supply 50% of the teachers' salaries. The teachers' total salaries currently equal $60,000 annually. The approximate cost to complete the school including labor and materials is $35,000. Thirty thousand dollars from the government each year would mean the savings to the orphanage would cover the cost of construction in just over a year!



The school year in Peru runs from March to December. If the school is completed by January 31 of 2010, Miguel can apply for government assistance for the 2010 school year. If construction is not completed by January 31, it will be another year before he is able to apply again.



Over $20,000 has already been given for the school, and construction on the second floor has begun, but additional funds are needed to complete the school by the January 31 deadline. Please pray that God will provide the resources, and consider if He may want to use you to help with that provision!

Feeding the Children

Can you imagine preparing a meal for nearly 800 hungry children? That's what happens three times a day, seven days a week at the Sacred Family orphanage. The older children (with adult supervision), do all the meal preparation.

The food is cooked in large pots over an open fire:

Here is the menu for most days:

Breakfast: a type of cereal mush and a glass of milk

Lunch: a piece of fruit and a watery dish with pasta and vegetables (a sort of pasta stew); occasionally this contains meat if it is available

Supper: a piece or two of bread

The children go to bed hungry, as there is not enough money to buy sufficient quantities of food and fuel for cooking. The one piece of fruit a day is a recent addition to the menu; this addition has significantly reduced the amount of money spent on antibiotics, as fewer children are getting sick.

Learning a Trade

The children at The Sacred Family Community orphanage are taught a trade during their time there. Miguel, the owner, feels strongly that educating the children and teaching them a trade are keys to breaking the cycle of poverty.


Woodworking is one of the trades taught. Furniture and other items are made from wooden pallets and other scrap wood.

The children also learn sewing. The clothing they make is sold to the outside community to aid in the support of the orphanage.

The bakery is another opportunity for the children to learn a trade. They make the bread eaten by all the children in the orphanage.

In the bakery, they also make Panetons, Peruvian Christmas cakes, to sell to the outside community.

Almost every Peruvian will eat this type of cake on Christmas Eve. The children have a goal of making and selling 20,000 Panetons this year. Miguel says that 5,000 is a more realistic goal, but we serve a powerful God who can work miracles - will you join us in praying for these children and their God-sized goal of selling 20,000 cakes?

The Sacred Family Community

Peruvian Miguel Rodriguez started the Sacred Family Community orphanage 20 years ago, after being awakened to the poverty in his own country. He left his job as the director of a news agency, sold all he had, and moved his family to Zapalla, a squatter community near Lima. He set up a home there for abandoned children.







Now over 700 children call the orphanage home. The facility includes 13 casas, a chapel, a partially completed school, a clinic, a bakery, a woodshop, and a sewing shop.

The children live in 13 different "casas". The 50-60 children in each casa are cared for by one house parent.

The soccer fields, with the casas in the background:

The children attend school year round in the first floor of a partially completed school on the orphanage property. There are 30 teachers reponsible for the education all 700 children.

Getting from Denton to Peru - God's Way

How did a church in Denton, Texas become involved with an orphanage in Lima, Peru?


Our journey began in the fall of 2008 with a college student at DBU. That fall, Lauren (who grew up at Southmont), called her parents to talk about changing her major. The change would allow her to graduate in three and a half years instead of five, as her original degree plan required. She would graduate in December of 2009. Lauren and her parents had never planned for her to graduate early, and would not have worked toward that end, but since the opportunity arose, they decided she should take it. They all believed that God had something planned for Lauren in January of 2010.


In the spring of 2009, Lauren was at work when a friend came and told her of an orphanage in Peru. The friend had just returned from a mission trip with Buckners International and had spent a few hours at this home to over 700 children. She knew it was the type of place Lauren would love to work at. After doing some research, Lauren learned the name of the orphanage and got in touch with Olive Branch Ministries, a group out of Austin, TX who has been working with the orphanage for about five years. With their help, she and another DBU student, Nancy, made plans to work in the orphanage for six weeks in the summer of 2009. They were excited about getting to share the love of Christ with the children there.


As the summer approached, Nancy learned that she would be unable to go on the trip, and Lauren's parents decided she could not go by herself. Lauren was dissappointed and burdened for the children who needed to hear about Jesus. Lauren's passion for the children impacted her mother, Lisa, who couldn't stop thinking about them. She called to talk with Lauren early one morning and suggested that Southmont get involved in some way. Lauren immediately remembered her first conversation with Scott from Olive Branch; he had said what he really could use was a large group to go and have a Christmas party for the children. At the time, Lauren couldn't imagine what large group she knew who would get involved - but God did, and Southmont's mission to Peru began to take form.


Lisa talked to Southmont's pastor, Bro. Bruce, and Southmont's college ministry about the possiblity of a mission trip to Peru. After a couple of meetings with representatives from Olive Branch and a meeting with the mission committee at Southmont, funds were approved for Lisa to visit the orphanage in October of 2009, to determine what the needs were and what Southmont could do, if we were to take a trip.

While there, Lisa met with Miguel, the owner and director of the orphanage. He shared his priorities: interaction with his children, completion of the school at the orphanage, and training for his teachers. Lisa knew we could help with the first two, the third came together later in the planning.

As Lisa shared about her trip and the needs of the orphanage during a service at Southmont in November, the congregation responded; thousands of dollars were given and many expressed an interest in going. Now, thirty missionaries, including Lauren and Nancy, are committed to going and preparations are being made for the trip. Please pray for the preparations, as there is still much to do. God's leading has been evident from the beginning, and we know He will continue to guide, direct, and supply all of our needs. To Him be the Glory!

We continue to see God's hand

At our weekly meeting Monday night, the group was again given the chance to share about ways we see God working in our lives. God's hand continues to be evident as we seek to follow Him in obedience. Here is some of what was shared:



Miranda had been trying to decide between two summer jobs, counseling at Christian camps. God has worked the timing out perfectly so that she'll be able to work at both camps. Her summer will be full with these two opportunities, so she will be unable to go on any summer mission trips; but God is faithful and has provided her the chance to not only go on the trip to Peru, but also a trip to Honduras this spring. God provides opportunities!



Lane is a plumber and was working at an older lady's home this past week. As he was leaving he noticed a figure on her shelf; it was a cross, surrounded by children who were carrying the cross. Lane commented on it and asked where she had gotten it; her answer? - Peru! She had previously lived in Peru and was so excited about our trip. God provides encouragement!



Kathy attended a winter concert at her daughter's public high school last Thursday evening. After several traditional secular holiday songs were presented, the program moved into Christian songs about the season. Right there in a public high school, the gospel was presented! As Kathy sat in the darkened auditorium, she was reminded that even when we are in a dark place, God's light will shine. God provides a reminder of His faithfulness!

Amy recently read Isaiah 42: 5-9, and God used these verses to speak to her about the trip to Peru. Here is a portion of the passage: "I the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." God provides inspiration!

Tracy has a gift for writing songs. God has given her a song based on Psalm 91; the words of the Psalm are an encouragement and comfort to those who may have fear about the trip - "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" She sang the song for the group and we were all touched by it. We plan to sing the song at the Mission Peru benefit concert at Southmont on December 20th. God provides a message of comfort!

Lisa has been putting together the list of assignments for the trip. Everyone who expressed a preference will be able to work in their preferred area, and every assignment is filled! God provides resources!

God continues to bless and provide, and we praise Him!

A few more God moments

Here are the last of the stories shared at our meeting on Monday.

Michelle went on a mission trip to Thailand with the college department of our church a couple of summers ago. She remembers thinking that she wished they had the opportunity to work with children, but it just didn't work into that trip. She will be working this summer and realized that meant she will be unable to go on a mission trip with the college group. When she heard about the Peru trip to the orphanage and that it fit within her Christmas break from school, she knew God was providing an opportunity for her to go on a mission trip this year and to work with children. God provides the desires of our hearts!

Lyn never thought she would be traveling to Peru, but when Lisa spoke in church one Sunday, God pricked her heart. Leaving church that day her husband said that God had laid it on his heart to give to the trip. Lyn asked what he thought about sending her as part of that. He was in full agreement. Lyn still wasn't sure and was concerned about financing the trip, so they prayed for direction. God gave her this verse, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your word was heard, and I have come in response to them." (Daniel 10:12). Lyn's husband received a tax refund check two weeks ago that will cover the trip. God provides direction and resources!

Dutch also heard Lisa speak and, realizing that the trip fits into his schedule as a professor, thought that maybe he should go. During the service, his wife nudged him and said he should go. Dutch knew they would have to take from their emergency savings to pay for the trip, but he and his wife were comfortable with that and felt it was what they should to. Even after paying for the trip last month, they had more in savings than Dutch had anticipated. Dutch also shared how this trip parallels the only other mission trip he's been on. He went on that trip planning to do construction, but ended up working in VBS with children. God used him on that trip and used that trip to prepare him for this trip to Peru. God provides resources and preparation!

Lisa shared a story for Lauren, who couldn't be at the meeting. Lauren will be graduating from college this month. She has decided to stay at the orphanage for six weeks. During the two weeks after our group is there, the owner of the orphanage will be taking the graduating seniors on a tour of Peru. He has asked Lauren to go on this trip. Lauren has been given the gift of evangelism and this opportunity will put her in a unique position to build relationships with these young people and share the gospel with them. God provides opportunity!

Please pray that we will continue to see God in "moments" like these and that He will continue to provide all of our needs for this trip - financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20

More God Moments

Here are a few more of the stories that were shared at our meeting Monday evening:

Gayla has been sponsoring a child in Peru through Compassion International for the past three and a half years. Gayla didn't know what city her child lives in. She received a letter on the day of our meeting from a pastor in Peru, telling her of the work he is doing in Lima - the city where her sponsored child lives! Gayla may have the chance to meet the child she has been sponsoring for over three years. God provides opportunity!

Kathy has been going back through her journals and recognized that since July, God has been preparing her for this trip. She has served in numerous areas within the church through the years, but God has been calling her to "get outside of the church" to serve. This led her to go on a mission trip this past summer to south Texas and start a new Bible study location through Mission Denton. Through these activities and in other ways, God has prepared her for this trip to Peru. God provides preparation!

Carol received a call recently from some friends who had heard about the Peru trip. They offered to provide financial support for her. Their gift will cover the cost of her meals on the trip - she get to eat! Carol has been praying for a scripture for this trip and God has given her Psalm 78: 4-7
"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commmanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands." God provides resources and inspiration!

There are still a few more stories from Monday's meeting to share - coming soon!

God Moments

Monday evening the group that will be traveling to Peru had our second meeting. Brother Bruce opened the meeting by asking us to share our "God moments" in relation to this trip. Here are a few of the stories:

Joni is a retired ESL teacher and will be teaching ESL classes at the orphanage. When she retired she didn't think she would need her materials, so didn't store them all together and wasn't sure where everything was. Over the past couple of weeks, God has opened her eyes to where different materials are, she has gathered her materials, and lesson plans are beginning to come together. God provides direction!

Lane and his wife both felt God was calling him to go to Peru, but weren't sure about him taking the time off work. They were sitting in Bible study class one Sunday when the trip was being discussed; his wife leaned over and asked how he thought his boss would react to him asking for a week off work. At that moment Lane's phone rang. He stepped out to answer it - the call was from his boss, letting him know that God had layed it on his heart that Lane needed to go to Peru; he was giving Lane the week off, with pay! God provides resources!

Wendy knew from the first discussions of the trip that she wanted to go, that she had to go; she just wasn't sure why. At the first meeting, the group members were asked what area each was interested in working with. It seemed to her that everyone knew what they were called to do, and Wendy didn't know, since she didn't have experience in any particular area. She went home and began to question why she was going and what she would do. As she prayed, God revealed to her that she indeed was called to go and that she should work in all the different areas, learning skills so that she would be prepared for a task that He has for her when she gets back. (We can't wait to find our what that is!) God provides vision!

After Wendy told her story, Lisa shared how we would need someone who was willing to "float" to the different areas, and fill in for those in the group who wanted to take time from working with the older children to rock the babies, confirming Wendy's calling to that task. God provides confirmation!


Check back later for more stories of "God moments".

The Journey Begins

What began as the desire of two young women to share Christ with children in an orphanage in Peru, God has now grown into:

- 30 missionaries traveling to that orphanage
- opportunity to share Christ's love and His gospel
with the children through Vacation Bible School
- training for the teachers at the orphanage
- plans to complete the school at the orphanage
- thousands of dollars given for the school and for
the trip

God has already done amazing things in the lives and hearts of all involved in this journey. In this blog we will attempt to document the great things that God has already done and the things we know He will continue to do as we seek to follow Him in obedience.

Please join us in this journey by committing to pray for the missionaries going on this trip and for the children who will be touched.

To God be the Glory!