Peru Ministry Day 1

Hola, blog! 

We had our first day in Libertad! And we definitely tested to viability of the phrase “It’s not the heat that’ll get ya, but the humidity!”. It has been hot and humid after we left the blessed air conditioning of the bus that took us from Iquitos to where we’d be getting on the boat that would take us to Libertad. Many naps were taken on that bumpy bus ride (and a few prayers for those who drank too much and their bladders weren’t too excited for a two hour ride). The boat we boarded was long and low, gliding along the Amazon River, and loaded with all of our stuff including the chickens that would be devoured as our meals. At the front of the boat, we could sit and swing our legs and cool off with the wind. We even spotted a few dolphins! We were greeted at the village by kids running along beside our boat. We unloaded all of our stuff and began setting up at the house where we are staying. In between fighting with setting up cots and bug nets, we played monkey in the middle and other games with the children running around the house. We were given a delicious late lunch made, headed out with translators into the community to invite people to the service tonight. Our group started out with four woodmen students and ended up with at least a half dozen kids hanging from arms and playing “capture the missionary”. Soon after sunset, we headed to the soccer field to set up service. This is where the ultimate MMA style face off between Woodmen Students vs. Bugs went down. We ran service, our worship group playing songs, two students sharing testimonies, and a lesson. We offered prayer for those who needed it, and there was a powerful time of community as we came together despite the language barrier and prayed for those who sought the Lord. Now we are having chicken soup dinner and ready to wind down for the evening. The Lord has worked in wonderful ways and prayer for strength and resilience in the heat and humidity and bugs, and that we made meaningful relationships in the coming days. 

- Grace