Christmas: Came and Went

It was definitely a Christmas season that I’ll never forget. It was more different than anything I’ve experienced, or even dreamed I would be doing. I have to be honest and say that I would rather have passed it with my family in our warm home in my pj’s but I think in hindsight it was worth it. I am after all a missionary, and I couldn’t help but think that this season is all about giving, especially when our contacts need it most.

Let’s look at the biggest events for Geremías and I this holiday season:

We planted potatoes with a family for the church. They had the idea that Geremías and I could plant potatoes in their field and then we could invite everyone to harvest the potatoes and eat them as a community of brothers and sisters. The only catch was that we had to do all the work. We tilled with pick axes one Friday from about 7:00AM to 4:00PM. Then the next Saturday, in about an hour the two of us and two of them planted the seeds. Now we’re just waiting for the potatoes to grow so we can harvest them, make an oven out of the ground, and eat them with the other church plants!

I also killed and ate a chicken that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did a “chocolatada.” This same family always does a “hot chocolate” for the public. But this year they wanted to do it with us so that we “could add brothers and sisters to the church.” Perfectly fine idea for me. On a Sunday morning in Salcedo at about 10:00AM we put kids Christmas music on for about an hour as the kids started coming. It was a hit! About 70 kids came and I got 10 names of parents to visit in their houses and share the news of Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We handed out clothes/gifts to families. To those 10 families I told that we could come by, we gave out clothes/household accessories for the parents and coloring kits for the kid on Christmas Eve. So even if they had nothing, they could at least have something this holiday season. Even greater that that, we were able to share the great news that the Savior was born in Bethlehem and he contains the gift that keeps giving. From that “chocolatada” we have been able to arrange visits for 3 new people to study the Bible with them.

 

On Christmas Eve, we went to a very needy family of the church in Rinconada. There are 4 of them: a grandmother, mother, a little 11 year old girl, and an 8 year old boy. They literally have nothing because the father abandoned them and the mother doesn’t have a job, and the grandmother just underwent surgery. It was the idea of Chad and Amanda to give out gift baskets and we chose this family. We entered their house and surprised them with a basket of rice, sugar, oil, fruitcake, yogurt, and other goodies. They were so taken back and couldn’t even thank us with words. I was so glad to be able to bless this family with something this Christmas season.

We did a Christmas Day service. Although few people came, it was good to be able to be with the few people from Salcedo that did come. Geremías and I split the sermon and we preached on the good news of the birth of Christ. We sung Christmas hymns and ate traditional Peruvian Christmas food afterwards (awkward fig salad, rice, maize and mayo salad, peaches…) It was a real “Peruvian Christmas” for me, not just a “Christmas in Peru” where I could’ve easily escaped to an American Christmas inside this country.

Salcedo grows. As a result of almost all of this work in Salcedo, we’ve seen a turning of the tables in Salcedo. We’ve got a good group of people coming to the services (possibly a direct result of the pain we had to endure for many, many months before.) I remember walking in Salcedo one day this month and saying to God, “Why? Why are you blessing us? What have we done to deserve this? and why now?” Well I don’t think I will ever know the exact reason why God decides what he decides for any situation, but I know I should thank him for whatever he decides. I don’t know what the future for this church is, but I can tell you that you need to pray that God’s will be done in my life to see the will of this church carried out.

Until next time, check out this song I heard on the radio here!

Dear Lindsey,

 

I feel that this blog is the most powerful mean of communication that I have at my expense. In that sense, I would like to write an open letter to my big sister for all to see if they so desire.

Dear Lindsey,

It may be saddening that this is one of the best ways I have to congratulate you in light of the recent events. But in reality, we both know that this is exactly how it should be. One of the most difficult things about being here in Peru is not being there for your family when they are going through difficult times. Even more difficult than that is not being there when those times are joyous. More than anything in the world, as cheesy as it sounds, I would like to be in the United States to share this moment with you.

I’m proud of you big sis. You’ve done it the right way. I can tell that you’ve been sensing the Spirit in your daily life, seeking Him fervently. How many people have we seen look for their spouse the wrong way? and still you didn’t take example from them. You’ve trusted the Lord your God to bring to you the right man, and look at the joy with which He is rewarding you.

I tell people that my sister is my mejor amiga. And filling that place with someone else is going to be weird for me. They’ve got big shoes to fill and it kinda sucks that you’re not going to be the one in those shoes. Selfishly I don’t want to look at the big picture, but I’d rather continue on forever with our single lives, not losing a best friend. Who’s going to call you a man? Who’s going to sing in the car louder than you? Who’s going scare you walking out of the bathroom? Who’s going to make fun of your iDevices? WHO?!

The journey just now really begins, and let it begin with these words on your heart:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

In this journey, just as the day you gave your life to Christ Jesus as the Ruler of your life, is just the way you live everyday. I’m no expert in marriage, because I have little to no experience. But I think you’ll do just fine living as a model as Paul describes in this letter.

Enjoy these next couple of months being engaged. Plan well, and don’t forget me please. Your little brother is always thinking about you and always praying for you. It won’t be long until I’m cutting a rug at the reception. (There will be dancing. Loads of dancing.)

I love you and miss you. Blessings.

Your Little Brother Always,

Garren

P.S. Looooads of dancing.

Thanksgibbin

For those faithfuls out there, you may remember a post this time last year called “So Thankful” and if not you can go back and read it no problem. Looking back on that post, I can’t believe how much I’ve changed since then. I look at what I was thankful for and realize how centered around what I didn’t have at the time. I’d like to redo that list right now, giving thanks for what I do have.

The Andes Mountains. Their beauty, splendor, greatness. And I get to live in the middle of it all.

Skype. This is the best thing that has happened to technology. It shrinks the world for me, and does it for free.

Books. Have you read my last blog?

Stores. It’s so nice to have a store that is right at the corner with almost anything that you may need in that moment. Obviously little stores can’t provide all the needs we may have but certainly they do fulfill the majority and they’re right there.

Coffee. I’ve learned to love coffee without being addicted to it.

Running. I run about twice a week and sometimes it’s so majestic and refreshing. It  has the tendency to remind me of where I’m living.

Mornings. The peace and tranquility and the productivity that comes to me in the morning is something I’m learning to appreciate more and more.

El Criollo. This is Puno’s best lunch menu. 3 and a half soles and the best white rice you will ever eat. Did I just say that? That I like the rice? It’s really, really good. Trust me. I look forward to Thursdays because we eat at the Criollo for lunch.

Change. Most of all, I’m thankful for the change God has been able to make a reality in my life. I’m different. Lots different. I surely can’t give any credit to any human, book, country, or culture. To constantly have a fire burning within you is the passion I want for all, because that’s what am everyday, all day. I am eternally grateful for the new creature I have become through the work of Christ in me.

Books & Books

When I get free time, I like to spend it reading a good edifying book. I have here a list of books that I’ve recently read, and a short description. My desire would be for everyone to read all of these books, as they all have given me a new perspective on an aspect of Christianity. I know that’s not a realistic desire, but if you could, pick one out and read it. You might have been wondering on what level does a crazy missionary read, well here you go!

 

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Called one of the “most excellent works of the 20th century,” Bonhoeffer really cuts to the quick. He was a martyr in WWII attempting to assassinate Hitler. The book can be summed up by saying, “When Christ calls a man, He bids them to come and die.” He really elevates the standard of being a Christian, and backed it up by giving his life for others. A great writer and a great example. Easily the most challenging read of this whole list (Bible omitted.)

 

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. I can say I wanted to highlight 75% of this book. What does it mean to be a “follower of Christ”? Tozer beautifully describes that and how it is to be done. How does one get God? How does one’s life look in doing that? We all thirst for something supernatural, but grasping that concept is something on a whole new level. Tozer hits the nail on the head and it doesn’t make you feel good with the realities he brings up. For you Kindle owners out there, it’s available here on Amazon for $1.

 

Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Definitely more milk than meat, this in my opinion is a book for people still grasping Christianity. I put it on here because there are 2 chapters in particular that give examples of the “lukewarm Christian,” and the “sold-out Christian” which we all can benefit from. If you’re looking for the same deep challenging material found in the majority of these other books, you may be left wanting more.

 

 

Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. Other than the Bible, this is the only book that has changed my life. It did that by changing my perspective of God. It made me think of how small I thought of God before and how dangerous it is to put Him in a box. It’s hard to get used to Tozer’s writing style in this one, but once you get it, it’s definitely one you’re going to want to read more than once.

 

 

 

Radical by David Platt. This book surprised me because it was so different, but so new. It really hits on the process in the American church and how and why it needs to change its dead self. I think every pastor should read this book, but not only read it but do what it says. I know too many churches in the US that are explained in this book, but I would like to see them ready and radical to take it old school to the church in Acts.

 

 

 

The Bible by more the 40 authors. Obviously I’m reading the Bible. I am currently in a chronological inductive study of the Old Testament. In other words, I’m studying every little detail of the events as they happened in history (the Bible is not placed in timely order.) It’s a great method, but definitely a challenge. I wanted to know all the history in order to understand as much as possible.

As far as a certain version, I recommend the ESV, NIV, or NKJV. My dream Bible would be a NKJV Wide Margin but I don’t have access to that here, so right now I’m using an NIV Study Bible (with built in commentary.)

That’s all. But one more thing: I would love love love recommendations from you guys for what to read in the future! Until the next time, let this oldie but goodie keep you busy!

Pray, Without Ceasing

One of the most mystifying aspects of those who follow Christ in my opinion is prayer. Those who are on the outside will never understand, and those on the inside can never explain. Since my arrival here to Peru, my concept and practice of prayer has bettered exponentially. I’m not going to try to explain II Thessalonians 5:17 to you. I believe that is something that every individual must discover on there own through the inclination of the Holy Spirit. No, I just want to look at the prayer implemented in the life of a missionary.

It has been pressing on my heart for awhile. My devotional prayer life has been increasing since my arrival to here in Peru. Getting up in the morning and the first thing I do was not always prayer, and it’s not anywhere to perfect now. God is always calling to a higher standard. You can always set the bar higher on quality and/or quantity. That is something I’ve been working on for a year and a half.

Only since my arrival to Puno has prayer bettered in other ways. This is what really made me understand it better, and then I gave more importance to my morning prayer times. Praying with people, praying with my compañero, praying in front of people, praying when people ask for prayer, praying as an instinct.

Praying with people. People love to be prayed for here, they say they need prayer but never do they expect us to say, “Ok let’s pray. Right now.” Maybe they think it as a common courtesy to say that you’ll pray for them, it’s not any different than the U.S. How much more powerful is it to pray for that person in that moment than say you’re going to pray for that person in the mornings or when you get home. This aspect was something that hit me early on when we arrived to Puno.

Praying with my compañero. We used to do it every Tuesday, but now I’m trying to get us to depend on it, praying 2 to 3 times a day. Whether they’re scheduled prayers, or random ones because I feel we need to do it. Either way, I can’t be frustrated with him after we pray. It’s impossible to fight the peace in my heart.

Praying in front of people. Specifically non-believers. In public and usually with my compañero. Without shame, instead praying for those people who might be amused by us. It’s very humbling.

Praying when people ask for it. “Hey, can you pray for me, I’m having a rough day.” “Ok, I’ll be praying for you.” Guilty as charged, I’ve done it numerous times thinking that they just need to hear that they’ll be prayed for. Take the time to put aside a few quality minutes and intercede for that person. You, after all, would want them to spend that quality time interceding for you if you were to ask them. When I tell people that I’m going to pray them, I’m going to pray for them the first chance I get.

Praying as an instinct. Is that how it is for you? Is that the first thing you depend on? Or only when you’re scared? You breathe don’t you? I say that you should rely on prayer the same way you rely on oxygen or food. I’ll be the first one to admit that it’s not an instinct for me, but I can honestly tell you guys that I’m striving for it to be. It’s hard, sometimes I don’t want to but it’s definitely worth it. Prayer changes lives. The lives of the intercedees and the interceders.

On the subject of prayer, I would like to ask you readers who’ve gotten this far in my blog for some prayer. It recently been my decision to increase the number of services we do in each church plant. We’re trying to unite the family of our churches by prayer. We’ve added a prayer service on Thursdays at 6:00PM in Salcedo and another Tuesdays at 6:00PM in Rinconada. We’ll read a Psalm, ask for prayer requests, and then sit in a circle and give all the chance to pray. If no one comes, then Geremías and I will have another opportunity to pray, which is never a bad thing.

This will also force us to spend more time in our districts, which is something that has been weighing on my heart. I want to leave here with a clear conscience and knowing that I have worked with integrity. Seeing results or not seeing results won’t matter, as long as I know that I put my all.

I need your prayer because this puts us at 6 services a week. That’s a lot of church, and it’s not like I’m the one getting served in a church service. It’s going to wear down on me in numerous ways. Please be in prayer that lives are changed, that I am strengthened, that people are united, and that in the end God is the one who is glorified.

Thanks for reading this blog, I hope you’ve been challenged. Until the next time, check this song out.

Drive

I want to take a break from writing about anything ministry related and talk about one of the largest aspects of my life down here in Puno: driving. It’s no secret anymore that I have a motorcycle, and while it helps a lot with our work, I don’t want to get into to that.  I just want to share some fun experiences and differences about the driving here in a 3rd world city.

Puno is where I bought my motorcycle and where I learned how to drive one. The picture above is me now where I first learned to drive. The pastor and I bought it, and the next day he taught me how to drive it here on the shores of Titicaca. Pastor said and I quote, “This isn’t the first time you’ve driven a motorcycle, you’ve been doing this for a while.” (We would soon find out how untrue that was.) I only seemed like I knew what I was doing because I had thought the process through in my mind on how to drive it, and just did it when the time came around.  Then the pastor said, “You just lack city driving.”  He hopped on and we started to go through the unfamiliar (at the time) city of Puno.

I was driving along  when the road was blocked off and we had to turn left or make a U-turn.  We took the U-turn option but apparently the cop that was standing at the corner didn’t see that as an option.  He started yelling at us, to move the bike, and that’s when we found out how untrue what pastor said was, and I froze. Everything I had learned had left my mind in that instant. Then the cop says, “He’s just learning, isn’t he…” Keep in mind that I have my helmet on so the cop doesn’t actually know how white this kid (me) actually is. The pastor argued with him. I didn’t say a word. The pastor got of the bike and continued arguing. I didn’t say a word. Somehow, the pastor got us out of it and then he took the handlebars and we took off. Me about to faint. That cop is sometimes at the station by our house. Sometimes I see him and I think, “Sucka! You don’t even know that this white boy was driving that day!” That was day one.

I’ve gotten pulled over once since then. It was because they were checking everyone, drug tip or something. I handed the female officer my insurance and registration (which are in the name of the pastor,) holding back my American license. She then asked me for my license and I gave it to her, with big letters saying, “OHIO.” She compared the names of the license and the registration and with a confused look and a smile said, “Have a good night sir.” I sped off without having said a word!

As far as rules, limits, and laws here…there are two: If it’s green, go! If it’s red, stop! Everything else is open game:

Do I park on the left of the right side of the street? Can I go right on red? Is there a speed limit? or even a lane? Is this road one way or two way? Turn signals are optional?

Now, there are very few stoplights so you can imagine how barbaric these roads are. I say very humbly that I am a pro now, and very pridefully I say that I am Puno’s best driver. I do everything with an American base, but still like a Puneñan, which makes me the one who does things right, but not alone in my own little world.

You’ve also got two classes of vehicles here: slow and fast. Slow would be combis (public vans that are a bit bigger than minivans) empty taxis, and commercial trucks. Fast would be personal cars, taxis with someone in them, and motorcycles (esp ones that deliver propane gas.)

Combis (com-bees) are by far the worst for one reason: They stop on the right side of the street to pick up/drop off people. They stop in groups. And when they’re done with their business on the right, they dry turn the wheel cranking it to the left, hit the gas, and cut right into traffic. I’ve seen this process a million times way before it happens. You literally have to drive on the left side watching for those wheels being cranked to the left. I’ve laid on my horn on numerous occasions but it doesn’t phase them. You just gotta put on the brakes.

When in Arequipa, I always thought that horns were over used. It’s not true. I now know why they are used so much. People don’t know how to walk. They are in the street not looking almost constantly. They are very irresponsible (Originally I had a different choice of words other than “irresponsible) when it comes to walking. What’s worse is that cars here have the right-of-way!

I love driving here though. To be able to have a motorcycle in South America next to the highest navigable lake in the world is truly a dream for me. It’s one of my favorite things to do here, and I’m going to be sad when it’s over. I drive in the city, not just the outskirts. It makes things easier and life more enjoyable (public transportation is a disaster!)

El Proveedor

The Provider. I have seriously been amazed in the timing of God. I am sensitive to these things lately, and I am also sensitive to burdens. Burdens of others, burdens for others, human burdens, and burdens that God has placed on my heart. I’m not a sad person, nor heavily pressed or weighed down. I just can’t help but feel the agony of the reality. It may be because I care.

One burden that I have been carrying lately is the burden of fruit. this burden has been a deceiving one though. I’ve had the burden of seeing the fruit, of being able to control it, and getting the results that should be expected. I am quite mathematically minded when A + B = C, then A + B = C no matter what. That “C” hasn’t been showing up in the form of a “C” or in any form at all in some circumstances.

This past Tuesday, we had our weekly meeting with the pastor. He always has a message for us usually based out of a Pauline letter. Two weeks before, I meant to thank him for his message, this week I couldn’t not thank him because it was meant for me.

Based out of I Corinthians 15:58:

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

What I had been deceived by this burden I soon was shown the truth. The pastor said that if any of us aren’t seeing fruit, it doesn’t mean that we should change what we are doing. We should “stand firm.” Our job is not to harvest, but rather to plant the seed. Others may see the harvest, we may see the harvest, but either way it is not our responsibility. He said to never think that our work is in vain. Don’t let the devil get to us like that.

It’s easy to question this work. Especially when you’re constantly giving and never getting. When no one comes to church, when people tell you yes, but don’t come through (maldito el hombre que fia en los hombres!) when you can’t see change, when all is stagnant.

Yes, it’s easy to question. When there’s so little support coming your way, not because of unwillingness but because of inability to relate. When you’re not in your element. When there are huge distractions. When giving up is so close. When the countdown til the end begins.

It’s easy to question. But I’m not here to do the easy stuff. It’s hard to stand firm, it’s hard to recognize that this is not in vain. Doing the hard stuff is what makes sense here. This isn’t in vain, it’s also not our harvest, it’s His.

I thought last week in our empty church service, “I’m here to worship. And without shame or embarrassment I will worship regardless if anyone is here to worship with me.”

I printed that verse out. It’s hanging in my closet space. I can’t ever forget that I am the planter and nothing else. And I will continue without shame to plant and plant and plant the Word of Christ in others.

You too should consider yourself a planter in God’s eyes. If you’re not planting, with what will the Harvest come?

Conferences

For the past two weekends I have participated in some sort of conference.  One was a conference that I received, and the other was one that I gave.  I would like to share what I was able to learn and how I am being molded constantly into God’s will.

The first conference was a 2 and 1/2 day “seminary” called the “Thompson International Theological Seminary” (I think?) This is the conference in which I came and listened, not participated.  For those of you who don’t know what the Thompson Chain Bible is, it’s a Bible with margins filled with connecting topics called “chains.”It’s used to connect topics for preaching and for overall knowledge of the Bible.  It’s a Thompson Chain Bible because of the margins, and can be used with any version of the Bible itself.

Let me just say that it was great! The conference filled me with knowledge , strength and encouragement.  It was just a nice change to receive and be edified, rather than to just give and give…and give. I do, yes, have an in depth devotional time everyday, but there is just something about receiving knowledge and wisdom from someone else.  I also love learning or being a student and that was a great change from being a teacher and pastor.

A burden on my heart has been my effectiveness while I preach.  I at first would blame it on Spanish, but that in reality wasn’t it.  I didn’t have the correct tools nor knowledge on how to be effective while preaching.  Long story short: I feel much more equipped after this conference. At the end they gifted us a Thompson Chain Bible worth about $60.00.  Cool! A neat ministry based out of the States.

The second conference in which I actually participated was a leadership conference to try to build up leaders within our new church plants.  My compañero and I invited 2 people, and one of them showed (actually we went and got him!)  Each pair had a theme to present, and the pastor presented as well.  We were up last and we talked about the dangers of being a leader. I personally spoke about the dangers that a leader encounters in themselves.

Well, I’m not going to give you the speech, nor what I learned about the actual dangers themselves. But I do want to share how I realized God is changing and molding me. I felt comfortable up there speaking to 20+ people about my topic. I didn’t get jittery, nor get tunnel vision, but rather I felt at home in front of these people. I tripped up a few times, but only because I like to talk fast or not at all haha. A year ago, in Bible class, I was nervous giving a speech in front of all my friends. I hated every second of it. But got has changed my mind and has given me the comfort to lead people.

I will always chooses to lead by actions 100% of the time. But if my actions reflect what I say, then I should recognize that God wants to work through my words as well. I’m not saying that I don’t/won’t get nervous standing in front of a group of people, but rather that this is the first time I have felt comfort in doing it.  It’s not something I did, but rather a simple way, of many, in which God is working inside of me.

What’s a simple way that God is working in you?

Stretch X

While I don’t have a specific subject, update, nor opinion to update you on today, I would like to share the ways I see God stretching me.

So I am a new person, this I can see in myself, but how have I been growing lately, what is God teaching me?  I can answer that.

Doubt.  I read James 1:6 while witnessing to a person:

But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.

  In reading it for them, I was actually reading it to myself.  Lately, I’ve noticed the first instinct to doubt in my mind and heart.  For example I read this quote by A.W. Tozer today:

The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless.  Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the Adamic ego.  Christ may be “received” without creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver.  The man is “saved,” but he is not hunger nor thirsty after God.  In fact, he is specifically taught to be satisfied and is encouraged to be content with little.

And even though this explains our mission to a “t” and the way we set up for failure, and even though I pumped my fist agreeing with it, doesn’t mean it has to be true.  I first thought that if we do fail, then it can be easily explained by what Tozer says. I realized a couple minutes after reading it that it was a really good way to doubt, to not be different.  If that quote is the mission, why shouldn’t I be different? I read that out of a Christian book, but I still used it to be tossed around like a wave.

Not doubting would be saying, “What Tozer says is the reality, and what I need to do should be something different.”

I catch myself in the act all the time: meeting someone for the first time and not seeing a future, going to a church service expecting nothing etc.

But God says, “No.” he says, “Garren you’re are being tossed around by circumstances, too easily controlled by what you see.  Look at the big picture, brosak.”  And that’s what I’m trying to do.  Change your actions is one thing, but the source of your actions come from your thoughts.  And changing those I am finding out is quite the task.

As far as our work, my limits are being stretched more than ever.  We’re dedicating more time than ever in Salcedo, and seeing less and less fruit that ever.  Last month God was able to touch the hearts of 5 people, new people, in separate cases.  I personally had the privilege of leading 3 of them to Christ, and Geremias the other 2 (which is another way I am being stretched.)  It wasn’t a whole family, but rather 5 new contacts, different people, led to Christ.  But, they don’t come to church.  Talk about wearisome.  It gets to you.

My limits are being stretched in Rinconada as well.  We’re cultivating great hearts, and those hearts are getting into deeper and deeper subjects, and I am to have an answer for these subjects.  Geremias and I disciple people separately, with the goal of a carbon copy of us as individuals.  Deep subjects stretch, yes, but then when your coworker doesn’t agree with what you say makes it even harder, and makes the stretch even tenser.

Oh, and Jayllihuaya.  A family told us, after 3 months of discipleship, that they don’t want us to come anymore.  That they, “Already are Christians and don’t need to learn more about the Bible.” Wow, ok.  And then after that we went and changed one of our contacts’ diaper.  No lies, that is some serious mental stretching right there.

That’s all.  I know there is a ton of you out there that read this, how is God stretching you? Are you growing? If you’re not, I question your position before God.  Take a minute to reflect and listen to this song so appropriate for this post.

Upon Arriving

Time flies.  I’ve been back here in Peru a little over 3 weeks now.  This week we’re starting our 4th week of work.  A lot has been going on, and I’d like to update what exactly it has been looking like.

Getting back has been rather easy…nothing big that shocked me.  The only thing that has been bad are the smells.  I was riding in a bus after getting off the plane and the lady handed me my change and it smelled like toenails.  That’s when I realized that the smells were a huge change.  Walking through the streets, and just everyday life are an abundance of challenges to smell your way through!

Big news in our districts: we have changed locales in Rinconada de Salcedo.  Before, we had rented out basically a party center.  While we were gone they threw a couple huge parties, even though we rented that space out.  They were drinking and getting their funk on, with a sign outside that said, “Church of the Nazarene, Called to Holiness.”  A little comical looking back on it, but the activities that took place did not honor God.  This wasn’t the first party they ever had either, it was actually the third.  The place was actually too big as well, so we’ve downsized.

The picture above is the new place.  Basically all the green you see we have rented out.  By downsizing we’ve been able to get a better deal economically too.  It is just a bunch of pluses moving to this new “church” building.

We had our first service in the new place this Sunday, the 4th of September (as pictured above.)  It was great, we had a great turnout and a nice little band to get us going.  For some reason people just have a hunger for a Church in Rinconada.  They are attracted and want to get involved.  It is really encouraging.  We meet a lot of people in the actual church services, and try (and fail often) to disciple them in their houses throughout the week.

As far as Jayllihuaya, it looks like we’re going to send our contacts that we’re discipling to Salcedo.  It’s on the bus route, and if we’re being 100% honest with ourselves, it doesn’t look as if we’re going to raise a church.  Now I don’t want to doubt God, and we’re definitely open to any possibilities that He might have in store for us.  I am also a strong believer that God gives us wisdom (James 1) to make decisions like this.  Humanly we might say that we didn’t raise a church in Jayllihuaya.  But divinely, I feel God will use it as a victory and have much greater plans.

A burden on my heart is not for Jayllihuaya, but rather the pueblo of Salcedo.  It’s our most “cityish” district…but people DO NOT want to congregate.  We disciple many people, I pour my heart out sometimes to these people.  They aren’t growing, it doesn’t click, something is not working.  I place it in the hands of God every time we go.  It’s the hardest thing not to get frustrated, or start to worry.  I just put it in the hands of the One who has any control whatsoever of the situation.

On another subject that doesn’t matter…I’m going to climb Chachani again.  I can’t decide if I’m excited or not.  But whether I’m excited or not…I’m going to climb it the same date as last year, New Years Eve Day.  And starting like a week ago, I’m not going to shave until I’m on top of the Chach.  Gotta spice things up, keep the variety going.

And lastly and randomly, I went to a Puneñen wedding…or it might has well been a funeral.  No one looked happy.  But then we went to the reception out in the sticks, which was pretty neat.  Pictures below.

 

That’s all for now.  Thanks for the prayers, thanks for reading, and thanks for all the support.  I hope you’ll listen to this and be able to enjoy it!  Don’t forget to email me at gmoore@extremenazarene.org.

June, July, and 1/2 of August

Well, it has been awhile since my last post, over 2 months in fact.  My utmost apologies to all the faithful readers out there.  The truth is that my computer broke because I dropped it.  But we’re back on track with another comp and I’ll be pumping out the posts on a bi-weekly to monthly basis.
With this blog, I wanted to give you an update with what has been going on and about my vacation to the States.  The pictures may be a little scarce, because my camera was pick pocketed from me at a running of the bulls event.  But without further ado, we continue on.  Thanks and enjoy.
Since May, my last post, my partner and I have been going strong discipling people, making contacts, and altogether working our rears off.  We’ve seen one church plant area flourish (Rinconada de Salcedo) while being rather stagnant in the other two.  It’s very discouraging sometimes, but as I get into talking about vacation, I’ll elaborate on how I have been encouraged.
Every week I preach (yes in Spanish) at our church plant areas, not in the mother church in the city.  It has really helped my Spanish vocabulary, my memorization of Biblical references, and my spiritual walk altogether.  I preach on what I love about the Bible, and it has really been speaking to me, even more than to the people.  I’ve grown accustomed to my daily studies and devotions.  But preaching really stretches me and makes me think about how to explain what I am understanding.
That’s basically the short gist of what we’re doing: working our butts off, Rinconada is flourishing, I preach on a weekly basis, and my camera and computer were KIA or MIA.
During the month of July I was completely restless.  Counting the seconds until I would return home to see my family and friends.  I had a humungo list of restaurants that I wanted to eat at, and visions in my head of how awesome it would be.  And vacation was awesome! But I definitely have learned that the idea of it was even better.  Peanut butter, yea I missed it, but the idea of eating peanut butter was better than the actual peanut butter itself.
The day finally came when I got home.  And the closest feeling I can describe that I had was “overwhelmed.”  Not culture shock, (I actually don’t believe in that now) but just this huge impact of everything: carpet, doors, bananas, AC, driving, trees, TV’s, dogs, fat people.  It was all just so unique, all that I had forgotten.
When I first got to the States, I was in love.  I didn’t even want to think of Peru.  Then, to be honest, I started to think about not going back to Peru.  Just calling it quits because I had such a negative opinion of Peru.  Especially after hanging out with friends and talking to so many people.  But after about 2 weeks, I started to get an “itch.”  An “itch” to be back.  Not excited nor happy.  But a little “itch.”
The second Sunday that I was there, I was to say something in the English service at my church, as well as the whole Spanish service.  There were three really encouraging moments for me that Sunday: 

1.) When Pastor Terry prayed for me and just touched my heart with his unique words for me.  That impacted me, to be prayed for in English by someone you never hear pray for you (thanks PT if you’re reading this.) 
2.) Another moment was when this dude came up to me after church and genuinely thanked me for what I do, because he couldn’t do it.  He told me I was needed, and I could just tell he was genuine. 
3.) And then after the Spanish service, Rafi, the Spanish pastor told me that I have a “gift.”  The gift of tongues or languages. Rafi told me that I sound like I’m from Peru, not like I’m an American missionary.  This really encouraged me to get back down there and use this gift to expand God’s kingdom (a great group of people going to that church by the way, I can’t wait to get back and get involved with them.)

The itch I had began to grow stronger, and I actually couldn’t sleep the night before I left.  It really was a miraculous change to go from an almost hatred of Peru, to this strong itch to get back into the game.
As I sit here on the plane to Houston, I’m looking to the year ahead.  I’m looking to what can become of me and the people I’m going to be around.  Ya know, I’m just trying to put my heart into this, not focused on the end results.  And that’s how this time will be worth it.  Garren Moore will put his heart into the work he was called to do, and you can’t go wrong doing that. 
I miss you all, 3 weeks was all too short, but I’ll be back all too soon to start up a mission in the hearts of other people who need Christ.  I pray for you daily, and I look forward to Skype and emailing you!
PICTURES: What I packed, at the pool with Lora, my last meal, and me and the brosak.

GOALS

I would like to share some long term (year or so) goals that do not relate to my ministry whatsoever.  I basically have 3 planned habits over the next year to keep me sane in Puno after we’re done for the day, or before we’ve started.  Maybe you can keep me accountable, encourage me, or share some tips.

1.) I would like to be conversational in Portuguese by the time I exit Peru.  Portuguese is very similar to Spanish as far as the grammar aspect.  They’re both romance languages.  It is my dream to live in Brasil, and this is the first step.  I’ll be self taught with podcasts and I bought a book.
2.) I would like to weigh 165 pounds by the time I exit Peru.  I’m talking muscle mass here, and I weigh 155.  Without using any protein or supplements.  I’ve already gained ten pounds  and I’d like to put 10 more on.
3.) I would like to pass the Actuarial Science Exam P (30% pass rate) as soon as I can after I exit Peru.  I bought the study manual, and I’m ready to put my nose into a math book.  I don’t know when the next exam will be after I am done in Peru, but the soonest one I want to be able to pass.  Somehow God gifted me with the ability to learn languages, and do math!

That’s all folks! I encourage you to set some goals as well and tell me about them.  Until then, I hope you can enjoy this song.

Welcome to Peru

In honor of my one year anniversary, I would like to do a short blog post on how exactly things are different here, things that are out of the normal, and how you can’t forget that you’re in Peru. Caution: there may be a hint of sarcasm or exaggeration.

You know you’re in Peru when…

You’re talking to a woman and she starts to nurse her 3 year old child in front of you.

There are signs on walls that say “No peeing.  There is order to slaughter.”

You see a family and a half on a motorcycle.

Clapping on beat is an option.

You saw a stop light, once.

People throw rocks at motorcycles and cars.

You get drenched by water, in the times of carnival.

People still go on strike.

Traffic is backed up, because of sheep on the road.

You see an alpaca in the trunk of a bus.

Bands go down the street at any hour of the day, night, morning.

People swing an axe and dance around a tree completely wasted.

A meal is not a meal unless there is rice.

There are 60 people in a 20 people bus.

Propane is delivered by motorcycle.

You have to vote.

The public colleges are better than the private.

Rotisserie chicken is a gourmet plate.

People have silver teeth.

You find your class pet on restaurant menus.

You automatically have money because your skin pigment is a touch lighter.

You see a beautiful government building next to a shack of a house.

People shoot off fireworks at presidential rallies. Or when they’re bored.

You live in a cash dominant country, and no one has change. Ever.

You see me :)

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

So I’ve got a few updates to give, but we’ll start with the biggest: Won’t you be my neighbor?  Yes.  We now have a locale, where we will be starting mini-services this Sunday.  It is in Salcedo, even though we weren’t looking for a place there. 

One day we were about to play some soccer with some kids, when I happened to ask them if they rented rooms nearby.  One of the kids said yes, and guided us the way to see it.  We actually “raced” there, and these kids were hard to not lose to.  Anyways, it was perfect.  It’s in a secure neighborhood, with night watch and a community “board.”  It’s on Avenida Gardenias, and it’s directly on the street.  You don’t have to go through other rooms of the house to get to it.  It has a clean bathroom.  So this place is 100% perfect, even though it’s a little small.  It’s a step though.

We had to buy benches and a desk in order to start the services.  From here on out, we’ll be augmenting the tithes and offerings as much as possible in order to better this place.  Hey, if they want a better sign, chairs, or a coffee maker we’re going to have to raise some money to but that.

As far as the services, we’re keeping it simple.  We’re taking these people as babies.  We’re going to teach them a song one week and sing it.  Then we’ll sing it the next week and teach them a new one that week.  After we sing, we’re going to have a short reflection on the Bible, based on the lessons that we’re supposed to give to further these people in their walk with God.

By the power of modern transportation (motorcycle), we were able to visit 20 different people in one day in order to invite them.  Until I started writing the invitations, I had no idea that we knew so many people.  We didn’t just hand out invitations, these are people that we converse with on a regular basis about the Bible.  It was really encouraging to fitting it all in one day to invite them.

We’re going to have services at 5:00PM on Sundays and kids Sunday school at 10:00AM on Sundays as well.  I invite you personally to pray for these services, but especially for the 5 o’clock service.  Pray for guidance on my part, for enthusiasm as well, for soft hearts, and for wisdom on my partner’s behalf.

On another note, I had guinea pig for the first time.  I had to eat it like a barbarian, because that’s what the people I were sitting with were doing.  You can see in the picture to the left the guinea pig paw.  I picked it up to eat it by the paw.  It tasted like greasy chicken, what little there was.

 

Speaking of guinea pig, it was my partner’s birthday and he is in love with eating “cuy” as they call it here.  Happy Birthday Geremías!  He tore into this sucker and destroyed it.

To end this random blog post, it is my year anniversary coming up here in a couple days.  The 24th of May to be exact.  What are you going to buy me?

Numbers 3

My partner, Geremías, and I decided to take today as a “spiritual reflection” day.  Our work has grown immensely over the last 2 weeks, and God has really harvested.  But one of the requirements of this job is to have an “intimate relationship with God.”  One of our professors, Jim Lynch, told us not to let our ministry interfere with our relationship with Him.  That’s exactly what we’ve done, and we decided to devote today to renewing our hearts and minds for the One who deserves it most.

I had a profound study in Numbers today, and I decided I should write it down to share, but also to elaborate my own thoughts by writing it out.  So here you go, off the normal rhythm of my blogs, but in my mind necessary.

I encourage you to read Numbers 3 before reading this. (Actually this blog is worth nothing if you don’t put your face in the Bible)  I will be using the NIV.

Numbers 3 tells about the duties of the Levite clans, being the only non-military clan.  All the other tribes and clans of Israel were devoted to military power, but the Levites had been set apart (actually by killing their “brothers, friends, and neighbors”) all the way back in Exodus to do this duty.  They even have a whole book in the Bible dedicated to how they’re supposed to be priests.  In other words, these guys are a big deal.

So God had just demanded a census of the people, and arranged those people.  All of that was military strategy.  These people are getting ready to take off to the promise land, out of the Desert of Sinai, where they had received the Ten Commandments and the Law of Moses.

Before they take off, they’re going to need a formation and responsibilities as well.  Verses 21-26 give duties to the Gershonites.  They are, in summary, to handle the curtains, coverings, and cords of the Tabernacle and were to camp to the west of it.  Verses 27-32 give duties to the Kohathites.  They were privileged with handling the “most holy items” of the tabernacle such as the arc, the table, the altars etc… They’ll be putting their stakes in the ground to the south. Verses 33-37 give duties to the Merarites.  They were to handle the structural stuff like the frame, crossbars, and posts and were to camp to the north of the tabernacle.

“Levi” means “unity,” and no son served under another family.  Verses 21-37, which I have just summarized for you, are the Old Testament reflection of 1st Corinthians 12.  Look at verses 4-6 in Corinthians and look at verses 12-26.  God had called the Levites to be serving Him, but they all had different ways, talents, gifts, and duties.  But it all honored God.  That is the key to being a part of the body of believers.  It is only healthy if it is an unselfish talent or gift glorifying God.  The OT says it in a different way, but you can obviously see that God has a plan to get things done as one.

If we look at verses 10 and 38 we see a common phrase: “anyone else who approaches the sanctuary must be put to death.”  The mediation of the OT could not bring the individual sinner into close communion with God.  If a person tried to approach God in the sanctuary, the pain of death was their penalty.  That’s the world in which they were living.  But in the dispensation in which we live today, we have not only access to God through the Great Mediator but also boldness to enter into His very presence.  This is according to Hebrews 4:16 which says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  A beautiful verse, and comparing these two thoughts, makes me realize how blessed I am to be able to boldly approach God, have communion with Him, and He with me.

Finally, a third theme I found comes from verse 15: “Count the Levites by their families and clans.  Count every male a month old or more.”  The Levites were predestined, were chosen to be hallowed to God, a servant.  They were counted to compensate for the firstborns of the rest of the tribes.  Taking into account that they were to serve God when they were 30 but they were actually a prospect since they were born. Paul says it twice, in Romans 8:29 and in Ephesians 1:4 how we are predestined to do the Good Work.

Isn’t it great that God had predestined us before we were born to do our part, our own unique part, so that others and ourselves can have a communion of boldness with Him!

God bless!

P.S.  This is something I designed using one of the pictures I took in one of my districts.  If you like it, click it and download it or set it as your background.  I would be honored.

Twitter: Good Friday

These would be my tweets throughout the day if I had the power to tweet.  I carried a pad of paper and wrote what I normally would in a cell phone.  All the pictures correspond with their tweets.

This is the account by Twitter of my 17 hour day, the Friday before Easter:

4:03AM – Just finished off the Nescafe Original, since we’ll be unable fast.

We got invited to breakfast, so there was no sense in fasting.  Chad had bought a special gift for us…high grade instant coffee.  So I decided to finish it.

4:29AM – Normal traffic. Normal day. Just the sun hasn’t risen.

People everywhere, cars everywhere.  So that was normal, but it was 4 in the morning and usually the city is deserted.

4:46AM – Rinconada=eerie…

4:48AM – Honked the horn, no signs of life #uhoh

We get there and it looked like the house was dead.  This was a bad bad feeling.  I was about to be out in the middle of nowhere at 5AM and not be able to climb the hill to pray, because I couldn’t leave my motorcycle out.

5:26AM – Still waiting #lahoraperuana

We started to see a couple faces that we knew and that was great…but we woke them up haha, even though they told us to be there at 5.  Turns out the mom had to go out of town for a funeral and didn’t wake up the rest.  They always have excuses, this one seemed reasonable.

5:36AM – This kid is owning me.

An 8 or 10 year old kid was just dominating me up the mini mountain.

5:49AM – The wall #dangerous

I had to help these two kids up this 20 foot wall at about an 89 degree angle.  It was crazy, even though they told me it was “the best way.”

5:52AM – We have summited #chachani

Got to the top and everybody had candles and were building these rock structures to put their candles in.  No one was praying or reading the Bible.  I started to pray and had a great time and a great peace.  I started to read my Bible.  Geremías whipped his out too.  I read the story of what happened on Good Friday in John.

7:19AM – Edith is reading John 19 and 20 to me.

I asked Edith, one of our new Christians, if she wanted to read to me. She said yes.  I tried to stop her when she was too far in the story.  She said, “That’s great” and kept reading.  It was cool to see a hunger for the Bible.

7:44AM – We have started the descent.

8:25AM – The matriarch says “Let’s pray and read the Bible.” Ok.

Sticking with the theme, Geremías read in John.

8:48AM – It’s not even 9 and a couple people accepted Christ.

My partner explained what all Jesus did for us and then what we need to do as well.  He asked them if they wanted to invite Christ and to make it really short, now the rest of this family has come to Christ!

9:04AM – My partner is still talking.  The preacher lives!

9:14AM – Golf clap for the ol’ partner.

He was playing guitar and singing.  I was laying in the grass.

10:31AM – Food from Cuzco in Vicki’s house. Tamales. Bread. Tea. #breakfast #notenoughfood

Quick run to Salcedo for breakfast.

10:35AM – Jehovah’s Witnesses  just dropped by… #awkward

Vicki says, “Their religion is not correct, like ours.”  Good, very good Vicki.

11:31AM – At home for a bit.

To get the equipment ready for the movie tonight.  And to grab some papers.

1:02PM – Drunk guy just tried to kiss my hand, then proceeded to spit in my mouth #pleasant #sarcasm

In Jayllihuaya now.  This is the same drunk guy that when he sees me it’s the same 4 questions: Is WWE real or fake? What’s the difference between religion and science? Why are their blacks and whites? Where is God? I’ve answered them all.  10 times.

1:47PM – Dang it, I just finished my Pepsi.

Then this lady offers us potatoes straight out the ground and boiled.  She tells me not to peel it, more nutrients that way.  Great, bad after taste and no Pepsi.

2:08PM – Playing musical chairs up hurr in Jayllihuaya.

My partner decides to buy a big glass of Coke to share. And when I say share, I mean they use one plastic cup.  For everybody.  So I was hopping around, trying to avoid being next to receive the cup.

2:44PM – Telling people about our movie tonight.

2:51PM – Geremías is talking to the Catholic priest to borrow electricity #trojanhorse

3:21PM – I’m an uncle.

While talking with Betty, I greeted an old man by saying “Mr. Chino” and she said “Uncle Chino.”  I told her I didn’t know that he was her uncle.  She said that they’re a big family in Jayllihuaya.  Then she said, “Don’t you notice that all the kids call you uncle?”  I’m part of the family.

3:56PM – Guaranteed the electricity. Equipment will be here within the hour #hope

Not from the Catholic church, rather from a store on the other side of the plaza.

3:57PM – Peed in a bush #notuncommon

5:31PM – There’s a sheep in the soccer field #normal

5:55PM – Movie is all ready to go.

Oh, we start on time.  None of this Peruvian hour stuff.

6:00PM – Started! Time to sleep.

6:41PM – People showin up erywhere.

At one point, about 40.  Which is like the whole town.

7:03PM – Finally sat down, having good convo with the Rimarachin sisters.

Who are the daughters of the Nazarene president of Peru.  Really nice girls, and we let them do the invitation over the microphone.

7:31PM – Can’t feel my toes.

It’s cold.

8:11PM – Couple strong contacts and a convert! #winning

8:16PM – Stupid dog just peed on our equipment #welcometoperu

9:17PM – Enjoyed first real meal of the day. Quick internet break and bedtime. #missionsuccessful #sleeplikeababy