March 2009 Newsletter

Life: a journey, an adventure with Jesus
Here in Peru, There in Duluth

Dear Family & Friends:

In Matthew we read “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them…. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Here in Peru – our arrival, initial meetings, move to Arequipa and starting school has all gone well. Many of you know our VISAS and Resident Cards were not processed completely and we return to Lima for a week in April to spend two days working through the requirements of immigration. Physically it’s been a challenge as we have experienced the South American summer sun, the chill and rain in the mountains and altitude adjustments have been difficult.

March 17th will make a month that we’ve been in language school living with a Peruvian dentist and his family of three generations. There are two other students in our home as well. We have been warmly received, have a lovely room with a place to study, and we are waited on hand and foot! Meals, laundry, housecleaning is all done for us. The O’Briens speak very little English and also teach part time at the institute. School is overwhelming and we need to constantly remind ourselves that it is one step at a time. We are in a tutoring environment which is really beneficial and we covet your prayers against discouragement. Admittedly we know more than we did when we arrived, but speaking and writing will continue to stretch us beyond what we can imagine. At times we feel we are ‘brain drained’ but we also know that when God ordains, He sustains!

Our host family invited us to join them one Sunday and the Director of ABC Espanol Institute is the Pastor of the independent evangelistic church they attend. We found the praise and worship to be contemporary with an old fashioned hymn of the week! (Sound familiar?) The sermon text is on the overhead screen for all to see, so we can read the passages and glean a little of the message. The Christians are very friendly, and many of the students from the institute attend as well.

We visited the AWANA/OANSA clubs before coming to Arequipa and found just what we anticipated! Excited children, having fun, proud of their t-shirts, uniformed leaders wanting to tell us so much that we couldn’t understand. Pray for the clubs as raising the funds for their annual membership renewals is stretching their budgets and our goal is to assist in that effort as soon as we are living in our place of ministry.

There in Duluth – well actually in Georgia! We are so very thankful for technology! We have kept in touch with our family and friends through the computer and it is exciting to get “skyped” from one of them just because they want to share what’s happening. We heard about the first game from our cheerleader Maranda in Grayson, and the stitches in Andrew’s forehead. Kyla called to let us know their dog passed on, and we hear when JT has scored in a game. Phillip chatters away and we exchange emails with the kids. We ask you to rejoice with us in the birth of David Johnson, Chris & Tim’s new baby. We were able to watch his birth via video cam and be “with” the family during this special time. Seeing friends on Facebook or receiving an email with their name provides us with the connection to home we so look forward to.

Bridgeway has continued to be a blessing to us as we completed the “One month to Live” study along with listening to Pastor Douglas on video and reading his blog. The church family who stays in touch is so encouraging and we remember those requesting prayer on a daily basis. We are excited to hear of the progress on the pouring of the slab for the gym and enjoy receiving the newsletter. It would be such a privilege to hear how you and your family are doing, so please drop us a line. We may be separated by miles, but we are not separated in spirit

And finally, remember I said earlier in this letter, “when God ordains, He sustains”. We don’t believe He brought us this far without knowing the circumstances we would be facing. One such situation is our short-fall in our monthly financial support. There is no doubt in our minds that the necessary funds will be available as we need them. However, we have been encouraged to share with you the opportunity to be part of our TEAM (Together Each Achieves More) by making either a one-time gift donation or becoming a monthly partner. Often times you will hear your pastor say that he doesn’t like to talk about money. This is true in many churches throughout America. Well, we don’t like to talk about it either! The truth is, if you don’t know the need, you can’t pray specifically for God’s provision or for your part in the ministry. Our last report is that we are at 80% of budget. With the economy downfall, we have been blessed to only lose one partner for a short period of time. Praise God for His faithfulness! If you want to be part of our TEAM, please contact either Jon Kubler or Joy Hodges at Bridgeway Church, 770-751-1972, or send your contribution to Bridgeway Church, make a note in the memo section of the check “TEAM Missions in Peru” and mail it to 4755 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005. All donations are tax deductible. We will receive a report of your kindness and will be in touch with you by email. May God bless you in all you do for Him.

Because He lives!

Don & Joy