The Next Trip...

Ola!
I have decided to post the stories of the people we met in Peru on the August Trip Blog, http://wwwchildreachmissions06pe0805.blogspot.com/. We will also post trip information and other interesting tid bits there, so click on the link and read on!

Felix

I've been home for a day and a half now, and I cannot get Felix out of my mind. Tami, my wife, is a big fan of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. She was watching it Sunday as I floated in and out of consciousness on the couch.

I woke up just before the end of the show. They were moving the bus to reveal the family's new home. I watched with a very heavy heart as this family recieved a beautiful new home. Each child got a room that reflected their dreams and aspirations. They were all very appreciative and I am certain they deserved everything they got.

Jeff and I sat with Felix on Thursday to see what the needs at Hogar Di Nino's were. Felix is the director of the orphanage in Chilca across the street from Hannah's Home. Felix and his wife Erika are there because they feel lead by God to help the children at Hogar Di Nino's. They left good jobs in Lima to travel an hour south and live in one room with their three daughters so they could help orphans.

Felix's needs were not a new home, or a spacious bathroom with a jaccuzi tub so he could relax after a hard day, or a new stereo or even a new paint on the walls. His budget from the company who owns the orphanage is short each month. There is no hope of the parent company increasing the budget, they are bankrupt. So Felix has spent his personal savings to meet this shortfall. The debt Hogar has incurred as a result worries Felix. They owed the bread company, and the gas company. They couldn't buy rice or milk for the kids. He had an idea to make Hogar self sustaining, but due to conditions out of his control it didn't work.

We were there painting walls and making things look nice so we felt better about the conditions at Hogar. Extreme Home Makeover, Peruvian Edition.

But they needed food. Imagine that you're worried about how to pay your bills and feed your family, and some people show up saying "We're here to help because we love you. What can we paint?"

Missions is about relationships. Our relationship with Felix has just hit its stride. He felt safe enough about us that he told us what was really going on. What struck me was he didn't say he needed a more living space, or new clothes, or even new strings for his guitar. Food for the kids, an opportunity to succeed and teach these kids how to succeed.

Jeff and I took the need back to the team that night. And they rose to the occassion. We were able to get Felix the opportunity to succeed. We met the short term needs and gave Hogar a chance to take a step toward becoming self sustaining. And Felix will teach the children of Hogar Di Ninos not only how to succeed, but how to be loving and have integrity and character. But most importantly Felix will teach the children of Hogar Di Nino's whose they are. Not his, not ours, but God's kids.

We have a lot of work still to do in Chilca, Peru. And we have a partner in Felix.

Monday May 29, 2006

We were very busy on our last couple of days in Peru. We had a wall to finish, plans for upcoming trips to make, rooms to paint and supplies to purchase. We needed the Lord's help to finish our projects, and He showed up in a BIG way.

Friday was spent finishing our work projects at Hogar Di Nino's (HDN) and Hannah's Home (HH). Wilmer, Jose', Jimmy and John David (a "graduated" HDN child!) helped us to lay the block and to stucco the walls. Without the help of those four local men we could not have finished our project. Wilmer and Jose' are from Pastor Moises' church in Villa El Salvador (Shalom Community Church), and Jimmy and John David are local. John David is 17 years old and was a child in HDN when CRM first came to Chilca. He is now working for a police commander and came to see us and help us at HH. It was wonderful to see he is doing well.

Angie, Heather, Candy and Cindy were my heroes all week. Whenever we needed anything done, or didn't have a plan for a project, we would ask them to help. And everytime they did. No complaints, just love and service. They painted, cleaned, re-painted, re-cleaned, designed, moved, re-designed, re-moved, made lunch for us every day, moved again... you get the picture. Always with a smile on their faces and skip in their step. Cindy took the initiative to make a badly needed list of tools we left at HH, and our next work trip in August will be more productive because of that. Candy, Angie and Heather designed and painted a sign for Hannah's Home. You can see it by clicking on the Flickr badge to the right. On Friday they also cleaned the HDN tool storage room (no small feat), painted the wall around the HDN playground and still found time to love on the kids and neighbors.

At 3:00 we loaded the bus and took all who wanted to go for ice cream. What an adventure! We got to see a Peruvian road crew, Peruvian construction cones (rocks), and Bocerone (big mouth). Bocerone is one of the most beautiful spots I've seen, and its right next to shop that serves ice cream! There's pictures of that on Flickr too.

Back to Chilca and we finished up. Pictures were taken, addresses exchanged, hugs and kisses given and "Chaio" was said, but no "Good bye". We know we'll see each other again... in Chilca or in Heaven it won't matter. They speak spanish in both places.

On Saturday we check out of Ola Grande and went to Lima. We toured Salamanca, a holding facility for children and adolescents found on the streets or in trouble. There were 74 kids there, three of them teen age girls who were pregnant. There was also several babies, one only two months old names Ama.

After lunch at Canastas we toured the square (Presidential Palace, Lima city hall and a huge Cathederal), the coast, and a cross made from communication towers that were destroyed by terrorists in the 1990's, and then to Tony Roma's in Larco Mar for our last meal in Peru. Then off to the Jorge Chavez Aeropuerto in Lima(Special thanks to the team for their patience as their rookie leader paid the exit tax).

Our plane was on time (11:05 p.m.), our flight home uneventful and we landed at Newark as planned (7:55 a.m.). There we split up for the first time in a week. The Rivertree group's plane left at 10:10 a.m. and Living Stones at 12:25 p.m.

I cannot wait to tell you about the profound ways God moved in our Preu trip. I'll update a story each day this week, so come back. A new day has dawned on our jouney.

Finishing Up Strong

Tomorrow (Friday) will be our last day working at Hannah´s Home and Hogar De Ninos. We will be blessed to experience first hand what God has accomplished this past week in Chilca, Peru. Emotions will overflow as the first week of building Hannah´s Home comes to a close. We will also say good bye to the children at Hogar de Ninos who have shown us what it means to be Jesus. From Natalie, to Jose, to Carlos, to Jesus the warmth of these children could only be a meeting with our Savior.

God has shown Himself to us in many ways during the past couple of weeks. From His ability to steer a ship with strategic placement of Hannah´s Home to learning about the love of Jesus through a seven year old boy. What we have done this week is only the beginning of changing lives so that children do not fall prey to the street and the abuse they see from unfit gaurdians.

Thankfully with support of those that read this blog, it is possible to impact the lives of many. The children will not have to experience the tragedies that Felix and Erica are helping them overcome at Hogar de Ninos. The team members that journey to Peru will be changed as well as our support team at home. And the kingdom of Christ will continue to grow as more people birth and grow a relationship with Christ.

Please pray for our team as we say good bye to our friends tomorrow at Hogar de Ninos, Hannah´s Home, and the communicty of Chilca.

Remember that God only uses broken bread. That is exactly what we have learned this week in Peru.

Truckin for Jesus,
Andy and the CDP team

He Reigns!!

Well I have three minutes before we have to go build the rest of the wall so this will short and to the point(actually I just hate writing). Anyways, this week the Lord has really revealed to me the Omni-presence of his almighty glory in the missions team from Ohio and all the peruvians that I have met down here, He is really the God of the Nations.
Umm, the bus is waiting for me.

God Bless,
Brandon

Open The Eyes To My Heart

Oh how awesome has God been this week. Opening my eyes to a completely different way of worship, way of living, and way of ministring. God has shown me throught the smiles, kisses, hugs of what true love is. It does not have to be perfect, clean, smell good, or even look good it truly comes from the heart. If only I could bring back to you all, all of these things my journey here would be complete.

Wednesday night worship service was something I have never experienced in my life. Pastor Moses had talked about the Good Samaritans. He had our teams come to the front and line the front and asked if his congregation felt they needed a hug, the people rushed to the front to each one of us person after person, child after child and looking out at the seats they were empty. A complete pouring of emotion filled that room. After all of this the praise team started we all began to dance and dance and dance. The flags were being waved, the disco ball lit up and everyone´s faces were filled the joy, love , and happiness of worshipping our Almighty Father. God has truly opened my eyes this week. Please continue to pray that the eyes to my heart here in Peru will be obedient in the remaining time He has me here. Love you all.
Candy Hazlerigg

A Life Being Changed!

Our God is Awesome!
It is amazing ho we take things for granted. I have been scared, nervous, excited, tired and moved by God. It is amazing to see people in another country serve the name of God as I do. Worship is so real and authentic here. The children at the orphanage came running to us as they realized we were there. We greeted them with open arms and they have hung on our necks the entire time. You can see the love of Jesus in their eyes. I am so grateful for Hannah´´s Home. The couple that sold the property are so kind and loving. We are doing lots of work and the people are thankful. I am still going through and culture shock and emotionally I have taken in more than I could have ever imagined. God is giving me the strength to endure. It´s not about me. It´´s all about Him!
It´s great to think that God is looking at us and smiling and saying ¨Well Done!¨
He continues to give me the courage and strength.

Love Heather!

God is AWESOME

I can not believe the experience I am having. God has been working since we left the airport. We arrived in Lima, Peru about 9:20 on Sunday evening. We met a group of wonderful people from Ohio that we have been working with all week. It is so obvious that God put the two groups together for this trip. We have bonded such a speical relationship with these wonderful people. Sunday after attending a church service we headed to Hogar de Ninos and I will never be able to express the feeling that I had when we opened those gates and all these beautiful children ran in my arms. You could see Jesus through the eyes of these wonderful children. Candy, Heather and myself have had the opportuinty to work at the orphanage every day this week and what a blessing it has been to build special relations with these children. Last night we attended the best worship service I have ever attended. I have never seen so many excited men, women and children excited for the Lord. There was singing, dancing, and worship in many other ways. It was a very needed lift me up for the middle of the week. I only hope and pray that we (the team) can bring back the excitement and the love for others and most important the love of God as we saw here. So far God has worked in so many ways and I know He is not finished with us yet. Pray for us that we will be able to bring back a portion to you of what we have seen here. God bless you all and we love you and miss you!

Angie Spradley

What a Glorius Day

Hola Todas!

WE HAD AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING DAY!

We started at Hogar Di Ninos. Felix, the director of HDN shared a little of his story, and the story of one of the children in HDN named Jesus. Not a dry eye in the house.

Next we painted a dormatory bathroom, cleared a small plot so the cook ar HDN can plant bananas. We worked hard, and our backs and knees are barking tonight! Around 1:30 we got visitors, Terry Hunka and Ricky. They were returning from the government office where the title search was performed. We got a clear title (!), and started on Hannah´s Home immediately.

The ladies from KC - Angie, Candy and Heather finished faux painted the rooms, an awesome display of Trading Places knowledge and skill. They not only saved us from having to do another coat, but it looks great. We dug a footer for the wall at Hannah´s, approximately 25 meters long, 16¨wide and 18¨deep. Much of our construction supplies were delivered and we are ready to have another very productive day. (Actually, we measure productivity by the number of hugs, kissess and piggy back rides we give. We will have a productive day tomorrow!)

We ended the day in prayer. Go to the Hannah´s Home update at www.childreachministries.org and check out Terry´s update. We prayed with and for the people we will be working with in this God-given opportunity.

Its getting late. I have lots of kisses, hugs and piggy back rides to give in the morning. I will update again on Wednesday night.

Everyone here sends their love. We miss you all.

Christ´s love,
David and the CTM Team in Peru

Hola

Hey everyone,

We made it through day number 1. We went to Pastor Marco´s church, and the Lord moved powerfully through our group and the people in Marco´s church. We sang and worshipped God with them and though we missed you, we were right at home.

Then off to Jockey Plaza for food court food, then back to the Hostel Alfa to checkout and pack teh bus. We stopped at Villa El Salvador for supploes, then off tho Hogar di Ninos and Hannah´s Home.

The land is amazing. God has blessed ChildReach and the girls who will be Hannah´s Home with this property. If all goes well, we will start working on the Home tomorrow.

Then the best...we hugged on kids! Some of the orphans were out, and we got to play and hang out with them. I love those kids.

More tomorrow, gotta go now. Pray for God´s continued providence and provision.

In love and service,
David and the CDP team

We are in Peru!!!

Bueno Dias Todas!

We landed safeely in Lima last night, on time and ready to serve.

The Ohio and KC groups met up on the plane at the airport in Newark, and we had a safe and fairly pleasant flight (7 hours and 20 minutes). We landed, made it through immigration and met up with Terry, Ricky, Dave, and Cindy.

Today we will go to Pastor Marco´s church, eat lunch, tour the new land (yeah God!) and see our friends at Hogar di Ninos, (can´t wait) and then head out to our home for the week Ola Grande in Punta Negra. Chexk out the Hannah´s Home update later today at http://www.hannahshome0506.blogspot.com/.

Pray for our travel today and that we will connect with each other and with the people we meet. God is moving profoundly here and we are excited about His providence and presence in our time here.

I will update more tonight and tomorrow.

Living Expectantly,
David and the ChildReach Del Peru Team

On Saturday morning we leave for Peru! I am praying for all of you and your families during our time in Peru.

For those on the Ohio side of things, we will leave for the airport around 9:15 a.m. and our flight leaves Cleveland Hopkins at 12:25 p.m. We will land in Newark at 1:37 p.m., then off for Lima at 2:50 p.m. We will land in Lima at 9:49 p.m. and after customs we will meet up with ChildReach Del Peru.

For those on the KC side of things, Make certain that you give yourselves time to check in and get to your gate. You will leave KC at 7:00 a.m., land at Newark at 10:44 a.m. and then leave for Lima with the Ohio contingent at 2:50 p.m.

Just a couple of things:

• Pray for safe travel.
• DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!
• Make copies of your passport and put one copy in each piece of luggage.
• The weight limit on your bags is 50 lbs. each. If you exceed that, the airlines will make you pay.
• You are allowed two carry on bags. Pack two days worth of clothing and some toiletries in one, just in case your luggage doesn't make it !
• Bring your bible and be ready to journal. We will give every team member a devotional with room to journal. If you're long in the pen you may want to bring your own notebook.
• Pray that God's plan for you be revealed on this trip. You are all here on this trip, at this time, for a reason. Let God show you that reason this week.
• Be flexible and adaptable. Different culture, different language, lots of needs and opportunities to help and serve.
• Missions is about relationships, not tasks. Use this week to let God show you His perfect plan for friendships and service.
• Be ready to have fun! Ephesians 2:10 says "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us." God has a good work in Peru with your name on it, and It will change you forever.

I am excited about our time in Peru. I know God has something amazing planned for all of us and I can't wait to see your face when He delivers it.

Mucho Agape,

David

Hannah's Home Update

YEA GOD!!!!
Good afternoon, all. My heart is overwhelmed right now and I have too much inside me, I just HAD to write! Quickly, allow me to give you an update, as I know the facts, to this point. As most of you know by now, the plea was made Saturday for some much needed funding for Hannah's Home. We were prepared to buy some land in Lurin, but we weren't prepared to fund it the way that it has turned out to be necessary. We lacked about $15,000 to completely pay for the land - no mortgage, no payment plans...nothing!

God has moved, His Spirit led, and you have responded in a HUGE way. RiverTree has taken an offering for Hannah's Home, many of you have pledged and already sent checks, prayers have been offered on our behalf and, to His Glory - THE NEED HAS BEEN MET! We are still receiving your generous, sacrificial, obedient pledges, etc., and the excess is being collected (sound familiar?). We will not only purchase the property DEBT-FREE, but will start construction THIS WEEK on the addition necessary to the existing building!!!!

I want to say Thank You, but it is not from just me. ChildReach, Jeff, Dave, Brenda, Rick, RiverTree, Greg, Gary, the Girls, the Babies and so many more are rejoicing...and the Lord is smiling broadly, yes, even grinning with excitement! Like a child at Christmastime, the anticipation of what is to come is causing us all to giggle at the prospect.

Around the church, we say "YEA GOD" but that sounds inadequate! Being humbled in this way is another reminder of just how significant individual efforts are colllectively for Kingdom's Sake! We have a long way to go, but Praise Him for the huge step He has allowed us to take. "Be still and know, that I am God."

Humbled, Overwhelmed and Praising Him for the opportunity to be His servant,For HIS children,
Terry

Monday May 15, 2006

I haven't heard what the final result of the offering taken at the 'Tree is, but I am overwhelmed by God's generosity none the less. He is so worthy of all our praise, of our everything.

A friend sent this e-mail. I want to share his vision with you because I believe it is straight from God:
"Saturday 5/13/06 11:45 am praying for Hannah's Home and the land and had these thoughts: We were all sitting around The Throne talking aboutGod's incredible works through Hannah's Home and everyone who ever gave, prayed, built, worked, served or lived at Hannah's Home was there. It is an awesome party. You (Terry) were telling of God's vision and how it all came together, and God was smiling. Workers and servants were telling of how they received more than they gave, and God was smiling. And then the place really started rockin when people gave testimonies - men and women who were born because of Hannah's Home - who were told of the Son's death for their sins and that they matter deeply to the Father, and God was smiling. And these men and women told how God used them to set others captives free -people who may have remained captives if these others were never born, andGod was smiling. And these men and women invited us all to celebrate with another group of people who heard stories of Hannah's Home and wanted to meet the people willing to serve God radically, to save some babies............and God was smiling. On monday another step will be taken in the writing of God's epic story of redemtion and the kingdom of heaven will be nearer and the gates of hell will not overcome it. I try / I fail. I trust / God succeeds."

Pray with us at 7:00 a.m. Monday. God is smiling.

Getting closer...

Buenos dais!

I just read "Momma Terry's" Hannah's Home update (http://www.hannahshome0506.blogspot.com/) and wanted to place a request for prayer on this blog. No, not that Terry would remember that he should be "Poppa Terry" (You'll have to read the Hannah's update), but because Monday looks to be an important day in The Hannah's Home Adventure.

Terry and the ChildReach Del Peru (CDP) team will be meeting with MIMDES, the government agency that will grant us or deny us permitting for Hannah's Home. Please pray that God will grant us favor, and that we will be given the permits to open Hannah's Home, and that God will continue to clarify and direct our path on this Journey.

And after that some of the CDP team will meet with the owner of the property to determine final cost. Again thank God for His provision in this venture and ask that we be granted favor and fairness in our meeting.

Understand that this is a spiritual battle for the children of Peru. Satan wants us to walk away from this because of the hassle or costs we will incur in the process, but we stand with God in desiring these children to live and to know Jesus as their Lord, Savior and Friend. Will three of you commit to pray on with me Monday at 7:00 a.m.? E-mail me at davem@childreachministries.org if you will do this. If not Monday, pray as you can and where you can for Terry and the ChildReach Del Peru Team.

One last thing ...On Wednesday May 17 Dave and Cindy Bargerstock will leave for Peru. They are members of our team on this work trip, and Dave has years of construction experience. They will go in advance of us to make plans and purchase materials and for our efforts there the following week. Pray that they have safe travel and for their family while they are away. Both leave busy work situations to follow God's call to this trip.

Sorry so long winded, God Bless you and keep you and may you know Him more as our trip approaches.

Monday May 15, 2006

If you are reading this the chances are that you've discovered the trip update links of the ChildReach Ministries (CRM) website. If you haven't found that yet, follow this link back, http://www.childreachministries.org/trip_updates.php. As I stated in yesterday's post, we will place information and answers to questions on our blog for your reading pleasure!

There will be an information and packing meeting for the RiverTree Christian Church Peru contingent on Monday May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Atrium. Please bring an empty suitcase (we will take it and pack it full of supplies and clothes for the kids, and then return it to you at the airport), any paperwork you may have not yet turned in (Medical Release, Trip Application, payment) and your passport. We will review the training booklet, discuss departure from RiverTree and arrival into Peru, the trip, our schedule and agenda, what to expect, etc.

The meeting will last approximately 90 minutes, we'll be done around 8:30 p.m. See you there!
Keep the Faith,
David

Ready...Set...

Its getting close!

Terry and Ricky are working with Pastor Moses, Maria Teresa and Clara to finalize the purchase of our property in Peru. On May 17 Dave and Cindy Bargerstock will arrive in Peru and we will begin to plan construction of Hannah's Home for pregnant girls.

ChildReach will use this site to post information, give updates and answer questions on the May 20-28 work trip to Lima, Peru. Stay close!