Mission Peru

by William Bain

God is good. That is one of those lines heard repeatedly within our churches.  I have always blindly agreed with that statement but not until I have come here have I truly believed those words. Sometimes it has been difficult to see that this is true, whether because I have seen children and adults living in complete poverty or whether it is because human beings are being thrown out of society and being forced into dumps. But - God is good.  God is good because he has placed these people in his hands and has chosen the most capable people to lead them.  Whether within the dumps where ministries have been formed to minister to the children, teens and adults or in a daycare where Inca-link is providing a safe environment for children to grow and learn about Christ, God is watching and in control.

I think that God is amazing to have broken my heart and the heart of many others on this trip. Seeing people living in a garbage dump has formed many questions in my mind. However, each person in that dump has hope.  Perhaps they will never be completely healed from their physical poverty, but through people and organizations like Inca-link they can be reached and healed spiritually.  As it is written in Psalms 113:7, "He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump".  

I have found it amazing to see the work being accomplished by God while bringing just a few of his children to serve here in Peru. Whether national, American or Canadian, God's presence is felt and has been guiding each of us individually and as a group. While working with some of the nationals, it has been obvious that God has chosen these men and women as part of his eternal plan. Each have their own testimony and any are trying to do more for God.

Because of the commitment God has made to us, he has been good to bring us close to the Peruvians despite our differences. Last night I was blessed to take part in an in-home church in Por Venir.  We did have a translator, one of our interns, but we were struggling to have simple conversations with the others.  As the night went on, we sang, prayed and listened to a sermon on John 3:16.  In reality, we did everything described in 1 Corinthians 14:26, "Well brothers and sisters, let's summarize.  When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is said must strengthen all one you."

As the week closes, it is my prayer that each of people on this trip may go home and continue the good work of God that they may go home and work to glorify God and Him alone.