Mission Peru

by Lauren Gardner

I would like to share an inspiring passage with you that comes from 2 Corinthians 12:9.

But He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made in weakness".  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak then I am strong.  

Not only have these words given me encouragement, but they have also given me an amazing reminder of the fulfillment of Christ’s love for us.

The other day our team was given the opportunity to visit an enormous dump site where many people live and work every day.  They work hard all day gathering trash that has been picked through many times prior to them receiving it.  They work hard to find anything that can be recycled and weekly the government will come around to collect what the have and exchange that for about 10 sols a day, which for us as Canadians is only about 3 dollars.  Though it is not much it is all they have to get by.  Though they have so little the joy they have is incredible.

God’s great power is so evident in a place like the dump because once people come to know him they are so focused on him.  In the same way it is in my brokenness that Gods transforming power is shown.  If I was perfect I wouldn't need God and in the same way Gods power was made perfectly clear to me in the dump.  It's amazing to me that the love that God has for them makes them so joyful when they have so little.  It has shown me that if you have Gods love that is enough.   

The few days that we have been here have really opened my eyes to the wonders of Gods love.  Everyday I am here I have been faced with challenges that have allowed me to strengthen and test my faith.  Your prayers and words of encouragement have been great.  I feel very loved and prayed for.  Thank you for all the support from my friends and family and know that I love you and think about you every day.