by Jeff Enns
We have now finished up our time in Trujillo, with our 5th year of consecutive trips with high school students. It's official, more than 200 of us have followed in obedience to the call that was asked of us. I couldn't be more proud and honored to see these short term trips fulfill long term vision that enhances a deeper partnership between our CCD Youth an the Peruvian Alliance Churches. I still can't believe the progress that has been made at the children's home and campground. This is our first year actually staying where we work. I believe that this is truly indicative of how close we are to seeing children living here in their new home.
Seeing students experience the Garbage Dump for the 5th year in a row still impacts me. We continue to pray as leaders, "Break their hearts for what breaks God's heart." We visited on Monday, but I knew I would be back in a few days to helps with some food for the community, and to begin investigation into water solutions for them. Yesterday, I returned with Graham and a few of the Inca Link Peru Staff (please continue to pray for Violeta, Stephany, Denice, Yackory, and Brenda and stay tuned for more details on the water investigation). This time, I had to say good-bye to my good friend Chi-Chi and his family and I shed tears, quite a few actually! I had to ask myself a question over and over again over these past 24 hours. Here's the question: "Were my tears actually selfish tears?" So here is what I've been processing until now: I am selfish to want to stay in Peru. The Inca Link Staff that I continue to meet over the years not only have the vision; they pursue fulfilling this vision daily and faithfully. They do not need my presence here; they simply ask for our prayer and support. Their daily work in support of the vision to reach the poor among them is an inspiration to me. So in some ways my tears were selfish. But in other ways my tears were merely indicative to the depth of relationship that has developed over these past five years.
Therefore, I boast for my Peruvian brothers and sisters because of their steadfast commitment to Christ and to reaching the poor among them. I applaud our students for their hard work on this specific trip, and in the 4 years prior.
May we all continue to humbly accept opportunities for our hearts to break for what breaks God's heart, even if it takes the tears of a grown man.
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together![a]’
Well done everyone.