In Psalm 86 verses 1-4 we read “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all daylong. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
Yesterday afternoon I posted a couple of photographs on Facebook, and they are also on this website – one showing a little boy wearing my Ulster Rugby hat and the other Rev. Anderson and myself along with a lady and her three children. The boy’s name is Carlos and his mum is called Suzanna. I asked on Facebook for people to pray for this family. Anderson took us to visit in this home. It was such a humbling experience, and one that I think I will never forget. We were welcomed with open arms, and this lady seemed so pleased that we would choose to come to her home.
Suzanna has not had an easy life. I understand that her story is probably echoed in thousands of homes across this city, but to hear it directly from her touched my heart. Her story: Suzanna has lived in her tiny home for 15 years after moving to the city from Northern Peru in search of a better life. The Pastor described her husband as a bad man. He is an alcoholic and used to drink a lot. She so often thought about taking the children and leaving him, but this would leave her homeless, as she has nowhere else to go. About two years ago she came to the San Pedro Mission for food from the food bank, and while there started to speak to the Pastor and told him everything that was happening to her. He told her the stories of Jesus and introduced her to other ladies in the church fellowship. Suzanna has given her life to Jesus and is a full member of the church and serves the church by helping to make jumpers to send to other people who don’t have clothes. Her husband wanted nothing to do with the Church or God and anytime Rev. Anderson would call, he would be quite hostile towards him. A few months ago he had an accident at work where he fell from a 3-story rooftop. His friend (I think it may have been his brother or cousin) was killed in the accident, but he survived. When Suzanna arrived at the accident site, her husband was shouting at her to get an ambulance, but Suzanna took his hand and told him to pray and ask Jesus to heal him first. He is back at work and needs only pain killers, no other medical treatment is required. Her husband is now attending church semi regularly and is not drinking as much. Rev. Anderson believes that the Holy Spirit is dealing with Suzanna’s husband and hopes he will soon become a Christian. The children and enrolled in the Sunday School and Kids ministry.
It doesn’t matter what the house looks like, it is about the people who live in them, and the stories that they hold. I am so glad Elaine and Barrie Colgan are with us on this journey. Elaine is our interpreter, and without her it would be extremely difficult to do the Pastoral side of this trip. As we chatted to Suzanna all I wanted to say to her was that Jesus loves her very much, and gave Elaine the difficult task of interpreting the first verse of the hymn ‘How deep the Father’s love for us’. For Suzanna, her faith has kept her going – Jesus loves her and her family. Jesus also loves her husband, as he loves each of us. As you read today’s blog, ponder that in you heart. That Jesus loves each of us so much, and yet how often do we take that love for granted.
This morning Julie is leading our devotions…Ephesians 3:14-21
Pray this prayer for these people.
Today we are back at San Pedro Mission to finish our painting work, and no doubt talk with and minister to more locals who pass by. I must confess I love this one-on-one interaction with people who pass by the church. Tonight we are invited to the Tester’s house for tea. I am looking forward to spending more time with Paul and Sarah Tester and hearing their stories of 9 years which they have been in Peru.
Please pray for:
- Suzanna and her children
- Her husband, that he will find faith in Jesus and be able to stop drinking
- For the other people we met yesterday
- For our safety and protect, both physical and spiritual
- For the continued health of the group
- For the people we will meet to day
- For those who minister amongst the people of Lima and especially Rev. Anderson Sanchez and the Tester family.
Yesterday afternoon I posted a couple of photographs on Facebook, and they are also on this website – one showing a little boy wearing my Ulster Rugby hat and the other Rev. Anderson and myself along with a lady and her three children. The boy’s name is Carlos and his mum is called Suzanna. I asked on Facebook for people to pray for this family. Anderson took us to visit in this home. It was such a humbling experience, and one that I think I will never forget. We were welcomed with open arms, and this lady seemed so pleased that we would choose to come to her home.
Suzanna has not had an easy life. I understand that her story is probably echoed in thousands of homes across this city, but to hear it directly from her touched my heart. Her story: Suzanna has lived in her tiny home for 15 years after moving to the city from Northern Peru in search of a better life. The Pastor described her husband as a bad man. He is an alcoholic and used to drink a lot. She so often thought about taking the children and leaving him, but this would leave her homeless, as she has nowhere else to go. About two years ago she came to the San Pedro Mission for food from the food bank, and while there started to speak to the Pastor and told him everything that was happening to her. He told her the stories of Jesus and introduced her to other ladies in the church fellowship. Suzanna has given her life to Jesus and is a full member of the church and serves the church by helping to make jumpers to send to other people who don’t have clothes. Her husband wanted nothing to do with the Church or God and anytime Rev. Anderson would call, he would be quite hostile towards him. A few months ago he had an accident at work where he fell from a 3-story rooftop. His friend (I think it may have been his brother or cousin) was killed in the accident, but he survived. When Suzanna arrived at the accident site, her husband was shouting at her to get an ambulance, but Suzanna took his hand and told him to pray and ask Jesus to heal him first. He is back at work and needs only pain killers, no other medical treatment is required. Her husband is now attending church semi regularly and is not drinking as much. Rev. Anderson believes that the Holy Spirit is dealing with Suzanna’s husband and hopes he will soon become a Christian. The children and enrolled in the Sunday School and Kids ministry.
It doesn’t matter what the house looks like, it is about the people who live in them, and the stories that they hold. I am so glad Elaine and Barrie Colgan are with us on this journey. Elaine is our interpreter, and without her it would be extremely difficult to do the Pastoral side of this trip. As we chatted to Suzanna all I wanted to say to her was that Jesus loves her very much, and gave Elaine the difficult task of interpreting the first verse of the hymn ‘How deep the Father’s love for us’. For Suzanna, her faith has kept her going – Jesus loves her and her family. Jesus also loves her husband, as he loves each of us. As you read today’s blog, ponder that in you heart. That Jesus loves each of us so much, and yet how often do we take that love for granted.
This morning Julie is leading our devotions…Ephesians 3:14-21
Pray this prayer for these people.
Today we are back at San Pedro Mission to finish our painting work, and no doubt talk with and minister to more locals who pass by. I must confess I love this one-on-one interaction with people who pass by the church. Tonight we are invited to the Tester’s house for tea. I am looking forward to spending more time with Paul and Sarah Tester and hearing their stories of 9 years which they have been in Peru.
Please pray for:
- Suzanna and her children
- Her husband, that he will find faith in Jesus and be able to stop drinking
- For the other people we met yesterday
- For our safety and protect, both physical and spiritual
- For the continued health of the group
- For the people we will meet to day
- For those who minister amongst the people of Lima and especially Rev. Anderson Sanchez and the Tester family.
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