As I am preparing to go to church this Sunday morning, I cannot help but think of how great God is. Over the last two weeks, I have had the opportunity to go out with 40/40s who work here in Arequipa, Peru. It has been wonderful to be able to help them. I have gone out two different areas that are really on my heart right now.
The first is Morro Negro. It is out on the outskirts of the city, but the people there are hungry and excited to learn about God and His word. It is a gift from God for myself and for Beth, the 40/40 who works there, to see the people's smiling faces and joy. Last Sunday night, there were 30 people at the first service of the Nazarene Church there. Please pray that God continues to draw people to Himself there and that the people will understand the Word of the Lord.
The other area is Cercado. This area is close to the "downtown" of Arequipa. It is a place filled with sadness and bondage as people in deep sin fill the streets. For instance, the building where the Nazarene Church is meeting there is next door to a brothel. You can see the power of Satan over this area as the police give Beth and others who work down there a hard time for holding a free meal for women, for doing things that can bring hope and freedom to this area. The amazing thing is that God is bigger than the hold of Satan in this area. He is able to do more than we could imagine or ask. Please pray that people are willing to come to the church and its services and activities. Pray that the people are willing to lay their shame down at the feet of Jesus and are willing to begin a new life of freedom through Him.
God Bless,
em & extreme