Nauta, Peru

Lots have gone on since I wrote you last. God is good, faithful, awesome, and changing me. Our team just got back last night from Nauta, Peru. It is a two hour bus ride further into the jungle of northern Peru from Iquitos. We lived on a boat (about 30 of us in TIGHT quarters!) for two weeks. Many mosquitoes, huge spiders and other bugs, and the most humid and hottest place I have ever been. We showered in the river (Maranon a tributary to the Amazon), washed our dishes in the brown water, etc. We worked along side a church there, whose vision is to work with the youth and children. We put on a two week “fiesta con Dios” (like a Bible school) for the kids, in which I was a major part of the lesson/drama time. We also meet everyday with the teenagers for a time of discipleship. Along with all of this, I went on a walk with one of my team members and we met a lady who had an abscess on her neck, which was causing her terrible pain. She lived in this shack on stilts (for when the waters rise) with her two daughters, one of which had two little kids and had a stomach tumor that they had operated on three times, but was not better. We prayed for her, and then went back every day thereafter. She is a believer, but felt that her pain had been caused by previous sin. We assured her it was not, and told her to read her Bible and continue to pray. As missionaries we are not doctors, nurses, rich, and cannot solve all problems. But, we do certainly can share the Healer and Giver of Life to all! I went back the following day, and she was smiling, saying her pain was gone, she had woken up at 4 am prayed, and then studied Rom. 8. She was healed!! When I go to do house visitations it is easy for the people to want Jesus because they want Him to heal them. I never want them to think that He always will, and that the most important thing is for them to want Him over all. This lady did, and by God’s grace, He had also healed her! I serve a Risen and Powerful Savior!

In Nauta, we were able to experience spiritual warfare up close and personal, particularly me. One night, I encountered a demon for the first time, and was able to recognize it for what it was, and though I was unable to speak or move at the time, my heart and soul screamed, “the blood of Jesus is over me!!” I soon as I thought this, it left in a hurry. It was so real; I tried to reason that it had not actually happened. But it had, I could not help but praise Jesus and the power of His perfect blood for the next half hour or so. What does the devil think he will gain when he messes with one of God’s own? Instead, I have been built up, experienced freedom in a more intimate way, and am able to discern evil spirits better. I have been going through Hebrews, and the book is just filled with awesome insight on the blood of Christ Jesus, and how He is the only sacrifice for our sins.

I know if I go on much longer, I will lose your attention. I could write book on things I have seen God do, break my heart for, and how He is changing me. One of our last nights on the boat, the lights were turned off (to lower the number of thousands of mosquitoes) and we were worshiping. My legs were dangling off the side of the boat. The clouds then opened up, and there were billions of stars in a strip just over our boat. I knew it was God just smiling on us. I felt like Joshua taking one of the 12 stones out of the Jordan River as a testimony to His faithfulness. As our worship came to a close, the clouds came back over. He is so encouraging and so good. Now that we are back, we are going to work with a church here in Iquitos for the remainder of the time here. It is in a poor neighborhood, and our focus will probably be very similar to that in Nauta.

            For prayer and praise for me: since I wrote the last newsletter, I have slept so well, no pain, and I haven’t taken medicine to help my back. Praise God! The opportunity to stay on this team, and continue on with them has opened up. I don’t know if that is a route God wants me to take, but I can’t close the door without asking Him. A lot of things would have to fall into place, and a lot more finances would have to be raised. Please be in prayer with over this, as I need to make a decision soon.