Peru – Days 12-14

Monday marked the day we traveled to the third of the four learning centers we will be visiting. Maranatha Learning Center is similar to the other two we visited in that it is connected to the Church but different in that the building is more developed than the others. When we arrived, we quickly found ourselves in a classroom-like space where we were meeting pastor José and his wife. The pastor discussed the usual details of how the center was established, how the kids receive their basic needs there, and how the kids even share with one another when they see a friend in need. But what soon caught my attention was when Josh asked him, “How did you come to know the Lord?”

Pastor José then began to share his story and it was truly remarkable. He shared that when he was younger, terrorists killed his brother and his brother’s wife. He later was able to meet the individual that murdered those he loved; beyond all belief, he told them that he forgave them and was not seeking vengeance against him. He shared that it was because of Jesus that he could do this. I, for one, have a difficult time forgiving my roommate for hitting snooze on his alarm in the morning. Then I heard this and was reminded of Colossians 3 where Paul challenged the people in Colossae the “forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.” We have no options but to forgive. We have been given a command that is rooted in the principle of the second greatest commandment – to love our neighbor as ourselves. These neighbors are never promised to be nice people or those who bring you cookies around the holidays. They are those who wrong us, who rub us the wrong way, and who hurt those we love. Yet Jesus tells us to love them. To Forgive them. Pastor José reminded us that “vengeance is for the Lord, not me.”

The team was then back at it playing games and sharing the stories of scripture with the twenty or so kids and teens that were there. There was a surreal experience that takes place when you look around a room of people—some young, some old, some that speak Spanish, some that Speak English—and realize that they are all created in the image of God and can share in the deepest of bonds of love. It is hard to put into words how humbling it is to be in that place.

That night we were able to celebrate Matthew’s 21^st birthday with some cake and a piñata. It was a good night of being together to celebrate the life of an individual that has shown all of us an incredible amount of love, wisdom, and encouragement. It was awesome. The piñata was awesome. Matthew is awesome.

Tuesday was another day or being humbled and in awe of the God we serve. We started today by walking to the learning center. The first thing we did was visit the homes of a couple kid’s homes. What a humbling experience. Every single time that we enter the homes we are welcomed with unimaginable hospitality and love. The second home we visited, the woman got all the chairs she had out so that we could sit down—it’s the small and simple things that mean the most. The lives of these people are by no means easy, yet the common theme in all of their stories is that they are incredibly grateful for what the Lord has given them and that he provides. These parents will sacrifice anything for their children, to give them a shot at a life without the immense struggles and lack of material resources. I stand amazed at their sacrifice and the picture of life so evidently on display.

To finish the day, we decided to have a night of worship on the roof overlooking Ayacucho. The lights of the city were shining and on the top of the mountain you could see a cross standing out that was a reminder of the purpose of our time here. The purpose of our life. The Gospel of Jesus coming to earth to change lives, die to cancel our debt of sin, and rise victorious over death and the laws of nature. What a God we serve! It was so good to be reminded of that through worship and fellowship.

The final day at Maranatha we headed in a bit later to the center and helped with cleaning the places the kids would spend their time and some on the team helped prepare the food. After lunch the kids gathered, and we went to a local soccer field where there was organized chaos for a few hours. This field happened to be a little bit smaller than the others we have been to so soccer soon switched into some Peruvian vs. American volleyball. Let me tell you, don’t take them lightly, their swings may look odd but, by gum, they are consistent! It was a bitter-sweet feeling again when I looked around after Koko had told us it was time to leave and saw many on our team hugging their new friends for what was most likely the last time until we meet again in glory.

There is a hope within me when we leave these learning centers, though. The Lord was clearly there before we came and will continue to be in the lives of these kids and leaders long after we are back home and that gives me a great hope. That may be one of the greatest things I’ve learned on this trip; it’s that God is the Lord of the world and that he can be praised and glorified in every language, culture, and nation. He is accomplishing his plans through the faithful work and devotion of those who love him and who surrender daily to his Gospel.

Soli Deo Gloria