HGBC Peru Mission Trip: Arequipa Ministry

Accommodations at the orphanage in Arequipa were first-class by comparison with those at the hostel in Pedregal. Toilets had seats and lids, showers had heaters in their heads, or solar heated water too. Beds were soft. For most of us it was dorm-style living-ladies in one large room with bunk beds, guys in another. There was a third room and we used it for Ginger, Emily, and Judy. Ginger was still very sick so it made sense for her to be quarantined and away from disturbances. Emily stayed with her at night because we thought they would be flying out early. Judy stayed in that room, first because the ladies' room was full, but also she could give Ginger care if she needed it.

We settled Ginger in, and then left for lunch at a Chinese restaurant in the city.

This was still Wednesday and after rest and showers at the orphanage we went to Central Baptist Church, Arequipa for Wednesday evening service. Elva and Catherine are members here.

David laid out the order of service: two songs lead by the kids (this church was able to project the words), the Sin Box skit, two more songs by David and the kids, the Chicken Skit, testimonies (help me out team, was it Dawn, Angie and April?), then Elva and I preached. After that would be pizza, then we would group up with church members for prayer. The church's pastor went out to order the pizza and buy drinks.

The pastor was gone during the entire service, David and Pastor Pablo left to check on flight arrangements, so when the service was over we were like sheep without a shepherd. Elva closed the service and then with help from the pastor's wife got us divided up with one translator per prayer group. As the groups finished up the pastor returned with drinks and the pizza was delivered. Soon David and Pastor Pablo returned, and we all returned to the orphanage for a good night of rest.

In addition to the bedrooms there was a large sitting area and kitchen. The orphanage stocked our refrigerator with eggs, and provided fresh fruit, and each morning brought fresh bread . All of this was on the third floor. It was quiet, and the views were beautiful. On Thursday morning several of us woke up before sunrise to watch and take pictures. The kitchen window looked out to Mount Misti over the city, sunrise was a beautiful sight.

About mid-Thursday morning we loaded the bus for a time of worship at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for men run by one of the churches. We drove off the main road onto narrow dirt roads that cornered around terraced fields to an isolated, fenced compound. We joined about thirty men and their psychologists and pastors (two large dogs and two alpacas) in worship. The men started the service with lively singing.

When it was our turn the kids and David lead in songs, we did the Sin Box skit, and it was here that we performed the SSS (Substitutionary Salvation Skit). We felt that its message would speak to this crowd. Elva and I again preached the same sermon. It's theme, 'How can a person keep his way pure' spoke to these men. After worship we had a time of fellowship and witnessing with the men. I heard that Juanita had a long discussion with a young man and lead him to the Lord.

Dolly, Pastor Pablo's wife, supervised the preparation of lunch for the entire crowd and after lunch we went back to the orphanage for an afternoon of rest.

At four o'clock we met with the orphanage children in their auditorium. As they gathered we made balloon animals for them. Each team member was introduced and games were played. Ginger was feeling much better and she was able to be part of this service. The kids lead in songs and we did the Sin Box skit. We almost forgot the dolls and frisbees. Receiving those gifts and the explanation of the gospel were the best parts.

That evening we went to the Arequipa Symphony's free concert to hear Gaby perform. It was supposed to be a one and one half hour concert, but a popular singer from the area was there. His band played first, then he was joined by the symphony for a more classical concert. We ate dinner at close to 10 pm. We had Burger King. What an eventful and blessed day. Our plan for Friday was touring, shopping and beginning our travel home, but God had one more group for us to bless and to bless us with.

Comforts of home.