Week 3: Lima, Peru

Hola! Lima is beginning to feel a little more like home! We are excited to be serving here and building relationships in this big, busy, wonderful city. We spent the last week running a VBS program at the OSA House. It is a center that allows children from the community of Collique to come and spend a morning or afternoon, depending on when the children have school, in a safe, welcoming and loving enviorment. Two missionaries Jessie and Chris, along with their son Joshua have commited to run the center with a team of social workers. It was so exciting to work with them and learn from them. They are passionate about seeing God work in this area and meet needs of the whole family. For the children to attend the OSA center their parents have to commit to coming to classes on parenting and family care. They are also invited to attend a Bible study open to anyone in the community. While the children are there during the day they are taught math, reading, science and most importantly God's Word. They were so excited to share with us the Bible stories they knew, memory verses, and that they could recite all of the old and new testament books of the Bible. We did learn that they were confused about grace though. There was a poll taken to see if the children beleived if their sins were truly forgiven. Some beleived that you had to perform certain duties to have your sins forgiven, some thought that you could only be forgiven once. So throughout the week while we taught out of the gospels, we tried to focus on having freedom in Christ and fully receiving His grace.

The children at the OSA house were precious and beautiful. Everyday when we got there children would be waiting by the door thirty minutes before they were allowed in. They would rush into the center and run to hug and kiss us. We started each morning and afternoon session off with lots of singing and praising. Then the children were split into three groups that would rotate through bible study, crafts and games. Every day they learned a new memory verse and were excited to hear God's Word. They are so open to truth. On our final day, we had planned a small party. The children were treated to a story acted out by Julie, Bingo (their favorite game ever), games, face painting, music, popcorn, sodas, candy and dancing. They also received some presents, we put together some school packs for the children that included a notebook, ruler, pencils, sharpener, erasers, pens and scissors. They were so thankful and happy! Before the children left we were able to share why we came, how thankful we are for them and their sweet hearts, and also had a time for testimonies. An experiance we will never forget. We shared that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that His gift of forgiveness is a free gift. That there is nothing we could do to earn God's love. We used the verse Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We hope that they know in their hearts that Jesus loves them just as they are, imperfections and all, and that they do not have to work to earn his love. We said our goodbyes and were covered in hugs and kisses for the last time by the children of Collique.

Once again we are so greatful for the full-time Buckner staff in Peru, they have taken such good care of us and have taught us so much about being faithful, humble servants. We had the day off today as it was Peru's Independence Day! We will begin work this week at a home for teenage mother's and their children. Our focus will again be on forgiveness and the life of Joseph. Please pray that we will quickly build strong relationships with the mothers and that we will be able to share our testimonies with them. Also please pray for one of our interns who is sick, Nydia. She was treated today by doctors and was given a prescription. Pray that God will heal her quickly and restore her with energy and her lovely, joyful spirit that we have been missing.