Thoughts from the Jungle

The end of my first week in Peru has come to a close, and in only a few days I will return once again to the United States. I will give a more complete update then, but as of now, so much has happened in the last week that it's difficult to put words to thoughts and experiences.

Each day has been filled with its own unique opportunities and learning experiences. God has provided an amazing opportunity to shadow a missionary to the Deaf, and I have learned a great deal by observing and participating.  Each day, I'm coming to understand and care more and more. Almost every day we either teach Bible lessons or go visit Deaf who have not been connected with the church very recently. Twice I have had the opportunity to teach Bible lessons in sign language, realizing each time how much more I have to learn. Translating what I intend to say into Spanish and then Peruvian sign language is difficult, but God has given so much grace in this process.

Yesterday we travelled down the Amazon River to two smaller river towns, visiting and teaching the Deaf who live there. Two Deaf showed up to our meeting, accompanied by several hearing people. The lesson was a comparison between the life of Joseph and the life of Jesus Christ. It is difficult to know how much is truly being understood, especially as there is a wide range in proficiency of sign language. Join me in praying that God will give understanding of His Word to the Deaf. Pray against discouragement and that the truth of the Gospel will daily compel us.

A more complete update will come later this week, but as it's late and I'm tired, I'll wrap this up for now. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. As you go through whatever this day holds, remember the Truth and Hope of the Gospel - for all who believe.

"Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.
Porque no envoi Dios a su Hijo al mundo para condenar al mundo, sino para que el mundo sea salvo por él. El que en él cree, no es condenado; pero el que no cree, ya ha sido condenado, porque no ha creído en el nombre del unigénito Hijo de Dios."
-Juan 3:16-18 (John 3:16-18)