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newcityjim@yahoo.com
Account #018237 Mission to the World PO BOx 116284 Atlanta, GA 30368 |
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Dear Family and Friends, This
month we wanted to relate to you a story about Jesus' compassion shown through
the Church to someone here in Lima. Her name is Cirila.
She is
a sweet elderly woman attending our church, Luz de Vida. She provides for
three disabled older children and two other young adult children, who choose
to be a burden to their mother through the lifestyle they live. As
others from our church have gotten to know her more and have discovered more
about her life and hardship, compassion rose in their hearts and they wanted
to love and help her.
What does that look like? Well, the
house she has been living in basically had no walls, a cardboard roof and
an unreliable bathroom. So, the church and a work team from the US were
able to help with these things. They were also able to help purchase a new
cart for her business which is cooking and selling food on the street.
God's
people showed love and compassion for someone who desperately needed it.
They were Jesus to her. And so were you, because as much as they wanted
to show compassion, the reality was that they only had so many resources.
So, with the support that people from the U.S. give to the ministry here,
and the New City Fellowship Church mission team that came to help with the
work, many were able to help and share in the blessing of giving. It is a
reality that God has created a partnership between His people in the U.S.
and those here in Lima. It is real and it has an effect. God is moving
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Lima Beans
The Kids
Caroline, Chloe and Eli have really enjoyed their long-deserved time off from school this past summer. There was: a lot of swimming, movies, riding bikes, a visit from Aunt Diane, Eli's 7th birthday, >Caroline's 12 birthday, an unexpected visit to see grandparents, 4 lost teeth for Eli in one week, spending time with friends and much more. But now... ...the new school year has begun (on March 2nd). It was a nervous first day as it is for many students. But, they are settling in. Lastly, it encourages our hearts as parents to see the Lord answering our prayers for them to have friendships with Peruvians.
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Remain in Me
Learning to Walk with Jesus
Beginning to serve is still very much a learning curve. Jim is starting
to play with the music team at church, has led a prayer meeting, and given a few messages for the youth. Preparation takes twice as long because of translation. He will also begin developing relationships with men and leaders in the church to disciple them in grace and faith.
We both will be a part of coordinating and participating in seven missions teams this year. This is something that is close to Sara's heart. She desires to connect the Church globally.
We are still learning what it's like to minister, have a family, continue to be close to Jesus, work in a team, raise support, and more all outside of our culture and comfort zone. One thing you can always be praying for is our spiritual life. It is a battle for any christian to remain in Him (John 15), but being here has shown us how hard it is to do so with less resouces for spiritual support. We are very grateful, though, that we live and serve in a technological world! We can download sermons, listen to music, and receive studies via email.
Also, we are on a great team and therefore we are able to encourage one another. But, we ask that you would keep us in your prayers that we would believe each day in the promises God has for us. It is so easy to listen to your own thoughts or Satan's lies as you serve. But, the reality is that God is God Almighty. He loves us and Peruvians and wants us to grow in Christ in His work here in Lima, Peru, just as He wants to use you there where you live.
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Jim and Sara Ward Caroline, Chloe and Eli Mission to the World | | |
