We enjoyed having the Ernest Martin family from Huaral, Peru, with us for several days the end of last month. They arrived on Thursday the 26th and left on Monday the 30th. Ernest preached Friday and Saturday evening and twice on Sunday.
Ernest’s stayed at the little house for their visit. That worked out really well for all of us, I think. Both families could still have their own family time, but we enjoyed lots of time together. I think Robyn and Tanner were both thrilled to have some other young folks around, as were our children. Walter was especially pleased to have visitors for his birthday on the 27th.
I was challenged by Ernest’s messages on faith. Something that stuck with me is how faith is not tied to the presence or lack of difficulties. It is easy for us to think that whenever difficulties come, somehow either God has abandoned, or we just haven’t had enough faith. Ernest emphasized that difficulties come to all people, believers and unbelievers alike. Faith is the bridge that helps us maintain our peace and connection to God despite life’s circumstances.
I have often felt discouraged by difficulties of life, thinking that if only I had greater faith, things would go more smoothly, or the church would grow faster, or… whatever. It was good for me to see faith better defined as my hope and life with God regardless of what’s going on around us. The Lord Jesus Himself promised us that life would be difficult, but then He promised to never leave us. He also told us that the work would be hard, but then He offered to help carry the yoke with us so that our burden could lighter and so we could find rest for our souls.
I praise the Lord for being fed and instructed and encouraged during revival meetings. Brother Ernest also brought a prepatory message in anticipation of the Lord’s Supper (which we observed this past Sunday). He spoke on peace: What is peace? What did Jesus offer? How do we obtain peace? It was another good message.
On Saturday, the men folk worked on the fallen pine tree and the dead cedar. The pine had fallen some months ago in a wind storm, but we hadn’t had the time or opportunity to get it worked up. Alicia’s son Walter has a chainsaw, so I asked if we could borrow it. He kindly brought it and helped us for a couple of hours. Now, the ditch is cleaned up, and we have a large stash of firewood.
It was nostalgic, working up wood. If I’m not mistaken, the last time I did firewood was over six years ago. That was a surprising realization. Two trees were cut up, but we’ve been trying to add trees to the farm over the years. Most of the trees we’ve planted have died, but we keep trying. Tanner spent a lot of time watering the last batch of saplings we planted. We have a few dozen pines and cypress saplings that are doing well, a couple are now about five years old, which is exciting.
I wish the Lord’s blessings on Ernest, Regina, and their tribe. It was a sacrifice of time and resources for them to be here, but we certainly were richly rewarded by it.
We continue to pray for workers to come join the church here in Cusco. Caleb and I were dreaming of the great potential that could be unlocked with a group of families here working together. Pray with us that the Lord would send forth laborers into His vineyard!
Juan David 