Anecdotes from Peru
It’s neat to watch God work in people’s lives. He really does make all the difference! This past week I had a few different encounters I’d like to share with you all.
Sometimes you don’t even know they’re listening.
Last Sunday was the inaugural service at a larger location for our church plant in Tablada, and it was a great evening. Dad preached the beautiful redemption story of Rahab. I interpreted the message in Peruvian Sign Language. Several days later, a quiet little deaf lady who has attended out church for many, many years approached me and commented on how the message had touched her heart. I was floored! This particular lady never even speaks with me beyond a friendly hello, and to be honest, I wasn’t even sure if she understood much of my interpreting. God used it for his glory.
God Honors faithfulness.
Alex, a local youth pastor, got married on Saturday, and he and his fiancée asked me to play the piano for their wedding. It was a blessing to see their testimony of patience, purity, and love for the Lord culminating in marriage – a marriage free from the weight of guilt and regrets carried by so many. (Plus, they gave me a love offering – just what I needed to cover my faith promise for the week!)
God Changes Lives.
Yesterday afternoon I spent some time speaking with Wilfredo, a young man new to our church. Last month I and youth pastor Wilder Rojas had the joy of witnessing to him in Tablada, and he’s been growing in the Lord ever since. God has turned his life around! No longer addicted to drink or chronically depressed, this young man eagerly shared with me some of the verses he has been memorizing and discussed his plans to return to his hometown in northern Peru, now a changed man.
God give joy.
Yesterday evening, two visitors accepted Christ in Tablada – a man and a young boy, probably around eight years old. As I played the offertory hymn after the invitation, the boy returned to his seat, and I could see his face. He was positively glowing! When Christ touches a life, all the guilt and shame just disappear, and the joy of Jesus takes their place. What a difference!
God really does work if you let him. I hope all of you are doing well. Keep on serving him, and stay in touch!
Has God done something special in your life lately? I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share your story!