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| Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! -- The Davenports |
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
"Israelitas" in Peru
Just another day on the mission field...
I let me tell you about a little on-the-fly ministry situation that happened just today.
I was riding home in a taxi and noticed a religious-looking pamphlet on the dashboard (which is not really uncommon). As usual in these situations, I pick it up and begin to ask the drive about it. This particular tract was from a strange cult found here in Peru know as the “Israelitas.” It’s a group of Jews that claims to be followers of Christ and believe the New Testament (NT), but they also require that proselytes become fully practicing Jews according to all the Old Testament rituals and ceremonies---Yikes! And, yes, they DO perform animal sacrifices---Double Yikes! And their founder claims that in 1968 “he was taken up to the third heaven to write the Ten Commandments of the Universal Decalogue in order to unite all peoples”---TRIPLE YIKES!!!
As we bumped along the road, dodging traffic and pedestrians, I began challenging what this group taught and pulled out my Spanish Bible to read certain verses. When we got to my door, Antonio (the taxi driver) turned off the car saying he had “time for the Lord” (!), and we began looking at various Scripture passages that addressed the Jew/Gentile question and show that under Christ the church is open to all the nations. We sat in his car for at least 30 minutes, as he read sometimes lengthy passages from Galatians 2 & 3 and Acts 10 & 11.
Praise be to God, I was able to give him lots to think about, as well as my card with my contact information and details about where our church meets on Sundays. I invited him to call if he wanted to talk further and, of course, invited him to church on Sunday.
It'd be great if you would pray with us for the Holy Spirit (the same One who fell on the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house in Acts 10) to open Antonio’s eyes to the truth of salvation by FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST, AND APART FROM THE LAW.
I let me tell you about a little on-the-fly ministry situation that happened just today.
I was riding home in a taxi and noticed a religious-looking pamphlet on the dashboard (which is not really uncommon). As usual in these situations, I pick it up and begin to ask the drive about it. This particular tract was from a strange cult found here in Peru know as the “Israelitas.” It’s a group of Jews that claims to be followers of Christ and believe the New Testament (NT), but they also require that proselytes become fully practicing Jews according to all the Old Testament rituals and ceremonies---Yikes! And, yes, they DO perform animal sacrifices---Double Yikes! And their founder claims that in 1968 “he was taken up to the third heaven to write the Ten Commandments of the Universal Decalogue in order to unite all peoples”---TRIPLE YIKES!!!
As we bumped along the road, dodging traffic and pedestrians, I began challenging what this group taught and pulled out my Spanish Bible to read certain verses. When we got to my door, Antonio (the taxi driver) turned off the car saying he had “time for the Lord” (!), and we began looking at various Scripture passages that addressed the Jew/Gentile question and show that under Christ the church is open to all the nations. We sat in his car for at least 30 minutes, as he read sometimes lengthy passages from Galatians 2 & 3 and Acts 10 & 11.
Praise be to God, I was able to give him lots to think about, as well as my card with my contact information and details about where our church meets on Sundays. I invited him to call if he wanted to talk further and, of course, invited him to church on Sunday.
It'd be great if you would pray with us for the Holy Spirit (the same One who fell on the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house in Acts 10) to open Antonio’s eyes to the truth of salvation by FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST, AND APART FROM THE LAW.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Rodent encounter
Well, it was bound to happen eventually, I guess. We had our first encounter this afternoon with a real, LIVE Peruvian rat. It just came walking through the front door about 4:30 this afternoon. We leave our doors open all day for good air circulation (NO climate control here), and it must have felt invited in. Julie was sitting at the dining room table and saw it enter the living room and scuttle under a bookshelf.
All hands were called on deck (with surprising calmness), and with the help of sticks and bug spray, it was encourage to come out and fight like a man. After Scott poked and sprayed (and probably maimed it), it was decided that it was more strategic for Kevin to flush it out in Scott's direction. Nathan was manning the back door, and Julie was blocking access to the kitchen. If it came out like a lightning bolt, we at least wanted to encourage it back out the front door. Littler kids were mostly up in the swing set!
Well, it did come out, thankfully not moving with too much agility, and as planned it started coming in Scott's direction, not without a bit more encouragement by Kevin---well done, Kevin! Scott was wielding Kevin's wooden Samurai sword and successfully delivered some fatal blows before it got away. It was a good 9-10" fellow with tail equally as long. We thought we would spare you the pictures (actually, we didn't even think about it until he was bagged and out with the trash), but maybe we can post one of the Samurai sword! Never a dull moment here in Peru!
All hands were called on deck (with surprising calmness), and with the help of sticks and bug spray, it was encourage to come out and fight like a man. After Scott poked and sprayed (and probably maimed it), it was decided that it was more strategic for Kevin to flush it out in Scott's direction. Nathan was manning the back door, and Julie was blocking access to the kitchen. If it came out like a lightning bolt, we at least wanted to encourage it back out the front door. Littler kids were mostly up in the swing set!
Well, it did come out, thankfully not moving with too much agility, and as planned it started coming in Scott's direction, not without a bit more encouragement by Kevin---well done, Kevin! Scott was wielding Kevin's wooden Samurai sword and successfully delivered some fatal blows before it got away. It was a good 9-10" fellow with tail equally as long. We thought we would spare you the pictures (actually, we didn't even think about it until he was bagged and out with the trash), but maybe we can post one of the Samurai sword! Never a dull moment here in Peru!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
January Prayer Update - Seth is doing VERY well!
To read how the Lord has been blessing us and answering your prayers, click on the image below to open the PDF.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Please pray for Seth & our family
Seth, who is almost five, was diagnosed just this week with juvenile
diabetes. Please pray for him and us. Read more in the PDF letter below.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sightings
Although we can find some of the same foods here that we're used to in the USA, there are many that are very different. You can certainly find Coke, but Peruvians also enjoy their own unique brand of soda, IncaKola, which all of the kids LOVE, but I think tastes like bubble gum toothpaste ;-). Peruvians also enjoy a kind of sauce that is made from a rocoto pepper, which is super spicy! It is used on just about everything, psrticularly starchy foods, which they eat a lot of - especially rice and potatoes. Scott uses it a lot, and the older boys have been working on their tolerance level and are getting to like it too. It's always a competition!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sightings
Here is a Peruvian water sprinkler that our boys made for fun one afternoon while we were out of school. Arequipa is extremely dry, but warm enough for flowers to bloom all year if they're watered, so we see these all over the city in the public parks. At first I thought it was simply a great idea since they are much cheaper than a real sprinkler, but now I'm beginning to think that they have the added bonus of not being a big draw for thieves. Because they chain down trash cans around here!
Here is another common sight in town. These men go all over the city with megaphones hooked up to enormous speakers in their carts, and call for people to bring out and sell them anything that they don't want - electronics, clothes, school supplies, etc. They will pay a small price for these unwanted items, and will try to fix them if they're broken, and then resell them in the market.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sightings
Here's another picture from the children's recent school celebration of Fiestas Patrias - Peruvian Independence Day!
The girls were both dressed in an outfit that would be typical of the dress in the Andes Mountains. It was fun to be a part of this important holiday here and see what the people do to celebrate!
Peru also has a new president now. Please be in prayer that Ollanta Humala would be a blessing to this country and to the Kingdom of God going forward here!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sightings
Late last week, Scott and Bonnie and I had to run to the center of town to pick up something for the children's patriotic celebration at school (July 28th is Peru's independence day). Here is the center of Arequipa, the Plaza de Armas, and the cathedral at it's center.
The three kindergarten classes dressed up and did dances to represent the three geographical regions of Peru: jungle, coast, and mountains. We have a child in each kindergarten class so we had one of each! Joseph's 3 year old class did a jungle dance, Seth's 4 year old class did a coastal dance, and Bonnie's 5 year old class did a mountain dance. I'll post more pictures of our time later in the week!
The three kindergarten classes dressed up and did dances to represent the three geographical regions of Peru: jungle, coast, and mountains. We have a child in each kindergarten class so we had one of each! Joseph's 3 year old class did a jungle dance, Seth's 4 year old class did a coastal dance, and Bonnie's 5 year old class did a mountain dance. I'll post more pictures of our time later in the week!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Catching Up
It's been too long since I last posted! Since then, the Lord has been kind to us in many ways - continuing to allow us to settle into a good routine here. We're all getting used to our new routine, and continuing to grow in our love for Peru and the people here. Our Spanish is coming along, poco y poco, and we continue to see improvement, although not always as quickly as we might like!
During the last week of June, we enjoyed a trip to Trujillo! Our home church, Matthews Orthodox Presbyerian Church, sent a team to work along with Peru Mission for a week, and we were able to join them. What a blessing it was to see so many dear friends and introduce them to this country and the work that we will be a part of! Our team divided into two groups. One did medical work in several poor communities around Trujillo, and the larger group worked on a construction project for a church plant that Peru Mission is working alongside. Both groups accomplished a lot and were blessed as well as being a blessing to our brothers and sisters in Trujillo. It was great for us to see our team and get excited all over again about what the Lord is doing in Trujillo. Our kids loved meeting the Peru Mission team, and seeing where we will be settling down once our time in language school is over.
I (Julie) flew to the USA after our week in Trujillo and was able to make a short visit home to Charlotte, and also attend the weddings of both my younger sister and brother in Maryland. It was delightful to see almost all of my family in one place, and many old friends as well.
Until we get to Trujillo and start to be involved in the ministry there, my plan is to post photos a few times a week that will give a flavor of our life here...whether it be our family, school, or just interesting things about life in Peru. We're so thankful to be here, and thankful for your prayers for us.
During the last week of June, we enjoyed a trip to Trujillo! Our home church, Matthews Orthodox Presbyerian Church, sent a team to work along with Peru Mission for a week, and we were able to join them. What a blessing it was to see so many dear friends and introduce them to this country and the work that we will be a part of! Our team divided into two groups. One did medical work in several poor communities around Trujillo, and the larger group worked on a construction project for a church plant that Peru Mission is working alongside. Both groups accomplished a lot and were blessed as well as being a blessing to our brothers and sisters in Trujillo. It was great for us to see our team and get excited all over again about what the Lord is doing in Trujillo. Our kids loved meeting the Peru Mission team, and seeing where we will be settling down once our time in language school is over.
I (Julie) flew to the USA after our week in Trujillo and was able to make a short visit home to Charlotte, and also attend the weddings of both my younger sister and brother in Maryland. It was delightful to see almost all of my family in one place, and many old friends as well.
Until we get to Trujillo and start to be involved in the ministry there, my plan is to post photos a few times a week that will give a flavor of our life here...whether it be our family, school, or just interesting things about life in Peru. We're so thankful to be here, and thankful for your prayers for us.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
First post from the Southern Hemisphere!
Greetings, dear family and friends in Christ!
We are finally connected to the World Wide Web, and look forward to bringing you up to date on our journey to Peru' and our first weeks here. The Lord's tender mercies have been evident, not the least of which is the support in prayer, help, and financially, from many of you - we are grateful!
The weeks before we left were busy with packing, finalizing details of our move, getting our container. We couldn't have done it without the help of so many folks in Charlotte and at our home church, Matthews OPC! The many folks who packed, watched our kids, cooked meals, brought packing supplies, helped load boxes, haul trash and recycling, ran errands, cleaned our house, and encouraged us with farewell visits were truly the hands and feet of Christ to us and a precious gift from our Father! So many people's lives are invested in our going, and we know they go with us in prayer and through the Spirit!
We flew out of Charlotte on May 10, spent the night in Lima (we arrived at about 1:00 AM), and continued on to Arequipa the next day. When we arrived, we were welcomed and helped by the people who run the language school. Since we don't speak much Spanish and don't know where anything is or where to look for it, they took us by the hand and helped us in multiple way to get what we needed.They took us to a hotel where we spent the next five days. During that time we looked for a house (!), visited the language school and met more of our fellow students, and attended the church which many of our fellow students and teachers attend. We also visited the school which the children are attending during our stay - Rey de Reyes (King of Kings) Christian School.
We found a house on Saturday, May 14th and moved in on Monday, May 16th. The house is about 1500 sq. feet and is partially furnished which is an enormous blessing! We still needed to get beds for all of our kids, a washing machine, and a few other small items. Our friends at the language school found beds for us to borrow for all of the children, provided sheets for us to use until we could get our own, and allowed us to wash some clothes, which was fantastic....we were reaching a crisis situation with the laundry 8-). It took a little while to get all of the details wrapped up, washing machine delivered, clotheslines hung, internet on, etc, etc, etc. Things move more slowly down here and we are continuing to learn to be flexible! Last week was our first full week of school for all of us, and we are beginning to feel like a routine might be in sight ;-).
We leave the house at 7:45 AM and ride a small city bus called "la combi" from our house to the language school and the kids school, which is about half and hour away. Riding on the combi is quite an exciting start to our day! It is like a very cheap roller coaster ride, with a minimum of personal space 8-), but the kids love it, and Joseph asks every morning "Ride the big bus?!?" with excited eyes.
We drop off the four youngest at their classes at Rey de Reyes, and then we and the older boys walk to the institute. We spend the morning there in language classes - conversation class, which is one-on-one, and grammar class, which has 4-5 people. After that we head back to school to pick up the kids and ride the combi home for a late lunch and an afternoon of naps for the littles, homework for the rest of us, and housework.
All in all our adjustment has gone smoothly, but there have been difficulties and homesickness. The two youngest boys, in particular, are finding it hard to adjust to a much more bustling schedule with so much more time away from home. All of us would covet your prayers that our eyes would be fixed on Christ and His Kingdom first, even in the midst of so many changes and things that need to be attended to as we begin our lives for this short time in language school. Pray that the Lord would bless us all with quick acquisition of the Spanish language and perseverance in our schooling.
We look forward to telling you more, in words and photos, about our life down here!
We are finally connected to the World Wide Web, and look forward to bringing you up to date on our journey to Peru' and our first weeks here. The Lord's tender mercies have been evident, not the least of which is the support in prayer, help, and financially, from many of you - we are grateful!
The weeks before we left were busy with packing, finalizing details of our move, getting our container. We couldn't have done it without the help of so many folks in Charlotte and at our home church, Matthews OPC! The many folks who packed, watched our kids, cooked meals, brought packing supplies, helped load boxes, haul trash and recycling, ran errands, cleaned our house, and encouraged us with farewell visits were truly the hands and feet of Christ to us and a precious gift from our Father! So many people's lives are invested in our going, and we know they go with us in prayer and through the Spirit!
We flew out of Charlotte on May 10, spent the night in Lima (we arrived at about 1:00 AM), and continued on to Arequipa the next day. When we arrived, we were welcomed and helped by the people who run the language school. Since we don't speak much Spanish and don't know where anything is or where to look for it, they took us by the hand and helped us in multiple way to get what we needed.They took us to a hotel where we spent the next five days. During that time we looked for a house (!), visited the language school and met more of our fellow students, and attended the church which many of our fellow students and teachers attend. We also visited the school which the children are attending during our stay - Rey de Reyes (King of Kings) Christian School.
We found a house on Saturday, May 14th and moved in on Monday, May 16th. The house is about 1500 sq. feet and is partially furnished which is an enormous blessing! We still needed to get beds for all of our kids, a washing machine, and a few other small items. Our friends at the language school found beds for us to borrow for all of the children, provided sheets for us to use until we could get our own, and allowed us to wash some clothes, which was fantastic....we were reaching a crisis situation with the laundry 8-). It took a little while to get all of the details wrapped up, washing machine delivered, clotheslines hung, internet on, etc, etc, etc. Things move more slowly down here and we are continuing to learn to be flexible! Last week was our first full week of school for all of us, and we are beginning to feel like a routine might be in sight ;-).
We leave the house at 7:45 AM and ride a small city bus called "la combi" from our house to the language school and the kids school, which is about half and hour away. Riding on the combi is quite an exciting start to our day! It is like a very cheap roller coaster ride, with a minimum of personal space 8-), but the kids love it, and Joseph asks every morning "Ride the big bus?!?" with excited eyes.
We drop off the four youngest at their classes at Rey de Reyes, and then we and the older boys walk to the institute. We spend the morning there in language classes - conversation class, which is one-on-one, and grammar class, which has 4-5 people. After that we head back to school to pick up the kids and ride the combi home for a late lunch and an afternoon of naps for the littles, homework for the rest of us, and housework.
All in all our adjustment has gone smoothly, but there have been difficulties and homesickness. The two youngest boys, in particular, are finding it hard to adjust to a much more bustling schedule with so much more time away from home. All of us would covet your prayers that our eyes would be fixed on Christ and His Kingdom first, even in the midst of so many changes and things that need to be attended to as we begin our lives for this short time in language school. Pray that the Lord would bless us all with quick acquisition of the Spanish language and perseverance in our schooling.
We look forward to telling you more, in words and photos, about our life down here!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
NEW Slideshow - "Faces of Peru"
Click image above to go to the team blog where you can watch the new slideshow and see other pictures from a recent short-term trip. The slideshow and other pictures are exceptionally well done -- the work of photographer Nate Henderson who was on the visiting team from Savannah.
Friday, October 1, 2010
NEW Prayer Cards...have arrived!
Would you like one for your fridge or church display table?! Please let us know if we can send you one.
Friday, August 27, 2010
SALI Conversations Thriving
SAN AGUSTIN LANGUAGE INSTITUTE
At 3:00 on weekday afternoons the Peru Mission office changes from a quiet workplace to the busy San AgustÃn Language Institute (SALI). The English conversation classes offered are becoming increasingly popular – enrollment went up to 125 students in the month of August!
Friendships naturally form between students and teachers as they spend 5 hours in conversation together a week. Every week our students are invited to participate in the university ministry and many are faithfully attending. They are receiving solid Biblical teaching as well as becoming integrated into the strong community there. Continue to pray for the English classes that the teachers would have wise answers for the questions the students ask, that the students would have an interest in spiritual things and would be brought to a personal relationship with the Savior.
(from the Peru Mission e-newsletter)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Birthday update
Well, it's my (Scott's) birthday today. 37 years of God's mercy, love and grace extended to me. As something of a birthday gift from the Giver of "every good and perfect gift", we added two new churches to our support list last week.
It has been a real pleasure to have visited a number of churches this summer. It's an encouragement to us to meet and worship with God's people gathered in various congregations around the Southeast. And it's a privilege to share with the brethren some of what God the Holy Spirit is doing in far away Peru, and so encourage them in how Christ's kingdom is expanding in distant lands.
Please continue to pray with us that we would have new opportunities to encourage and be encouraged by partnership churches and individuals.
It has been a real pleasure to have visited a number of churches this summer. It's an encouragement to us to meet and worship with God's people gathered in various congregations around the Southeast. And it's a privilege to share with the brethren some of what God the Holy Spirit is doing in far away Peru, and so encourage them in how Christ's kingdom is expanding in distant lands.
Please continue to pray with us that we would have new opportunities to encourage and be encouraged by partnership churches and individuals.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Support: online giving made easy
Please consider becoming one of our individual supporters.
Gifts can be given in the traditional way of writing a check and dropping it in the mail. Supporting our work can also be easily done online. Both one-time and regular contributions of support can be made on the Christian Missionary Society website at the link below.
Thank you for your generous support and partnership in the Gospel of Christ!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Peru-less World Cup
I've been catching snatches of the World Cup over the past week. It's hard for an old soccer player not to be a bit attracted. We've even enjoyed a game or two as a family thanks to ESPN3.com's online broadcast. Kevin said, "I want to play soccer again!" So, I'm not the only one getting the itch to play a little futbol again!
One highlight was seeing the first goal scored during this World Cup. It was a tremendous shot! South Africa
Some of you may be asking, where is Peru? Well, they didn't qualify. In their qualifying matches with the other South American countries, Peru gained the fewest points of the nine and is sitting out another World Cup. In fact, they haven't appeared in the World Cup since 1982. Apparently,
though, they had much better success in a previous era, as the FIFA profile page explains, "Between 1970 and 1982 a
golden generation of Peruvian footballers qualified for three out of four FIFA World Cups and won the Copa America in 1975. Teofilio Cubillas was the star of the side, scoring five goals over two different final tournaments, and his attacking flair and skill became synonymous across the world with Peruvian football in the 70s. But, six straight qualification failures since then have plagued the once-proud side."
Well Peru, we'll be pulling for you for 2014!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
A Wonderfully Busy May
The month of May was a most eventful month for us. We were privileged to speak in five different churches about what the Holy Spirit is doing in Peru. Thank you to Pilgrim OPC (Raleigh), Presbyterian Reformed Church of Charlotte (Matthews), Christ OPC (Etowah), Cornerstone PCA (Brevard), and Ballantyne ARP (Charlotte). We greatly enjoyed your warm welcome and fellowship. Thank you for considering becoming partners with us in gospel ministry in Peru.
The end of the Greyfriars Classical Academy school year also allowed us to get away a little as a family. We were able to spend a few days in Brevard at Scott's parent's house. Time with family and recreation in the mountains was refreshing, especially the trip to sliding rock! The water was freezing, as usually, but all the kids went down (except Joseph, of course!). I think Nathan won the prize for most trips down the rock into the frigid pool.
The middle of the following week, Scott was able to attend the Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference with his father. It was good to spend time with Dad, be encouraged by the conference speakers, and make new friends and become reacquainted with some old ones. And come back with a box of new books, of course!
We spent most of this past week as a family at the James Island Co. Park camping with the Trae Shepherd family from our church. The Shepherds are experienced campers and helped us "rookies" survive our first ever family camping trip. It was a blast! Even the 2:30 AM thunderstorm was sort of fun! It's not every night that you get to sleep with water dripping on your bed! But I think the time at Folly Beach and at the water park were probably the highlights for the kids.
We're looking forward, now, to settling into a more normal summer routine. Please pray with us as we continue to seek opportunities to share with congregations about the work in Peru. Please consider becoming both a prayer and financial partner with us yourself. Our greatest need is congregations and individuals that will commit to regularly pray for us and regularly give toward our financial support needs.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Introducing Peru Mission
Here is a succinct summary of the work and vision of the mission from our team's website:
Peru Mission is working to bring the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the hurting and the lost in Peru. The vision of Peru Mission is to co-labor with the Holy Spirit, building faithful, vibrant, self-sustaining, and multiplying parish churches in northern Peru. We minister among Reformed Churches in Peru in order to establish new parish-communities who will faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peru Mission is a team of missionaries laboring to plant and strengthen churches in the prominent cities of northern Peru. The center of operations is in the city of Trujillo, a bustling, strategic, coastal city 350 miles north of Lima.
From the earliest days, the mission has successfully wed the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ with works of mercy, seeking to address both the spiritual and physical needs of the people of Peru. Through pastoral ministry, relief work, leadership training, university ministry, parish day-schools, and economic development, the Lord is building strong, vibrant parish churches that are not only becoming self-sustaining and self-propagating, but also actively involved in bringing God's justice, mercy, and peace to the world around them.
If you would like to see more about the work of the mission, visit our website: PeruMission.org
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