What Lima Has To Offer

One of my favorite “best of” categories, the Biggest Surprise award goes to the destination that surpassed expectations or defied preconceived notions. And in 2011, Lima, Peru certainly fit the bill.

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Greetings From Samuel Montes

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,


Receive my warm greetings and greetings from my wife and children in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I want you to know that thanks to God, we spent the year of 2011 without any major problems. We are confident of the love of Christ and we thank you for your caring and your support from the very first day we met.


I thank God that he has given me the privilege of visiting and interacting with many of my fellow believers and nonbelievers. I have been trying to guide them, encourage them spiritually and find material support for their families and churches. As a result of this, the Cristo Rey Church in Huanta finds itself wanting to work independently as zoned by geographic location. I hope it that all of this will prove for the glory of God. I am supporting the process with monthly outreach visits which fills me with great joy. I see the work we have done with and for them (pews, pulpits, shelves, pastoral bibles, and sleeping bags). All are a testimony of love that remain from your visit.


Brothers and Sisters in Christ, my whole family wishes that this Christmas will be days of peace and love in the family. We renew our commitment to Him. We pray that 2012 will be full of blessings and achievable commitments.


God bless you and a BIG HUG FOR EVERYONE.


Samuel Montes

Roberta Tello Update

Sara and Rusty met with Yesenia Montes earlier today and received an update on Roberta Tello. Roberta’s left leg was amputated earlier this week. Yesenia reports that Roberta is in good spirits despite the trauma that she has experienced over the past couple of weeks. After a few more days in the hospital’s intensive care unit and additional recovery time, Roberta will begin physical therapy. Sara and Rusty hope to schedule a time to visit Roberta this weekend, but visiting hours for intensive care patients are very limited.

Radio Amauta held a fundraiser for Roberta two weeks ago and raised S./5,000 (approximately US$1,800) for Roberta’s medical expenses.

Please continue to keep our dear sister in your thoughts and prayers. As I hear more news, I will pass it along.

Yesenia sends hugs to all!

Randy

Prayer Request

Please Pray for Roberta Tello

It is with great sadness that I tell you that Roberta Tello, a member of Cristo Rey Church in Huanta, has a cancerous tumor under her left knee. Her health is deteriorating. She has limited resources for medical care.

Participants on the 2009 and 2011 mission trips to Huanta will remember Roberta for the delicious lunches she prepared each day for the students and faculty of the Bible Institute and for mission trip participants.

Samuel Montes writes: “We pray to the Lord for the health of our sister Roberta Tello, a woman with a long history in the church and at Radio Amauta. She is like our mother and has a tremendous amount of faith in the Lord and in us. We are praying for a miracle from God.”

Please keep Roberta, her family and all of our brothers and sisters in the Presbytery of Huanta in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Randy

Whitening Peruvian Andes

Perú’s Country Brand

Perú has moved up three places in the world ranking of ‘Country Brands’, rising from 47th to 44th position and placing it in the top five countries in Latin America according to the new Country Brand Index report (CBI).

The ranking, by the Country Brand Index (CBI), is based on awareness, familiarity, preference, consideration, advocacy and active decisions to visit or interact with a place.

Perú also remains in the top five countries worldwide in the category of ‘Cultural Heritage’ and was the only Latin American country to make it into the top twenty countries in this category.

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Perú’s Travel Treasures

If you want to see something truly indescribable, go to Machu Picchu in Perú. One of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is an Incan city that remained unknown to the Spanish conquistadors and to outsiders in general until it was "discovered" (I use this term loosely because the local people knew of its existence) by Yale professor Hiram Bingham in 1911.

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Slow Justice For Perú's Disappeared

Twenty years after the worst period of Peru's civil war between security forces and Maoist guerrillas, the cases of those "disappeared" in the conflict still haunt the country.

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Bead Ministry

The Sharon Presbyterian Church Amani Bead Ministry will be selling one-of-a-kind jewelry after worship on Sunday, November 13 and 20. Proceeds go to provide care for orphaned babies at New Life Homes in Kenya. Using beads made by women in Kenya, ladies of Sharon Church create beautiful jewelry to help support this ministry.

Prayers Answered

Good morning, friends!

We've just returned to the hotel after my hospital adventure. Everything seems to have gone very well - just a bit groggy from the anesthesia and a bit of a sore throat. The clunker is that Dr. Tsuji says I have to keep 7 days of silence! (Somehow I seem to have missed that detail! :-)

So Mary is my telepathic interpreter in the meantime.

Thank you for your prayers! I am honored and blessed to be so loved and so well accompanied...

Under the mercy,

Dennis

Dennis A. Smith
dennis.smith@pcusa.org
PCUSA Enlace Regional, Brasil y Cono Sur, Misión Mundial
PCUSA Regional Liaison, Brazil and Southern Cone, World Mission
PCUSA Representante Regional, Brasil e Cone Sul, Missão Mundial

Sucre 2855, 3o
1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
telephone: +54-11-4787-0436
fax: +54-11-4787-0335
mobile: +54-911-3704-2500
www.pcusa.org/worldmission

2012 Perú Mission Scheduled

The 2012 Adult Mission Trip to Huanta, Perú is scheduled to take place from Friday, August 3 through Monday, August 13, 2012. Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson will travel to Huanta on Sunday, November 13, 2011, and plan to meet with the leaders of the Presbytery of Huanta to begin planning for our 2012 trip.

Sara and Rusty will be in Huanta accompanying a mission team from the San Gabriel Presbytery in Southern California. The team will be installing water purification systems at the Cristo Rey and Maynay churches in Huanta.

I have learned that the leaders of the Presbytery have voted to create two additional presbyteries with ten or eleven churches comprising each of the three presbyteries. I am not sure what impact (if any) this change will have on future mission trips. As I hear more about this change I will pass it along.

Randy

“The real act of discovery is not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.”
-Marcel Proust

Prayer Request

Friends:

On Tuesday, I will have surgery to relieve symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that has affected my voice for the last 30 years. For more than 20 years I have received quarterly injections of botulinum toxin directly into the muscles that activate the vocal chords; these injections dramatically improved my ability to speak. In the last 12 months, however, I have received 4 of these treatments and none of them have provided relief for more than a week or two.

Not having a reliable voice has made my first year in my new position as PCUSA World Mission Regional Liaison for Brazil and the Southern Cone frustrating, to say the least. But colleagues have been patient and understanding; I've become a whiz at participating in on-line meetings using the chat function!

My physician here in Argentina, Dr. María Viti, put me in contact with Dr. Domingos Hiroshi Tsuji in São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Tsuji is a world-renowned expert on the human voice; he has developed a new procedure that provides the same relief as the botulinum injections, but permanently. After looking at my clinical history, he and Dr. Viti determined that I am a good candidate for the surgery. The procedure is not invasive and I only expect to be in the hospital one night. I should be able to speak right away, although I expect to be hoarse for a week or two.

Mary and I fly to São Paulo early Monday morning; I check in to Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital at noon on Tuesday. The procedure is scheduled for 4 in the afternoon on Tuesday. We plan to return to Buenos Aires on Friday afternoon.

Our thanks to colleagues at the PCUSA offices in Louisville for working with the insurance company to get the necessary approval to cover the expense of this new procedure.

Thank you for your prayers!

I hope to be speaking with you soon...

Under the Mercy,
Dennis

Dennis A. Smith
dennis.smith@pcusa.org
PCUSA Regional Liaison, Brazil and Southern Cone, World Mission

Adventures In Travel

From the ice walls of Antarctica to the gorilla habitats of Africa and the mountains of sub-Siberian Mongolia, TIME takes a look at destinations that are more than a vacation — they're life-changing.

Why Peru's Inca Trail Is One Of The World's Greatest Hikes 

Thank You

Thank you for the scholarship, by Brenda Paredes

My family, my church, and I are so grateful to my Sharon Presbyterian family for the support provided through the Scholarship Fund that helps me to attend Winthrop University.  I am so happy in my studies and looking forward to what God has planned for me in the future.  It has been a real blessing for me to know Sharon Church through your
participation in Perú and also my time here with you.  Without your help it would not be possible for me to earn my degree in the United States.

I pray for God’s blessings for each of you, and look forward to getting to know each of you better during my time here.

Thank You From Crisis Assistance

All,

I wanted to thank you for your amazing dedication to Crisis Assistance Ministry. We are so grateful for all the items you picked up and delivered to our Furniture Bank. What a nice surprise to come in on Monday morning and see all the furniture that Sharon Presbyterian donated. We were able to serve more customers because of your hard work and generous heart.

With Thanks
Betsy

Betsy McDonald
Manager, Furniture Bank
Crisis Assistance Ministry
803 Pressley Rd., Ste. 102, Charlotte NC 28217
Office: 704-522-4978
bmcdonald@crisisassistance.org
http://www.crisisassistance.org/

2011 Perú Mission Network Conference

View your invitation to the 2011 Perú Mission Network Conference. The conference will be held October 6-8 at the Port Orange Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, Florida map.

Scheduled to attend:

• Dr. Apolos Landa - Founder of the Luke Society of Moyobamba, Perú
• Rev. Eliderio Angula - Pastor of Moyobamba Presbyterian Church in Moyobamba, Perú
• Rev. Sara Armstrong & Rusty Edmondson PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers in Perú
• Maria Arroyo - Area Coordinator / South America and Caribbean, World Mission, GMAC
• Michael Parker - Coordinator, International Evangelism and Frontier Areas, World Mission, GMAC
• Rev. Calvin H. Gittner - Port Orange Presbyterian Church, Port Orange, Florida
• Music from Perú native Rev. Noe Juarez
• Additional music from Mike Bedford of the POPC Praise Band

Prayer List

The Prayer List has been moved!  In order to keep the most up to date information for your thoughts and prayers, the Prayer List has been moved to a link in the Links section of this blog.

Please check often, and lift up these friends and neighbors that need extra comfort and love.

Room In The Inn

In two months, Room In The Inn begins.  Sharon Presbyterian will provide 216 beds over an 18 week period for our homeless neighbors.  Needed immediately are motel size:

• small soaps
• shampoos
• conditioners
• body lotions

Also needed are Bingo prizes:

• socks
• gloves
• hats
• fast-food gift cards
• wallets
• playing cards
• men's and women's deoderant
• umbrellas
• tee shirts
• men's underwear
• hand held games
• shaving kits

Items can be placed in the Room In The Inn box below the mail boxes.

Stop Hunger Now

A Stop Hunger Now food packaging event will be held Sunday, November 20, 2011, at 2:00pm in the Sharon Presbyterian gym. With the donation from the filming on our campus of the television show, Homeland, Sharon Presbyterian Church will package 10,000 meals in 2-3 hours for desperately hungry people in third world countries. Families, groups, Sunday School classes, and friends can participate in this outreach project. Sign up will start this coming October!

Charlotte CROP Walk

Sign up today to either walk or sponsor a walker in the Charlotte CROP Walk to Fight Hunger. It will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, begining at 2:30pm on Elizabeth Avenue. Join with the Sharon Presbyterian group to walk with thousands of other Charlotteans to help stamp out hunger. For more information, contact Mike McGarity at (704) 553-7270.

Pastor Arana's Visit

Due to unforseen circumstances, Pastor Arana will not be able to vist Charlotte.  His wife has had an accident at home and has broken her leg. The doctor said she needs to rest completely for some weeks, no traveling allowed at all.

We hope that he and his family will be able to visit in the near future.  We will keep you posted of any future plans.

César G. Carhuachín

P.A.T Ministries At Sharon Presbyterian Church

On the 2011 Perú mission trip, we we able to share the results of the hard work of a few wonderful ladies from Sharon Presbyterian Church.  As in years passed, we took prayer shawls for a few special ladies in many of the churches of Perú.  This year we also took a few "pillow case" dresses for several young girls and with loving and heavy hearts we carried burial gowns to help ease the burden of a lost infant.  Many, many blessings to the gifts and to the givers.

Rev. Pedro Arana Visit

Hi friends,

Thanks for your faithful yearly mission trips to Perú.

I want to let you know that the Presbytery of New Covenant in Houston (TX) have invited to the Rev. Pedro Arana, one of the well known Presbyterian leaders in Latin America to speak at their Presbytery meeting and other gatherings.  The Hispanic/Latino Ministries of the Presbytery of Charlotte have invited him as well to visit the Presbytery of Charlotte and speak at different meetings and churches, from October 14 to 16, 2011.  Pedro has been the President of the Peruvian Bible Society for many years, founder of the Latin American Theological Fraternity and is currently pastor of “Pueblo Libre Presbyterian Church” in Lima.  Probably you already know about him since you travel to Perú often.

I want to let you know about his visit to the Presbytery of Charlotte.  If you would like to invite to Rev. Arana, feel free to call me or email me, so we can include your church in his schedule.

César

Dr. César G. Carhuachín
Coordinator for Latino Ministries
Presbytery of Charlotte
5700 Executive Center Drive - Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28212
Tel (704) 535-9999, ext. 5216
Fax (704) 537-3476
http://www.presbyofcharlotte.org/

Compass Readings

Paul Hanneman works for Urban Ministry Center educating folks about homelessness and writes these "Compass Readings" from time to time. This one hit home. Hope it does for you.

David Beers

In a remarkable column published in the NEW YORK TIMES, David Brooks writes from Nairobi Kenya , “Many Americans go to the developing world to serve others. A smaller percentage actually end up being useful. Those that do have often climbed a moral ladder. They start out with certain virtues but then develop more tenacious ones.

The first virtue they possess is courage, the willingness to go off to a strange place…
The second virtue they develop is deference, the willingness to listen and learn from the moral and intellectual storehouses of the people you are trying to help…
The greatest and most essential virtue is thanklessness, the ability to keep serving even when there are no evident rewards — no fame, no admiration, no gratitude..
[The] final virtue is what makes service in the developing world not just an adventure, a spiritual experience or a cinematic moment. It represents a noncontingent commitment to a specific place and purpose…people willing to embrace the perspectives and do the jobs the locals define…

David Brooks' entire column

I wish he’d write another column on usefully serving people in poverty here in this country. It might go something like this: Many Americans go to the soup kitchens, shelters, and streets of their cities to serve others. A smaller percentage actually end up being useful. Those that do have often climbed a moral ladder. They start out with certain virtues but then develop more tenacious ones.

The first virtue they possess is courage, the willingness to move out of their comfort zone and go to a place which serves people whose lives are very different from their own. They have moved beyond simply writing a check to getting personally involved.

The second virtue they develop is an awareness that they can’t map over from their own assumptions about how the world works to the lives of those they seek to serve, that the actions and attitudes of people in poverty arise from a different worldview than their own. This can lead to suspending judgment and seeking to understand what living in survival mode is actually like. One way to learn is through seminars such as Bridges Out of Poverty; another way to learn is to develop a relationship with someone who is living in poverty and listen with open ears, mind, and heart.

The third virtue they develop is a willingness to serve the other instead of helping or fixing. Rachel Naomi Remen writes, “Service rests on the basic premise that the nature of life is sacred, that life is a holy mystery which has an unknown purpose …When you help you see life as weak, when you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. From the perspective of service, we are all connected: All suffering is like my suffering and all joy is like my joy.” Serving is centered in relationship, not outcomes. It is soul work, not ego work. It is about you, not me; it is about your needs and dreams as you articulate them, not my solutions. It is about the wholeness and sacredness of life.

The fourth virtue they develop is persistence - a commitment to stay engaged for the long haul. There are few quick fixes for people wanting to move out of homelessness and poverty. It takes a long time for people to become homeless, and it takes at least as long (if not longer) for them to gain and attain economic stability. Effective people stay with the relationship, stay with the process, offering assistance and insistence / encouragement.

The fruits of all these virtues? Patience. Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Joy.

Blessings,

Paul A. Hanneman
Program Director
Urban Ministry Center
945 North College Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28206

Our greatest need is to feel that we have value, are worthy, and can do beautiful things. Jean Vanier

Back To Normal?

After returning from our recent Perú mission trip, most of us are already planning and counting the days until our 2012 trip.

Life here has returned to normal.  The grass that was knee high in our yard has been mowed several times and the idea of us purchasing a goat to deal with the grass and weeds has dwindled.  (I couldn't figure out how to hide a goat from the neighbourhood association anyway and I just didn't have the heart to paint it like a dog).  The natural areas of the yard that look like a botanical experiment of weeds of the southeastern U.S. will have to remain for awhile.

Each of the participants have memories of our recent trip that we will glady share (upon request):

• Brad Clayton preaching (with just 5 minutes notice) to the Light & Life Church...  about the Tumbling Monkeys game?
• The mental snapshot of Brenda Paredes' face when she realized she had to translate the phrase "Tumbling Monkeys" in Spanish.
• Sleeping in the New York airport.
• Rob Wolf and John Magee serving communion at Cristo Rey church in Huanta.
• Kay DuMond flying first class...  ugh
• Delta holding our plane from Atlanta to Lima for 2 hours!  Our luggage was left on the tarmac and the paperwork had to be sorted out.
• Visiting the new Amen church in Lima.
• Visting the Church of The Good Shepherd in Huaycán, Perú of which Adrian Fernandez is pastor.
• Celebrating John Magee's birthday...  5 times!
• Shea Chambers playing soccer.
• Sharing this year's trip with the Paredes and Laura family.
• Missing Sara Armstrong.
• Spending much too little time with Samuel Montes.
• Walking with Rob Wolf down the road from the BWJ.
• Early morning walks around Huanta.
• Kay DuMond not suffering in the airport with us.
• Repaying old debts.
• Meeting a local woman in the market (with a butcher knife in her hand) shouting Gringos, Gringas... have a good day!
• Reconnecting with all the kids of Huanta. 
• Giving glass crosses to new churches.
• The unending questions about how Theresa Wolf, Hunter Garbee, DeAnna Booth and previous mission members are doing.
• Reconnecting with old friends in Huanta and Lima.
• Church members being baptised at the Cristo Rey church.
• Watching our luggage being loaded on our plane in New York.
• Seeing our luggage on the tarmack in Atlanta...  not on our plane!
• Rob Wolf attempting to drive Gamaliel Berrocal's motorcar taxi.
• The joy of Brenda Paredes returning to the U.S. with us.
• Rose Boelke fitting reading glasses that she brought to Huanta.
• Being folded into a taxi for the trip to the Ayacucho airport.

These are just a few of the memories that will remain with me for a long...  long time.

wvd

Trip Followup

As Randy said;

I'll be happy to post any views about the trip this year.

Also, thanks to each of you that has sent me their pictures and videos.  I have been loading a few each night into the 2011 Peru album (albeit the maps and captions are not completed yet).  The picture album can be accessed anytime through the link on this blog page or use this link  We have much more to come!

Mission videos are being added too!  They are being loaded into the Mission Videos album.  It can also be accessed anytime using the link on this blog page or by using this link.

wvd

Hola Mission Trip Participants

Dear Mission Team:

I trust that you are well and that you are getting adjusted to being back in the United States. For those of you that flew to New York before arriving back in Charlotte, I hope that particular part of the trip is fast becoming a fading memory!

It was an honor and privilege to have spent eleven (11) days with each of you. I am particularly grateful for the sacrifices that you and the members of your family made in order for you to participate in the trip. I hope the trip met or exceeded your expectations and that you were also surprised or enlightened in some form or fashion. I hope you were struck by the realization that God is indeed present with our brothers and sisters there.

I am filled with mixed emotions about our time in Peru. Working through these emotions is increasingly difficult after each trip. I plan to share these with you in a week or so through a post to this blog.

If you would like to share an experience or thoughts on the trip through the blog, Van would be more than happy to post it. Van's e-mail address is wvandale@yahoo.com.

Have a great week!

Blessings to you all.

Randy

Samuel Returns Back To Huanta Safely

Dear brothers and sisters, I hope in the Lord, his homecoming has been no major setbacks for my part as I arrived at 8 am, so good by the grace of God.


Greetings from me, Julia, Yesenia and Denil.

Regards

Samuel Montes.

Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Fund for Mission Partners established at Sharon Presbyterian.

The Session recently approved a new Scholarship Fund for Mission Partners. The primary purpose of this new scholarship is to grant annually an undergraduate or graduate scholarship to an international student from an economically-challenged family identified through Sharon Presbyterian Church’s mission connections. 

The first recipient of this new scholarship is Brenda Paredes of Lima, Peru.

Brenda is known to many in our church through her invaluable assistance with our Peru Mission Trips and her two recent internships with our congregation. Brenda has been accepted to Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, and will begin her studies later this month. Watch for more details in the next church newsletter. 

Gifts to the scholarship fund should be made payable to Sharon Presbyterian Church and clearly earmarked “College Fund.”

Monday

Sorry we have not posted earlier.  Internet problems again here in Huanta. Everyone arrived and we are in fair health.  A few stomach problems are beginning to pop up.  We will post again as soon as possible.  Chao for now.

Perú Blessings

Hope you all have safe travels, a great trip, and come back with lots of new spiritual insights and great stories to share. May God’s blessings be with you all!

Grace & Peace,

Ron E. Nelson
Associate Pastor
Sharon Presbyterian Church
5201 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
704.553.0869

We Are Blessed

Colossians 1:6
“… All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing…”

It has been said before, it needs to be said again, again and again. The rewards of foreign missions are undeniable!  We have been blessed by the spirit of a giving and loving God.  Lifelong relationships have been formed and we have the memories of being immersed in other cultures.

Over the years, we have been blessed by: 

• The joy and excitement of being asked by a friend, relative or church member of "how was the trip?"
• A Peruvian young man quietly and humbly asking to borrow a Spanish Bible for an evening.
• Spanish Bibles given as gifts one year and worn out by use, the following year. 
• A young adult maturing by seeing other parts of the world.  Realizing how hard many have to work for freedom, safety, food, clothing and housing.
• The mental picture of people carrying church benches for 6 hours...  to their home church.
• Prayer Shawl Ministry of Sharon Presbyterian Church - The ladies of this ministry amaze us with their talent, love and giving.
• Witnessing the depth of God's spirit in a small church in Nuevo Ayacucho, Gallito, Maynay, Huanta or Lima greater than any grandiose cathedral.
• Caleb Ministries - 2011 will be our first year to minister and comfort families that have lost an infant in Perú.
• The opportunity and challenge for Brenda Paredes to translate the Caleb Ministries booklet in Spanish...  for the first time!  Because of Brenda's translation and the work of many others, Caleb Ministries can minister to our Peruvian families and to the Latin community here at home.
• The unending giving and collection of donations of clothes, luggage, toys and crafts by members of our church.
• The blessing of having the diversity of mission trip members.  Young and old, worshiping and gaining understanding together.
• In 2010 Sharon Presbyterian women shared study information with the women of Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church.
• Meeting Brenda Paredes.  2011 will be Brenda's third mission trip with us.  At the end of our trip, she will return with us.  Because of her hard work and dedication, she will be attending Winthrop University this fall.
• Meeting Sara Armstrong, Rusty Edmondson, Samuel Montes and Pastor Santos Buendia.  With relationships so strong, we can't imagine our lives without them.
• Sharing foreign mission trips with members of :
• Amen Presbyterian Church {Lima, Perú}
• Avondale Presbyterian Church {Charlotte, North Carolina}
• Bryson City Presbyterian Church {Bryson City, North Carolina}
• Charlotte Christian School {Charlotte, North Carolina}
• First Presbyterian Church {Kissimmee, Florida}
• John Knox Presbyterian Church {Marietta, Georgia}
• Light of Christ United Methodist Church {Charlotte, North Carolina}
• Port Orange Presbyterian Church {Port Orange, Florida}
• Steele Creek Presbyterian Church {Charlotte, North Carolina}
• Stevenson Presbyterian Church {Monroe, North Carolina}
• Westminster Presbyterian Church {Durham, North Carolina}
• Meeting members of the Perú Mission Network with churches over the entire United States.  The opportunity to host the 2010 Perú Mission Network Conference at Sharon Presbyterian Church.  Also, the chance for Samuel Montes to travel to the United States for the first time and join us.
• The creation of relationships with Amen Presbyterian Church, Lima, Perú and Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church, Huanta, Perú.
• Peruvian kids, kids, kids!

Did we have any idea of what this would become when we left for Iquitos in 2002?

Answered Prayers

Good Morning from your sleepy friends in Lima. We said good bye last night to a team of 33. We accompanied them for the last 9 days in Cusco province. Just a quick note to those of you who work with Cristo Rey. The judge decided in favor of Cristo Rey. Celebrations and thanks are due!

Saludos de Sara y Rusty

Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Coordinadores de Alianzas y Delegaciones con las Iglesias Reformadas de Perú
http://www.puentesperuanos.org/
http://perumissionnetwork.blogspot.com/

Western North Carolina Mission

Here’s a wonderful opportunity to do mission work in Western North Carolina.  This year Sharon’s Western North Carolina Adult mission trip will take place from September 15 - 18, 2011.  We are partnering with the Bryson City Presbyterian Church (BCPC) to conduct mission work in the Bryson City, NC area. BCPC has identified a need for assistance in this area due to families in poverty and with poor health.

The group will depart Thursday, September 15, at 1:00 pm and return Sunday, September 18, in the afternoon. BCPC is working with several organizations to identify projects in the area and has already raised funds for materials. 

Anyone can participate, regardless of prior construction experience or skill level. We are planning for a group of 10-12 from SPC. If you are interested in participating please contact Dave Spivey, 704-841-0902, spiveys_@msn.com by August 20.

Where Do The Benches We Assembled From Previous Years Go?

These benches are now in an Andean community, 100 km (62 mi) from Huanta.

The community location is at an altitude of 3800 m (12,450 ft). This church has 104 members. Of course these benches do not meet the full need but they are part of wonderful work that dignifies the conditions of the Andean children of God.

Soon, We Will Be In Huanta!

Good Evening Van,

The President of the Presbytery informs me that the work is going forward.  (I am delighted when they make the effort to do things themselves).  Anyway, I will be with my brothers and sisters from Sharon all week.

God Bless,
Samuel

A Reason To Celebrate

Translation sent from Sara Armstrong.

Pastor Orlando Bellido has been ordained to celebrate the sacraments as official pastor of the Cristo Rey church. The ceremony took place last weekend.

On Wednesday I went, with all the workers of AFADIPH, the institution where I work, to a retreat near the city of Vilcashuaman-Ayacucho and we just got back an hour ago to continue our work.

Once again thanks, greetings to Rusty.

Blessings,
Samuel

Youth Mission Trip

Our youth depart Saturday morning, July 9, for their mission trip in East Bank, West Virginia, where they'll be helping with basic home repairs for those in need. Please pray for their safety as they go beyond our own community to share God's love through Christian service.

View Larger Map

Pastor Santos' Update 11

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have wonderful news to share today! Santos is released to return home with our mission team flying to Lima this Saturday, July 9. He had his final appointment with the oral surgeon this morning. The doctor said that he normally would not release anyone this early; Santos’ recovery has been outstanding! The doctor removed about 10 large screws from his mouth. At Santos' request, he gave the screws to him to keep as a reminder. This afternoon, he will have an appointment with his dentist for a slight adjustment to his bite.

George Holguin who has hosted Santos for much of his time here, commented that “It has been a long journey for Santos. Through it all, Angie (George’s wife) and I have been humbled by his enormous faith in God, never once showing any frustration or discouragement.”

I know you are rejoicing at this joyful news and will continue to pray for Santos as he returns home and transitions back into life and ministry in Peru!

Praising God with you,

Grace Swartz

Reaching Out In Missions - East Bank, West Virgina

The Senior High youth are looking forward to a great mission trip July 9-16 to East Bank, West Virginia.

On their trip they will experience Christian service on the front lines of the real world, learning valuable skills of home repair – basic carpentry, roof repair, painting, and drywall while helping others. Each day of their mission trip will start and end with devotions, include hard work, and involve nightly programs featuring great music, top-quality videos, games, and worship experiences. During the week they will develop a relationship with someone in need, and in doing so they will begin to see people in need as real people, rather than just “the poor or needy.” They will develop closer relationships with each other and with God. As a result they will come home with a new sense of unity, understanding, and respect for each other.

Please pray for the 21 youth and 5 adult advisors as they go beyond our own community to share God’s love through Christian service.

Reaching Out In Missions - Dominican Republic

Chandler Schramm, son of Janat and Skip Schramm, recently participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic through his school.

Chandler & Friends

Reaching Out In Missions - Western North Carolina

What could be better than serving as the hand and feet of God...  serving with our brothers
and sisters! World Service is planning a mission trip to the Bryson City, NC, area during the week of September 15-18, 2011. We will partner with Rev. Terry Hanna and a group from Bryson City Presbyterian Church.

Stay tuned for more details.

Reaching Out In Missions - El Salvador

Dennis Grills recently participated in a mission trip to El Salvador with Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Susan & Dennis Grills

Their session sent a wonderful letter to Sharon Church commending Dennis for his help. In thanking him, they cited the long hours he spent in helping with preparation for the trip, sharing his experience in international travel, preparing their team both mentally and spiritually, challenging them in their faith walk, and in helping them gain a broader vision of the world and the Church. “Our Mission Team was much more effective in their ministry as a result of Dennis’ thoughtful and diligent work of preparation...  In thanksgiving to God, our Session wishes to commend to you the example of Elder Dennis Grills.  He demonstrated the highest standards of Christian character and witness throughout his time working with and mentoring our Mission Team members...  He has represented Sharon Presbyterian Church and the Lordship of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, in a truly remarkable way.”

Thank you, Dennis!

Celebrate Perú

The National Geographic invites us to explore the Sacred City of the Incas without even leaving the D.C. metro area.

The Embassy of Peru and the National Geographic are together presenting a multimedia Peruvian festival that combines talks, dance, music, film, and ceremony and continues on until July 17, 2012.

Highlights include:

• As part of this multiday event, the National Geographic Museum exhibition Machu Picchu: A Lost City Uncovered, will be opening on June 24, 2012.
• On July 7 from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m there will be a live screening of ceremonies from Machu Picchu.
• A Peruvian Dance Festival with workshops and demonstrations will held on July 17, 2012.

Click here for more information including directions and prices.

Continued Prayers Needed For Cristo Rey

Our dear sisters and brothers, you are here by reminded that prayers are still needed for God's will to be done in the decision of the Cristo Rey Church in Huanta.

The email excerpt below was sent to us from Sara Armstrong:

... "it's really encouraging that people are staying on top of this so carefully, but we all need to keep praying because this Thursday is when the 2 weeks finish, so please let them know the final round is not over. Thank you so very much for spreading this around for a smashing foundation in prayer.

Bendiciones!

Reina Powlison

The above is in reference to preceding posts:

• "The Latest From Cristo Rey" June 9, 2011
• "Cristo Rey Prayers" June 8, 2011

Perú Mission 2011

Dear Participants:

I am long overdue in sending information about our upcoming trip. To say that it has been somewhat of a challenge putting it together this year within the confines of our budget, is an understatement. But despite a whopping 100% increase in airfares from last year to this year, the trip IS coming together. Well so much for the budget!

2011 trip participants include:

1. John Magee {Avondale Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina}
2. Sarah Kate Magee {Avondale Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina}
3. Rose Boelke
4. Shea Chambers {Avondale Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina}
5. Reverend Brad Clayton {Avondale Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina}
6. Connie Dale
7. Van Dale
8. Kaye DuMond
9. Brenda Fairbrother
10. Randy Ross
11. Sarita Ross
12. Tom Skinner
13. Rob Wolf {Port Orange Presbyterian Church, Port Orange, Florida}

Rusty Edmondson will be leading our trip this year. Sara Armstrong will be in Louisville attending a PC(USA) event and finalizing the details of her and Rusty’s agreement to serve another three (3) years in Peru . Yippy Skippy! Or as Rusty would say, “Cool beans!”

Brenda Paredes has graciously agreed to accompany us again this year. Either she loves us very much or just wants to make sure we don’t totally embarrass ourselves while in her country. Or perhaps both.

I have recently caught wind of a plan to kidnap Brenda, bring her back to the United States and enroll her in the fall 2011 semester at Winthrop University, located in bea-u-ti-ful downtown Rock Hill , South Carolina , USA . Mum’s the word!

Also accompanying us on the trip are Brenda’s father and stepmother, Alfredo Paredes and Miriam Laura. Alfredo will assist with trip logistics and Miriam will assist with translating. Oh, the stories we’ll tell (in our very best Spanglish).

All trip participants, except Kaye DuMond (more about this a little later) and possibly Rob Wolf, will travel to Lima via New York and Atlanta . Can someone explain why it costs $550 less per person to fly to Lima from New York versus Charlotte?  Charlotte appears much closer to Peru than New York on all the maps I have seen. Tickets for our group reservation on Delta Airlines will be issued on Tuesday, June 21, 2011.

All trip participants, except Kaye DuMond (I promise, more about this a little later) and definitely Rob Wolf, will travel to/from Charlotte and New York on US Airways. Tickets have been issued.

Rusty has arranged for all “in-country” transportation, accommodations and entertainment. Geez, I hope Rusty’s Spanish has improved dramatically over the past year and we REALLY have room reservations for fifteen participants, not five. We are going to try new restaurants in Lima , Ayacucho and Huanta and a new hotel in Ayacucho this year. Many are local establishments so we are bound to fit right in (in our very best Spanglish).

We welcome the members of Avondale Presbyterian Church joining us this year. I guess they heard the real reason why the group from Port Orange Presbyterian Church (“POPC”) decided not to partner with us again this year. POPC is beginning the first-ever PC(USA) church relationship with the Presbytery of Ayacucho! Please keep the wonderful POPC folks in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for their trip and during their time in Peru . The POPC trip is scheduled from July 5 - 13, 2011. Also pray that Kerry Lyons will forget to pack his white tennis shorts this year.

Here is a tentative schedule which, as all seasoned travelers to Peru know, is subject to delays, changes and revisions.

Friday, August 5, 2011: We will travel from the United States to Peru . It will be a long day of travel. Kaye DuMond is flying to Peru a few days before the main group to visit a friend in Lima. Kaye (here is the “later” part I promised) will most likely be flying to and from Peru in business class (and not through New York I might add) and will meet us upon our arrival in Lima (if she can muster the courage to do so). We will check into Casa Kolping for two nights. OK, two half nights.

Saturday, August 6, 2011: We will visit Pastor Adrian Fernandez’s church near Lima . Pastor Adrian is a leader in the Evangelical Presbyterian and Reformed Church of Peru (the “IEPRP”) and an instructor at the Biblical Institute in Huanta, of which he is a founding leader. Members of Pastor Adrian’s church are mostly refugees from Ayacucho, settling near Lima during the time of terror in Peru . Pastor Adrian will be in Huanta during our visit (teaching at the Biblical Institute, no less) but Rusty has other "connections" at this church. We will also make arrangements to ship the donations to Huanta via bus with the assistance of Alfredo, who Van Dale swears knows everyone in Lima.

Sunday, August 7, 2011: Rise and shine at 3:00 am (it will be 4:00 am in the United States ) to catch our 5:30 am (it will be 6:30 am in the United States) flight to Ayacucho. Samuel and Julia Montes will meet us in Ayacucho. After breakfast, we will travel in a spacious and comfortable motor coach to Huanta (past trip participants, shhhhh!). In 2008, the trip from Ayacucho to Huanta took one hour. In 2009, forty-five minutes. In 2010, thirty-five minutes. Perhaps the bus drivers believe the gringos and gringas are gradually getting comfortable traveling in the spacious and comfortable motor coaches from Ayacucho to Huanta. Will it be a fifteen or twenty minute trip this year?

Upon our arrival in Huanta, we will check into the Posada de Marques. Rumor has it that there will be a run on chapla and salt cheese for the six days that follow our arrival.

Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12, 2011: We will work alongside our hosts to build lecterns and bookcase/storage units for the churches in the Presbytery of Huanta. And more importantly, laugh, pray, sing, play, worship, shed tears and just “be” with each other. Oh, and eat some great Andean food too!

May God be glorified during our time together.

Does anyone believe the Huanta Cup has a snowball’s chance of returning to Charlotte this year?

Saturday, August 13, 2011: Travel to Quinoa (famous for its Andean pottery artisans and easily crashed Quechua wedding receptions) and then on to Ayacucho. We will visit a recently opened museum, highly recommended by Rusty, centered on the time of terror in the region.

Sunday, August 14, 2011: Rise and shine at 4:00 am (it will be 5:00 am in the United States ) to catch our 6:50 am (it will be 7:50 am in the United States) flight to Lima . We will travel to Amen Presbyterian Church for worship and fellowship. Then on to lunch, shopping and dinner before heading to the Lima airport for, well, you know.

Monday, August 15, 2011: Our flight is scheduled to depart Lima bound for Atlanta at 12:40 am. It will be another long day of travel, but definitely well worth it in my humble opinion.

Trip Commissioning is scheduled for Sunday, July 31, 2011 during Worship. Rob Wolf will not be able to participate in person but in his own words “I will definitely be there in spirit though.”

We will get together in mid-July to do our final packing and head over to Genaro’s Peruvian Rotisserie for dinner.

As to the issues facing the Cristo Rey Church in Huanta. I don’t know the history of the Cristo Rey and Genesis churches in Huanta or on what basis the members of the Genesis church claim that the Cristo Rey church property belongs to them. Obviously, there is much at stake. I wouldn’t want to speculate how a ruling against the members of the Cristo Rey church would impact them.

Should we postpone or cancel our trip until the issue is finally resolved? I think not. Legal issues can take many years to be concluded, even in Peru.  And whatever the judge rules, we should be standing alongside our brothers and sisters, whether it is a time of joy or a time of uncertainty or sorrow.

God has blessed me with yet another opportunity to visit and marvel at another facet of His wonderful creation. I look forward to our time together with our brothers and sisters in Peru with more anticipation and excitement than ever before. I am humbled and thankful to be sharing the experience that awaits us with each of you, even if I am not the one who gets to fly business class.

Blessings and thanks to all. Let me know if you have any questions or need additional information regarding our trip.

Forty-five (45) days and counting!

Randy

Pastor Santos' Update 10

Theresa Wolf was be able to spend the afternoon with Pastor Santos Buendia today.  Theresa is formally from Port Orange Presbyterian Church of Port Orange, Florida.  We at Sharon were fortunate to have the Port Orange group join us on the 2010 Peru mission trip.  Theresa and her husband Rob now live in Atlanta and she wishes to thank everyone for the opportunity to visit Pastor Santos on our behalf.

Pastor Santos is doing great and will go for a checkup this coming week.  He has already been cleared by the doctors for the damage done to his face and eye.

Rest assured that Theresa made him feel much better...  and she said "he is so cool"!

Thank you Theresa...  you're the best!

Pastor Santos' Update 9

Hello William,

All seems to be going well with Santos’ recovery. He is having regular weekly appointments with the oral surgeon. Norma and Karis are home in Lima. We are trusting that Santos will be ready to return home the second week in July, if the Lord wills.

Grace

Brenda's Big Day

My dear friends and family in Christ,

Finally I have the date for the Interview, I just heard from the Embassy: 
June 28th, 2pm is the big day
I will be applying for a F-1 student visa. I will need your prayers.

Thank you very much for all your support;
I love and miss you all.

Good Brenda

Chandler Schramm Joins Charlotte Christian For Mission Trip To Dominican Republic

Dear friends and family,

I want to share with you a ministry opportunity God has presented to me. During June 11-18, I will be going to the Dominican Republic with a team from my school, Charlotte Christian School.

Our trip will focus on playing with, and ministering to, children in orphanages and who live in poverty. We will do this in a number of ways, but primarily we will spend time getting to know them, and then hosting a “vacation bible school” experience for the kids. If we raise enough money, we will also use the opportunity to feed an entire village in the name of Jesus! The purpose of our trip is fourfold:

• First, we will be allowing God to work in our lives through the personal enrichment that comes from this type of a mission trip.
• Second, we will pray for the people of the DR, that God may open their eyes and hearts to the message of Jesus.
• Third, we will be visiting many of the children we visited last year, so that Charlotte Christian School can continue to develop a presence in the DR on these yearly trips.
• Fourth, we will encourage local Christians and missionaries in the DR. Our presence will bolster their spirits and support their work through SCORE International.

I'm excited about the opportunity and experience that lie ahead. I hope you see the value in what we will accomplish. I need your prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God's leading in ministry in the DR. Without prayer, nothing will happen.

Thank you for your support and prayers!

Chandler Schramm

PS We had an amazing yard sale with items donated by us, our friends, and our families, and raised $6500!!!!! We will be able to help feed, not only one, but 2-3 villages with this money!

The Latest From Cristo Rey

the tele novena continues

hi good william...  visited with samuel. the attorneys made their closing arguments and the judge said he will give his decision within 15 days. samuel sends his saludos y abrazos.

rusty

Hunter Farrell on Presbyterian World Mission

Article from Presbyterians Today:

We’re better together
Each member of the body of Christ has a vital role in God’s mission to the world

By Hunter Farrell

In recent decades a seismic shift in the understanding and practice of mission has opened the door to direct involvement of U.S. Presbyterians at unprecedented levels. As globalization has increased international communication, travel and awareness, U.S. Presbyterians haven’t waited on the denominational offices to engage in mission — they’ve gone themselves! Researchers estimate that 2.2 million Americans traveled on international short-term mission trips in 2008.* There are signs that the Spirit is calling the church to a broader understanding of partnership at the dawn of a new chapter of mission history.

World mission: a story in 3 chapters
The story of Presbyterians’ involvement in God’s mission to the world is a long and beautiful one that can be understood in three chapters.

Chapter 1: Beginning in 1837 the Presbyterian Church’s Board of Foreign Mission sent missionaries into the world to preach, teach and heal. In Brazil, Congo, Egypt, China and other countries, mission workers planted churches and helped them grow into witnessing, serving communities. Thousands of women and men came to faith in Jesus Christ, as U.S. Presbyterians, sent by our denominational mission board, took the gospel around the world. This first chapter of Presbyterian mission history was a good and faithful response to God’s call to our church at that time.

Chapter 2: In the 1950s and 60s Presbyterian communities in other nations multiplied and matured. The developing world’s clamor for self-determination in the waning years of the colonial era grew. U.S. Presbyterians discerned a movement of the Spirit and reformed the church’s mission policy to respect the role of national Christian communities and their leaders in what was previously considered “the mission field.”

General Assembly offices began working with churches around the world in the spirit of partnership, turning over the reins of leadership to them and empowering the national churches to serve their communities through ministries of evangelism, health, justice, education and development. Since then the churches in Korea, China, Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Brazil, Mexico and many other countries have exploded in growth, adding millions of members to the church of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 3: In 1960 Presbyterians worked primarily through one centralized international mission agency. Today there are literally thousands of Presbyterian “mission agencies”: congregational mission committees, international presbytery partnerships, and numerous Presbyterian mission organizations. This new context requires that in addition to continuing to partner with churches around the world, Presbyterian World Mission partners with congregations and church members in the United States who are involved in God’s mission.

Good and not so good
The changes in how the church does mission have brought positive effects: more widespread involvement; increased giving; more opportunities for personal and congregational transformation.
But global partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have pointed out several problems:

• Mission efforts have become highly uncoordinated. For example, three congregations arrive at the same Central American community for a work trip.
• Mission outreach is less strategic. In a given year, for example, perhaps a hundred Presbyterian congregations take a mission trip to tourist-friendly Kenya, but only a few to neighboring Sudan, a poorer and less-evangelized nation with a longer history of relationship to the PC(USA).
• In some cases mission projects are less responsive to the needs as perceived by the local overseas community. U.S. congregations offer what they have, which is sometimes not what the partner needs.
• For more faithful and effective witness, World Mission leaders have begun to work intentionally in “communities of mission practice,” gathering and nurturing spaces of prayer, reflection, mutual learning and discipleship. A growing number of mission networks, international presbytery partnerships and other programs provide concrete examples of this emerging phenomenon.

Critical global issues
The rising tide of collaboration comes none too soon: in this age of rapid globalization the causes of poverty and injustice often reach across national borders. To truly make a difference, Presbyterians must coordinate their work with each other and with the church’s global partners.

In many cases global partners are unable to address the root causes of particular problems in their countries without the witness and advocacy of U.S. Christians.

For example:

• Thousands of children in Peru are discovered to have lead-poisoning because of the environmental practices of a U.S.-owned metal smelter.
• U.S. “free trade” policy forced Haiti to lower its tariffs on rice, opening up that impoverished nation to a flood of cheap U.S. rice — subsidized by U.S. taxpayers — effectively destroying all incentive for Haitian farmers to grow rice.
• Women and children in many countries are routinely lured away from their communities in search of a job, but can wind up ensnared in the global web of human trafficking.

Presbyterians are increasingly aware that God’s mission is not dependent on the World Mission offices— nor is it independent of them. Rather this third chapter of mission history is one of profound inter-dependence, where all members of the body of Christ bring to the common table all they have and offer it to God’s mission. Presbyterians doing mission as the body of Christ can testify, “We’re better together!”

Hunter Farrell is director of World Mission for the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). With his wife, Ruth, and their three children, he worked for 15 years as a mission co-worker in Congo and Peru.

Published in Presbyterians Today magazine, May 2010.

*Robert Priest, Effective Engagement in Short-term Missions: Getting It Right! (Pasadena: William Carey Press, 2008).

The above article was sent to us from,
Dennis A. Smith
dennis.smith@pcusa.org

PCUSA Enlace Regional, Brasil y Cono Sur, Misión Mundial
PCUSA Regional Liaison, Brazil and Southern Cone, World Mission
PCUSA Representante Regional, Brasil e Cone Sul, Missão Mundial

Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.pcusa.org/worldmission

Cristo Rey Prayers

Dear sisters and brothers,

Good Afternoon.

We write because we hear from Huanta that there is a need to pray for the Cristo Rey Church. There is a church there, Genesis, that used to belong to the IEPRP. They have been trying for many years to say that the Cristo Rey property also belongs to them. They want to confiscate it. Tomorrow morning the issue will be decided by a judge. The faithful people at Cristo Rey say it is all in the hands of God.

Saludos de Sara y Rusty

Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Coordinadores de Alianzas y Delegaciones con las Iglesias Reformadas de Perú
http://www.puentesperuanos.org/

Pastor Santos' Update 8

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Pastor Santos is making steady progress. Last Friday, the oral surgeon attached wires that will temporarily hold his jaw in place while the bones knit together in the proper position. He will have weekly follow-up appointments for the next six weeks. Santos is well enough now that Norma and Karis plan to return home to Lima early next week so that Karis can go back to school.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Santos recovery. Please pray also for traveling mercies for Norma and Karis as they fly home next week.

Blessings in Christ,

Grace Swartz

Prayers For Perú

Dear 2011 Perú Mission Team:

On Sunday, April 10, 2011, a general election to elect the 94th President of Perú was held. Since no one candidate received over 50% of the vote, a runoff election between the two candidates receiving the most votes (Keiko Fujimori and Ollanta Humala) will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2011.

Both candidates come with a lot of baggage and are political unknowns. Here is a link to an article in The Miami Herald that will help provide a general overview of the candidates and the uncertainty surrounding them.

Brenda Paredes has asked for prayers for this election, that the best candidate to lead Perú for the next five years will be elected.

Thanks.

Randy

August Mission

Beloved brother in Christ,

Receive my greetings from my wife and children in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  By the grace of the Lord, all the family and brothers here are well.

As you know my work now requires a lot of responsibility and time, but all is well.  I am grateful especially to the church and to Sharon Presbyterian for the unconditional love for myself and family.  Thank God, for all I have received is a gift from him.

I see you brother Randy as my spiritual father.  I was taught to love our neighbor, love the Church of Christ and do things for love, which I can never get away from.

I often think of Charlotte while I am here in Huanta.  Coming to Sharon Church was by the mercy of the Lord.  Now, I hope we will be united again in August.  We will be uniting our love and our forces for our brothers.

I am writing to apologize and promise to correspond more frequently.  As you know, I am very busy visiting neighboring churches of the presbytery to give them support.

The National President of the Presbyterian Church has suffered a traffic accident and is in recovery time.  As Vice President, I assumed this responsibility and I am coordinating the activities of the National Assembly Presbyterian Church.  June 17 and 18, I will have a meeting with the women and their husbands of the Hunata Presbytery.  June 28 and 29, I will have a visit with 3 priests in Huancavelica.

I send greetings and hugs to your wife Sherry, Sarita, Connie and Van.  Also, greetings to all the members of Sharon Church, may God continue to bless you greatly.

Your brother in Christ.
PS. Samuel Montes Sinforoso

Has Your Perú Packing Begun?!

Check the remaining days to the right.  Looks like you have plenty of time...  right?  But, if you deduct for:

• Holidays
• Work
• Weddings
• Sleep
• Movies
• Shopping
• Meals
• Concerts
• Meetings
• Anniversaries
• Birthdays
• Weekends
• Family Reunion
• Vacations
• Doctor Appointments
• Sporting Events
• Graduations
• A Day At The DMV
• Renewing Passport
• Shots & Vaccinations
• Apathy
• Sloth
• Laziness

YOU HAVE 1 WEEK TO GET READY!

Pastor Santos' Update 7

Dear Praying Friends,

Santos is recovering well from surgery and making noticeable improvement each day. Yesterday he had a follow-up with the oral surgeon. He is not quite ready for the bands that they will use to help correct his bite. He will see this doctor again on Friday. Today, he had a good follow-up with the plastic surgeon who did the reconstruction of his eye socket and cheek bone. He will see the plastic surgeon again next week.

Thank you for your continued prayers for a strong recovery!

Grace Swartz

An Invitation For Discussion

Hunter Farrell and Karen Gadson of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be in Charlotte on Thursday, May 26, 2011. They will come to Sharon Presbyterian Church and speak about world mission on Friday, May 27, 2011.

The discussion will include how we are better together.  How Presbyterians can and need to coordinate their work with each other and with the local church's global partners through "communities of mission practice."  The critical issues that have been identified include:

• Addressing the root causes of poverty, especially as it impacts women and children
• Strengthening the capacity of the global church to witness to God's love in Christ
• Working for reconciliation in cultures of violence, including our own

Hunter Farrell is the director of World Mission for the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church. He received his B.A. in political science and Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin and his Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in cross-cultural studies. He earned his doctorate in cultural anthropology studying the impact of Peru’s political violence on the churches in an indigenous community high in the central Andes. For 10 years, Hunter and his wife, Ruth, served as mission co-workers in Peru, working to overcome poverty, in partnership with the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Before Peru, Hunter and Ruth spent five years as mission co-workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he taught Greek, New Testament exegesis and theology, and community development.

Karen Gadson is the east regional development manager for Presbyterian World Mission. She joined the denomination in September 2009, as part of a new initiative to build greater engagement in World Mission. Karen primarily works with individuals who have an affinity for World Mission, helping to build and steward their relationship in support of areas that are important to them. Karen has enjoyed a lengthy career in higher education and healthcare philanthropy, and considers this ministry with the church the perfect intersection of her professional experience and what is personally important to her in her faith and commitment to service. Karen is a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, in West Chester PA, where she has served as a deacon; a member of Bridge of Hope, a mentoring program to empower homeless and at-risk single mothers; and will be part of a mission trip in Honduras this summer, with Westminster high school youth and the Presbyterian Church of Honduras.

The session will begin with a presentation at 10:30am followed by discussion and a boxed lunch in the chapel. If you are interested in this very special event, please RSVP by Wednesday, May 25 to Bev Johnson 704-969-4441 to order your lunch.  There will be a charge to cover the cost of your lunch and different menu options are available.

View Larger Map

Pastor Santos' Update 6

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

More good news today! Santos was released from the hospital early this afternoon. He has a good bit of swelling, but that is to be expected. He has follow-up appointments scheduled with both surgeons early next week. I know you will continue to pray that he heals well without complications.

Grace Swartz
Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church

Pastor Santos' Update 5

Dear Friends in Christ,

Good news! Santos came through surgery well at around 6:30 PM and Norma has been able to see him in recovery. Both surgeons felt good about the outcome of the operations. Amazingly, if all goes well in recovery tonight, Santos will be released from the hospital tomorrow afternoon. Please pray for healing and no complications this evening and in the coming days. Norma is holding up well and has been surrounded by loving friends all day.

Praising God with you for these answers to prayer!

Grace Swartz

Pastor Santos' Update 4

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This morning at 11:45 at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Santos Buendia will have the much anticipated surgery to repair his broken jaw, cheek and eye socket. Please pray that God will guide the surgeons’ hands and that surgery will be successful in all aspects. Pray for the Lord’s comfort and peace for Santos, Norma, and Karis during this time. Surgery is expected to last about 5-6 hours.

Grace Swartz
Carriage Lane Presbyterian

Pastor Santos' Update 3

Dear Friends of Santos,

As the time for Santos’ surgery approaches this week, please pray that all details will continue to come together and that there won’t be any last minute glitches. Just today we learned of an important exam that still needs to be done before surgery. It will be taken care of on Wednesday.

The folks at CCCI who are coordinating Santos’ surgeons and hospital arrangements told me that they have never encountered challenges like they’ve faced this time when arranging care for all the children they’ve brought to the US for medical help. They assume it is spiritual warfare—with the evil one trying to interfere with care for one of God’s servants.

Please keep persevering in prayer with Santos for a successful surgery on Thursday.

Praying with you,

Grace Swartz
Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church


Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18

Pastor Santos' Update 2

We just talked to our good friends at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.  Pastor Santos Buendia's surgery is scheduled for May 19 at 11:45am at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.  The reason for the delay was the scheduling of the surgeons and operating room.  Also, it is thought that they are trying to combine multiple surgeries into one.

Pastor Santos (President of the IEPRP) was injured in an automobile accident on March 3. He and his family were brought to the U.S. from Lima with the help of Children's Cross Connection International (CCCI) and Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City, Georgia.

Please join our mission brothers and sisters by continuing to keep Pastor Santos and his family in your prayers.

Dear Friends,

Today is Santos' 60th birthday! Perhaps you'd like to help shower him with birthday wishes by email. His address is: sabuendia@gmail.com.

Blessings,
Grace Swartz
Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church

Probiotics

Mission Team:

During the past two mission trips to Peru, several participants have taken a regimen of probiotics prior, during and after the trip with much success. I can attest to having no issues during the past two trips.

This isn't medical advice so please do your own research. There are many probiotic products on the market.

I am placing an order on May 25, so if you are interested please let me know on or before May 24.

Thanks,

Randy

Prayers For Storm Victims

We add our heartfelt prayers to the thoughts of comfort for Wednesday's storm victims received from Pastor Oscar Pièrola and Sara Armstrong.  The storms caused 320 deaths so far, with most occurring in the state of Alabama.  Pastor Oscar is the Pastor of the Amen Presbyterian Church in Lima.  We thank Sara for the translation.

We can't believe the continuing destruction.

Saludos de Sara

We will be praying for the brothers who suffered the disaster in the U.S.

God bless
Ps. Oscar Piérola

Perú Mission Network Update

• A quick update on yesterdays post (below) We heard through Adrian Fernandez that Ps. Santos has flown to the US for his surgery.
• We are also sorry to hear that Debbie Horne's son Eddie passed away on Monday and his funeral will be on Saturday. Harry left for the U.S. today to accompany the family.
• The Young Adult Volunteers and Jed and Jenny are in Ayacucho for the celebration of Semana Santa. All occasions for prayer...

con cariño, Sara

Perú Mission Network

• One of our Presbyterian related missioners here in Perú, Pam McAbee with the Amazon Mission Fellowship, was married this last weekend in South Carolina to Collins McGraw. They will be living apart, for the most part, over the next year of her commitment to AMF in Iquitos. Her address is Pamela McAbee gringacharapa@hotmail.com should you wish to congratulate her.
• There is less good news for Pastor Santos Buendia. He is the President of the IEPRP and was involved in a car crash March 3. He is still awaiting reconstructive surgery on his face. The tentative date is April 29. HIs address should you wish to write is sabt@amauta.rcp.net.pe He is able to work a few hours each day but the national work of the church is hindered.

Here is an excerpt from a wonderful letter he wrote:

God in His plans has allowed us to walk this narrow path. I do not complain about anything on the contrary I feel that my Lord Jesus suffered pain greater than mine. I pray every day for our God’s grace and mercy on me. Also request our Lord to open my eyes to see my wickedness and how sinful man I am. I know he loves me. At no time have I doubted of his love and forgiveness. He has a time for my healing. I will wait for it. Not as my will, but as our Father’s will. Dear Rusty & Sara and Maria, I request your prayers for me, my family and the ministry we have in Punta Hermosa. I know that my condition is at the mercy of our Heavenly Father's will.

I hope to return soon to continue preaching the Word and helping the needy. Please share this information with others in your church because we know of their love and care for us as you do in especial way.

Sincerely your brothers and friends in Christ,
Santos & Norma

• Also for your prayer ministries, mission co-worker Debbie Horne has been in the States since December accompanying her son Eddie in a battle with cancer. She and her husband Harry (who is here in Perú) and mission co-worker Jed Koball with his wife Jenny Valles are handling the details of the Young Adult Volunteer Program. They are glad to report five new YAVs for the next term.

Saludos atentos de Sara y Rusty

Mission Project El Salvador

Dennis Grills of Sharon Presbyterian will be leaving April 15 for a mission trip to El Salvador.  Dennis will be be leading a mission group from Steele Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.  Please keep Dennis, his mission team, the families remaining here at home and mostly, the recipients of the work in El Salvador in your thoughts and prayers.

STRENGTHENING THE GETSEMANÍ COMMUNITY PROJECT

• Description  Habitat El Salvador is launching a three-year holistic project with the Getsemaní community. In addition to providing 30 housing solutions per year, this project includes the development and implementation of sustainable programs in community leadership, values education, community health, cultural exchange and microentrepreneurship. This project is a response to the poverty and the large housing deficit in the department of Ahuachapán as well as a result of Habitat El Salvador expanding its strategies to serve families through more holistic, participatory, community-focused projects.
• Methodology  From the beginning of the project, Habitat El Salvador is working directly with the community’s ADESCO board of directors, as the participation of the community leaders in this process is key to ensuring the sustainability of the results and is also an additional way to train them in project management. 

Habitat El Salvador has hired a full-time project manager with experience in community development to design and implement the project. Her first responsibility is to create a baseline of data in the community—in coordination with the ADESCO board of directors—in order to determine and measure the precise needs, as related to each project component.

The next step is for the project manager to collaborate with the ADESCO board of directors to design and subsequently implement each program, based on the baseline data. Together they will identify and invite other local organizations to contribute to the project. Furthermore, Habitat El Salvador will promote the participation of national and international volunteers in all components.

Project Components

• Community Leadership  The goal of this component is to strengthen the project management capacity of the community’s board of directors and potential new community leaders. During the first year, community leaders will attend workshops on the role of the board of directors and will conduct a self-evaluation of the board. They will then participate in a series of classes on the different phases of project management and, as a capstone experience, will work together to plan and carry out a new community project.
• Values Education   The goal of this component is to promote values, through a Christian education program for youth, in order to improve family and community relationships. Under the leadership of the nearby Presbyterian Church of Ahuachapán and other local churches, 100 community youth will have the opportunity to participate in a year-long values education and Bible study program, including a summer camp.
• Community Health  The goal of this component is to improve the conditions of reproductive health, nutrition and basic sanitation for 138 families in the community and surrounding communities. The focus is on preventative rather than curative health measures, given that this method is safer and healthier for the families in the long-term as well as more cost-effective. During the first year of the project, youth leaders will participate in a year-long course on reproductive health. Families will have the opportunity to participate in workshops on nutrition, take classes on healthy food preparation and even organize a gastronomical festival. With regard to basic sanitation, the project manager will work with families to ensure proper reuse of grey water and also vector control. Furthermore, local and international medical teams will be invited to the community to see patients.
• Cultural Exchange  The goal of this component is to promote cultural exchange among the community, the local church, international churches and Habitat El Salvador . More than a community development project, this project seeks to facilitate the development of fraternal relationships among all partners. To that end, international partners will be encouraged to visit the community on an annual basis to participate in spiritual retreats, social events and community service activities alongside community members and local church partners.
• Microentrepreneurship   The goal of this component is to promote microentrepreneurial initiatives, in order to help families improve their income. In collaboration with other institutions with experience in income-generating projects, the project manager will work with the ADESCO board of directors to establish a community solidarity fund that can help finance community members’ microentrepreneurial initiatives. This program will be designed such that it will create a domino effect of added value to the community. Community leaders will be highly trained in fund administration.
• Housing Solutions  The goal of this component is to provide a total of 90 housing solutions—30 per year for three years—for families in Getsemaní and surrounding communities who currently live in substandard housing. The standard house design measures 34 square meters and includes two bedrooms, a living/kitchen/dining room and a bathroom. All houses will be wired for electricity and will be built according to the structural safety codes of El Salvador. 

Considering the level of poverty of the partner families, the house loans will be subsidized by Habitat El Salvador between 40% and 60%, the percentage of which will be determined by a socioeconomic study of each family. As with all Habitat projects, the homeowners are required to contribute sweat equity.

Additional Resources:

2011 Lent Build Project {Strengthening Getsemaní}
Habitat For Humanity
Steele Creek Presbyterian Church

Peace,
Dennis R. Grills

Inca Empire

Photo Gallery - From National Geographic Magazine

Pastor Santos Update

Good evening,

We received the email below from Norma and Santos Buendia. We hope to visit with him this Saturday. Gracias for keeping him and his family in your prayers.

saludos de rusty y sara


Dear Sara, Rusty and Maria,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Thank you being with us during this difficult time.

Please pray for Santos.  He is still not able to talk very well.  He needs his mouth to keep preaching the gospel as our Lord gives life. Please pray for our Lord that he himself can heal their wounds. I am attaching to this email a letter giving details of his accident and the state of his healing.

With much love in Christ,
Norma

'In Christ We Are Not Alone'

MISSION PARTNERS, WORKERS IN JAPAN FEEL SUPPORTED BY PRAYERS
March 28, 2011

General Assembly Mission Council
by Judson Taylor, Communications Associate

In the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami catastrophe on March 11, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s global partners and mission co-workers have been buoyed by the transformative power and solidarity of prayer.
The Presbyterian World Mission ministry area has been in contact with several of its partner organizations and churches and with all of its mission workers in Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Messages from PC(USA) mission partners and institutions have expressed thanks and provided information about specific situations and responses. “[Your] encouragement makes us realize in Christ we are not alone,” wrote the Korean Christian Church in Japan Many tell about churches and members suffering from the disaster, refugees living in shelters, and the shortage of food, relief supplies, and fuel. But they are organizing to assess the needs and help get aid to those in the greatest need. A spokesman for the Reformed Church of Japan wrote: “We would like to be effective witnesses to the Lord in the midst of devastation.”

The United Church of Christ (Kyodan), the church the PC(USA) works most closely with, reported a number of members missing and at least one confirmed death. A staff member of a nursery school related to Iwaki Church died on the day of the earthquake while communicating with the children’s parents. Some of the churches have hosted refugees. The chapel of Shinsei Kamaishi Church in the coastal fishing city of Kamaishi was reportedly filled with mud and oil. Built in 2000, it was known as a pioneer “eco-church,” with a solar-power system and transparent glass roof.

Rev. Isamu Koshiishi, moderator of the National Christian Council in Japan (NCCJ), is thankful for the prayers of so many in the United States. He says the NCCJ’s assessing the damages and recovery will take some time, but “we have been encouraged and strengthened by the many messages of support from our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world. Our immediate request is for you to continue to keep us in your prayers as we are coordinating a network of local support for those most severely affected. At this time of our great need, we want you to know how grateful we are for your expressions of support and solidarity.”

“We are touched by your prayers,” wrote an officer of the Kyodan. Yodogawa Christian Hospital in Osaka, one of the institutions with which the PC(USA) has had a strong relationship, wrote: “Thank you so very much for your prayers. Our hospital patients and staff and their families are all safe, but our hearts ache as the earthquake disasters are spreading in other parts of Japan. We are praying for God’s protection and comfort over those people in the earthquake-affected areas.”