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.

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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