15 Peruvians of 2010

15 Peruvians of culture and leadership that not only shape Lima and Peru but continue to be positive international examples. Link

Christmas Newsletter 2010

Hola desde Peru

Today in Lima it is warm with bright sunshine. A perfect day for celebrating Christmas in Peru.  Link to our Christmas letter with news of how we enjoyed 2010.

Feliz Navidad y prospero Año Nuevo!

Saludos de Sara y Rusty

Christmas Wishes

I know it doesn't seem like we've posted much in the past few weeks, but rest assured there has been quite a few things being done behind the scenes.

• Tags, maps and captions for the hundreds of mission pictures are being added.  Still more to come.
• Cutting, hauling and trimming this year's Christmas tree.
• Keeping track of that pesky partridge in a pear tree.
• The 2 turtle doves have escaped numerous times.  Ugh!
• Trying to keep the 3 french hens supplied with worms...  I'm still not sure if they understand english.
• There are colly (black) birds all over the place...  I guess we only need 4 though...  right?
• 5 gold rings!  Who can affort that!?
• I tried to "borrow" 6 laying geese...  and about got shot by the owner!
• Security at the park would not let me get close to the 7 swimming swans.
• Eight maids milking...  could not find but 1...  and she has a bad attitude!
• Nine drummers drumming?  How much is that gonna cost?
• Ten pipers piping!  How 'bout one guy with a bagpipe?!
• Eleven ladies dancing.  Does eleven ladies doing Zumba count?
• Do you think it would be OK to replace the 12 lords leaping with 12 guys that jump around a lot?

Merry Christmas!

Amani Children’s Foundation

Help Sharon Presbyterian support orphans in Kenya by purchasing jewelry.  Sharon Presbyterian has partnered with the Amani Children’s Foundation to help support orphans in Kenya.  Kenyan women make the beads and the seconds are donated to the Amani  Children’s Foundation. The Foundation distributes the beads to churches to be made into jewelry. The jewelry is then sold to the community to raise funds to support six orphanages.

The Amani Children’s Foundation is a nondenominational Christian organization located in Winston Salem which began after a husband and wife returned from the Kenyan mission field.  Although Sharon Presbyterian just started making and selling jewelry from these African beads, we have already sent $500 to the Amani Children’s Foundation. It takes $1,000 a year to support one baby for an entire year.

If you want more information about the Amani Children’s  Foundation, you can find it on line at http://www.amanichildren.org/.

Anniversary

A special occasion that was celebrated on November 14. It was the fourth anniversary of the Amen Presbyterian Church in Lima. The Amen Presbyterian Church is a vibrant and welcoming church that meets in the living / dinning area of an existing home. Even though the church is small, the love of the members is a testament to the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Since 2007, Connie Dale has made glass crosses for the mission teams to present as gifts to foreign churches on behalf of Sharon Presbyterian Church.

The cross presented to the Amen Presbyterian Church was hung during the anniversary celebration on November 14. A special thank you to Brenda Paredes for providing the picture.

Room In The Inn

Who are the homeless?

One way to find out is to spend a little time with our homeless neighbors, hear their stories, listen to their dreams... just as we would with a new neighbor.

Room In The Inn, a seasonal overflow shelter, provides such an opportunity. Sponsored by the Urban Ministry Center, Sharon Church will again host up to twelve homeless neighbors every Friday night starting December 3 through March 25. While providing our guests with a warm, safe place to sleep is the primary goal, the stories that are shared and the laughs enjoyed during dinner and Bingo make for a more understanding relationship with a homeless person, at least for one night. It takes a lot of volunteers to make this ministry work, set-up assistance, drivers, meal preparers/servers, overnight hosts, and clean-up assistance.

Please call David Beers (704-552-2201) or email (dbeers22@bellsouth.net) if you have interest or questions; detailed instructions for specific assignments can be sent to you before you commit. The events also have been added to the calendar below.

Connecting With Friends From Huanta, Peru

Thank you for hosting the meeting of the Peru Mission Network this month. We really enjoyed seeing the members who have been to Peru and who have been such a blessing to the people of Huanta. We also learned a huge amount from other participants and from the chance to listen with calm and quiet to Pastor Samuel Montes. We were delighted to meet other members and enjoy our time in Charlotte. Thank you for including so many of us in worship. We look forward to being with next year’s team and to working together in service and witness to Jesus Christ.

Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I give great thanks to each of you for the opportunity to visit the beautiful Sharon Presbyterian Church. My time with you is engraved upon my memory forever; an unforgettable experience and learning of the larger family of Christ and above all, the love of my brothers and sisters in the United States. May God continue to bless each of you.

Samuel Montes, Presbytery of Huanta Peru

Our Last Western North Carolina Mission Trip

Summary of the September Western NC Mission Trip... gutters were replaced, a sagging deck was stabilized, a leaking mobile home roof was covered with sealant, and a back door and frame were rebuilt. That’s what the participants of the recent Western NC Mission Trip were privileged to do through the “Step By Step” Ministry in Clyde, NC. For five years our church has worked closely with this ministry led by Tony Oberley, Contractor, and Jackie Bolden, Case Worker and Volunteer Coordinator. This is a non-profit organization that has helped with home repairs for those who are disabled and or elderly. As of the end of this year, the doors of Step By Step will be closing due to lack of funds. Many have benefited from their extensive contracting skills, compassion and

generosity, and we will miss the opportunity of working with them. The World Service Ministry will be looking for new ways to domestically serve in a similar manner. We will keep you updated!

by Phyllis Acton

Western N.C. Mission Pictures

Big Pink

When my husband Rob and I were married last November, my mom sent us luggage as a gift. But, it’s my mom—so the luggage that appeared on the doorstep of our new home that fall from the L.L. Bean Company were not the typical sleek, black, roller-board cases that most reasonable folks travel with. Instead, we received two huge duffel bags with insane wheeling contraptions that make them easy to wheel through airports but also amazingly squish-able as well. The best part of all—mine is a very discreet bright pink, plaid with my new initials ‘TJW’ embroidered on the side. Mom does not do sleek, black roller board—and so therefore, neither do I.

Currently, the pink, plaid, wheeling duffel bag resides in the middle of our living room floor. It’s nearly empty—and it’s 2 weeks since I returned home from Huanta, Peru. The other night I attempted, for the third time, to finish unpacking my bag. It’s growing mildly ridiculous that there are still dirty clothes in there, all this time later. But this morning as I ran out the door for church, I noticed again, the Big Pink on the floor—still partially full.

I have a major problem—and I guess it’s finally time to admit it. If I finish unpacking the Big Pink, it’s over. If I wash the pungent smell of wood stove, spiced tea, freshly baked bread, and mountain air out of those clothes—then I’m really home. If they remain in that bag, then somehow, some part of me is still with my brothers and sisters in Huanta.

If I wash the blue sweater that I wore to worship on Tuesday night—then I fear I’ll no longer actually be in that tiny sanctuary, singing, praying, laughing—worshipping a God that I’ve never felt so close to before. I won’t be holding hands with sisters who carry their children in brightly colored blankets on their backs and prepare spiced tea and soda crackers and serve them with so much humble pride that it feels as it is a 5-course dinner.

If I un-bunch my yellow paint shirt and throw it in with the Tide, the stains might still be there but the detergent odor will take over and the sweet, sweaty mountain smell from our long days of work will be replaced. Sure, other folks may actually benefit from this shift in scents, but it will mean that we’ve actually completed all of our church pews. It will mean that the pews really have been picked up by Elders from rural churches, in two Presbyteries, who walked hours to come pick them up only to walk hours to carry them to their home churches. It means, too, that now their brothers and sisters will have a place to sit come this Sunday or Tuesday or Thursday night.

I’ve convinced myself that if I wash the brown cardigan currently squished into the side pocket of the Big Pink, then early morning walks through the mountain town, the sweet smell of wood fires burning, the overnight sounds of scrappy dog fights in the back alley, the 3 am rooster call, the garbage man bell, the smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of luscious tangerines, the touch of old, gnarled hands holding mine tightly through evening worship, and the sight of old friends embracing and not letting go—will all actually be finished.

And the truth is… I just can’t bear for these endings to be real.

I’ve resolved to allow the Big Pink one more week in the middle of the floor and then Rob and I have to pack up and move everything from our home—so something will have to be done with the bag’s contents. Each time I walk out the front door this coming week, I will remember to thank my Mom for sending luggage that it’s impossible to miss on the airport conveyer.

I will continue praying each night for the chance to return to Huanta, Peru—but perhaps more importantly, I will pray that I might live each day like I’m still there—to work hard, worship, pray, study in the Lord’s name, and then to enjoy amazing fellowship with brothers and sisters that the Lord has so graciously given to me.

I pray that you, too… will live each day in the humble way that Jesus Christ has called you. How will your actions today define what kind of world we live in tomorrow?

Jesus is Risen-He is Risen Indeed. So what will we do now?

Theresa Wolf
Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries
Port Orange Presbyterian Church

Kaitlin In Perú

Being given the opportunity to travel to Peru this past summer was truly the opportunity of a lifetime. Before the trip, I really didn’t know what to expect, but our time there was better than anything I could’ve imagined! The people we met there and the team from Sharon Presbyterian that we partnered with were just incredible. Each person we met on our “journey” had his or her own story to tell, with a common thread of strong faith that brought us all together.

In our twelve-day trip, we visited at least six churches, and traveled to three cities. During this trip, we got the chance to work with many different people and build our goal of 150 benches to be used as pews in the churches of the presbytery of Tambo. We worked, ate, laughed, and shared stories together. While I feel that we helped and made a difference with our ministry, I have realized that the people of Cristo Rey church along with the others we visited have helped me in a much greater sense. They showed me what it means to be a true disciple and made us a part of their family in Christ. I miss them already and hope that I will be able to return next year and for many years to follow!

-Kaitlin Lyons

From The Road...

Thank you, Sharon Presbyterian, for helping me to experience Huanta, Peru. Thank you for allowing me to see Christ in a completely new way. The following are a few of my journal entries from the road—in Peru.

August 2, 2010 Day 4 7:15 amYesterday we flew from Lima to Ayacucho. We left our hotel in Lima at 3 am and our flight departed from Lima at 5:30. We arrived in Ayacucho at 7 and squished our 21 suitcases (filled with our luggage and donations) and 18 people all into a van meant for 15—Huanta or bust!

We worshipped at Cristo Rey Church soon after we arrived. It was so beautiful to see some of the members get so excited to see the folks from Sharon Presbyterian—so amazing to watch them smile and laugh together. It felt like a huge family reunion and our little group from Port Orange was like a new wife getting to meet everyone for the first time and feeling like part of the family immediately…

I sensed the spirit so strongly in worship yesterday. We shared the Lord’s Supper together….With all of the people around the table, with translations of the message in Quechua language, Spanish, and English—it seriously seemed like we were really remembering our Lord. It overwhelmed me profoundly and I wept for much of the service—I think it might have been for me, one of the times of my life when I actually felt Jesus—when it actually felt like He was really in the sanctuary.

We stayed and visited with worshippers from 2 years old through 85. We ate an amazing lunch—that Julia prepared in a kitchen that is so humble only truly amazing food come out of it. I feel a deep need to help in the kitchen this week but do not want to be in the way…

After lunch we walked through the street market, and all I could think to do was to smile at the vendors as they stared at us gringos in wonder. The people here truly smile. They smile real smiles that somehow equate hope to me. I pray that I am representing Christ in some small way here. I don’t know how, but I pray that I can….

We ended our long day with an orientation from Rusty and Sara [our PC(USA) Missionary Worker leaders] who are so intriguing…We learned brief history, culture, church stuff—and I was totally captivated. I just can’t fathom that 20-30 years ago this was a place of war and chaos. 60,000 people lost their lives in terrorist vs government struggle. I don’t understand the whole thing but I desperately want to know more. The people of this region have so much to offer, and I have a deep longing to know more….

Supper… a cold shower J and much needed rest.
Today is a day that God made—and what a day it’s going to be!

August 3, 2010 Day 5 7:05 amThe smell of wood fire permeates the air. It is sweet and pungent and makes me long to stay for many days… I’m sitting outside my room on a green couch watching the orange fruit tree in front of me grow, and I’m gazing at the mountain in the background. My feet are resting on the squeaky, wooden slats that are the base of the porch and the air is cool and yet comforting all at once.

There is no proper way to describe the relationship I’ve been observing between Sharon Presbyterian and Presbytery of Huanta…. What amazing people to learn from. I continue to be in awe each moment. It’s hard to get my head around the sense of Christ I feel through this relationship. Randy [our team leader from Sharon Presbyterian, Charlotte, NC] is a man of God, and I so thankful to have the chance to learn from him…

I talked with Orlando [a leader and teacher from Iglesia Presbiteriana Cristo Rey, Huanta] at great length yesterday while we waited for our church pew supplies to arrive. It was amazing to learn about the Bible Institute, of his life coming to Christ, and his work here at the church and at the little Christian radio station next store. I am particularly interested in the Bible Institute and the style of training that they’ve created to lift up lay leaders in the church….

August 4, 2010 Day 6 7:15 amThis morning’s morning walk with Brother Van was so refreshing. He is such an amazing man—and amazing witness for Christ. I love spending time with him and learning from him.

Yesterday we finished building benches for the churches of Huanta and Tombo Presbyteries. We concluded our evening with a moto-ride to worship at another church in our neighborhood. We sang and listened for God’s word… What an amazing experience to simply worship together as one people. It feels just like God intends. I very much want to learn Spanish… I feel so… it’s just unexplainable how overwhelmed with joy I feel.

Our walk home from church… the Milky Way galaxy in the sky… wow!

Monday, August 10, 2010 Final Day 10:00 pmI’m in the airport in Lima waiting to board the flight back to Atlanta and then on to Orlando. Part of me is ready to get back to whatever the future at home holds in store—but another large part of me longs to return to Huanta, learn Spanish and Quechua and remain here for a while to learn and grow in a new way as a believer.

This voyage has far exceeded any dream I could have imagined… This trip has been no small event in my life. I pray that I will allow the people and places of this time to continue to shape my world view. I can’t wait to return to my new family here sometime soon…

Theresa Wolf
Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries
Port Orange Presbyterian Church

Remembering Huanta

As I stepped outside the walls of the Cristo Rey Church in Huanta on Friday night, I realized something. Yet before that moment, I thought that I had experienced the feeling before. I thought that I knew everything there was to know about that emotion. I had no idea.

What the Peruvians of Cristo Rey Church taught me that night was the feeling of love. Yes, I saw examples of it throughout the week, but on Friday, August 6th, 2010, it hit me.

That afternoon, some of the kids went with us to Cristo Blanco. They went, but without their parents. Their parents let their children go with people from another country to Cristo Blanco. To know that the Peruvians trust us like that was breath taking. There is no word to describe how I felt that afternoon.

That evening we had a potluck dinner at the church. It was our last night in Huanta. The thought of having to say goodbye to all of my Peruvian brothers and sisters was very upsetting. We played games, sang songs, and then we had a ceremony. The Peruvians gave us handmade crafts. They even remembered to include Rose, who was unable to make the trip. Then, they passed the microphone around for all of the Gringos to say a few words. I was tearing up the whole time, and when the microphone got to me, I couldn't put my thoughts into words. After that, we ate dinner that the ladies of the church prepared for us. It was amazing. I could not believe that they spent all that time cooking for us. But as I was looking around the room, I knew that we were one family. One family in Christ.

Then, the hard part came. Goodbyes. I was already crying from our mini-speeches, but I couldn't hold any tears back. It was impossible. As I made my way away around the room, I was grateful for every hug and kiss I was receiving. It was truly a blessing. This year, it took me a little longer to say my goodbyes. Most of the Gringos had left by the time I even made it outside. But as I was standing there in a circle that consisted of Brenda, my dad, Millie, Luz, me and a few others, I could feel an overpowering sense of love.

Anthony, a young boy from the church, was standing near my dad. My dad had told Anthony to take care of himself and that he would see him next year. But, Anthony wouldn't look at him. That's when my dad put his hands on Anthony's shoulders and he turned around with tears streaming down his cheeks. I was heartbroken. To know that he was as emotional about us leaving as we were was reassuring. We were in the right place. We were home.

As I walked down the empty streets of Huanta that night, I thanked God for everything-our safe travels, our outstanding Gringo group, and most of all-the chance to meet, worship, and spend time with my brothers and sisters in Huanta, Peru.

Sarita Ross

God's Mission Matters

Just be there!Being, not doing: do we have to “accomplish” anything?February 15, 2010

By Hunter Farrell
“abide in love, abide in God” (1 John 4.16)
I have a confession to make: when I look into the eyes of human need around the world — hunger and domestic violence, child trafficking and racial discrimination, war and corruption — sometimes it makes me feel hopeless.

The first tinge of despair in the face of overwhelming need can quickly push me to my tried and true default setting: “DO!” I shift into overdrive to assess the need, develop strategies, seek allies, and problem-solve — to busy myself so that I don’t sink deeper into the painful realization that the world and all its problems are much more than we can ever change.

Oftentimes, when I’m engaging in mission, I feel this need to shift into “DO mode”: compelled to impose my agenda, to fill in the awkward silence when I don’t know what to say next, and silence the growing voice within me that says I can’t even begin to make a difference in this frighteningly complex and different context. It’s then that I recall Jesus’ example, try to set the tasks of mission aside, and ask myself, “What would Jesus do here?”

Often, the answer is right in front of me: he’d be playing soccer with the kids, listening to the recently fired workers grieve the loss of their jobs and livelihood, sitting beside the mother whose son has gone off to war: he would embody Emmanuel, God with us, and invite me to be that presence in the world. Jesus would just be there; being, not doing or trying, to necessarily, “accomplish” something.

Tuesday / Perú & U.S.

The experiences and memories on a mission trip are as varied as the people that participate. We get to know each other in a different atmosphere and a different country. While some members thrive on the camaraderie, some are reserved and stoic. Some are excited in the moment and a few relate and share their emotions after contemplation. If we enjoyed the trip or not, we all are better for participating. We understand that we can't change the world with just one trip or two or even nine. But, we hope that we have created a relationship with others that will spread the love and understanding of Jesus Christ through churches in Bryson City, Port Orange, Charlotte and a few special churches in Peru.

We just talked to Donna Ketchledge of Port Orange Presbyterian Church. Everyone from the POPC team has arrived safely back home. After some much needed rest... I'm sure the stories of our recent trip will begin!

Praises be to God for a wonderful trip!

Thanks to ALL!

wvd

Monday / Perú & U.S.

Our apologies to everyone for not posting more often. It seems that Peru is a country that is very much in transition. Using and accessing the Internet is no exception. Each and every Internet cafe was overwhelmed with people that were wanting to connect with friends, loved ones or play online games. So, the bottom line is... We just couldn't get online much of the time... or at least we were not able to create a post.

Thank you and may God bless everyone for a wonderful trip.

Sunday / Ayacucho & Lima

Sunday was the time of our trip that was bittersweet. We were going home soon but, sadly we would be saying goodbye to many of our good friends. A few, we would not be able to see for whole year.

We had to get up very early for our flight from Ayacucho to Lima. The flight was rather uneventful. But, the beautiful views of the Andes in the early morning are always breathtaking.

We arrived in Lima and boarded our bus to take us to the Amen Presbyterian Church. As we arrived at the church, the anticipation and excitement of both groups was apparent (even the local dogs began barking). The mission team was greeted warmly with hugs and kisses all around. A wonderful brunch was served to everyone before worship began.

I must apologize about the mixup with the Skype call to Sharon Presbyterian. It seems that with the differences in languages, scheduling and in time... it just didn't work out. We will be ready next time.

After church, the mission group returned to the city for lunch and a few hours of shopping.

With the early evening came the time that most knew was coming but no one dared talk about... The 2010 Peru Mission team had to split up and go their separate ways. First, the group from Port Orange needed to be dropped off at their hotel. They would be staying in Lima an extra day before their return to the U.S. From the moment we met the POPC group, we knew we would grow to love them... and we did.

After a brief stop for Chinese food came the next time for sad goodbyes. Our bus dropped off Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson near their apartment. We had depended on Sara and Rusty to guide us though another spiritual journey to Peru. And once again they did not disappoint us. Every time we travel to Peru, we meet friends and confidants that we hope we will never lose track of. Sara and Rusty have been a inspiration to us and we all are better people for meeting them.

Finally we had to say goodbye to our friend, sister, and daughter Brenda. Departing was very sad because once again we saw the differences in cultures and the cost of security. Brenda and her family were not allowed to join us inside the airport because they did not have airplane tickets. Because of security no one is allowed in the Lima airport without tickets. So, with all of the excitement, confusion, bags, and people, we were not able to say our proper goodbyes to our dear Brenda. Quick hugs and quick goodbyes gave way to the hustle and confusion the airport interior. Tickets were searched for and bags zipped up to get ready for our flight home. All the while, tears were in our eyes for having to leave wonderful Peru again.

Thank you.

Saturday / Huanta, Quinua & Ayacucho

Up early for a morning walk. This morning I walked by myself through the streets of a city that was just beginning to wake up. The streets were clean and empty. The air was cool, fresh and dry. Actually the air was too cool for the shorts that I was wearing because my laundry was not yet dry from the day before. But, it was a good walk and it gave time to reflect and think about the week that we all had just experienced.
We were treated to an early breakfast and were joined by the Montes family. Sadly, now was the time to say our final goodbyes with tears and promises of our returning next year.

On the bus ride to Ayacucho we were taken on a side trip to the obelisk memorial of the Battle of Ayacucho near La Quinta. (The memorial of the 1824 Latin-American battle of independence of Peru and South America over Spain). The harrowing road was rough, narrow, high, long and unforgettable.

After visiting the memorial we visited the small and picturesque town of Quinua, Peru. It had small shops, stone streets and on this day... a wedding reception. With the celebration and inviting nature of the local Peruvian people, we all were invited to the reception. A few of us visited the wedding for just a few minutes to send our well wishes. (videos are in the picture album).
After our visit to Quinta, we were back on our way to Ayacucho. After arriving in Ayacucho, our group split up to visit different places and eventually all met at the local Indian Market. While walking to the Indian Market, among all of the cars, trucks, horns blowing, people, and musicians... someone seemed to be yelling specifically at us. As we turned, we noticed it was the family that owned the Hostel in Huanta! They were in Ayacucho visiting! Small world... even in 35,000 people!
While returning from the Indian Market, Theresa and I were almost hit by a MotorKar! It was the closest I think that I have ever been to a moving vehicle. I think the driver literally brushed the back of my pant legs as he went by! Whew!
We enjoyed an early, light dinner at the Via Via Cafe on the Plaza de Armas before returning to our rooms. We had to get up very early the next morning for our flight to Lima.

Friday / Huanta

Friday was a "light" day since the benches were completed and taken to their respective churches.

After lunch at the Cristo Rey Church, most of the group retired to a quiet area to sort all the donations. After sorting and then repacking, we had 14 full suit cases! The donations were given to each church in the Presbytery.

The soccer match was this day for the bragging rights to retain the Huanta Cup! We are sorry to report that the that the "Galloping Gringos" lost. So, the La Copa Huanta will remain in Huanta!

We enjoyed a late afternoon visit to Cristo Blanco and we celebrated Sarah Dolatowski's 16th birthday (again) with a surprise party with cake and Coke-a-Cola when we returned. A special thank you to Sarita Ross for the idea of the party, the card and "quietly" getting everyone's autograph. And thank you to Sara Armstrong for helping aquire the birthday cake. The cake was so good... we might have to get one every year!

The celebration atmosphere continued at the Cristo Rey Church in the evening with games and a wonderful potluck dinner.

Finally, what we all had been dreading since the beginning of our trip to this wonderful place. We had to say some heartfelt and very sad goodbyes to our friends at the Cristo Rey Church... until next year!

Thursday / Huanta

Theresa and I had another early morning walk that was culminated with coffee and pastries with Sara Armstrong. All of us had been lax in keeping our journals and wanted desperately to catch them up. The early mornings were a great time to sit, be quiet, think, and be thankful. Down time for reminiscing and reflection was at a premium this year.

Thursday was our final day of work and we were prepared to complete our task of assembling, sanding and painting. We only had 41 benches to left to paint and we completed them before lunch.

I must say that this day was one of the most spiritual days in recent memory. Connie had been suffering back pain since before we left Charlotte. The pain seemed to be getting worse with the walking, standing and working on the benches. This day, in fact, she was hardly able to walk and was transported by MotoKar to the church by our very good friend Gamaliel Berrocal. She didn't want to stay away from the "action" at the church. Once there, she was able to just lie on her back and watch the work going on. Many in the group were concerned of her pain and a few from the church actually wanted her to go to the hospital. I and a few others were fortunate to be asked to join the group that would pray for Connie. I couldn't understand the language from Pastor Vlado Massón but, I could feel the love, passion and spirit that was transmitted on that glorious day.

The emotional dedication and presentation of the benches to the Presbytery of Tampo was done in the late afternoon. Each church in the presbytery had a representative present. Some churches received as many as 10 benches for their church and some as few as only one. The number of benches awarded was based on the number of members. It was during this time that the members of the mission team had the honor to present to the Presbytery a number of prayer shawls on behalf of the Prayer Shawl Ministry of Sharon Presbyterian Church. The Prayer Shawl Ministry has provided shawls for warmth to those that need a special prayer. The shawls reinforce the feeling of compassion and love. They also remind the wearer that someone, somewhere is praying for them in their time of need.

We had a light early dinner at Pastor Orlando's home before returning to our hotel to get ready to visit more churches within the Presbytery of Huanta.

Wednesday / Huanta

Theresa Wolf and I got up early for a walk. We walked early and we were treated to the experience of the city "waking up". The air was cool and crisp, the morning was clear and the streets had been swept clean during the night.

The whole mission group was invited to the home of Samuel Montes for breakfast. It was a warm and inviting home filled with love. The breakfast was wonderful with danish, fruit, coffee, and juices. The only thing better than the breakfast was the fellowship and hospitality of the Montes family.

We all worked hard at the Cristo Rey Church assembling, sanding and painting all of the 150 benches (except 41). We will have to complete the remaining benches Thursday by lunch because everyone will be coming to the Cristo Rey Church to pick up their benches at 3:00.

We all have had a wonderful time here in Huanta bonding with other churches and seeing our old friends. Everyone's health is fair, but a few have some bug bites and sunburns.

We hear from Luz that Pricilla wakes her siblings in the mornings by saying "THE GRINGOS ARE COMING... THE GRINGOS ARE COMING!"

Tuesday / Huanta

We found a few computers with the speed that will allow us to post. But, we were still trying to get used to a Spanish keyboard (with the lettering on the keys worn off too). Everyone's health is OK (so far) except for working too hard at 8500 ft and 20% humidity. No rain yet!

We were quickly getting to know our partners from Port Orange Presbyterian Church and Bryson City Presbyterian Church. We were honored to have them join us and share this journey together.

We completed assembling the rest of the 150 benches with sanding today! We had 2 full days of painting to do ahead of us.

In the evening, we separated into 2 groups and visited 2 different churches. These are outlying churches that we had not visited before.

Monday / Huanta

As we woke Monday morning:

• The morning sounds of the rooster crowing, the clanging of the trash men, and the church bells ringing.
• The smell of fires burning to heat water and wood stoves for warmth, the faint smell of coffee and the aroma of the orange tree just outside our door.
• The feel of the chill in the air and the very low humidity.

All help us remember the Huanta, Perú that we missed so much.
This day was a big step in the spiritual journey for each of us. As we had our morning devotions, many of us thought of the planning and dedication that has gone into this trip. We all are fortunate and blessed to have leaders Randy Ross, Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson that are so devoted to these mission trips. This trip and the following days of our week would be a culmination of a year of planning.

The day progressed into the afternoon and as we finished our workday, we had completed assembling 43 benches. On my way back to the hotel, I reflected on how much everyone had put their lives on hold to accomplish our goal. As I walked quietly and with my eyes tearing up, I gave thanks to God... it's great to be back.

Sunday / Lima, Ayacucho & Huanta

I must thank Gemetta Stanford for sending a post to let everyone know we had made it to Lima safe and sound. I was not able to post on the hotel computer because of firewalls. We were able to check and send emails, but when we tried to post, we were shut down. Also, adding to my predicament were my limited amount of sleep, the complications of travel, the computer in Spanish, the computer keyboard in Spanish and most of all... my lack of Spanish.

Up at 2:30AM! We needed to be at the Lima airport by 3:30AM! We flew from Lima to Ayacucho and then a 1½ hour bus ride to Huanta for Sunday services at the Cristo Rey Church. We were blessed for Brenda to be able to join us on the flight to Ayacucho and on to Huanta. Our thoughts and prayers were still with Rose Boelke and her mother's health. We missed her terribly.

When we arrived at the church in Huanta, it was so wonderful to be back with our Peruvian brothers and sisters. It was almost as though we had never left. All of the planning, packing, traveling, and aggravation had been worth it. We joined our brothers and sisters with hymns in Quechua, the Sermon in Spanish, English and Quechua, and we received the bread and the cup of Communion. We were home again... with God's people... in God's house.

After the spiritual morning of seeing the sun come up over the horizon of the Andes and worshiping with our hosts, we returned to our home away from home the Hostal "La Posada del Marques" to rest and unpack. A few returned to the church later to play volleyball. In the early evening the group got together to talk and receive an orientation.

Good Pizza for dinner.

Theresa didn't have any hot water in her shower... he he... I had plenty.

Saturday / Lima & Nuevo Ayacucho

After very little sleep we were up early for our bus trip to see our freinds at the Nuevo Ayacucho Church. The trip was longer than I had remembered (since I was asleep last time). We received a warm and spiritual welcome from the ladies of the Nuevo Ayachucho Church. I say ladies because the men were away working. For some unknown reason, everyone was notified that we would not be visiting this year.

We were all worried that we have not heard any news from Brenda about her condition. We learned that we must be patient and put our faith in our Lord.

We all need to be concious (and thankful) of the impact of our visits to Perú have made on us and on others. On the return trip to Lima, Sara Armstrong mentioned that Samuel Montes had stated to her "that if we can come this far to visit Perú... then he can buy a car and visit others close to Huanta."

Later in the evening we heard the good news that Brenda would be joining us at the airport for the trip to Ayacucho the following morning!

Glory to God!

Friday / Lima

We were treated to a band playing Latin music next door last night. The only problem was that they didn't quit until 2:30AM! Actually the band was good. It could have been worse if the band was bad.

We were up fairly early with Brenda and I walking to the corner store to buy fresh bread for breakfast. The breads and pastries here in Perú are wonderful!

I made the mistake of taking a Hydrocodone pill for my back and foot pain in the morning. (I'LL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN). Most of the morning was a haze and my head didn't stop spinning until around noon. It made the kamikaze Lima traffic a little more relaxing though. Ha!

The day's schedule was a light one. We walked around the center of Lima playing tourist by visiting the President's Palace to watch the changing of the guard and some shopping.

We returned home after lunch with Brenda not feeling well. She decided to lie down for the afternoon while Connie and I packed for our trip to Huanta. Some of the luggage that Connie and I had brought were gifts to the Amen Presbyterian Church, so those bags could stay at the Paredes' home until we returned on the following Sunday.

We were all excited to see the rest of the group from Port Orange, Bryson City, and Sharon. We had left for the airport early in order to visit with Samuel and Julia Montes, Sara Armstrong, and Rusty Edmondson. As we were at the airport we heard that Brenda would not be joining us that night or the following day. She was taken to the hospital with an bacterial infection. We learned later that she was kept at the hospital for the night with IVs. We all prayed for Brenda and quietly hoped she would be able to join us for the trip to Huanta on Sunday.

As the evening hours wore on, our group finally started coming out of the secure area at the airport. Hugs were all around, as we saw old friends and met new ones. We in Lima were treated to a surprise that Phyllis Acton was able to join us again this year! But, in the back of our minds was the heartache that Brenda and Rose Boelke were not with us. Our thoughts and prayers were with both of them.

We stayed the night in Lima at the Casa Kolping Guest House and with all the excitement, bus ride and amount of luggage... we made it to bed around 2:00AM!

I must take this time to thank the Paredes family for allowing Connie and I to disrupt their daily lives and welcoming us into their wonderful home. They had spent untold hours making their home a comfortable and inviting place for us to visit. I hope someday we will be able to return their hospitality. Thank you very much.

Thursday / Lima

We woke on Thurday morning to bands playing in the streets. Many neighborhoods have small parades with local children, banners, flags, and sometimes a car or two. The Peruvians are proud of their heritage and love to celebrate their Independence for several days.

After having a pancake breakfast at the Paredes' home cooked by Connie... (yes, cooked by Connie), we were starting to settle into a daily routine with our hosts. Because of the large amount of donations that we had brought, Connie and I didn't pack much in the way of personal clothes. Creative planning of the attire/laundry schedule had to be done often wherever we stayed. So, today was laundry day.

We head from our friend Luis that the computers were DONE! Nelson (Miriam's brother) agreed to meet Luis and pick up the laptops on this day. Thank you to both.

In the early evening, we joined the Paredes family for a trip to the water park in the center of Lima. At the water park, there was music, dancing and vendors of all kinds. With the Independence celebrations continuing, the smells, sights and sounds of this city were proof of just how large of a city Lima was.

On our way home, we stopped at Channy's for dinner. It was one of Brenda's favorite neighborhood restaurants for roasted chicken. mmmm!

Wednesday / Lima

Happy Independence Day!

On this day, we met our friend Luis Cordova. Luis lived in Lima and had agreed to change the programing of all the computers that we brought to Spanish. The laptop computers were loaded with the Windows operating system in English. For convenience to our hosts, Luis had agreed to load the operating system Linux in Spanish. We were grateful for his knowledge and to Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson for their recommendation.

Later, we attended the San Pablo Church in Lima to celebrate Independence Day. (San Pablo is the mother church of the Amen Presbyterian Church). Connie and I joined the band from the Amen Presbyterian Church and sang our song!

We were also treated to a sermon by Robert Woodson. Robert and his wife Shirley came to Perú in 1965 with the PCA. (After mentioning to Sara Armstrong about who preached this day, she said that Mr. Woodson will be retiring this year, after 45 years of service in Perú. They will return to the U.S. and live in Atlanta). After the service, all attending the celebration were treated to a church luncheon.

Lucky us... later that evening we were treated to dinner at Rodizio!

Tuesday / Lima

We woke up to horns and banging early this morning. We soon realized that it was the alert for trash pickup.

We had a great morning breakfast at the Paredes' home with the usual household chores that needed to be done. We washed clothes and hung them on the line, but we were not sure how long it will take for them to dry in this cool, overcast weather. Oh well... we just had to wait and see.

The celebrations for Independence Day had begun with what sounded like guns going off or loud firecrackers... ummm we were not sure. Parades were in almost every street and neighborhood. Music was everywhere!

We were told by Brenda in the morning that the Dales would be singing with her band at the San Pablo Church in Lima on WEDNESDAY?! WHAT?! SINGING?! So, we were off to practice at the Amen Presbyterian Church.

After the much needed practice, we returned home to a wonderful lunch of Ahi de Gelina with (a special) hot sauce for Van... Whew! Thank you Miriam!

After lunch, we were off to the city to visit the Fair Trade Store, Independence services at the San Pablo Church and then... you guessed it... we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant before heading home for the evening.

Monday / Lima

It rained last night in Lima! Well... not really rain but a heavy mist. We were up early for a breakfast date with Brenda's mother and her extended family. It was a wonderful experience to meet all of her family with hugs, laughter and tears.

I WILL NEVER DRIVE IN LIMA! The traffic there was beyond belief. With so many cars, trucks, motorcycles and people... there was just too much for the police to keep up with. Everyone just seemed to police themselves.

We enjoyed lunch for the whole family at Siam Thai. I think there is only a couple of Thai restaurants in Lima. This one is goooood!

We had heard about the unusual weather in the highlands. We were going to be around 8500ft on Saturday. Even though the local people were used to cool weather, they were not accustomed to bitter cold. Because of the bitter cold, the streams in the open pastures where many Llamas graze were freezing over. Many young Llamas were dying because of the cold and lack of drinking water.

Sunday / Lima

We were treated to a warm and spiritual Sunday morning service with communion at the Amen Presbyterian Church in Lima. The small church is in the district of Carabayllo, north of the main city of Lima. The Amen Church has around 28 members, with about 20 members attending on this Sunday.

After the service we enjoyed a lunch of seafood and cerviche at Choza Nautica in Lima. In the afternoon, the Paredes family and the Dales returned home to unpack, catch up on some rest, answer the many emails of questions and good wishes, a Skype call or two, and looking at maps to plan our upcoming week. Sabastien (Brenda's 5 year old brother) was shy, but he was getting accustomed to us being at the Paredes home. That afternoon, he finally started to talk and talk and talk...

In the early evening we returned to the city for dinner at Pikalo's, were we had roasted chicken, skewers of local meat and papas fritas!

Saturday / Charlotte, Atlanta & Lima

We were able to leave Charlotte this morning after a good breakfast at our favorite restaurant for home cooking, the Tryon House on Old Pineville Road. We were grateful to Randy Ross for all of his help in getting us to the airport.

At the Charlotte airport, we waited in line to check our bags and then another line for the security check. Our flight from Charlotte to Atlanta was delayed one hour until we were able to board our plane. Once in our plane we were treated to another 30 minute wait on the tarmac. When we were allowed to finally take off, the the first leg of our journey to Perú 2010 began.

A note to Kathryn Ross: The mission shirts you dyed were fantastic. I had a few comments while walking around in the Charlotte and Atlanta airports. Not only did some say that they liked the shirt, but they actually inquired about our mission in Perú. Many thanks!

Arrival in Lima was around 12:00AM Charlotte time. We had to wait an eternity in the immigration line and then we were allowed to collect our bags. The total of our bags contained over 250 lbs of luggage and donations! For the first time since traveling to Perú, Connie and I got the "Red Light" exiting the Lima airport. Both of us were detained while our bags were scanned and then hand searched. WOW!

Finally able to walk out and greet our hosts made all of the waiting in lines, the 8 hours on stifling planes, the dragging and sweating with luggage, being searched, being scanned, having to deal with immigration officers, filling out customs forms, and being stuffed into a Mickey Rooney sized airplane seat worth the effort. Ah... life is good!

An 1½ hour ride north to the wonderful Paredes home and then to bed around 2:30AM.

It's wonderful to be back in Perú!

From The Ministry of World Service

Sharon Presbyterian Church is hosting the 2010 conference of the Peru Mission Network, to be held from Thursday, October 7, 2010 to Saturday, October 9, 2010 in the Chapel.

The Peru Mission Network (“PMN”) is a group of PC(USA) churches, presbyteries and individuals dedicated to fostering and promoting mutual ministry in Peru . The network’s mission statement is included below.

Scheduled conference speakers include the Reverend Hunter Farrell, the PC(USA)’s Director of World Mission and the Rev. Doctor Sherron George, the PC(USA)’s Regional Liaison and Theological Education Coordinator for South America . Also scheduled to attend the conference are Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson, the PC(USA) delegations and partnerships coordinators in Peru along with a to-be-invited official of the Evangelical Presbyterian and Reformed Church of Peru.

Volunteers are needed for airport and local transportation, lodging of conference attendees, meal preparation/serving, set-up, clean-up, etc. If you have an interest in extending a Sharon Church welcome to conference participants by volunteering or would like more information about the conference please contact Connie Dale (704-525-4658 or cjsdale@yahoo.com) or Randy Ross (704-552-5573 or mrandallross@aol.com).

Mutual Mission In Peru

“Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Peru Mission Network (PMN) is a group of Presbyterian (U.S.A.) churches, presbyteries, and individuals that fosters and coordinates mutual ministry in partnership, primarily with the Evangelical Presbyterian and Reformed Church of Peru (IEPRP), Biblical University of Latin America (UBL), Evangelical Church of Peru (IEP) and Joining Hands Network, and communicates with those involved in other mission efforts in Peru.” reads PMN's mission statement. Members are involved in evangelism (Vacation Bible School and other programs) and are concerned about medical and social justice issues. PMN will meet October 7–9 at Sharon Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Members will hear from a Peru pastor, several Peru mission co-workers, and Sherron George, missiologist and author. For information on the conference, contact Karen Wilson or Maria Arroyo. PMN is one of more than 30 mission networks organized around particular countries, regions and global issues. Get connected with a mission network by first visiting the Mission Networks website, which will start you on your way to being equipped and inspired in partnership with others who share a common international mission focus.

Pat Donofriopdonofrio@nhpresbytery.org

Peru Trip Commissioning

The Peru Mission Trip participants (9 members of Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5 members of Port Orange Presbyterian Church and 2 members of Bryson City Presbyterian Church) were treated to a combined "Skype" commissioning on Sunday, July 18, 2010.

They group will leave Friday, July 30, 2010, for Huanta, Peru, to work with Peruvian Presbyterians to assemble, sand, and paint 150 wooden benches to be used as pews in the churches of four presbyteries neighboring Huanta. Twenty suitcases of children's clothing and shoes, prayer shawls, knitted pew cushions, blankets, knitted infant and adult caps, toys, and craft items will be presented to the Presbytery of Huanta, along with five laptop computers and peripheral equipment to the host denomination, The Evangelical Presbyterian and Reformed Church of Peru.

The participants from Sharon Presbyterian Church are:

• Phyllis Acton
• Rose Boelke
• Connie Dale
• Van Dale
• Hunter Garbee
• Andrew Kromer
• Drew Kromer
• Randy Ross
• Sarah Ross

The participants from Port Orange Presbyterian Church are:

• Sarah Dolatowski
• Kaitlin Lyons
• Kerry Lyons
• Kendal Ward
• Theresa Wolf

The participants from Bryson City Presbyterian Church are:

• DeAnna Booth
• Laura Booth

Thanks all!

Randy

Peru Cell Phones

In the years passed, the Dales have taken a Mobal World phone on our mission trips. A Mobal cell phone is not at satellite phone, but a phone that is capable of utilizing any cell tower that is available. In essence, if you can get a signal, you can use this phone. internationa cell is differentThey will be taking their phone again this year (for emergencies).
 
With the progression of cell phone use worldwide, you might be able to use your own phone in Peru. Last year, a few of our group that use Verizon, were able to get service in Huanta. I would recommend that you check with your provider about accessibility of international calling.
 
No cell phone service:

• No alarm clock. Many cell phones use the service to maintain the internal clock.
• no calender
• no calls
• no texting

International cell phone service:

• Calls $2.95 per minute
• If texting is available (.25 each)
• Very limited service
• Service is good in Ayacucho and Lima
• Service is limited in and around Huanta.

Counter News

We are tying a new counter and as you can see, we have been honored by visits from people all over the world.

Each time you click the "i" symbol on the counter, it will scroll through;

• Visitors from cities (a country shown while viewing this page means the visitors are accessing the blog using a wireless connection)
• Visitors from countries in the last 24 hours.
• Visitors from cities in the last 24 hours
• Cities of recent visitors (with the time they visited)
• Cities of visitors that are viewing the blog at the moment
• Countries of all of our visitors.

Thanks to all!

Sharon Presbyterian Youth Mission Trip

We celebrate with the youth and adults participating in the youth mission trip to Ontario, Canada. They will participate with group work camps July 9-17 on weeklong home repair projects for elderly, low-income and disabled residents. Please keep these youth and adults in your prayers as they travel, spread God's love and receive blessings from their work.

1. Claudia Ash
2. Josh Auten
3. Tim Brown
4. Blair Burke
5. Ally Butler
6. Casey Butler
7. Randy Butler
8. Elizabeth Chappelear
9. Claire Droppelman
10. Lauren Ellis
11. Josh Greer
12. Mikayla Hailey
13. Hayley Hinson
14. Andrew Hirschy
15. Katie Lee
16. Katherine Lopez
17. Max Mason
18. Hatley McArthur
19. Grant Parker
20. Evan Scott
21. Anna Shealy
22. Brittany Stanford
23. Brooke Stanford
24. Megan Talley

Too Late?!

Today, I though I would order something for our upcoming trip... uh... I soon realized that we are too late to order anything that will be "delivered in 4 to 6 weeks"!

Our wonderful leaders have done the planning, they have purchased the tickets and they have secured our accommodations. Our checked luggage is slowly being filled with everything from prayer shawls, toys, crafts, vitamins, seat cushions, candy, computers, computer monitors, crosses, hats, caps, Traveler Paul(s), gliders, shoes, clothes, and necessary items. Anything that we could personally do without, has provided more room and weight for a gift or a donation.

Time is growing short and the excitement is building with the anticipation of experiencing and sharing the wonders of Jesus Christ in another country and in another culture. We are blessed with the chance to take another step in our spiritual journey.

For the group, click the link 2010 Mission Trip Travel Information for any baggage questions. Check page 2 for weights and sizes. Any questions, please email Randy @ mrandallross@aol.com. Please, take the time now to set the correct time and date on your cameras. START YOUR JOURNALS!

wvd

New Peru Group Members

Each year we all are blessed by the addition of new people (and returning members from other churches) to join our trip to Peru. This year we are excited to be joined by:

Bryson City Presbyterian Church, Bryson City, NC:

• DeAnna Booth (DeAnna joined us on the 2008 trip)
• Laura Booth

Port Orange Presbyterian Church, Port Orange, FL:

• Sarah Dolatowski
• Kaitlin Lyons
• Kerry Lyons
• Kendall Ward
• Theresa Wolf

Below is proof that the members of Port Orange Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, Florida are as excited to go Peru as we are. Please pray for our new guests that they will experience the joy, giving and blessings that all others have received on previous visits to Huanta.

The excerpt below is copied from the newsletter of

Port Orange Presbyterian Church (USA)

4662 S. Clyde Morris Boulevard

Port Orange, Florida 32129

Port Orange Presbyterian Church Mission Team asks God: Where are you calling us in 2010? Our long term goal is to discern just where God might want us to try to initiate a long-term mission partnership with Christians somewhere out there in His world. We want to learn from, with, about and because of each other. We want to challenge each other to grow in our relationships with Jesus Christ. We want to be the best versions of ourselves as disciples of our Lord. We want to BE the church worldwide in a long-term relationship that will undoubtedly change the people we work with and ourselves. So, we are sending out 3 scouting teams from Port Orange Presbyterian Church to learn from other churches who have been in long-term partnership with Christians worldwide. We will team up with First Presbyterian DeLand, FL and their partners at Shalom Presbyterian and La Vida Joven in Esteli, Nicaragua, two distinctly different ministries 3 that they have had 15-year relationships with. We will partner with Sharon Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC and their partners in Huanta and Lima, Peru, ministries that they have had a 5-year partnership with.
Our church will send 13 people on international scouting missions this year. These folks will come home with information that they learn from these sister churches in DeLand, Charlotte, Esteli, Huanta and Lima.

POPCians will come home with what they learn about:

• How the relationships got started
• How the churches have maintained the partnership
• How the relationships have grown and changed over the years
• How the people of their churches have been changed by the partnerships

…and these POPC folks will hopefully come home with some idea of just where and how POPC might initiate a partnership of our own in last half of 2010. This is perhaps one of the most exciting opportunities.

Peru Mission Trip 2010

Dear Mission Trip Participants:

It is hard to believe, but there are now less than five (5) weeks to go before Peru Mission Trip 2010!

I had hoped to get the group together for a conference call to discuss and adopt a team covenant. Given summertime schedules, however, that is looking increasingly doubtful. Let's try to adopt a team covenant by e-mail. Include all participants with the things that you would like to see us accomplish during our trip and how you would like for us to accomplish these things.

I submit the following suggestions:

• That our team travel to Peru with open minds, arms and hearts, always striving to let the grace, love and mercy of God shine through each of us through our words and deeds.
• That we look after and support each other.
• That we listen to and respect each other as we try to discern God's plan for us in Peru.
• That we take time during our trip to build bridges between our diverse cultures.
• That we be especially mindful of the youth participants and ensure that they are respected and heard.

Thanks to those of you that have already returned your trip forms. I will be arranging for trip insurance the week of July 5th, so please get the trip forms back to me by the July 1, 2010 deadline.

We are blessed that we have received many donations of clothing and shoes for the children of the Presbytery of Huanta. If your packing permits you to take additional donations in your checked or carryon bags, please let me know.

Blessings to each of you!

Randy

Click on the picture for a better view. The white lines in the picture are our flight paths from Orlando & Charlotte to Atlanta. From Atlanta to Lima and then on to Ayacucho.

Western North Carolina Mission Trips

As witnessed by our visitor counter, we have been very blessed by the overwhelming support of our missions blog.
We feel that we should share information about our mission trips to the North Carolina mountains too. Every group member has enjoyed the feeling of fellowship and cherished the memories of helping someone in need.

Sharon Presbyterian have joined the Step By Step Ministries in Clyde, NC. Step By Step is a United Methodist Disaster Response program providing home repairs for people that are economically and/or physically disadvantaged with services such as hanging sheetrock, painting, building ramps and patching roofs. .

A link to an album of pictures from previous North Carolina trips has been added below. For any information or questions, contact Phyllis Acton at pacton@sharontowers.org or J.D. Pearce at mailto:jpearce@carolina.rr.com

Peru Trip Meeting

Dear Mission Trip Participants:

Please mark your calendars for the late afternoon/early evening of Sunday, June 6, 2010. Let’s plan to get together in the Sharon Church Annex Basement at 4:00 p.m. We will go over the trip schedule and other trip logistics and pack some of the donations we will be taking to Peru.After our meeting and packing donations, let’s have dinner at Genaro’s Peruvian Rotisserie Grill. Genaro’s is located at 10405 Park Road , just past the Kangaroo convenience store heading south on Park Road towards Pineville.

I have received a couple of e-mails from Samuel Montes which I wanted to share with you. Samuel is the past President and the current mission trip liaison for the Presbytery of Huanta.

The leaders of the Presbytery of Huanta have asked that we assemble, sand and paint one hundred fifty (150) benches (to be used as pews) during our week in Huanta. The recipients of these benches will be four (4) presbyteries neighboring the Presbytery of Huanta in the District of Tambo.

I am excited that we will again be able to be with members of the Presbytery of Huanta and students attending the August session of Huanta’s Biblical Institute yet join with the Presbytery of Huanta in their outreach to neighboring presbyteries. There are thirty-one churches and groups with over one thousand members in these four presbyteries.

The detailed 2010 Project Proposal. I thank Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson for their translation of the proposal.
In an e-mail I received last week, Samuel made the following comment:

“It is hard for me to explain what it means for my brothers and sisters in the United States to travel so far to love us and be with us. It is a lesson of what true love is all about.”

I think Samuel’s words speak volumes to what personal relationships and what “just being there” means to our brothers and sisters in Peru.

Project funds were sent to the Presbytery of Huanta on Monday, May 24, 2010. This will enable Samuel to purchase the wood, have it cut and mortised and along with the other materials necessary to assemble, sand and paint the benches, delivered to the Christo Rey Church prior to our arrival in Huanta.

Sarah and I had the opportunity and pleasure to visit and worship with the congregation of Port Orange Presbyterian Church (“POPC”) on Sunday, May 2, 2010. After worship, we met with Sarah Dolatowski, Kaitlin Lyons, Kerry Lyons, Kendall Ward and Theresa Wolf, POPC members who will be participating in the trip to Peru . POPC has committed to expanding its outreach beyond its local community and is sending mission teams to Cuba, Nicaragua and Peru this year. Sarah and I are looking forward to our journey of faith and service with Sarah, Kaitlin, Kerry, Kendall and Theresa in Peru!
Thank you for participating in this year’s trip. If you have questions, concerns or comments, please let me know.

Peace,
Randy

Has Sharon Been Blessed?

Do you think Sharon Presbyterian has been blessed by adult mission trips?
A short list of support from our church members:

• making prayer shawls
• making pew seat cushions
• making infant caps and toboggans
• shopping for deals at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Michael's and yard sales
• buying and donating old suitcases
• donating clothes and shoes
• buying and donating crafts and games
• making and tie dying tee shirts
• donating children's books
• buying and donating candy and treats
• making crosses
• buying and reprogramming used computers
• acquiring Presbyterian literature
• purchasing Spanish Bibles

As you can see, there is more to a mission trip than "just going". The once a year trip has become a year 'round plan. Everyone has been blessed by the sharing of time and talents of the wonderful people that have provided something from the above list.
Check this blog for "Mission Participants Past And Present" to view everyone that has been on any of Sharon's adult mission trips and ask any of them if they were moved, informed, changed or blessed.

Thank you and bless you all!

Help Needed

Participants in the 2010 Mission Trip to Peru are seeking donations of children’s clothing and shoes to present to the leaders of the Presbytery of Huanta. The donations will be distributed to children in the Presbytery.

Sixteen (16) people, nine (9) from Sharon Presbyterian Church, five (5) from Port Orange Presbyterian Church and two (2) from Bryson City Presbyterian Church have committed to participate in this year’s trip.

In 2009, clothing and shoes to fill twenty-four (24) suitcases, each weighing fifty (50) pounds, was donated by members of Sharon Church.

Due to the variations in climate in the Andes Mountains, clothing for all seasons can be used. Shoes are especially needed. Luggage to transport the donations to Peru is also needed. Due to weight restrictions on the Peruvian airline that participants will fly from Lima to Huanta, the donations will be shipped from Lima to Huanta via overnight bus.

A collection bin has been placed in the Narthex closet. Tax receipts for donations are located in an envelope attached to the front of the collection bin. Or if you prefer, a participant on the trip would be happy to schedule a pick up.

If you have any questions, need additional information or would like to schedule a pick up of donated items, please contact Randy Ross via telephone at 704-552-5573 or via e-mail at mrandallross@aol.com.

Thank you for your participation in Sharon Church’s outreach to our brothers and sisters in the Presbytery of Huanta, Peru!

May Update

Just a few pieces of information to keep everyone updated on the mission trip progression:

• Donations of clothing are coming in. We are in serious need of large suitcases! The checked bags will be packed with clothes and donations. The total weight for each bag can not exceed 50 lb. So, hard sided cases are good, but not preferred.
• Randy Ross has purchased a few refurbished laptops for the Presbytery in Huanta and the keyboards have been replaced to accommodate the Spanish language.
• Randy has also secured our reservations for airlines, buses and hotels.
• Our mission shirts have been designed by Phyllis Acton and Brenda Paredes of the Sharon mission group. The order for our shirts was placed on May 2. If time permits, Kathryn and Sarah Ross have offered to tie dye the shirts for a special touch.
• Connie Dale is in the process of making more glass crosses for the Presbytery of Huanta churches that we will be visiting.
• Gifts of prayer shawls and pew cushions are being made by ladies of Sharon Presbyterian.

Thank you.

The Packing Has Begun!

The planning, schedules, airline tickets and accommodations are being finalized for our 2010 mission trip to Peru. We have 10 bags filled with donations so far. The bags are filled with your donations of clothes and weighed for our maximum allowable weight of 50 lbs each!

Each of our 16 participants are allowed to check 2 bags for international travel. Those 2 bags can weigh up to 50 lbs each. If each participant can pack all of their own belongings into 1 bag... that means we can take 16 bags of donations! That's 800 lbs!

Sharon Presbyterian Youth (SPY) Sunday

We were fortunate to hear several short sermons on Youth Sunday at Sharon Presbyterian. A copy of Ally Butler's sermon is in a previous post below. We were also lead by Brittany Stanford. A copy of her sermon is included in this post.

We thank all of our youth for their time, talents and dedication.

~Breaking Down Love~

Good morning.

Love is scary. I didn’t think love was scary before I took the time to sit down and write this sermon. But it is. Being that I’m only 17, I though that I would look pretty dumb trying to stand up here and preach to you all about love. So instead I decided to take a part first Corinthians and tell you little stories about how I’ve seen love expressed according to Paul’s writings.

First, love is patient. Patience is a characteristic that is so well known yet probably the least expressed. Growing up in such a fast passed society has really made me respect those who are patient because it happens so scarcely. When I really think about it, the only time throughout my life (granted that it’s only 17 years) that I really witness patience being acted out of love is when I watch my grandparents interact. For those of you all that are unfamiliar with my grandparents, my grandma or “Now Now”, as I call her, is 85 years old and suffers from macular degeneration. How I describe it, she can’t hear unless you talk very loudly into her ear and she can’t see unless you’re directly in her face. As sad as this is, it’s twice as frustrating, when all you really want to do is have a conversation with her. Although I love her with all my heart, and I always will, I can’t deny the fact that I grow impatient sometimes having to walk at an almost not moving pace just to stay by her side as we progress to one point to the other. However, my grandpa does this everyday, all day, without raising his voice, encouraging her to walk faster or growing the least bit impatient. When I recently interviewed him for a school project, I asked him what the happiest moment of his life was. And he told me, that it was every single morning that he woke up to the one person he loves unconditionally and will continue to love unconditionally until he dies. Even if it means slowing his life down just to stay by her side. Love is patient.

Love is kind. This passed Christmas season, my mom and I were going through the Chick fil-A drive through to save time on our usual hectic holiday season. We ordered like we were supposed to and drove around. However, when we pulled up to the window, the girl handed us our sandwiches and said the gentleman in front of you paid for your lunch. He wanted me to tell you all to have a merry Christmas. I was in complete shock. Being the person I am, I freaked out. Oh my gosh mom! He’s going to try to trick us! He’s going to take us! Drive away! As soon as that came out of my mouth, the look on my mom’s face confirmed the second guessing and my assumption that didn’t cross my mind until after I made that comment. Brittany, she said smiling, he’s just trying to spread Jesus’ love. Don’t you remember the reason for all this chaos? That moment, sitting in the car eating my chicken sandwich, was the first time I witnessed God’s love at work through the kindness of others. Love is kind.

Love is not envious. My best friend Liska and I have known each other for a while now. However, it all started with the one thing we’ve spent our whole lives doing… playing soccer. Liska and I first met on our middle school soccer team, where we played the same position. As you may guess, it started out with a lot of competition because we were both underclassmen on the team fighting for that same spot. After the season ended, our friendship carried off the field and everyday after that. Including today where she sits right over there to watch me. Every season after that, it was the same scenario, my best friend and I in that one forward position. What I left out of this story so far is the fact that she’s twice as fast as me, twice as athletic as me and twice as driven as I am when it comes to soccer. These past few years she’s continued to excel as always. And I continue to be the best friend and the girl who goes in for a minute when Liska needs some water. The funny thing is, looking back as I tell this I can’t remember one practice, scrimmage or game when I was envious of my best friend. Games after games of cheering, screaming and running to hug her after she scored that winning goal. Recently, Liska signed with Clemson to continue her soccer career in college. I know we’re going to have to forgive her. When I first heard the news, I was almost ……?………envy that I would have had. Love is not envious.

Love does not insist on its own ways. The past few summers I’ve had the opportunity to go t Peru with the adult mission team at our church. While we were there this past year, putting together benches to serve as pews for churches all over Peru. As easy as putting a bench together may sound, trust me it’s not. As this process is occurring, there are legs going into the wrong spot, nails bending and breaking, and hammers hitting more fingers than nails. And the best yet, my dad is watching all this, cringing. For those of you all that don’t know my dad, he’s in construction and he has to have complete control over everything. Everything has to be done a specific way. Obviously, this wasn’t happening. And I was waiting; making bets with others, on how much longer he would be able to bite his tongue before having a panic attack and start correcting everyone on what they are doing wrong. As funny as this is, at the time, my dad was honestly in complete misery. As we got towards the end of the week and my dad hadn’t completely freaked out, at least not in front of everyone, I started to become confused. Is this really happening? There is no way we’re going to leave this place before he yells at everyone. I know this is hard to believe, but it never happened. When I asked him about it after we got home, he explained to me that we were there to spread God’s love half way across the world. And God’s love does not insist on its own ways.

Love is not irritable or resentful. Also in Peru this past year, we had a well… bad experience getting to Huanta, the city we were staying in. When we arrived in Lima, we loaded on to a bus that was supposed to be an 8 hour drive to Huanta. A man named Samuel who was the head of the presbytery in Huanta, had taken the earlier bus to Lima and had met us at the airport just to make sure that we were as happy and as excited as he was about seeing us and working with us in God’s name this week. Well, that was all well and good, until about 10 hours later, when we were informed that we were still 6 hours from our destination. Apparently, this 10 hour bus ride was actually a 16 hour bus ride. Yea… seriously. To describe it nicely, I was not happy. You mean I just got off the plane for 8 hours to get on a bus for 16? No thank you. Please take me home. After we finally got there, and also well about an hour or so to complain about it, it hit me that Samuel went there to get us and then rode back. Why wasn’t he complaining? After getting to know him a little better throughout the week, I came to understand the amount of gratitude he had for the work we were doing for our Lord and for the people of Peru. The 32 hours he spent on the bus that day was nothing compared to the love he had for God for bringing us to him to help the churches of Peru. Thanks Samuel, for proving to me that true love is not irritable or resentful.

Love is not arrogant, boastful or rude. As much as I despise his team, I can’t help but give credit where credit is due and none of us can deny the fact that Tim Tebow has every reason in the world, well… except a second national championship, to be arrogant and boastful about his talent and accomplishments. Being the first sophomore to win the Heisman is not something most all American players can say they’ve done. No matter how good they think they are. However, game after game, win after win and title after title, Tebow continued to run out on the field with the scripture written on the black marks under his eyes. No matter how important the game may be, his number one priority was to share with the world God’s word. Tebow, like many of us youth, attends yearly mission trips and church every Sunday. As a younger athlete I truly admire Tebow and how he presents himself to the world. Out of all the arrogant collegiate and professional athletes calling themselves role models well… it’s nice to have someone to look up to someone to prove that no matter how great you think you are you don’t even compare to Jesus Christ. Tebow’s love for his savior helped him and me realize that real love is not arrogant or boastful no matter how great our accomplishments may be.

Finally, love bears all things, believes all things and endures all things. This one was hard. I stared blankly at my paper when I got to this point in the scripture. Because no matter how hard I thought about my encounters with my friends or at school I couldn’t think of one example where I saw God’s love through someone expressing all of these attributes. That’s when I finally got it. The only person that I know that’s truly bared many things, believed with all his heart and endured unimaginable amount pain, all out of love was Jesus Christ. Jesus bared every single sin committed by us when he was hung on the cross. He truly believed with all his heart in what he was doing. He believed that his father would forgive us and accept us into heaven to live with him eternally. And he endured every last bit of pain and anguish out of this belief and love for us. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 16 or 60; you’re not going to be able to find a greater example of love than that.

Audio link to this sermon

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