Saludos desde Perú {Greetings From Perú}

Leandro, José Luis And Chenoa Bidding Farewell To Bolivia

Thank you for your continued support of our family ministry through your prayers, messages and financial gifts. We continue to serve because of you and your accompaniment.

Rebirth {A letter from Chenoa Stock serving in Peru}

Lent, 2019

“Rebirth." This is how my husband, Jose, describes our recent move to Lima, Peru. In early February, we packed our possessions, said our goodbyes to Bolivia and took off to begin a new family mission -- from a country of 11 million to a city of 11 million; from a landlocked country to a coastal one; from a dry, mountain city at an altitude of 13,000ft to an ironically humid, desert city at sea level; from our layers of jackets, jeans and boots to a city where the summer months are no joke and sandals and short-sleeves are a must. So yes, a rebirth into new life has indeed begun.

Perhaps this family life transition is timely during this season of Lent. Rebirth, a time of renewal, and resurrection are never easy. There is darkness, there is struggle, there is a longing for what used to be in all its simplicity. But we are called to be Easter people. We are called to walk through that darkness with faith that the Light is greater and that resurrection leads us to brighter days.

Our two months here have found us both in the darkness and in the light. But I imagine that is expected in any life transition, especially as a family. The enormity of this city is one that intrigues and overwhelms at the same time. We have already explored it a decent amount in our searches for an apartment, technological amenities to keep us connected to the outside world, grocery stores, markets, and baby needs. Venturing out to meet friends and colleagues and take walks have also proven to be times of exploration.

This new mission call is with the program, PERUSA, that is part of the Peruvian Joining Hands Network, the same program with which I served in Sri Lanka and Bolivia. PERUSA helps to facilitate partnerships between PC (USA) churches in the US and communities in Peru, in order to create strong, long-term relationships through working, learning and reflecting together. These partnerships are with communities of the Evangelical Church of Peru and their work in Bible institutes and seminaries, but also accompany Joining Hands Peru network partners, including a school for the deaf, a home for abused girls and ecological gardens. These Peruvian communities are blessed to have partnerships with so many PC (USA) congregations who faithfully support and visit them each year to grow their relationship. If your congregation is interested in exploring a partnership with Peru or in bringing a delegation to visit, please let me know!

Next month we will be traveling to Cusco to meet with the Synod members there, as well as visit their Sajiruyoc Bible Institute and attend their General Assembly. We are looking forward to getting out of the city and visiting a new part of the country. Luckily, our Bolivian-trained lungs should not have a problem with the altitude there. After Easter, we will start focusing on finalizing the logistics and details for the next few months’ scheduled delegation trips and their time here with our partners. It is a big learning curve, and there is still so much more to do, see, and learn; but we are taking it one day at a time.

We are deeply grateful to have another Mission Co-Worker couple here, Jed and Jenny Koball, and their son, Thiago, to support us, especially in these first months. Leandro and Thiago have already taught each other so many things, and we look forward to seeing how their friendship blossoms over the years.

So yes, amidst this transition, that sometimes feels dark or confusing, we see the Light and feel its presence. We know and faithfully believe that the Easter promise of reconciliation and renewal will be fulfilled and present, not only this Easter, but throughout our time here, accompanying our Peruvian partners in God’s mission – a mission that only grows stronger because of your accompaniment and prayers.

Thank you for walking with our family through this time of change and renewal and for your financial gifts and support that make this service and partnership possible. We would ask for prayers of patience and humility as we continue in our ‘rebirth’, learning about this partnership and country and discovering our role in it all.

May the Resurrection of Easter lead us to be people of Light.
Peace and blessings,

Chenoa

Our new mailing address:
Chenoa Stock and José Luis Claure
Av Juan de Aliaga 702, Departamento 1401
Magdalena del Mar
Lima 15076
PERU

MATCHING GIFT OPPORTUNITY!

Give now to the life-giving ministries of mission co-workers and have your gift matched. You can double the impact of your gift thanks to a group of committed World Mission donors who have agreed to match dollar for dollar all gifts to World Mission up to $50,000 between now and Easter Sunday. This means your gift of $50 towards my support today will leverage another $50 to support all mission co-workers. Or perhaps you can give $500, which will become $1,000 when matched. You can help alleviate poverty, hopelessness and violence around the globe. You can mail a check, writing Chenoa Stock Peru and my ECO number (E200335) or when you give online, simply write “matching gift, Chenoa Stock Peru and my ECO number (E200335)” in the comments field. Thank you for your faithful support of this great opportunity!