Happy Learning

Perú Day

Dear Peru Crew,

As part of World Communion emphasis month, tomorrow will be "Peru Day" in worship at Sharon. Khris has reached out to Miriam, Samuel, Chenoa, and Jose to lead the multilingual service. Khris showed me a quick preview this morning. Chenoa and Jose will do the Call to Worship. Miriam will lead the Lord's Prayer. Samuel will read from I think Psalm 106. Khris is also incorporating two videos he made when he was there with us, one when we worshipped in the hole in the ground at VRAE II, and one when we partied and worshipped with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Huanta in the courtyard of La Posada, where Gamaliel led the singing. (I saw Beverly sitting on the front row). Randy and I make a token appearance at some point doing a Minute for Mission (sorry to say, our part is not multilingual).

You can catch the online service either through the church website, Facebook, or You Tube. Personally, Linda and I have gotten quite spoiled attending these online services at a time of our own choosing, and sometimes in our pjs' with a mug of coffee in hand.

Saludos! I miss you guys. The quick preview Khris showed me brought back a flood of wonderful memories. Please stay in touch.

Take good care!

Ton

Just Breathe - A Letter From Chenoa Stock

Lent 2020

Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a Light to my path.

I lay on the floor of our living room, listening to my two-year-old son enjoying “tubby time” with my husband, and took a moment to breathe after a busy day. These are rare months of sun in the desert city of Lima, and it does not disappoint neither in ferocity nor beauty. Breathing in, I looked up at the wall and noticed how the rays of the setting sun were illuminating our wedding banner—a rainbow-colored Chakana Cross, with the Earth image of North and Latin America in the middle, with its organic colors of blue, green and white. Breathing out, I remembered the words of our wedding bulletin explaining the Chakana as: “traditionally the cross of the indigenous Andean Inca Civilization of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Over the years, The Chakana has become more universally recognized as a symbol of the wholeness and interconnectedness of all life and of all of God’s creation.”

With each breath, I can imagine that in these past weeks we have all felt the powerful interconnectedness of life, with the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world. We are all facing similar disruptions to our daily routines and challenges in finding a “normal” amidst so many life changes and fears. Here in Peru, President Martin Vizcarra declared a military-enforced, national state of emergency on March 15th for 15 days. The borders are closed. Every citizen is required to self-quarantine. All schools and establishments, except grocery stores and hospitals, are closed. More recently, a curfew has been imposed.

Though the different measures taken by governments may physically separate us as a society even more, perhaps it will truly give us the time and space to breathe, to spiritually and emotionally draw us together, and to interconnect on another level with ourselves and with Earth. In the Spanish language, quarantine is cuarentena. Lent is Cuaresma. On the surface (I am not claiming a degree in etymology here), these are such similar words for similar times. Perhaps this time of darkness, both for the world and during this church season, feels endless, makes us feel like we’re walking life alone, and creates doubt in ourselves and in each other. A Lenten quarantine, if you will, for our global village.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the World Mission Crisis Management Team (CMT) has been monitoring the situation and effectively communicating information and decisions with staff. Due to the uncertainty of the spread of the virus and what future measures might be taken by governments, the CMT announced a work travel ban for all staff, including Mission Co-Workers, while also strongly encouraging everybody to work from home. This recent decision, as well as the many other factors, called for deep reflection and faithful action. We decided to cancel our medical mission team in May and postpone or perhaps cancel other church groups scheduled for later this summer. This is disappointing news for both our Peruvian partners and our U.S. church teams. We have, however, come to the mutual understanding that the health and well-being of everyone involved is our greatest concern and responsibility.

Although the physical presence of the mission teams might be absent this summer, our call to partnership and solidarity with our partners is not. Our solidarity is made stronger through prayer and mutual accompaniment as we faithfully walk this Lenten cuarentena together.

The journey is always one of alternating darkness and light. During this time of darkness and ‘fasting’, we can use this time to ‘feast’ on things that bring us closer to God: God-given gifts within ourselves, the silence to connect with ourselves, and deeper consciousness to connect with those around the world in order to, as the Chakana reminds us, feel our oneness with all of God’s Creation.

One light for us now is our son, Leandro. Though our apartment is not as exciting as a park, his friends, or his scooter, we are digging deep into our creativity to ensure that our confined days provide time and space for learning, fun, imagination, and love. In our tight quarters, he continually reminds us of the simplicity of life, the importance of connecting as a family, the little joys of dancing and singing, and taking the journey one day at a time.

It is not always easy, but darkness never is, and we, as a people of faith, were never promised it would be. Maybe these difficult times will bring a better world for our son and his friends. After taking the time to breathe, we can hopefully look up at the clearer skies. We can give thanks that the Earth is being given this chance to heal from excessive auto emissions and pollution. Perhaps we will begin to change our habits for the good of God’s Creation. There is always light amidst the darkness.

Thank you for walking with us on this journey during these unique and challenging times. Please keep our Peruvian and PC(USA) church partners and the world in your prayers.

May this Lenten cuarentena journey reveal to all of us God’s love, wholeness, and healing light, one breath at a time.

Peace and hope,

Chenoa

Link to Chenoa Stock's entire letter including pictures.

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!

Back Home

Good Morning Van,

It is my first day home after four months on the road. As I travelled I tried to present the work of our new office and of the Joining Hands program of the PCUSA. This collection of articles does it so much better and the one written by Jed Koball is extremely articulate and clear. Link

I look forward to Christmas at home with family. I hope you and Connie enjoy yours too.

Saludos y abrazos de Sara Rusty y Gabi

Sara Armstrong
PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker, Perú
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/the-rev-sara-armstrong-and-russell-edmondson/

Sara Armstrong And Rusty Edmondson Visit Sharon Church

All:

I wanted to let you know that Sara and Rusty will be in Charlotte the weekend of December 1st and 2nd.

They are still working on their travel plans and schedule but I am thinking they will arrive on Friday, November 30th and depart on Monday, December 3rd. I think they are giving a presentation about their work in Peru during the Sunday School hour. I haven't heard if Sara will be preaching that Sunday.

Mark your calendars!

Thanks and blessings to each of you.

Randy

PCUSA World Mission

Rusty Edmondson and Sara Armstrong from Presbyterian Mission Agency on Vimeo.

Perú

Visual Diary: Peru from Jimmy Raymond on Vimeo.

VRAE II Construction Continues

With the help of both women and men, the construction of the new sanctuary for the VRAE II church in Ayacucho, Perú is truly a community event.

Out Of The Shadows

OUT OF THE SHADOWS (Peru) from JOHN McKENZIE MEDIA on Vimeo.

Ayacucho Timelapse

Ayacucho Timelapse (HD and headset on) from Cosmopolight on Vimeo.

Huanta, The Charming Valley

HUANTA. AYACUCHO.  THE CHARMING VALLEY from Gustavo Ramírez Photography on Vimeo.

Follow Your Way - Perú

Follow Your Way - Peru from Iść Swoją Drogą on Vimeo.

The Shining Path And The Ripple Effects Of Violence

What Remains Of The Shining Path?

Ayacucho: Studying Human Rights In The Andes

Ayacucho: Studying Human Rights in the Andes from Kirk Walker on Vimeo.

Ayacucho At The Heart Of Peruvian Culture

AYACUCHO AT THE HEART OF PERUVIAN CULTURE from Gustavo Ramírez Photography on Vimeo.

2018 Mission Trip Announcement

The 2018 Sharon Presbyterian Church Mission Trip to Ayacucho, Perú promises to be one of witness and service to Jesus Christ. Do you feel God’s call to participate in this year’s trip?

Informational meetings will be held in the Parlor of the gym at Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 on Sunday, March 11th at 10:30 am and Sunday, March 18th at 10:30 am and 11:45 am.

The trip is scheduled to take place from Thursday, August 9th through Sunday, August 19th.

Trip information and application forms will be distributed at the meeting. Forms are also available in the Perú Mission Trip mailbox (located on the top row of mailboxes in the hallway outside the church office), or by contacting Randy Ross (704-552-5573 or mrandallross@aol.com).

The trip application, first payment and passport copies are due Sunday, March 25th. Please contact Randy if you are unable to attend one of the meetings but are still interested in participating or learning more about the trip.

This Is Ayacucho

This is Ayacucho from Impetus Video on Vimeo.

Rhythms Of Perú