12. Thank you, Lord!

This morning started well... until Anthony began driving Mellie to school. The vehicle died on him after about 50 yards and refused to start again.

We all said, "Thank you, Lord", that this didn´t happen on the way back from Colca. It was about 370 km from Chivay to Arequipa, and in that time, we passed through 1 little village, and saw about 3 "sos telefonos!" We all were grateful that the Lord kept the car alive until today! People rarely stop on the roads to help others, because they are scared of being robbed. (PS. the ca

r in this picture is brand new. Anthony´s is about 10 years old. The only thing they have in common is the colour.)

So plans were revised slightly, as Ant called el mechanico, who arrived an hour later and towed the vehicle to the garage. It´s been there all day, and they still don´t know what the problem is.

Ant and Roxy went into town in the morning, as I was using the time to prepare for preaching on Saturday and Sunday. The church have arranged an evangelistic meal, and expect around 50 visitors, most of whom do not know the Lord as their own personal Saviour. I need to cut down my sermon by about 30 percent, since Anthony will be translating. It´s not that easy, but the Lord helped. I think I will preach an amended version of my sermon on "I am the Lord who rescued you out of the land of slavery... you shall have no other gods before me."

The big problem here is that people here have a false view of God. They are told that God is too strict, or distant to talk to. Because of this, you need Mary´s help to intercede for you, even to Jesus to listen to you. It´s awful. Even the taxi drivers have images of the virgin, presumably to keep them safe on the roads. For decades, the people have been fed a diet of almost no bible and a lot of tradition. They have a picture of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus, that is almost blasphemous... they see God as hard and unloving, and Jesus isn´t much better. How sad... since Jesus wept over Jerusalem when they would not come to him, and the Father loved the world by sending his precious Son to die for sinners! Jesus died to save us, even though our own treacherous hearts lust after any other god but the real God. In Arequipa, it´s false religion, but in the UK it probably money, family, health or comfort. The human heart needs the be healed by God.

In the evening, Ant and I caught a taxi to prayer meeting. We chatted about the risks of taxis for tourists, especially travelling alone. There are robberies and even rapes if people do not use the licensed taxis. When I was collected from the airport, Ant got a taxi from inside the airport zone. These are licenced, and more expensive. But many leave the airport security zone to get cheaper, unlicenced taxis and then problems can begin. Ant and Roxy were nearly robbed once in Mocegua, but when they realised what was about to happen, they just opened the doors and sped away. The Lord kept them safe.

Anyway, we got to prayer mtg safe and sound. There was Ronnie and Rocio, watering the small trees in the church grounds, as well as the dirt at the front of the building! Why? They are hopeful that eventually some grass will grow there. Well... maybe... it may need a lot of prayer! We shall see.

Looking through the hymn book, I recognise a few translations from English. "Un Castillo Forte es neustros Dios," (a Mighty Fortress is our God) was just one of them. We sang 2 chorus´s before Ronnie spoke from Hebrews 10. He spoke passionately about the Lord´s one and forever sacrifice for sins, his being seated in heaven having finished his saving work, and his waiting until all his enemies shall be a footstool under his feet! Amen! Come Lord Jesus! Then we broke into pairs and prayed for the needs of the church, etc...

The church is such a lovely collection of believers. They come from various ages and stages, but they clearly love the Lord, they love Anthony and Ronnie, and the love each other. It´s such a privilege praying with the Lord´s people. Of course, Grace @ Southport too will be asleep, having prayed together. I trust you all knew the Lord´s help in your prayers together.

Can´t believe that this time next week I will be on a plane bound from Lima to Schipol!! (Lord willing.)

Tomorrow is open air evangelism and then lunch at Ronnie and Rocio´s. The car may or may not be fixed. Anthony is considering selling it, as this is the 2nd time it has died like this. He certainly doesn´t want to be in the middle of nowhere when it happens again!

Adios Hermanos!

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