14. Open Air

Ronnie collected us at 10.25am and we drove into the centre of Arequipa, in a terrace area next to the Ministry of Justice buildings. We parked close by and carried the board and tracts across. There were lots of people milling about buying, selling, chatting, watching and eating. The noise from some loudspeakers close by is quite distracting, but Ronnie and Anthony do not seem daunted by it. Today one of the church members is with us, Justino. But Adolpho and Afredo are both working and cannot make it today.

Ronnie begins with a mathematical problem, asking folks to choose numbers from a 6x6 grid. In the bottom corner is the number "111" written in red. As the people choose numbers, it turns out they add up to 111. It´s one of those maths tricks that always works and it gets people interested. Ronnie then introduces Anthony by saying that there is a problem to which nobody seems to have the answer... he then hands over to Anthony who preaches for about 12 minutes:

The problem, of course, is death. Who has the answer? Young, old, male and female... all die. And then what? And why do we die?

About a dozen people mill about listening, as well as probably another 20 or so sitting around.

Anthony speaks of sin, death, judgment, and the reality of hell ("el infierno"). Then he speaks of Christ, his sinless life and sacrificial death for sinners and his call for sinners to turn from sin and trust solely in him. We don´t need priests, religion, churches, idols or anything else, except a trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as our only Saviour.

Afterwards, we give out tracts to about 40 people. Anthony chats for a long time with a young man, who listened intently and is seeking God. I speak with an older man, and am able to ask him what he thinks about the message, does he have a Bible and then to repeat that we are saved, solely through faith in the Lord Jesus alone. (I guess reading my Spanish Bible has helped a bit here to get a few more words!) Anthony reminds us all that the Lord has his elect in every city, and when they hear the call of the Gospel, they will be born again and saved!! Press on!

Then to Ronnie and Rocio´s apartment for a nice meal. My tummy hasn´t been great, so they give me just a small portion. Rice, chicken and potato. The chicken is lovely. I wish I could eat more, but that would be foolish.

Roxy arrives too and we all eat and chat together. Well... Ant, Rox, Ronnie and Rocio chat mostly... I listen and try to get the gist of the conversation. Everyone talks faster in conversations than when they are preaching. Ronnie is easier to understand when he preaches, as he speaks a bit more clearly and slowly.

Ronnie brings Roxy and I back home, while Anthony takes a 5 minute detour to the garage. The combi vehicle is still there and nothing has been done. It may not be ready even for Saturday, possibly Monday!!! This seems typical. The garage does not have all the equipment and expertise to analyse the engine properly, so other mechanics are needed. This takes time and is frustrating, since Ant really needs it for tomorrow for Villa Majesterial. Waiting seems to be a common pastime in Peru...

At the end, my head feels full of Spanish, and I am ready for a doze!

Hasta Mañana Amigos!

A