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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11. A few pics

Some photos taken by Anthony...

1. A view down the Colca Valley

2. Condors...

3. At the top of the world... 4800 metres...

4. Peruvian girl and pet Llama...

5. Anthony & his pet Eagle...

10. Condors & Colca Canyon

This will just be a brief one! Colca Canyon is incredible - dirt roads high up the side of rather nerve wracking drops. Driving through a dark, dusty tunnel at one part. Seeing Inca terraces and tombs, over 600 years old. (The terraces are all still used for farming today.) Then getting close to vultures with a 2.5 metre wingspan. Phew!!

Then we drove back to Chivay (1.5 hours) before having lunch there, and driving home (4 hours). Very dusty and tired.

A few photos from the web to give you an idea...

(left) Tourists peering over the edge of the abyss to see the Condors

(right) Inca Terraces...

Below... the cliffs near the Condors. It's hard to see, but it's about 3000 metres down to the bottom... that's twice as deep as the Grand Canyon!! When you peer over the edge, you want to hold the wall tightly!

All in all a great 2 days, but I'm very glad to be back home... tired...

Tomorrow will be Wednesday. Jobs and preparation for Sunday, as well as prayer meeting in the evening...

9. Vicunas, hot springs & the cold

After a light breakfast (break, butter and coca tea) we set off yesterday at 7.30am. On the way we collected Ronnie, and Walter, the husband of Arlen (one of Roxy's sisters). Walter knows the Colca Canyon well, and is our guide. Also, he has not been able to find work recently, so this was a way of Anthony helping him out too.

We soon started climbing out of Arequipa. The landscape is always pretty barren, but soon it was very barren. Just cacti and boulders everywhere - set against a pale gray/brown soil. But the mountains loom all around impressively. Soon we were at 3000 metres, where the land changes again - lots of grasses ("la pampa") make the place more attractive.

After about 2 hours, we had skirted around Misti, and then huge high level plateaus opened up. Here and there groups of Llamas, Alpacas and Vicunas wandered about. We took photos of course! Getting out at about 3500m you feel a bit dizzy and breathless, so you have to go slowly. But it was beautiful. Silence... total silence. The air is clean and fresh - a very nice change from Arequipa's dusty air. All along the way we chat (mostly in Spanish) about Peru, England, Church, Pachecuti, Incas, etc...

After a brief stop at a cafe (at the junction of 2 roads, but otherwise in the middle of nowhere) for coca tea, before the climb to the summit of the road. At every stop there are the usual groups of Peruvian ladies, in traditional dress, all selling Peruvian stuff. As soon as you look at a stall, they begin showing you things, hoping you will be one of their few customers for the day. All the products are nice quality - and reasonably priced, but I can't keep buying presents!

The other thing you notice is the temperature. It's cold. In Arequipa, you feel warm and only need a t-shirt. But here, I have a t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt and fleece jacket, and I still feel the cold.

Eventually we arrive at the summit of the road, 4800m. Wow! The vista is amazing, as you can see the 7 major volcanoes in the central Andes (including Misti). But just as amazing is the lack of air! Just standing up needs a bit more concentration and I have a slight headache. I'm glad when we make the rapid descent into Chivay, along a road that can only be described as "serpentine!" It clings to the mountain like a snake, and winds its way into the small town at the beginning of the Colca Canyon. I don't like some of those drops!

We unpack at the Hostel de David. It's basic, but cheap (£4 per person) and apparently you can find it in the Lonely Planet Guides!! We all feel sleepy (altitude again) so decide to have a nap for an hour.

Then it's off to the local attraction - the thermal springs (buying a cheap pair of shorts on the way, as I didn't bring any!) These springs are not at all how i imagined. They are several open air swimming pools, just like you would see in the UK (albiet a bit more basic), and they are filled directly from the volcanic waters that emerge from the base of the mountains. We relax there for about 2 hours, watching the tourists "zip-lining" across the canyon (most of the screaming as they do so). The picture of the pools gives some idea of the canyon's size; probably 2 or 300 metres across. We suggest Anthony could try it, but we all agree that living is a better option than jumping into the abyss on a tiny wire.

The evening wears on and after a light meal at a restaurante, we wander through the plaza. It's dark, and very cold (if i stand still, i start to shiver) but people are everywhere. Lots of dear old Peruvian ladies huddle over stoves, cooking a very nice punch (non-alcoholic). We listen to the loudspeakers in the plaza - the local Catholic church service is going on and all the prayers are relayed into the centre of town. It's all very depressing - prayers to Mary or St. John, because apparently Jesus is a bit too important for mere mortals to speak to directly. But the place is busy and folks come in and out as we watch, sipping our punch and freezing.

Time for bed! Ant and I are sharing a room - good job I'm not a Conservative Politician! Our beds each have a sheet, a thick blanket and then a spread too. But I sleep in most of my clothes and just about keep warm by putting my fleece and towel on top of me as well. I also wear my hat!! It's not very comfy. Then the band starts playing - and then the fireworks - and later some kids kicking tin cans around - and then somebody wants to get into the hostel at 1am but has lost his keys... the night wears on, but eventually I nod off...

8. Elvis, Coca Tea and Hospitals

This evening we visited Aurelio in the hospital. He was with his 2 brothers and daughter when we arrived. They were helping him by his bed, so we waited a few minutes before going in. He was a little confused, although in good spirits. The doctors say his liver has failed, and now he is in the final stages. We talked with him, and I told him he was known in the UK and that folks would be praying for him. He was glad to know this. The hospital was a sad place, and it was sad to think of this dear saint here at the end of his life. But he knows the Lord, and although he is a bit confused, his trust in his Saviour is strong. What must it be like for the 1000 s of Peruvians who have no living faith in Jesus. Ronnie turned up, after we had been there a few minutes. He is often visiting, and clearly loves his flock. He spoke warmly with Aurelio as well as his family, who do not know the Lord. He is a vital part of the ministry team here.

Before coming out I had my 1st cup of "mate de coca." It is a tea

made with the leaves of the coca plant (from which comes cocaine) although this is not like the refined stuff. The Peruvians use it for mild stomach upsets and to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness.

At first smell and taste, it reminded me of the smell you get when you clean out the grass cuttings from the mower. (So not that great!) Anthony laughed and then suggested I had some sugar! 2 teaspoons made it palatable. Anthony never feels the need to drink it, and would not choose it at all!!

The effect is a bit like having a strong coffee really. (HONEST!)

The reason for putting myself through this is that tomorrow we travel to the Colca Canyon early in the morning. This is the tourist bit of my trip. The Colca Canyon is apparently the deepest canyon in the world. We have a 4 hour drive to get there, and at the highest part of the journey, we get up to 4800 metres!! Thankfully, we drop back down to 3800 approx. (Arequipa is 2400m). The coca leaves often help with symptoms of altitude sickness.

Apparently, you often get good views of the Andean Condor perching on the cliffs and circling the thermals. Andrew and Ruth Sadler went there last year and lived to tell the tale. Also there are some hot springs to dip into. I didn´t bring my swimming sorts, but I do have some shorts that will do. We will stay over night on Monday, and head back tuesday. So probably won´t be any more journal entries until Wednesday, DV.

Last night we met Elvis! It´s true. The King is alive and well in Peru. And I shook his hand! Elvis is one of the many local councillors running for election. There are more parties than you know what to do with, so elections are a confusing affair. They all promise that life will be better under them, with party names like, "Arequipa Reborn," and "All together in Arequipa," etc... They all tell you how honest, serious and experienced they are. So who knows.

Well, got to go. Thanks for all your prayers. I would appreciate prayer that the altitude sickness is not too severe. Some folks get nothing, others find it tough going.

Well, off I go to take my next cup of mate de coca! Pass the sugar!

Hasta Luego!

7. Simon Boliver & el nino divino Jesus

Fillet steak! Last night, I ate one of the most delicious fillet steaks ever. As a family treat, we went to a restaurant in Arequipa, called, "Chef Parrillero." Ant had a mixed grill, but Roxy, Mellie and I each had "Lomo Fino," which is fillet steak. When it came, there were 2 whole fillets on each plate. Well, of course, we managed to eat them. It's a tough life here.

This morning, there was an early start to collect some of the believers from San Pedro,

before arriving at the church in Simon Bolivar. For a time before the service, folks sit around in the sun before coming in at about 9.50am. Ronnie, Ant and I pray together before the service begins.

Ant leads the service. There are a number of chorus and songs that i recognise, the tunes are the same, but the words in Spanish. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord," "My Jesus, my Saviour," "Faithful God, so unchanging," "How deep the Father's love for us."

Ronnie preaches very warmly from Matthew 18v1-4, about becoming like little children, or else we cannot enter the kingdom of God. He urged us that humility, holiness and tribulations are all part of the Christian life, if we want to enter the kingdom of God. I did not understand all the words, but got the gist of it.

Afterwards, they asked me up, and i gave some greetings to the church en Espanol! They were very patient,and smiled a lot. There were some amens too. They are glad to have the prayers and support of folks in the UK, and southport especially.

I sat down, and then Ronnie asked me if I could tell the folks how long I have been walking with the Lord, and how that happened. Phew!! I did my best, and was able to tell them about going to university, meeting a Christian, and praying to the Lord, but was fast running out vocabulary! Anthony helped then, by translating a bit which meant I could speak in English.

There were also about 6 new people to the church that morning, so Ronnie asked each of them their name, and the church waved their greetings to them across the room. A wonderful spirit exists between the believers here, and Ant & Ronnie both have a lovely way with them.

We then had our church feast - a local arequipian dish of rice, with potatoes, a medium hot sauce, and stomach (yes, really!) I imagined it was Haggis and ploughed on. It tasted nice, with the sauce, and I did my best. Ronnie and I chatted. Also, one of the new men introduced me to his family and asked if I could teach him English. We began with a few words, like hello etc... thank you. I had to teach him how to sound the "th" sound. (Bite your tongue, etc...) Lots of great people here.

On the way back, we drove past a procession, carrying a little idol of "El nino divino Jesus" (the divine child Jesus). This little idol is on lots of posters etc... it was sad, shocking and pathetic at the same time. People carrying their "god" on their shoulders. Poor chap obviously can't get around without human help. Don't know how he can possibly overcome the massive problems Peru has, or why anyone would want to trust in such a powerless being, still. Only the real Christ can save these people.

Back home... later, Ant and I will try to see Aurelio on hospital. It is likely that he only has days or weeks to live. But he knows Christ as his Saviour.

6. San Pedro

Sat 11 Sep

Woke up at 5am by the noisiest train you´ve ever heard! And what a blast on the horn. It must have lasted 20 or 30 seconds. I guess there must have been a lot of drunks or animals on the line. The railway runs through the town with no guards or fences and so folks need to be alert.

After nodding off, finally woke up 7am. Mellie and Mum were up. Turns out Mellie has Bronchitis. They spent 2 hours at el medico last night, before coming back with 3 different medicines to take. If you can afford it, there is plenty of good health care. These medicines cost about 150 Soles, which works out at about 30 British Pounds. This morning Mellie is already a lot better, although that positive thought doesn´t make the medicine taste any better!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM! 14 today! We had planned a special surprise for him, along with a few friends. By the time I woke up they would already be there! Hope they enjoy it! Glad I was able to speak on the phone yesterday briefly.

The morning was fairly quiet. Spent some time thinking through what I might preach on a week today at the evangelistic meal. In the afternoon at 2.30 we drove to the opposite side of Arequipa to San Pedro (Saint Peter) where Roxy and Rocio teach 2 groups of kids.

San Pedro is a small (ish) community, nestled between 2 hills, with tiny dwellings spread up both sides, and tiny winding paths right up to the top. The area is poor, and there are many problems associated with this. Poor literacy and health, as well as many young girls pregnant by 15 or 16 years. Recently the local authority has spent money improving the road that winds its way to the community centre. Anthony has a key, we set up and the kids start drifting in again.

Another great hour with the kids. Roxy and Rocio are clearly so gifted with these kids, and the kid´s all interact. The older group all have their own New Testaments, & they play competitions as to who can find the book and chapter first. Today´s lesson is the 1st part of the Exodus, with some of the plagues, and Pharoah´s resistance to God´s plans. They all listen so well (although there is the usual chatting, pushing etc... as well.)

I am introduced as a visitor from Inglaterra and after the club is finished, 1 or 2 of the kids want to say a few things to me in English. But they soon get embarrassed at how little English they know and so they go back to their mates. I know how they feel!

There are quite a lot of fields in this part of town. Agriculture features still as the main work and source of income, but you´re struck by the poverty and hopelessness. Chatting with Rocio afterwards she tells me a bit more about the area, and those from here who are now converted and in the church. But there are still so many with no knowledge of God.

The local President popped by to chat with Anthony. He wondered whether Ant would pay the electricity for the community centre, on behalf of the village!! Basically, this is because the locals have decided to stop paying for their electricity. Anthony politely says no. Later he explains that sadly, the community is just too focused on survival and getting what they can, it can lead to some very selfish behaviour. For example, in the room underneath us, were some new toilets, but these have all been stolen and presumably sold!! The only answer is the Lord Jesus Christ to save and transform lives.

Travelling back, had a nice chat with Mellie. We are out tonight as a regular family treat to a restaurant. So better go and get my best bib and tucker!

Tomorrow Anthony is leading the worship and Ronnie is preaching. I had better practice giving greetings again, and saying a bit about myself.

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