Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in our Saviors Name from Velille Peru! I rejoice to once again be home in the Andie Mountains. It was quite the welcome I received when I arrived just before midnight and the entire town started shooting off firecrackers! I guess they had ulterior motives though, but I am glad to be back anyway. Not so much geographically as I am spiritually glad and excited to be serving the Lord where He would have me. Originally, I was to arrive here Wednesday morning, but I missed my bus and ended up having to stay an extra night in Arequipa. The week of "La Navidad" is not the optimal time to travel as it is the beginning of summer break and all the schools are out. Nevertheless, regardless, I am now here and ready for what lies ahead.
My time studying went very well, although it passed all too quickly. I feel like I was at least able to understand a little more of how Spanish grammar works. I still feel as though I have a long ways to go until I would consider myself proficient, but the next several months will be a help in that regard. I would appreciate it if you would continue to pray that my language learning continues to go well. There is a professor here in town, which might be willing to assist me in the language.
I was able to stay with a Peruvian family during my time in Arequipa. It was a blessing not only by way of being a help to my Spanish, but it was also a blessing to spend time in fellowship with other believers. I also had the opportunity to interact with quite a few of the youth, which also was a blessing. Life here in Velille is definitely a contrast to the activity of Arequipa, which is the second largest city in Peru. Another difference that I was quick to notice is the increased amount of looks one gets for being a foreigner here in the country. Despite the natural distinction of being white I trust that there is a greater distinction of far greater importance, namely that of my Christ in my life. If what others see is not that I am just of a different ethnic origin but that there is some truly different on the inside then my "weirdness" will not be in vain! I do not want my life here in Peru to show how North Americans live, but rather to demonstrate how Jesus lives in my life. Only as that is seen can there be any hope of a Church here.
At this point, I am seeking God's direction for more specific areas of ministry that He wants me to be involved in. Presently I am looking forward to the opportunity of becoming involved one again in the lives of some the people here. Besides the regular services that are already being held, I see it as being equally important to the progress of Christ's Church to be actively involved in peoples lives. So once again, I look forward to lending a hand in the agricultural work here. I am trusting that as I once again become adjusted to life here the Lord would open doors for ministry. Would you please be in prayer that the Lord would be placing upon my heart a greater vision for the work here? As I begin my time here, I am impressed with the importance of prayer in my own life. If this venture is to produce any eternal fruit, it can only be a result of God's work, not mine. Prayer is the deciding factor in whose work this will be, whether my own feeble efforts, or the mighty working of God's power through a yielded vessel. Do pray that it would be the latter! One may plant and another water, but ultimately it is God which must give His blessing if the work is to prosper. It is His strength, which is made perfect in weakness, His power that is made evident in our inability. May He alone receive glory as He works in the hearts and lives of people here. I am privileged and humbled to have whatever part in His work which He sees best.
Sincerely, Nels
