“Awesome!” “Blessed of God.” “I don’t want to leave and go home.” These and similar remarks were made by the short-term missions team that went to Lima, Peru, from January 22 to January 31. The trip was sponsored by the Fellowship of Bible Churches and consisted of 13 members led by missionaries, John and Melissa Miller, serving with Churches in Missions. The other team members were: Marvin and Mae Lease, Chestnut Grove; Jim and Tristan Walter, Hagerstown Bible; Ben Fisler and Sara Cook, Chambersburg Bible; and Jeremiah and Micah Gayman, Dorlene Lyons, and Pastor Herm and Carole Fisler, Grace Bible.
The purpose of this mission experience was two-fold—to help Peruvian Christians improve their church buildings by painting and to have an outreach in their community through teacher training sessions and Vacation Bible Schools. (Children in Peru have summer vacation during January and February.)
We arrived at our hotel late Friday night. After a short night’s sleep, we were up and ready for an all-day seminar for preachers and teachers at the host church, New Life Church. They told us to expect 75-100 participants, but 250 arrived! That required the kitchen staff to rush around getting more chicken for lunch!
This was typical of our time in Peru. We asked the various pastors, “How many children do you expect for VBS?” They would reply, “About 50,” and 100, 125, and even 150 appeared, along with some adults!
Monday through Friday mornings consisted of traveling to a village church or an
orphanage that ministered to very needy people. We painted some area of their building, had lunch, and then painted again during the early afternoon. After cleaning up as well as we could, we had an exciting time with the many children who came to VBS. It was wonderful to see them respond with enthusiasm to the Bible lessons, memory verses, songs, and crafts wherever we went. Many indicated that they had trusted Christ as their Savior.
At one location, two police vehicles arrived. We wondered if we had done something wrong, but the officers said, “We are so pleased that you came to our town. When you come back, let us know; we will help you in any way we can.”
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We were very impressed with the Peruvian believers. Each day ladies from the host church fixed our lunch, and some even came with us to help paint and conduct Bible School. One young lady took the week off from work to be available to work. Each evening we returned to the host church where a wonderful Peruvian dinner had been prepared.
John Miller had corresponded with a missionary from Ecuador, Pablo Logacho, who was our South American contact person. Pablo had made our arrangements there and then translated for us. He was a great help in teaching the children, singing with them, and doing anything he could.
Another gentleman, a pastor from New Life Church, Jaime Loayza, traveled with us each day. Although not fluent in English, he showed us great Christ-like love.
Along with his wife and two preschool boys, he made our time in Peru memorable. Pablo and Jaime were high energy, zealous individuals who made our bus rides trips to remember.
Another person who stood out on our trip was Daniel, the bus driver who took us to our destinations. To fulfill his commitment to the bus line, he only needed to drive; but everywhere we went, he helped paint, move equipment, and do anything else that needed done. Daniel is not a believer, but we are praying that this contact and follow-up by other believers in Peru will be used of the Lord to bring him to Christ.
Last, but by no means least, we extend our deep thanks and appreciation to John and Melissa Miller, who through several meetings prior to the trip and while we were in Peru, provided great and godly leadership. They planned well, anticipated needs, kept the group focused, and encouraged each of us in the Lord. Thank you, F.B.C. Missions Committee, for having a vision for this trip and engaging the Millers to lead it.
To each of you who reads this, we would ask you to prayerfully and seriously consider a short-term mission trip. It is truly life-changing as you see the Lord work, and you will make friends for eternity.
Pastor Herman Fisler
Fellowship of Bible Churches
