Love of the Peruvian people

Peru (AMG International) — [EDITOR’S NOTE: This story, written by AMG International, shares how ministering to others can result in two-way encouragement.]
Joseph and Amy Haefs are AMG missionaries serving in Huaraz, Peru. Their primary ministry is discipling children at AMG Childcare Centers. Joseph recently wrote a blog about a trip he took deep into the mountains of Peru to conduct Bible studies, show the JESUS film, and share God’s Word. He writes:

Amy and I were sitting in church a few months ago when the pastor announced an upcoming mission trip. He said he was looking for people interested in going further into the mountains to do Bible studies in smaller villages. After church, I told him I would be happy to be one of the drivers for the trip if he needed the help.

We arrived in the town of Chocobamba shortly after sunset where the pastor and his family greeted us. They opened up their home to us and served us dinner. Afterward, our group led a Bible study where it seemed as though the entire town showed up. During the Bible study, we showed the JESUS film, and a sermon was shared. Around midnight, as I crawled into my bed which was made from a piece of plywood, I was truly grateful for a roof over my head and the opportunity to sleep.

In Chinchil, we met some of the most amazing people. They were truly grateful we had come to visit with them and share the Word. Once we arrived, we spent the afternoon resting and inviting people to the service to be held later that night. That evening, during the service, we were able to show the JESUS film, sing songs, and share the Word. It was an amazing time. It was a sweet time of sharing the Good News of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us and the life that can be found in Him.

The next morning, we worked with the kids from the community. We shared devotions, did crafts, and played games. That afternoon, we baptized two teenage girls in a small, natural watering trough–the only standing water in the village. That night, we had service again, and everyone in my group was called upon to speak…including me. I timidly walked the aisle of the dirt floor church, not knowing what I would say. By the mercy of our Lord, I was able to stand and talk about our Lord for what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only 7 or 8 minutes.

This trip was truly an amazing experience for me. Everywhere we went, we experienced the love of the people as they opened their homes to us, gave us their food (the best they had), and let us sleep in their beds. It was truly humbling but such a beautiful display of the love of Christ. I think I experienced how Paul must have felt when his brothers and sisters in Christ welcomed him with open arms. I am so thankful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to be a part of this group. It was a blessing and an honor to not only minister in those villages but to see the local body of Christ from our church in Huaraz reaching out, serving, and ministering to the Peruvian people.

You can keep up with the Haefs by visiting their Web site, or you can click here to support them.