My first week of work as a Living Missions intern was in the jungle town of Pucallpa, at a church called El Refugio de Esperanza (The Refuge of Hope). The first day or so was difficult as I tried to adjust to the sometimes-difficult jungle environment. As I tried to keep up with all the kids at VBS on the first day after very little sleep, I remember thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” Luckily the team from Ad Fontes Academy in Virginia had mostly been there before and knew what to expect. I saw them take on every construction project, every VBS craft, and even every volleyball game with the same energy and joy each and every day. It became quickly apparent to me that God doesn’t call us to be comfortable where we are. One of the passages this group studied was Philippians 2:4-5, which says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” I saw this attitude in the group as they interacted among themselves, with the children that came to VBS every day, and with the leaders of the Refuge. The team members were happy to go in front of the kids and dance to the VBS songs, as well as shovel dirt for hours to build a new playground. After church on Sunday, the team even served lunch to the members of the church. It was obvious that God had given them servants’ hearts, and following their example allowed me to enjoy my first week in the jungle as I got to know Pastor Victor, Israel, and the rest of the leaders of El Refugio, as well as many of the kids who came to VBS every day. I had many similar experiences everywhere we went over the summer, but my first week as a Living Missions intern was one that I thank God for every day, and one that I will never forget. - F.F., intern
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About UsWe have had the privilege of serving in Peru since 2003. We partner with four different ministries throughout Peru: two in the Lima area, one in the Andes mountains, and one in the Amazon jungle. Archives
April 2015
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