Last year, a group of believers from the United States visited us and provided invaluable assistance with our family camp. Knowing that this church frequently embarks on mission trips, we inquired about the possibility of joining them on their next venture to Latin America. They loved the idea. Last month, they informed us of their upcoming trip to Perú and extended an invitation for us to assemble a group to accompany them.
Upon inquiring about the cost, we realized that while it was feasible for some of our family, it posed a significant challenge for our pastors. Undeterred, we encouraged our pastors to seek God’s guidance in prayer and to trust that if He called them to go, He would provide the necessary means. After a period of prayerful consideration, ten of our pastors and church leaders felt a strong conviction that God was indeed calling them to participate in this mission.
As a community, we united in prayer, asking God to provide for this endeavor. Remarkably, without any solicitation on our part, God stirred the hearts of a few individuals in the United States to generously contribute to our cause. Their donations have covered all but $250 of the total cost of our trip, serving as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and provision.
Our team will be traveling by bus from Quito, Ecuador to the Roma Lee Courvisier school in Reque, Perú, where we will have the opportunity to serve in various capacities. We will assist in completing a bathroom construction project, participate in a food distribution initiative, and lead a Vacation Bible School program. These activities will allow us to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ and contribute to the well-being of the local community.
This experience serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of the global church and the power of faith in action. As the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). By stepping out in faith and obedience, we have the privilege of participating in God’s plan and witnessing His provision firsthand.
Moreover, this mission trip exemplifies the unity that Christ desires for His church. Despite geographical distances and cultural differences, we are united by our shared faith and our commitment to the Great Commission. As we work alongside our brothers and sisters in Perú, we will have the opportunity to learn from one another, grow in our understanding of God’s global mission, and strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship.
As we prepare for this journey, we approach it with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of purpose. May our efforts in Perú bring glory to God, and may they inspire others to embrace the call to serve, both within their local communities and beyond. In a world that often feels divided and broken, may our unity in Christ serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Dear Friends,
As our mission team embarks on a journey to Perú, I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us in spirit through our daily devotions. Beginning Sunday, we will share the same reflections that guide our team, offering a unique opportunity for you to participate in this transformative experience from afar.
In an age where division and self-interest often prevail, these devotions will challenge us to rediscover the unifying power of faith and the call to serve others selflessly. By engaging with these spiritual truths together, we can foster a sense of solidarity and common purpose, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
Join us on this journey of faith, as we seek to be agents of hope and renewal in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ. Together, let us reflect on the profound ways in which God’s love compels us to action, both in our local communities and in the global arena.
May these daily devotions be a source of inspiration, challenge, and encouragement, as we strive to live out our faith with authenticity and courage. I look forward to sharing this experience with you and witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives and in the lives of those we serve.
Blessings,
Timothy Downing
