Better Later than Never

October 26 - November 1 

 Have you noticed a theme yet?  These are starting later and later into the week.  It is very easy to go with the flow of the day and go to bed having only done one thing on my  TO DO list. In reality it has been a blessing to sit back a little bit and allow God to simply work.  I am beginning to realize that my time line is being adjusted a great deal.  I believe that in the long run, although it can be difficult at times, this will be one of the greatest things for me to learn.  God has really been telling me to rest and He will take care of EVERYTHING.

 Last week was a very busy week.  Starting Monday I began my official search for an apartment.  Mafer and I drove for several hours looking for a sign with the words “Alquila” (for rent).  As soon as we saw a sign we hit the brakes and wrote down the number.  We spent most of the day doing that, and then (I think) I had basketball practice.  (Practices are a blur because they start so late in the evening).  My body is not used to practicing at 8:30 or 9:00 at night, especially after walking several miles in a day.  

 Tuesday morning was a very special morning.  We started very early because each Tuesday the church has a meeting specifically for business owners. Cesar heads up the Bible study, and at the end we have an amazing time of prayer.  Which reminds me:  I love hearing Peruvians pray.  It is music to my ears. It has it’s own melody to it.  It is almost like a chorus of prayer.  It is a very powerful experience!

 Then we went to Miraflores for a very interesting “Reunion.”  As I have said before, Pastor Pepe is somewhat of a celebrity in Peru because of his multiple awards, and championship wins in powerlifting.  This provides him the ability to minister to people that are in desperate need of ministering, but that regular people like you and I might not have access to.  Tuesday was a perfect example of that.  This meeting was for famous actors in Peru.  I had no idea whose hand I was shaking, or cheek I kissed (this is the cultural way to so “Hello” to women).  However, two days later I watched television, and there was one actor right before my eyes.

 As I observed what was going on, I was blown away with how great the need is for actors and celebrities to be reached out to.  They are required to uphold an image, and they have almost zero privacy.  Even when we held this very discrete meeting, the press showed up.  Actually, the Peruvian Bible Society set up the meeting, and I must say, they did an amazing job.  I could tell how deeply these actors needed a time of testimony, prayer, and encouragement.  The plan was a meeting a month.  By the end of this meeting, it is going to jump into once a week.  God is Awesome.

 Wednesday was pretty laid back.  I slept in a little and ate.  I tried to do some catching up with emails, and talk to my wonderful wife.  Then in the evening we played our first playoff game against San Augustine.  We lost by one in overtime, and needless to say the team was very bummed out.  However, I know why I am on this team specifically.  The guys all have an amazing heart.  They listen well, and they love basketball.  Rather than push me away, they have accepted me with open arms.  There is an obvious language barrier, but there is mutual respect that I know will carry over for the future.  I have noticed that although they are competitive, their heads hang low, even if they are winning.  God is calling me into encouragement, and high-fives.  They need to know that they are winners, and that it doesn’t matter who they play, they have to THINK they are going to win.  The “loser” mentality is difficult to overcome.  It really is amazing to me that I am playing basketball, and it is such a powerful ministry tool.  I only get 12-15 rebounds a game and 2 points, but they listen to me and they respect what I say.  (Ha, I had to get my horrible stats in there).

 Thursday was another day of searching for an apartment and furnishings.  We looked at one apartment that I was pretty excited about, and so we went to a furniture market for potential furnishings.  I wish Amanda and I moved to Peru earlier than now.  THE PRICES ARE AMAZING.  Not to mention the quality of the furnishings!!!  I gave me a perspective on how inflated the American market can be.  We buy couches made as cheaply as possible, and pay double the price.

 In the evening we had a service at church similar to a service we would have on Wednesday night in America.  It was a quiet time of worship, and the Pastor Pepe gave a message about pursuing God in rest.  Putting God first in everything we do was an important message I needed to hear! That has been a common thread on both of our hearts, resting before God.  Then we prayed, which was relaxing because I needed to talk to God.

 Friday morning I went with Pepe to a meeting of soccer coaches around Peru.  THe goal of the meeting was to put together a soccer tournament similar to the theme in Upwards.  Unlike Upwards, they will keep score.  (This is their national sport, and it is extremely competitive).  The leaders of the meeting asked Pepe to speak about being a champion of Peru.  Clearly he was qualified, and he brought a deep but simple message.  The coaches are training potential future champions.  He told them all about his awards, and accolades.  They sat there in shock, like I did when I heard the list.  Then he proceeded to explain how Christ took hold of his heart.  

 This is an extremely important message for the Peruvian people.  They need to know that they are valuable because many struggle with this fact.  Things move very unilaterally, and I can only imagine how hopeless that can be. It is even more important for them to know that God makes them champions for so much more.

 Saturday was the FIRST EVER all-star basketball game in Peru.  They held a dunk contest, three-point contest, and finally the all-star game.  I am proud to say that Joe Henderson completely wrecked the shop all day.  He won the dunk contest.  Then in the All-Star game he dunked so hard that they had to fix the shot clock.  If his team had not lost by 2 (they played more for the fun of it), then he would have been the MVP.  This is a very important testimony down the road.  He has received a lot of attention for his ability in basketball.  If he comes down next year with our basketball team, and the Peruvian fans see why he is truly a Champion, that can speak to a lot of hearts.  I am excited to see God working in this way!

 Sunday was a day of Church and rest.  Another great message, and wonderful time of worship.  God is doing some amazing things, even though sometimes I feel like I am just sitting.  I like to be constantly moving, but usually when that happens it means I am not seeing how God is moving.  He has forced me to sit and wait, and it has been amazingly rewarding.

The next post will be more about the highlights of the past two weeks.  I have been very busy, and have since forgotten the details of my days.  However, I remember the highlights! So look for something early next week!!!

Comments

[jake]

I won that same dunk contest in 2004. My dunks probably weren't as good as Joe's.

We're praying for you every week at our football game. Bless you.