2011 Christmas Outreach

A couple months ago, Mark, Anna, Amanda, and I sat down for our weekly Monday night vision, and fun night.  Each week we sit down and laugh, talk, and ask each other what God has been saying to us in terms of life, ministry, and the communities that we work in.  The main topic that night was if we thought the Pacifico community would be interested in doing an outreach.  If so, where would they be interested in giving back to the community.

If we are realistic, we didn't really know what to expect, because the reality is these people are impoverished, and when they hear "outreach" they naturally assume "free stuff."  It is one of the biggest obstacles that we have in discipleship when working within shanty towns.  We are fighting against several years worth of government handouts, and ONG giving.  

However, we were optimistic about our community.  We have been seeing God work in miraculous ways amongst the people, not only during Church, but also in the small groups and in their daily lives.  So we decided to ask each small group if they were interested in doing an outreach, and, "who, what, where, and why." To say we were pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.  We were blown away.

They said they wanted to go to San Genaro Dos, where the "neediest of the neediest live."  We had never really heard of the place, but we were intrigued.  Doing some research we found out that it was on the adjacent mountain next to Pacifico.  It is one of the newer communities, and it is full of people coming from the provinces for work within Lima.  We found out that because it is so high up the mountain no one does any sort of outreach to the people.  It is too much of a "hassle" to do it.

The people in the small groups were fired up!  They plan to do a Chocolatada, which is a handout of hot chocolate, panetone (fruit bread), and gifts.  However, it was clear that there was something more here, within the planning.  As leaders, we didn't just want to do an event.  If we were going to go anywhere we needed to do it with the vision that the people in Pacifico could begin to disciple and teach people in San Genaro Dos.  Not only were we going to do skits, games, and an evangelical message, the small groups wanted to love on these people.  They wanted to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

"Are you serious???"  Yes.

They want to do it.

We know it will be messy, and require a lot of work.  We also know it is "last minute" even though we have been working on this for a couple of months now.  (Unfortunately for Americans, culturally we have to wait for certain things before a decision can be made here in Peru).  

The other day we spoke with the district "rep," Angelo, who oversees the communities on the mountain.  He personally has 18 communities he represents to the local and national government.  He explained to us that there are over 1,500 children on the mountainside, and there is roughly 4-5,000 people on the mountain.  Um, yeah.  And the closest church is not quite at the foot of the mountain, and they are unfortunately well known for not doing much in the community.  (We believe God will change that though!!!)

On December 18th, the day of the outreach, Angelo, expects approximately 800 children to come to the event.  He said this will be the kids that really need some love.  In fact, he is going to personally make sure the event tickets go to the right place.  Not only that but he will do the work to get a location from the municipality, plus provide us with sound equipment and a place to cook all the hot chocolate.  (This type of support from someone we have never previously met is unheard of in the two years that I have been in Peru.)

So where do we need your help?

Prayer and financial support.  

If you have observed our ministry at this point you know that our goal, if we do events, it is to give love, find people that need Jesus, and then we start working with them.  This opportunity is a way to further the discipleship of people in Pacifico, as well as share the love of Jesus with a mountainside that currently has zero outreach.  We need your help to plant seeds of love.

We are not setting an amount because the more we receive the more we can outreach.  However it will be a multiple thousand dollar project, and literally every penny will count, and literally every penny will go to loving this community!

So what do you think?  Can you help the Pacifico community bring the Good News, and some toys to these kiddos?

If so, "click here"!!!

Pacifico: It's like Wildfire

By now you have seen some pictures of the area that we work in.  On the exterior, it really isn't much to look at; mainly because it is a shanty town in the desert.  It's dirty, it's full of feral dogs, and if you could smell it you would agree that it stinks.  

Yet, it is in this community that God has raised up an amazing body of believer's.  

The name of our Church community is "Oikos."  It is a Greek word that has several significant meanings.  Generally speaking it is often used in the Bible to reference "household."  More specifically it is used in reference to the extended family of a household as well. Having observed the interconnectedness of the families in Pacifico, the name of our community just makes sense.  It seems like everyone is related to each other.  So what God has shown us is if we go after the households,  we will get the extended families, and their households, which will bring their extended families... that's how a spiritual wildfire starts isn't it?

God has put the vision in Mark and Anna's heart to have Pacifico turn from a sin filled squatter town, into a place where everyone leaves their doors unlocked because the presence of God is so evident.  We all believe God will do that through reaching the household.

But does it work? Can it be practically explained?  We think so, and we want to show you an example of how it is currently happening in the community.

In June of 2010, a wonderful woman named Belen accepted Jesus Christ and the fullness of His love, into her life.  As a result, her joy started to bubble up.  She began telling her children about Jesus.  So Marcelo, her oldest son, gave his life to Jesus also.  Then his little sister Nicole did too.  Their little brother Rodrigo, started coming around too to learn more about God (and hang out with the other kids).  

As God began to grow and shape Belen's, she kept sharing Jesus with her extended family. She had hope and they needed to know it. As a result, her nieces and nephews started coming around.  In September of 2010 Belen was baptized.  Then because the Church was growing, and there was not enough space for the people, Belen offered her house as a place where our celebration Sundays could take place.  

This was all before her live-in husband Jaime accepted Jesus.  

Talk about faith.

Well, those little seeds of faith planted in Jaime were watered through the times of worship and the spoken Word.  In December of 2010, Jaime gave it all up and believed!  Not only did he believe, but in time Belen and Jaime were convicted to be united before the Lord in actual marriage.

The flames continued in 2011.  

Starting in April and May, two of Belen's sister-in-laws started going to the discipleship groups during the week.  They too were excited about this new hope.  

Don't worry, it gets crazier.

Part of our prayer time and hopes for the shanty revolve a lot around healing bad situations.  Belen and Jaime were in one of those situations with their next door neighbor, Karina.  As is normal in shanty towns in Peru, there was some extremely bad blood between Karina and Belen.  Well, in the midst of their dislike of each other, God began working in Belen's heart.  That work seemed to overflow into Karina's house.

One night Belen had a dream that she need to make up with Karina and forgive her.  In the dream it was clear that they needed to make amends to each other, and move on.  Here's the crazy part:  Karina, who is not a Christian, had the same exact dream.  Needless to say, we were all shocked when this took place.  This just happened in September, so who knows what will happen there.  This just happened in September, so who knows what will happen there.  So we are making it a consistent goal to visit with Karina and her pretty little daughters as well.

We think it is pretty awesome how God is working, and it is really spreading like wildfire.  The point is, we are going after the households, and any person that they can touch in which they have a deep relationship.  Whether it be neighbor, co-worker, or family member, we are seeing the love and salvation of Jesus spread like wildfire because God is that big.
 
Currently Amanda and I are in charge of discipleship and worship for Pacifico.  We do a lot of teaching (Shaun) and singing (Amanda).  We continue to follow with the vision God has given us about empowering, not replacing.  There are definitely some challenges, which you can read here and here.  However, it is so clear that we have so much to learn about God and His love for us during this process!

The Peruvian Elections = Way Different

In America when I have had the opportunity to vote, I have always felt in some ways that my vote was worthless.  It seems like the system is set up where one vote couldn’t make a difference.  In principal I know it can, but in concept I have a hard time swallowing that pill.  So I really had to push myself to get “into” things.  

When I came to Peru and the Presidential Elections started I began to think the same.  They are a democracy and I was sure the system is set up similar to America, boring...

Then I started to see thousands and thousands of signs EVERYWHERE.  I began looking on facebook and seeing people of all ages saying which candidates to vote for and why.  Specifically I saw young people who were really invested in the process.  So I decided to find out more about why things seemed so different, especially considering the elections are this Sunday.

One of the first things I found out is that Peruvians are required to vote.  Voting isn’t a choice, it is an obligation.  If you do not vote, you will receive a fine.  If you don’t pay the fine, you can’t do certain things; (and the fine is not cheap).  Furthermore, the voting system is set up differently then what we are used to.

There are several different political parties in Peru, and all of them seem to have very strong candidates.  So one of the ways that the political system allows people to have a voice is to do two rounds of voting.  So in the first round people vote, which pushes forward two candidates.  Then the people vote again in July between the two candidates.  Then the newly elected President will serve for the next five years!

The day before elections, the day of elections, and the day after elections NO ONE can sell or carry firearms.  (Police and the military obviously can, in case there was an uprising.)  Another interesting thing is that there can be no public gathering at all during the voting hours on the day of the election.  No church services, no live television shows for entertainment, no rallies, no group meetings or protests...nothing.  Election Day is truly election day.

Now about the candidates...

I want to focus on four people.  They are the most likely candidates to be pushed through to the next round.

Keiko Fujimori Higuchi

Ms. Fujimori is a very intriguing choice.  Although her name is Japanese, which she is racially, she was born and raised in Peru.  Her father is the famous Alberto Fujimori, the former President of Peru.  He is famous for ending terrorism in Peru, by completely wiping out the Shining Path.  Unfortunately in doing so, he preformed utterly devastating human rights violations.  He was also rather corrupt in his dealings with National Money.

Back to Ms. Keiko...

She is so interesting because people fear that she is going to be a puppet for her father who is now in jail.  While her father was President, he divorced his wife, naming Keiko the First Lady of Peru.  She was only 19 years old.  Although she is viewed as a puppet for Daddy she has had quite a strong stand alone political career for being only 36 years old.  She is well spoken, well educated, and articulate with all things.  She would also be the very first female President of Peru, if she is elected.

Although her focus is about improving Peru and giving to the poor, she is still overshadowed by her father.  Just think how many times I have brought him up as I talk about her.  Consequently I do not believe she will have a strong enough chance to move to the second round.  Her Dad needs to be in jail longer before people would feel comfortable with her being President.

(Here is more info on her- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keiko_Fujimori)

(Here is more info on her father- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Fujimori)

Alejandro Toledo Manrique

Mr. Toledo was the former President of Peru from 2001-2006.  He is currently tied in the polls for second.  

He is the rags to riches story.  His father was a blue collar worker, laying bricks and his mother worked in the fishing industry.  Mr. Toledo has been a hard worker from a young age, and he can most certainly attribute his success to his own hands.  He played soccer and pumped gas to get his Bachelors.  He would eventually attend Standford, receiving a Masters in economics, Masters in education, and a PhD in Economics (Human Resources related).

You can see Mr. Toledo is well educated, and he understands what not having money is like.  Unfortunately his former presidency was scattered with numerous scandals, ranging from his salary, to an illegitimate daughter, to his wife stealing national treasures from the State.  Although I have not confirmed the second one, it is a rumor that is going around, and Peruvians do not taken their history lightly.  So if someone is stealing ancient artifacts, people may not be happy.

To me there is nothing special about his candidacy. However, he is a safe choice.  He is clearly prepared for the Presidency, having held the title once before.  The most important thing is that he would probably continue many of the programs that the current President has set in place to help keep the economy well on track.

(Here is more info on him- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Toledo_Manrique)

Ollanta Humala Tasso (Gana Perú)

One word: SCARY!!!  

Mr. Humala is a former military commander, and was a part of the military during Fujimori’s presidency.  Not only has he had charges pressed against him for human rights violations (torture, forced disappearance, and murder), he also led a revolt against his commanding officers.  

Mr. Humala is playing his role as the People’s Choice.  When he led a revolt against Fujimori’s regime, Humala was looked at by many as a hero.  A man that had a backbone when no one else would.  He is all about nationalism, and spreading the wealth.  What does this mean?

Let me tell you... Mr. Humala is currently in the lead and his party platform is supported by... dun, dun, dun... HUGO CHAVEZ!!!  There is a debate that Humala is financially supported by Chavez, however he is most certainly supported by Chavez and his platform.

Everything with Mr. Humala is in the shadows, which is scary.  In Presidential debates he would not answers specific questions directed at him.  He says that he is open to free trade with places like Europe and America.  Unfortunately he is well known for supporting Venezuela, which means no free trade.  He also plans to nationalize everything, and kick out all foreign products and companies.  Can you say dark ages?

I have asked myself why he is so popular.  So I looked at the previous election he ran in, and the voting distribution.  All the places he received his vote are known to be moderately to severely impoverished.  These people are receiving hope that Mr. Humala will distribute the wealth.  Unfortunately the economists and political historians are not doing a good enough job explaining to these people how he ruin the country in the process of making everyone "equal."

Mr. Humala is currently in the lead.  If he wins, one of the first orders he could give, is to kick out ALL non-citizens.  That includes all missionaries.

(Here is more info on him- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollanta_Humala_Tasso)

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Godard

Mr. Kuczynski is most certainly the attractive choice.  Although the guy has zero personality, he is very good in marketing, economics, planning, and execution.  Because his name is not at all Peruvian, he markets himself as PPK.  He has chosen bright, young colors that young people love to wear.  His mascot is the PPKuy, which is a huge fluffy guinea pig, aka Cuy (which people eat here).  He is the first to really use social media successfully.  He is the first to really market himself to the younger generations.  Which is smart because the current median age of Peru is right around 23.

PPK is of German descent, whose family ended up in Peru to escape Nazi Germany because of their Jewish background.  His father was a world famous Doctor, specializing in tropical diseases.  PPK studied in Oxford, and Princeton receiving degrees in politics, philosophy, economics, and public affairs.  Additionally, he was a US citizen until renouncing his citizenship for running purposes.  So he also understands the US and European psyche.

He is an economist to the core.  He has formerly served as the Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister of Economy, and Prime Minister.  In fact, he was Toledo’s minister of economy and was largely the reason for Toledo’s economic plan succeeding.

When asked questions, although he is a bit long winded, he answers them fully.  His intelligence is obvious, and as a result he lacks in fiery speeches; which is why I am so intrigued in him.   ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE HIM!!!  He is the antithesis of Obama, or JFK.  He is not attractive.  He is not “Peruvian.”  He is not anything special.  

However, he knows his stuff.  He is the only candidate that has a five year plan drawn up to the letter.  He knows how to keep this economy on an upward track.  As a result, people are really responding to him.  Originally, he was a long shot to win.  However, as time has gone on his support has increased and he is  currently tied with Toledo for second.

(Here is more info on him- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Pablo_Kuczynski_Godard)

So what do I think will happen?

After watching the debates yesterday, I really think it is going to be close.  I think Humala will stay in the lead because so may votes are split between Toledo and PPK.  PPK will be close behind Toledo, but I believe that Toledo has done enough to get into the second round.

As a result, it will be a head to head battle between Humala and Toledo.  A battle that will be won by Toledo, because NO ONE wants to take a step back.  Even those in the poorer areas are beginning to recognize that the distribution of wealth is naturally beginning to occur as a result of the nation’s economic success.  

I will keep you posted as things develop.

*******UPDATE******

Humala and Keiko passed through to the second round.  Either one needs more than 50% of the vote to win.  

Updates: My Bad....

 So I realized today that it has been two months since my last post.  Unacceptable.  For reals, my bad.  I can’t do the blame game on this one.  I didn’t have carpal tunnel, or gnarled fingers, or a broken computer.  I just forgot.  

 So here are some brief updates to get things less awkward.

*The Youth:  [We covered this a little in our newsletter this past month]  

A few months ago we talked about an opportunity to work more in depth with the youth at the Church we are attending.  Instead of asking us to help out, they said “take it, and let God guide you.”  Sweet.  We have been looking for stuff like that.

So we have a name for it- Cuatro:Doce (4:12).  It sounds a lot better in Spanish.  In English, it sounds like a gang or some type of drug reference.  However, it is actually shaped after 1 Timothy 4:12.  At first the kids thought the name was dumb.  Now they either forgot about it, or they like it, because no one is making fun of me anymore.

It has been exciting to see God’s hand in this.  We prayed for leaders to come alongside of us.  It took us awhile to understand God’s perfect time, but now we have PERFECT people.  We prayed for a direction on how to take things.  Again, it took God’s perfect time, but now we have an amazing direction.  It also took me some time to understand that each type of seed is not the same, and some take longer to grow than others.  

But now... I have a bunch of Bamboo around me [bamboo is considered to be the fastest growing plant in the world].  A side note:  this is extremely humorous if you know anything about the tattoo that is on my leg.  

*Hosting: 

We have two different types of hosting that are taking place right now.  The first is that we are going to hopefully be hosting some different short term teams this year.  We are waiting to see what God develops in that area.  However, it appears that we are also hosting individuals.

The second is hosting individuals or a couple of people. Right now we have two new friends from Switzerland, Hanna and Sarah, who are traveling the world in the name of Jesus.  We have walked around, listened to stories, and we can firmly say that Jesus Christ is not dead (we weren’t doubting).  The Holy Spirit is alive and active, and is working doing amazing things.  Literal miracles.  Now some of you may shirk at the idea of me saying that, which is cool.

But, some of the ways God has provided for us, and for them.  It’s only God.  It’s not man, and it’s not works.  Finances, physical healing when they are sick, protection from harm in places like China and India.  You guys hear the reports of the persecution that Christians experience in those areas... but God has protected them and provided for them in ways that are completely unexpected.  It is unbelievable to hear stories from different people traveling the world, on how God is moving amongst His people.  

*Cool Opportunities:  

 -The discipleship book is going slow but steady. I have never done more individual research, reading, writing, editing, and thinking in my entire life; and I am still on the rough rough draft.  However, as slow as it is going, it is taking a very beautiful shape, and I am excited to see how God might use it to train people to be and make disciples.

 -In the past few months Pastor Pepe has been working with different mayors in surrounding districts to get the Church involved with making a difference.  We are now set up to help with monthly medical campaigns, youth outreach, sports campaigns, and marriage conferences.  It is so cool to sit in a mayor’s office, tell him your ideas, and literally see his wheels turning.  

 -Rugby is also going good, and continues to be a good outlet for everything.  Sometimes when I am spending 3-4 hours of reading theology and writing, tackling people or running can be a lot of fun.  We had a beach tournament this past weekend where I played against the national Peruvian team, and national team from Ecuador.  We lost all of our games, which is always a hard pill to swallow.  However, the aches and pains make me feel like a lumberjack kind of man.  

 -Writing for Theology21.  I have been asked to be a contributing author to Theology21.  I am excited about it because I have a love/hate relationship with theology.  I love it for what it Truly is, and I hate it for what it sometimes can become.  It's a new project, and I am interested to see how it all plays out.  There are various contributing authors, and as with all theology, we won’t agree.  However, that is what excited me, because it is creating dialogue, and people are having to look at the Word of God, instead of the popular best-selling book for Christians.

 *The End: 

So as to not overwhelm you anymore, that is all for now. Amanda and I just made a deal where we have to write once a week.  So, be on the lookout for next weeks addition! 

Love you all in the name of Jesus!!!!

-Shaun

Why I Love What We Do.

This past Saturday we went to Chosica, a town about an hour away from Lima.  It is a tourist spot, mainly for sunshine and warmth.  When I say tourist, I really mean Peruvians that live in the city and need to get away for a bit.  We went because Amanda was doing her first ever photo shoot.  She was going to take some pictures of our pregnant friends Carlos and Cherish.  (Pregnant friends never sounds right to me, but evidently that is the way pregnant couples are supposed to be described).

As we were leaving we found out that some other friends were coming: Carlos, Roxanna, Valentina, and Gustavo.

Cool!

 Then I found out we were going to cook some meat on the grill, which I am always a big fan of.  We were still going to take some pictures, and maybe swim in the pool.  As long as I was back by 6pm I was good to go.  (We were having soccer night for the youth, and since I was setting it up, I wanted to be there on time).

Then we got to Chosica, to a beautiful home,(it was really breathtaking);  and we found out we were going to baptize Gustavo and Cherish!

Don't know about it but SWEET!  We're down for it!

So we started doing that.  They are in the pool getting baptized.  Two German Shepherds running around barking like crazy.  Amanda is singing praise songs to Jesus.  I am taking pictures.  SPLOOSH.

It wasn't Cherish or Gustavo.  It was one of the dogs...

He fell in and could not pull himself out.  He could not figure out that he needed to swim to the other side.  We are in a serious moment, someone is about to get dunked, I am taking pictures, and this dog was about to die.

So I put on my cape as I started laughing, I ran over and pulled the dog out.  Really good stuff.

Gustavo and Cherish got baptized, Praise the Lord.  No dogs died, Praise the Lord again.  We took some pictures, grilled some meat, hung out, and prepared to leave.

As we were preparing to leave, we found out that the caretakers lived on the property.  So we gave them some grilled chicken.  In our conversation with them we found out that they had a mentally handicapped 13 year old son.  So we asked if we could go up and see him, and pray for the family.

When we went up there we had no idea what God had in store for us or the family.

Carlos and Carlos began to talk to the family about Jesus.  We could see that there was so much love in the home, but they were still hurting.  The father, the mother (who is a step-mother), and the sister were pouring out so much love on this young man.  They heard the message of Jesus, and they broke. They all accepted Him as Lord and Savior.  AWESOME!

But, it did not stop there.  God began to put things on each of our hearts to minister to the family.  Carlos began praying for them and the mother.  Amanda began singing a song for the mother.  Roxanna began praying for the women, and giving them hugs they so desperately needed.  The other Carlos began speaking to the father in ways that were very loving, and his heart began to crumble.  God was bringing restoration into their home immediately.  Not a few weeks from now.  He was healing that home, and their hearts.

I got to sit back and watch it all happen.

I was late for soccer.  No one seemed to care.  I was a little stressed because of the responsibility, but it all worked out.

However, when I look back and think about the time I can't help but feel overwhelmed.  When I woke up, I thought we were going to take some pictures and call it a day.  That is why I love what we do.