Robin & Tracy Shelley

Night of Light

2011-11-07T10:51:00.002-05:00

Puppet show, a new ministry that one of the members of the church had a heart to start. Thank you Lord.
Tracy and Franshesca paint faces.

A packed out church. We had more that 200 kids and about 50 adults.

On Oct. 31 we decided to present a Night of Light, showing the love of Christ and the light of our Savior on this dark night. Many people entered from the street to see what was happening. We were able to share the gospel through games, tracts, puppet shows and childrens shows. Each kid had to read a verse from the Roman's road to salvation before they could play the games.

On Nov 6 two of these families showed up at the church for the first time. Two of the moms that came received the Lord and began their new life in Christ. Praise Him. One of the moms prayed for deliverance from a gambling addiction. I love how the Lord used a night that the enemy intended for death and evil to bring new life and freedom.

street preaching

2011-08-20T12:57:00.004-05:00

Hanging out at the house after a good afternoon of sharing the gospel. Lunch, rubix cube, other mind games plus a great time of worship and fellowship.
Sharing in the university.

Some of the crowd that began to gather to hear the message.

Monday and Tuesday of this week we had the pleasure to host two young missionaries Adelmo and Eduardo. Adelmo is from Brazil and Eduardo from Columbia. They are traveling South America sharing the gospel through painting and street preaching. Many people heard the gospel, many seeds were planted and we had a great time. Play for fruit from the seeds that were planted and pray for these two gentlemen as they travel and share the good news. They are currently in Arequipa, Peru and then off to Cajamarca. They mentioned that there desire was to arrive in Mexico with the gospel.

Reaching out with the Youth

2011-08-09T09:45:00.004-05:00

Playing games in the park with the kids of Ancón.
The youth ministering with Koinonia Surco in Pachacutec.

Robin dresses up as a clown.

July 28-Aug 3 our youth group went to Ventanilla, about 30 minutes north of Lima, to minister with a Calvary Chapel church plant. We took 6 youth and 2 leaders. We had a great time. We ministered in three different communities during our 5 days. We ministered to over 400 children and several adults. We gave out about 400-500 tracts and invitations, we painted hundreds of little faces, we taught them the Word, we loved them and showed them Christ Jesus in everyway we know how. The Lord really blessed our time.

One of my favorite moments was when one of the youth boys was pretending to do a devotional to some of the other youth. He told me that I couldn't be there. They were just goofing off. The next morning when he woke up, he said that he really wanted to do the morning devotinal and he wanted me to teach him how to put together a devotional. I showed how to do it and he begin to read and study. After breakfast he was ready to share what the Lord was showing him. It was great, simple and deep all at the same time. The Lord really blessed me through this moment. I love doing the outreaches and ministering to the masses, but more than anything I enjoy these moments of discipling God's children. Than you Lord!

Baptism

2011-06-26T13:16:00.003-05:00

Sunday the 12th of June we had a baptism, we baptized 4 people. We had a nice time of fellowship and a blessed time seeing these four people follow Christ in obedience of baptism.

Leonardo Valencia 15 yrs old

Felix Palimino Aparcana, new believer.

Manuel Valencia 12 years old.

Kilaine Shelley 9 years old.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. This week 4 more people asked me about being baptized.

Outreach Saturday

2011-05-23T19:25:00.004-05:00

Kilaine with Franchesca (youth from the church, 18yrs old)
The kids playing games

Robin (me) the scary cowboy clown leading the kids in songs about Jesus.

This past weekend we did an outreach in a small community outside of Ica. We had about 50 kids and 10-15 parents that showed up for the event. We were helping A Rocha (a christain not for profit working in conservation) start their project with kids. We tied balloons, painted faces and shared the love of Christ with these kids and their parents. A Rocha will be returning every other Saturday to continue showing the love of Christ and to work with the kids on planting a garden to better their community. Through this project we will teach the kids about the importance of taking care of God's creation and about God's amazing love for them. We had a great time. Kilaine and Liam went with us and participated in the activities.

Outreaches and conference

2011-05-17T10:58:00.003-05:00

Tying balloons for the festival.

Franchesca painting faces for the festival

Recently we had the opportunity to take our youth and some of the church members to an outreach in Pisco, Peru. About an hour north of us where there is a Calvary chapel plant. We took about 20 people and had a great time. They called me up on stage to do a silly dance contest with two other pastors. Good times. I love showing the youth and the church body that we can truly enjoy our freedom in Christ and still live holy lives.

We also recently participated in a festival celebrating Huarango trees and their conservation. We have been working with a conservation group called A Rocha Peru, that has a Huarango project in Ica. We tied balloons and painted faces for the special day of kids in the festival. The coordinators really didn't want us there because we are a Christian church, but because we participate in Huarango planting and conservation, they said O.k. We painted and wrote Jesus loves you on every balloon and many faces. We shared some invitations to the church and we were the stars of the day, we even got some free advertising in the newspaper (pictures and short explication of why we were there. Thank you Lord. That particular day the power didn't work, so all the things that the festival had brought to entertain the kids, didn't work. We with endless power in Christ had the ability to continue on in the work of the Lord, because our power doesn't depend on extension cords or plugs, it comes directly from above.

We now have an opportunity to minister in another community, Las Casuarinas. It is about 10-15 minutes outside of Ica. We have done some evangelistic ministry in this community and were praying for the Lord's will to start a small study there. The Lord didn't allow us at the time, but now it seems He is opening the door. At the same time that someone ask me to come and share, one of the brothers from the church said that he would love to go with me each Saturday and share the Word in this community. Please pray for this oppourtunity and Marcos, the brother in Christ that wishes to help.

A busy time in Koinonia

2011-04-21T16:41:00.002-05:00

We have been very busy lately because we moved into a new apartment. The old one was dark and old and was causing Tracy to be depressed. God is faithful, our new apartment is great. We are also preparing for our Resurrection week activities. Tuesday night we had a prayer meeting and then on Wednesday morning another prayer meeting. We are having a service tonight and I will be sharing about Christ in the garden and His cup of suffering. I am learning some cool stuff about that and I will share in another post. Tomorrow we are going to join together with the Calvary Chapel about an hour north of us to participate in an outreach that they are doing for the youth. We are taking our youth and some of the members of the church to Pisco. Sunday morning we are doing a special sunrise service with prayer and worship and then breakfast together as a church body. Then we will celebrate the resurrection with our normal 10am service, worship and Bible study. Please pray with us, we have lots of new people coming to our Tuesday night prayer meeting and our Thursday night Bible study. Pray that the Lord will do the work and transform hearts and raise up leaders in His church here in Ica.

2011-03-22T14:41:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we had our first youth retreat. We had 22 teenagers from the ages of 12-18 years old. About 10-11 of them didn't know the Lord. We were able to share God's Word with them and give them lots and lots of love. They had time to swim, play soccer, volleyball, and other yard games and then we had a campfire and roasted marshmellows, they had never done that before

Morning devotionals were fun. You gotta do something to get the attention of 22 youth that went to bed way to late and you ask them to get up at 7am.

The last day was the most amazing. The guy who helped me thoughout the retreat had the idea to give hugs to the youth. I thought that he was a little crazy and that they wouldn't let him. Well I was proved wrong. It took a little coaxing for some of them, but the Lord begin to work and kids begin to come for their free hugs. Kids that were the worst amongst the group broke down crying after being hugged. Wow the Lord is good! We also gave an invitation to receive Christ and 6 of them prayed. Pray with us that this will be the beginning of a fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ for these 6 youth.

Hugs, hugs, hugs! Giving a hug to one of the toughest of the tough!

Youth retreat coming up!!

2011-03-17T16:37:00.004-05:00

Just got back from the beach, celebrating my wife's birthday. Good times, will post some pictures soon. Now it is time to prepare for our upcoming youth retreat. We begin tomorrow at 5pm and end on Sunday morning at 10am. We are going to a place here in Ica, that has a pool, soccer field and some nice grassy areas to play in. Looking forward to some fun time with the teenagers. Please pray for Marco Cordova who is leading the retreat and for Mario, Paola & me, those of us who are leading and taking care of the youth.

a month of firsts

2011-03-11T16:36:00.002-05:00

This has been an interesting month so far and we have only just begun. This month is full of firsts for us. At the end of Feb. and the beginning of March I officiated my first funerals, two right in a row (both came to our church for a time until their sickness wouldn't allow them to come). Last week we were robbed for the first time at the church, after a year in our new space. Yesterday I had to ask someone to leave the fellowship, a first for me as a pastor. And at the end of the month I will be officiating my first wedding as a pastor. Exciting, emotional and difficult times. The Lord is doing or getting ready to do something great amongst us, because there is ton of spiritual warfare. Please pray for the believers here in Ica, they are experiencing many family problems here recently. Lots of marriages in turmoil and inner family problems, also some drama amongst the church body. The good thing is the enemy is attacking, which means the Lord counts us worthy to be able to resist the woes of the devil. Give us strength Lord to continue on for your glory. Amen.

Midnight surprise

2011-03-11T16:25:00.002-05:00

Last night we were falling to sleep at about midnight when all of a sudden we heard a trumpet begin to play and then some other instruments, it was a 7 piece Mariachi band. They were playing in the street in front of our neighbors house. We later found out that is a Peruvian tradition to hire a Mariachi band for a fifteen year old's birthday. The band started exactly at midnight, which is the beginning of the kids birthday. I guess they like to get a start of the day and the celebration. We laughed at the absurdity of the situation as they continued to play until about 12:30am. Imagine being serenated at midnight on the day of your birthday. Just a little part of the culture that I didn't know about after four year on the field. Always a little more to learn.

church robbed.

2011-03-04T11:13:00.001-05:00

Hi! I am hoping to find you all very well. I am writing to tell you the events of this evening (thursday March 3) and to ask for your prayers. Mario, one of the guys in the church who is starting to serve, was at the church and the church got robbed. Today was to be his first Thurs to start leading worship at the evening service. We were just recently given a guitar for the church so now he has one to practice on and play on. He came by the house to pick up the guitar and headed over to the church to practice ahead of time. A young couple came by asking for Pastor Robin. He told them he wasn't there at that time and that the service started at 7:30. They said they'd come back later, but the girl asked to use the bathroom. He let them in and then the girl pulled a gun on him. They took them in, made him get on his knees, put the gun to his head and demanded the money box "with all the gringo dollars." They found the tithe box and apparently busted it up to take the money. They went around the church looking for other things of value. The only other thing of real value in the church is the sound equipment. They didn't take anything else saying they couldn't get it into the mototaxi. In the end, they only took the money, Mario did not get hurt.
I praise God for protecting Mario and for protecting our family. We are sometimes seen as big fat dollar signs because we are American. We always have our eyes open, taking every precaution to safety, but not living in fear. We trust the Lord in all circumstances, even when things do seem to go terribly wrong. He is always there with us. I ask for your continued prayers for our safety, peace in our home and protection over the church. This seems to be happening a lot in Peru lately. Just about a month ago some guys robbed the church in Lima, entered during a service with guns, made everyone get on the floor and so on. There are constant robberies in my neighborhood and all around us in Ica. But again, we do not live in fear. Thank you so much for your love and your prayers.
Tracy

Funerals and New life

2011-03-02T13:39:00.002-05:00

We recently got back from a visit to the states. We came back to a full schedule. We started with a sickness that had me (Robin) in bed for several days and many other days of just sitting around with head full of snot (gross). Anyway, after about two weeks things got better in that area and the ministry opportunities begin to pour in.
In the last few days two members of our church went home to see the Lord. Martin a 39 year old dad of two (12 year old son Brian, 15 year old daughter, Lucera) went to see his Maker after battling cancer for about two years. About a year ago he began coming to the church and he just couldn't understand why his sister was so interested in Christ, he said it was boring. Then the Lord captured his heart and gave him a different perspective. Martin came in as an athiest and left as a God fearing men with a love relationship with Jesus Christ. Praise Jesus. Martin's funeral was the first that I had ever officiated and things went well. I shared the hope that we have Jesus, and how even though his body was before us, his soul and his spirit went home to their maker. The service was nice and everybody was blessed.
The funeral was on a Saturday and on Sunday, some of Martin's family and friends came to the church and two of them gave there life to the Lord (Narda and Carman) Please pray for them, that their new life with Christ with blossom and that they will be able to resist the wiles of the devil. Amen.
Mariela a 35-40is mom of two, having lost her husband two years earlier to an untimely death, also went home to worship Jesus. Mariela came to the church about 8 months ago, she was unsure of whether to accept Christ or not. She battled with the traditionalism of the state church and knew that accepting Christ meant being rejected by her very religious family (different religion). Two months later while I was visiting with her she decided to give her heart to the Lord and become His child. Amen. Sunday she went home to be with her Savior, after battling cancer for about 5-6 months. She left behind two young daughter (Sandra 8, and another that I don't know 16-17 years old) please pray for these lovely girls to come into a relationship with Jesus, who is the father of the fatherlesss. This was the second funeral that I participated in as a Pastor. The family wasn't too excited about me sharing, even though they knew that Mariela didn't share their religion they insisited that the funeral be traditional according to their religion. It was a bit excrutiating to sit through about hours of them praying to a false god. Then I ask the sister to give me two minutes to share, she agreed. I had prayed that the Lord would open the door. I shared from the book of John 11 where Jesus says that he is resurrection and the life. I shared that Mariela went directly to be with her Savior and that she is not in some holding cell waiting to be prayed in. She is there just like to theif that was next to Jesus on the cross. I was able to share the gospel with a bunch of people that are chained to religious practices and have no real relationship. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity. Please pray for the family of Mariela that through this tragedy that some of them will come to know the true Savior and mediator of our faith.
A rather emotional weekend and quite busy. Today we are taking it a little slower, trying to catch up on some writing and some personal time. I will try to be better writing the blog as many have requested.
Robin

First middle school youth meeting

2010-04-25T17:30:00.002-05:00

Last night we started our middle school youth group. We have a group of middle schoolers between 11-17 years old. We talked about dinosaurs, the book of Job and creation vs. evolution. We ate some ice cream sundays and played spoons. We had a great time.

Our first service in the new space

2010-04-04T17:57:00.005-05:00

before and after

The entrance and the children's rooms.

Today we had our first Sunday service in our new space. We had several new people today and pray that they will continue to come. God has been so good to us and has transformed a space that seemed useless into something that will be used to glorify His holy name. Just exactly what He did with us, transformed something that seemed impossible and useless into something that is useful for His glory. Ohhh Praise Him!

2010-03-30T22:16:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of post, but we've been really busy. I (Robin) have been working on the new building for the past month with a good bit of help of course. This weekend is the opening celebration. We are excited, but there is ton of stuff that still needs to be done. Please pray that it all comes together for Sunday. As soon I can get the time I will post some pictures.

A new church home

2010-02-17T08:49:00.003-05:00

Well this is it. I know that it doesn't look like much right now, but the Lord has given me a plan for finishing out the space. We will begin contruction on the place this coming Monday, Lord willing. It will probably take two or three weeks before we can move in. Please pray that the Lord will continue to provide for each and every step of the project and give me wisdom in making decisions. When finished we think we will be able to seat about 100-125 people maybe more. We will have at least two Sunday school rooms and two or three bathrooms. We are very excited about the possiblities that this new space gives us. Another large blessing is that the space is located on the main avenue. Praise the Lord for He has already provided so much. We already have money in place to do a lot of the construction. The other incredible blessing is that this space is about a third of what everything else on the avenue cost. We were able to secure a two year contract and this means that all we invest in the space will be for the future as well. We are praying that if it is the Lord's will that He will open the door in the future for us to buy the space, currently the space is not for sale. He is Holy and oh sooo good to His children.

Another possiblity

2010-02-11T10:32:00.002-05:00

A few months back we were praying for a new space and thought that we had found the perfect spot, but the Lord's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, needless to say it didn't pan out. Now we are looking at a new space. In the traditional Calvary style, the place is a large open warehouse without anything. We will need to build rooms for Sunday school classes and bathrooms. We are excited about the possibility that this offers us as a church and the room that this will give us to grow. We have made an offer on the building (to rent) and are waiting on the Lord for the answer. Please join us in prayer for this new space.

English classes as an outreach

2010-01-27T18:25:00.002-05:00

This month I began teaching classes in English pronunciation and communication. The class is full, I have about 25 students, some are from the church and some not. We are hoping to be able to minister to them as they come to the class. The point of the class is to reach out to university age students, which is exactly what we have. I have one problem, the church is overfull and if they come they will have no where to sit. So please pray for these lost souls and pray continually for the Lord to provide us a new church building. Our children's ministry is overflowing and people are standing outside in the hot sun on Sunday mornings. Please pray with us. We are currently talking to someone about another building on the main ave, it used to be a Radio Shack. Please Lord provide for your church.

Christmas 09

2009-12-29T10:48:00.009-05:00

This is our Christmas dinner.

crazy eyes

Irma, one of the sweet saints in the church, her 90 year old dad is seated on the left.

the kids watching TV

The giant feast.

Sorry it has been so long for those of you who follow us here on the blog. Things are going well here in Ica and the Lord is blessing us abundantly. For Christmas we had a nice dinner on the 20th and about 50-60 people came out to celebrate with us. Free food always draws the crowds. We also had a special service on the 24th to celebrate Christmas Eve. The church was full to overflowing and we had a blessed time celebrating our Saviors birth. Lately the church has been busting at the seams, this past Sunday we had two people standing outside the door. We are desperate for a new space, but still waiting on the Lord. The place that my heart desires that many of you guys have been praying for is still available, but we have yet to hear anything. Now I'm looking into other options. I know that Lord will provide, I just pray He does so quickly.

Christmas eve service

Full house for Christmas Eve.

He heals

2009-11-21T20:28:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share a great God story for His glory. We had a lady named Betty visiting the church for about 10 days while she was here in Ica, visiting her sister and seeing the doctor about cancer treatments. She didn't tell me what the sickness was only that she was sick. We had just finished our thursday night study in the book of John and I was ready to start Acts, but the Lord laid it heavy on my heart to teach on prayer and to end with James 5. After studying for the evening the Lord put it on my heart to take oil to annoint one that would come forward and ask for prayer. I taught, it was rough, I didn't feel that it went all that well that night, but when I taught about James 5 and annointing with oil anyone who is sick that they may be healed, I felt lead to ask if anyone felt lead to come forward to be prayed over. We were all preparing our hearts for communion. Betty came forward, we prayed over Betty and annointed her with oil. Many other faithful prayer warriors had been praying for her as well. Friday came and her sister came to bring our family some avacado and tell me that in the morning Betty got her test results and she was clear of cancer. The doctor couldn't find any cancer anymore. She still has to come back to the doctor for routine checkups, just in case. But she has been healed. Praise Him. Christ was glorified. Betty stayed a few extra days to be sure to assist our Sunday service, because she said that she feels at home here. I ask her at the last minute to give her testimony of how Christ had healed her and she went on for about 10 minutes about how great is our God, how mighty is Christ and He is to be praised. Thank you Lord for healing Betty and for glorifying Your Holy name.

Baptism/ church picnic

2009-10-19T16:42:00.005-05:00

We had a special service on the picnic grounds in a covered pavillion.

Some of the teenagers did some dramas we have been learning. This one is called the Lolipop drama.

Another drama, this one is the Chair.

Then we prayed for the three that were to be baptized.

Then we baptized Jorge (69) and Lucha (65), they are husband and wife.

This is Jorge.

Then we baptized Manuel (80), due to sickness he couldn't get into the water, so we just poured a handful of water on the back of his head.

Then we ate and had a fun time with all the kids playing in the pool. About 60-70 showed up over the course of the day. Many new people came and some that have recently begin to come to the church came and I think they feel a little more like part of the family. What a blessed time we had. Thank you Lord for your provision and for a beautiful day.

Bibles- God's perfect timing

2009-10-01T10:26:00.002-05:00

This past sunday we had a full house, three people were standing during the service. Wow. Prayers are being answered. Two people prayed to receive Christ during the service, one of which we had been fasting and praying for. Wow, wow, wow. We are wowed by the awesome grace and might of our Holy God. With all the people we were in need of Bibles. As the service begin and I saw that there was not enough Bibles for the new people who had come, I thought what do we do and just then a lady who is visiting from the states for a couple of months came to tell me that if we needed more Bibles right now, that she had purchased a box of Bibles to give us. We broke open the box and used 5 Bibles right away, 2 or 3 ended being gifted to some new folks, especially those that had prayed to receive the Lord that day. Wow. Wow. wow.

Happy Birthday Nala!!!

2009-09-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

Team, Calvary Chapel In the City, Boston

2009-08-23T20:39:00.005-05:00

Calvary Chapel In the City, Boston came to minister with us for a few days. We had a blessed time together. We went into the center of the city to evangelize and pass out invitations, we went to minister to children in Los Pollitos, we did an outreach in a public school and we surfed the sand dunes in La Huacachina.

Tracy preparing goody bags for the kids in the school.

The team performing a puppet show in the public school.

We sang some songs and got the kids to do all the motions, even the bigger kids were participating.

The kids listened intently as the team shared a teaching about the ascension of Christ.

We performed a drama about sharing.

And finally we made a craft with the kids in their classrooms. We had an awesome time ministering in the public school system and we praise the Lord that we were able to share with the kids and plant seeds that the Lord will water in His timing.

Steve and Cassys last days

2009-08-23T20:30:00.002-05:00

The church said goodbye to Cassy. Of course they fell in love with Cassy. Her and her dad Steve were here for one last Thursday night Bible study. We had some cake and soda and celebrated with a little saddness. Thanks Cassy for all your love and for being a godly example to all the young girls.

Earthquake Anniversary protests

2009-08-15T18:39:00.003-05:00

Today as I was traveling back from Lima to Ica, I encountered a closed interstate in the small town of Pisco. Pisco was the epicenter of the 2007 earthquake (8.0) and the residents feel like the government hasn't done enough. Today is the 2 year anniversary of the earthquake so the people decided to protest by burning tires in the street and by blocking the only road leading to Ica from Lima. Hundreds of protesters gathered on either side of a bridge on the interstate so that no one could pass by. I arrived on the scene just as the blockade began. The police had yet to arrive. I knew from missions training and a little common since never to go into a gathered crowd that is protesting. I immediately turned around and found a safe place to park about 2 miles from all the activity. Soon the national police arrived with their machine guns and gas bombs and of course riot shields. Kinda movie like, unless you live in a country that this happens often. We waited about 2 1/2 hours, myself and several hundred other travelers some in buses and others in cars, as the police patiently allowed the people to protest. When the protesters began to leave and a few stubborn ones stayed behind blocking the road, the police decided to move in and free the interstate to let all the traffic pass. One lady was hurt in the police overtake and only a few cars were damaged in the whole protest, which is pretty good. There are usually a few burnt cars and beaten people when large groups come together to protest. Thankfully the Lord protected me and gave me wisdom to turn around, one truck tried to pass through in the early stages of the protest and it was damaged by the protesters.

Pray for the Peruvians, especially those that are still suffering effects of the earthquake after two long years. Also pray for the national Police that they would continue to handle these situations with the respect and dignity that they showed today.

2009-08-12T16:21:00.007-05:00

This is out at the court by my house.

When Triad was here, we did an outreach at Los Pollitos. There were about 80-100 kids that day. They painted faces, shared and did balloon animals.

We went to La Huacachina with Denise, Alan, Cassy and the group from Triad and from Boynton. This is from the top of the big dune by the oasis. It's a challenging climb!!

We went to Las Islas Ballestas with Denise, Alan, and Cassy. Here's Nala the Chola

In Canete. They had a lot of fun painting the kids' faces.

We went out in the park in front of my house and did some outreach to the neighborhood kids. We did the lollipop drama, painted faces, made balloon animals, sidewalk chalk, blew bubbles... it was a lot of fun. Mario, Elisabet, Martin, Carlos and some kids from the church all came out to help and have some fun.

Cassy has been here for 5 weeks. She's been such a blessing to us. She's leaving with her dad on Saturday.

Kilaine is our regular evangelist. She gets really excited to hand out tracts and invitations to the church. She helps us translate when the teams are here. It won't be long before she can start doing some of the dramas.

Here's the regular children's ministry. These are most of the kids I have every time. One is missing this day. We have the kids up to 7 years old. 9 and up sit in the adult Bible study.

Cassy painted a verse on the back of the church wall for us.

We were able to purchase a car about 5 weeks ago. Thank you to everyone who prayed with us about this and to many of you who donated towards it. It truly is a huge blessing living 4 hours from Lima. It's been a huge help. Thank you, Lord!!!

Cassy also painted the children's room. Steve, Robin and the kids helped out, too. It looks awesome!! It's so fun and clean and it looks so much bigger now. Good job, Cassy!

We went to see the Nasca lines with Steve and Cassy. It's about 2 hours to the south. We went up in a prop plane to see them.

Here's the astronaut. The lines are a mystery. There are a lot of drawings in the ground that have been there for a very long time, maybe more than 1000 years. There's drawings of a monkey, spider, whale, hummingbird, tree, hands, lots of lines and trapezoids. It's really amazing. One of the largest trapezoids is over 18 miles long! It makes me wonder why these ancient cultures did these drawings and how. Maybe they were worshipping the stars or something. It makes me very glad to have the Bible and to know the God of the universe. I want to worship the creator, not the creation.

Updates, updates...

2009-07-28T22:25:00.007-05:00

Cassy is here visiting... um, can I say HUGE BLESSING!!! She's helping me out with the worship among many other things.

Denise and Alan came from CC Aiken, SC for 10 days. They were a huge blessing too. They fit right in to things. Denise is preparing to teach the kids at church.

Then we had a group from CC Triad, NC visit for 3 days. We all stayed in the house together, one big happy family! Dan, Kathy and Mike from CC Boynton Beach, FL also came for those days. They all did a lot of street witnessing, handing out invitations to the church, playing with the neighborhood kids in the park, a children's ministry at Los Pollitos and we did a youth outreach at the church one Friday night.

Greet everyone!! This is during a church service.

Sunday we went to La Huacachina. The kids loved burying Alan in the sand!

Kathy surfing the dunes

Look at me go!!

The beautiful sun setting over the desert. This is the view from the top of one of the highest dunes we climbed. Whew! That was hard!! But worth it.

Nala the chola! That's slang for a peruvian. She really is, too... peruvian.

Liam on the boat to las Islas Ballestas. That's some islands off the shore of Paracas, Peru where you can see penguins, sea lions, and tons of birds.

If you look closely, you can see the one lone penguin down on the shore there.

Robin had a surprise birthday party. Here's Clara helping to set up.

Everybody praying over Robin. It was such a nice time. Lucha's house was crowded to the maximum!! Thanks, everybody!!

Here you go. Missionary life at it's finest.

Happy Independence Day Peru

2009-07-28T11:44:00.002-05:00

Today is Peru's independence day. We are celebrating by doing an outreach in the park. We will be sharing some dramas, tracts, invitations, face painting, balloon animals and most importantly the love of Christ. Please pray for this oppotunity to share with the people in our neighborhood.

Nala, Cute as a button and growing like a weed!

2009-07-28T11:39:00.003-05:00

She is very mobile, she pulls herself around on the slippery floors.
This cute little face brings joy to many and provides many opportunities to share why we are here.

Pulling herself up, but not walking yet.

Cassie, Denise and Alan come for a visit

2009-07-15T19:06:00.003-05:00

Alan playing cards with Liam and taking care of Nala.
Denise (blue shirt) and Cassie (grey shirt) preparing crafts for the kids ministry

Alan and Robin playing basketball with the kids in the park.

Cassie painting faces in the park in front of our house.

On Sunday Cassie Rosa from our home church CC Boynton Beach arrived in Ica (an 18 year old who is staying with us to help for 5 weeks). Last night Denise and Alan arrived, they are from CC Aiken. We got to Ica this morning at 5am and they started their day at about 8am. They are all three a real blessing. We just got in from playing basketball and soccer with the neighborhood kids and inviting the older ones to our outreach on Friday, the girls where painting faces in the park and sharing with some of the young girls from the neighborhood.

New things going on

2009-07-05T21:05:00.005-05:00

Recently I (Robin) converted the garage into an office/ mission team housing. I was taking a break from studying and when I returned this is what I encountered. Liam didn't even know that I went to get the camera to take a picture. He is learning to read and write and was copying verses from my Bible.

Liam, just like daddy!

Nala wants to be a basketball star.

Kilaine and Nala doing girl stuff, playing dolls.

Yesterday we received a visit from Jaime, Sylvia and their children. Jaime is a Calvary Chapel Pastor in Cañete, about 2 hours north of Ica. We had a nice time and were very blessed by their visit. They stayed for service today and then we all went out for pizza and ice cream.

We are building a new bathroom in on our patio. We are redoing our house a little to accomodate missions teams. We now have a room ready for the girls and a room for the guys and this extra bathroom will allow to accomodate more people. So come for a visit, we've already made space for you.

2 year Anniversary

2009-06-19T11:14:00.007-05:00

Two years ago we got on a plane and arrive in Lima, Peru at about 6am on June 19th. How faithful is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are blessed to be here in Peru. I am amazed as I think of all the things the Lord has done in the last two years. We learned a new language, we had a new baby, we moved to Ica, the Lord started a new church here in Ica and so much more. Count your many blessing, count them one by one and see what God has done. I don't really think I can count that high, even just thinking about the last two years. OHHHH Praise HIM!!!

Dos años atras subimos un avion y llegamos en Lima, Peru a las 6am el 19 de Junio. Que fiel es nuestro Señor y Salvador Cristo Jesús. Estamos muy bendicidos a estar aquí en el Perú. Cuando pienso en los ultimos dos años estoy asombrado a todas las cosas Dios ya habia hecho en nuestras vidas. Hemos aprendido una nueva idioma, Nala nació aquí en el Perú, nos hemos mudado a Ica, y Cristo ya a comenzado una nueva iglesia en Ica. Wow! Hay mucho más tambien. Cuenta tus bendiciones, las cuentan uno por uno y vea que Dios habia hecho. Ya no puedo contar tan alto como eso, pues, solo pensado en los ultimos dos años Su bendicion es tan grande. Alabe el Señor!!!

This is the invitation to the church. If you come to Ica you can always come by for a visit.

Esa es la invitación a la iglesia. Si viene a Ica, nos puede visitar.

Robin, Tracy and Nala.

Thank you guys for your faithful support through prayers, through finances and encouragement. We are so thankful for each one of you and very blessed to be used by the Lord to reach the people of Ica, Peru for His name sake.

Gracias a ustedes por su apoyo en oraciones, con donaciones y para darnos animos. Somos muy agredicidos por cada uno de ustedes y muy bendicidos para estar usados por el Señor para alcancar la gente de Ica, Perú por la gloria de Su nombre.

Our first Sunday. El primer domingo

2009-06-14T17:18:00.004-05:00

Today we had our first Sunday service. It went really well. Unfortunately, we were so busy we hardly took any pictures, only before the service.

Hoy dia tuvimos nuestro primer culto dominical. Fue muy bien. Lo peor es que estabamos tan ocupados que no sacamos muchas fotos, solamente antes del culto.

Nala was very bundled up. It was a chilly morning. Nala fue muy abrigado. Habia frio ese manana.

The kids love playing in Cesar's taxi! Los ninos les encantan jugar en el taxi de Cesar!

It was a really nice time of ministry and fellowship. Koinonia!!

Era un tiempo bonito del ministerio y comunion. Koinonia!!

Sunday morning services

2009-06-11T16:38:00.002-05:00

This Sunday the 14th of June we will begin our Sunday morning services at 10am. Please be in prayer for us and for the body of believers here in Ica. Also pray that the Lord will bring those who don't know Him yet to the service.

Last Day's of Calvary Chapel Terre Haute

2009-05-31T17:39:00.003-05:00

CC Terre Haute went home to Indiana on Thursday night/Friday morning. They were such a blessing to us as a church and as a family. Thank you Pastor Dave, Tammy, Kristin, Josh and Jodi.

Preparing invitations to the final outreach in Los Pollitos.

Eating more food than any human should put in their body at one time.

Hanging out after lunch at Señora Lucha's.

Jodi trying to capture the memories on the last day.

Painting the church. Liam and Kilaine always love to help.

Everybody pitched in, we had a nice time.

One of the days we played basketball in the park with some of the neighborhood boys. This was a real blessing, because now they all know us by name and are asking when we are coming to play again. We played several times while the team was here.

La Huacachina

2009-05-25T08:38:00.006-05:00

Spy guy Liam

Jodi and Cristen working on the kitchen in our apartment

Baby cuteness!!

David at La Huacachina

We met at La Huacachina to have a time of worship, devotion, food and fellowship. Very Calvary style!! =) It was such a great day. Everybody brought a little food to share. Choclo and queso fresco, que rico!! (corn and queso fresco, how yummy!!)

Pastor Dave taught and Robin translated. It was a great message.

Mario played with the kids down by the beach during the study.

There's the group that came. Some people from the bible study couldn't make it.

Time to sandboard!!! Some of us climbed to the top of some of the sand dunes. It was an amazing view. Ica is surrounded by desert. La Huacachina is the last remaining oasis in Ica. It's an awesome place to visit.

Leonardo and Manuel (Manolo!!)

The kids hanging out in the tree

Elisabet

This is Rocio's mom, Carmen. She is deaf and mute. But she is an amazing lady. She's 67 years old but you couldn't tell it by the way she acted. She was climbing up the dunes and sliding down on the sandboards with the little kids. She communicates with her hands, not the traditional sign language, but in her own way. I loved trying to talk with her. She's such a crack up to watch her expressions, like watching an old silent movie. When I asked her if I could take her picture, she just grabbed the little umbrella and struck a pose! I just fell in love with her right away.

Andrea. She's 10 days younger than Nala.

Cesar and Rocio.

We had such a wonderful time. Everyone was playing together, sandboarding and just enjoying the beautiful day. Later in the afternoon some of the group played basketball with the kids in the neighborhood. Today they are painting the church.

Terre Haute

2009-05-23T21:46:00.007-05:00

The team is visiting from Terre Haute, Indiana. They are being a great blessing to us and to the people here.

Pastor Dave Hole hanging out, reading to the kids.

Fixing the fixings in the bathroom...

Even the kids were helping out folding some tracts with the church's address on it.

Eating over at Lucha's. Christin looks pretty excited for the food!!

Josh and Jorge

Tammy and Jodi at the church. This was our first meeting in the church.

Everybody's pretty excited!!

Yay!

It was a full house. Have we grown out of our space already? Hahhahahhahaaa!!

Carlos leading the way.

This was Friday night. The kids we have (plus 2 babies). Friday we showed Fireproof in the evening. On Saturday we had a couple's Bible study. There were even more kids then!! Woo hoo!

The group has done a lot of fixing things around our apartment and in the church. This morning they all went out to the basketball court by our house and played with the neighborhood kids. This evening we got a random knock on the door. It was some of the kids they'd played with this morning coming by just to see if we were going to play again tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are going to meet at La Huacachina to have some worship, a little devotion and some fellowship together with the group and the church. It's been really great getting together with everyone almost everyday. The Lord is moving.

2009-05-18T20:36:00.002-05:00

We are receiving our first group soon from Terre Haute, Indiana. Pretty exciting. I met with some of the ladies from the church this afternoon to go over some of the meal plans. The team is arriving in Lima Tuesday night and will get to Ica Wed. morn. They leave Thursday the following week. Five are coming in total. We have some good things planned.

We are doing well. Settling in little by little. Brian came and visited us on Friday. It was good to see him. We can see so many ministry opportunities all around us. It's exciting to be starting a new church here in Ica. Thursday night will be our first meeting in the church building. Yay!! We are still not starting a Sunday morning meeting, but this Sunday, we're taking the group to La Haucachina and doing a service there. That's a lake in the desert just outside of town. It's a real oasis.

We made it!

2009-05-14T07:56:00.003-05:00

Saying goodbye. Gaby is a good friend from Lima. Really she is from the jungle, a small village on the river. She has a desire to go somewhere in Africa as a missionary. She is currently praying about 5 different countries.

The big move. Everything had to be wrapped in blankets and put in boxes to protect it. We hired a company to do everything. In Peru you just can't go to U-haul and rent a truck and do it yourself.

Tracy staying in good humor during the craziness of it all. Our friends from the church helped us to move down to Ica. Ivan and Rebecca, a newer couple in the church drove us down and helped us to get a little unpacked. Praise God everything went smooth. Thanks for all the prayers.

The big move

2009-05-01T21:56:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow we will move to Ica. We will be starting early in the morning. Please pray for our family and all the new changes and for the emotional stress of moving. Also we probably won't have internet access for about a week or so, please be patient with us during this time. We will be in contact as soon as we have access. Be Blessed.

Walk in newness of life

2009-04-27T21:32:00.010-05:00

I love to read.

I'm always reading while I'm nursing the baby. She's grown accustomed to reaching out with her hand to feel the book that I'm reading while she's nursing. She especially loves the sound my Bible makes as she crinkles the thin pages. I've been reading in Romans lately. The day I started Romans 6, I was reading between Nala's sweet little baby fingers feeling all over the page. It was such a picture of what I read:

"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

I read the last part right between Nala's fingers. It was an image of our life with the Lord. She is walking in newness of life. Everything is new and fascinating to her. She sees everything with such joy and interest. We should walk that way with Christ, with excitement over His word, seeing the good in people, loving them, hoping for them.

It was a sweet morning with the Lord.

New chairs for the church

2009-04-25T18:15:00.003-05:00

We bought some new chairs from Jaime (Calvary Chapel Pastor in Canete). We are starting with 20 chairs and we will get new ones when we need them. They fit great in the space and we still have room to add a few more.

Americo holding the new toilet we bought. We can't install it yet because the water shut off valve is broken. They are repairing it this week and we should be able to put in the new toilet and sink.

Donal Watson came from Brentwood, TN to help out around the church in Surco. He came to Ica with us with plans to change out the toilet but that didn't happen because of the shut off valve. This is a terrible picture of Donal, he looks like he hasn't slept in 10 days.

Donal taught the Bible study in the evening and we were all very blessed. I translated for the first time (first time to translate a whole message) and all went well. Praise God!!

Resurrection Beach service

2009-04-15T21:25:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday we had a special Resurrection service of the beach. We had a great time celebrating the ressurection of Jesus and the new life he has given us. OHHH PRAISE HIM!!

To get up so early in the morning Nala had to have her morning coffee. She is just like daddy.

The girls always fight over who gets to hold Nala.

The kids were content playing in the sand in their church clothes.

About 35-40 people came out to enjoy the beach and the majesty of the Lord's creation.

Tracy, Ricardo and David blessed us with some sweet worship.

Three people got baptized in the ocean.

Then we enjoyed a time of breaking the bread as a family. We ate sandwiches and shared some with others on the beach.

Then we went back to the church for our normal Sunday service followed by some nice fellowship and some more breaking of bread together. Why is it when we celebrate that we eat so much food?

Liam turns 5

2009-04-13T10:16:00.004-05:00

A New Little Church Building

2009-04-10T14:44:00.003-05:00

Yeah! We found a little church building. It is small, it will hold about 20-24 folding chairs. The Lord has lead us here and He has a purpose. We will be very centrally located and easy to find. The location need some work, which we will do over the coming weeks.

This is the face of the building. The owner said we can paint a sign on the door and hang a banner on or above the window.

This is the inside which will serve as the small sanctuary. We feel like about 6 rows of 4 folding chairs each will fit inside.

This is a small room that we will use for kids ministry. It's about 9ft by 9ft.

This is the bathroom. We are going to change the toilet and sink for a new one and clean up and paint everything. We will probably begin service here sometime in the beginning of May. Please pray for the work that needs to be done here.

Update on the ministry in Los Pollitos

2009-04-05T21:31:00.003-05:00

Ana (blue pants)

About two weeks ago I posted an update saying that for certain unspoken reasons we were not having Bible studies in Los Pollitos at this time. Well after some time of prayer we are back in Los Pollitos, we have decided to change the ministry for now, to just reading once a week with Ana only. We feel that it isn't wise at this time to invite others to the this study. Please pray for Ana and the work the Lord is doing in her life, she is under a great spiritual attack and needs your prayers.

You can also pray for us as we consider beginning a Bible study for the community of Los Pollitos in a small wooden building that the community has offered to let us use for free. We don't want to start because an opporunity exist, we want to hear directly from the Spirit that this is from Him and not of our own makings. Please keep this in your prayers also.

Small wooden building, possibility for Bible study

The Hunt Continues

2009-03-30T15:50:00.002-05:00

Well we had a meeting, we made an offer and it was denied. We prayed that the Lord would close the door if it was not from Him and He did, but that is not always easy. I was looking forward to being done with looking for a house. It is very difficult to look, because that means leaving Tracy and the kids alone for several days and staying in hotels or with other people. It means walking the streets day and night looking and praying. It means more time in Lima and more time before we get to move to Ica and minister more directly with the flock there. I realize that through it all Christ will be glorified and that His provision is always better than ours. Continue to pray for us, I stuggle greatly with patience.
Robin

Housing update

2009-03-27T15:34:00.003-05:00

We continue to look for a house in Ica. We have some prospects, but they are a little more expensive than we originally budgeted. We know that the Lord will and has provided for our family in miraculous ways, so we wait for His confirmation. We are trying to have a meeting with a lady today or tomorrow to negociate a price on a very nice house, that is located very close to the downtown area and that would be excellent for the church and for our family. It is also excellent for receiving missions teams. It has three floors. The first floor we would use as the church. It has a large open living room/dining room area that opens with double doors to a patio, it also has a small guest bathroom. This would be the sanctuary area. It would seat about 40 or 50 maybe more. The upstairs has 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. We would be able to use this area to live in as a family and still have one room to use as children's ministry room. The upstairs has a laundry area an outside patio area to hang clothes and two rooms that could be used for office space and/or homeschooling and would also be great when teams come to stay.

We currently have a team coming to visit May 19-29 and then again in July some friends of ours from Boynton are planning a small trip to see the ministry. We also have a young teenage girl who will come to serve with us for about 4 or 5 weeks in July/August. We are very excited about all of these opportunities. Will you please pray with us for the Lord's will for us with this house.

The end of furlough...

2009-03-23T20:47:00.005-05:00

The last days in Florida...

My mom came over a few times. It was nice to spend some time with her. The kids love hanging out with Nana!

Dan and Kathy Whisman had a pot luck over at their house for us. Marcelo and Angelica were there. They are planning on coming down to Peru with Dan and Kathy in July. Thanks for having the potluck Dan and Kathy!!

Missionaries... Chris Baran (left) was a missionary in Russia in the 90's. He and his wife, Tomara are called to go back to the field. They are going to Zambia (in Africa) to see if it is the place for them. Mike Jones (middle) grew up a missionary kid in Brazil. Good conversation.

Tomara was also a missionary in Russia in the 90's. Pray for them as they visit Zambia. They are leaving their 4 kids here as they go for 3 weeks.

Me and Dawn. I love that crazy lady!!!

We shared our last Sunday in Calvary Boynton, our home church. Here's Cassy at breakfast at the church. She's coming to Peru to stay with us for a couple of weeks in July. We're so excited for her to come.

Robin eating a wonderful bagel. Yum! Dominick holding the famous Nala.

Ha. This day was my birthday. Dominick did up the van for us. It was awesome!

Zach came out to say goodbye to us. Liam just can't pass up making a goofy face for a picture.

Well, we had a great time in the states. I didn't take pictures of so many good friends. Too busy talking I suppose. Thanks, Chris so much for letting us totally mess up your house. It was a huge blessing. We'll see you guys!!!!!!!!!

Furlough part 4...

2009-03-23T20:14:00.004-05:00

So we visited Brian Thacker. He invited their church over for pizza and fellowship time. It was nice to see some old friends and share what's going on in Peru.

Kilaine with Eden, one of the Thacker tribe.

We had dinner with Philip and Lia LaRue. It was so good to see them and eat Lia's delicious Shepherd's Pie!!!

Baby Callina with Nala. I think that was the first time Nala ever looked big! She is 3 months older, though. Callina looks like a little moviestar!

While in Tennesse, we stayed with family. All the cousins got together in a line up.

We shared at Calvary Brentwood. This is a part of the slideshow. One of the pictures from when Robin went to Cusi, a remote place in the mountains to bring relief after the earthquake in August, 2007.

Didn't know I had my own city...

This is for my peruvian friends. You just don't see this in Peru! Crazy!

Esto es para mis amigos peruanos. No se ve eso en el Peru! Loco!

And back in Florida. Another recording session with David. It was good to relax a little and just hang out.

and record. =)

Robin and the kids were having their own jam session in the backyard at Chris's house. I snuck up and heard the rapping... hilarious.

Update on Ica

2009-03-23T15:38:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Ana and the study in Los Pollitos. For now we have had to stop the study in her house. Please pray that the Lord would lead us in how to minister to her. We are looking into the possibility of starting a study in a public building in Los Pollitos, please pray about this with us as well. Maybe through this Ana will feel comfortable enough to return to the study. We don't want to do anything outside of the Lord's will.

The evening study is still doing well and it was good to be with the flock again. We had a blessed time worshiping together. Please pray as we begin to go through many changes as a small body of believers. Also pray for a few of the young adults who have stopped coming in the last few months. Pray that Christ would do a work in their hearts and bring them back to His throne of grace.

Robin

Looking for a house in Ica

2009-03-23T15:34:00.002-05:00

Since we have returned we have been on the search for a house in Ica. We need your prayers. There is almost nothing in our price range right now, all that we have been able to see are houses for double what we have to pay. We are trusting in the Lord to provide a place at a reasonable price as the end of our current contract is nearing. Please be in prayer with us.

part 3

2009-03-20T19:47:00.006-05:00

Well, most of my pictures are driving pictures, because I usually forgot to take pictures when we were visiting places. More involved in relationshiping with people, I guess. Or chasing 3 kids. Something like that...

On the way to Terre Haute, IN

Robin and Pastor Dave Hole talking. They are going to come and visit us in May in Ica. Looking forward to having them come. They'll be our 1st official team to recieve.

God made, man made

Yet another contrast between God and man...

Rolling plains of Indiana.

Heading down to Tennessee.

That's frozen water. Little waterfalls on the side of the road that froze. It was pretty cold in Tennessee!

We stayed with Daniel and Dixie, Robin's cousin. He's getting started out in the music world.

A moment of rest and reading to the kids.

We shared in Murfreesboro, TN. It was great to see Pastor Phillip Frensley. Robin taught the service. I just love their heart for missions.

I was just loving the beauty of the sunsets, the skies, and the trees. I love this part of the country.

Furlough part 2...

2009-03-18T21:53:00.006-05:00

We shared on a Sunday at Calvary Jacksonville with Pastor Keith Pintar and Trip and Susan Kimball. It was great talking with the Kimballs. I got to sit and just talk to Susan for a while, so nice.

We went to South Carolina next and stayed a couple days with Robin's parents.

Robin's dad

While in South Carolina we visited Calvary Chapel Aiken with Pastor Bob Aiken. Here's his sweet wife hanging out with Nala.

driving, driving, driving,

fun in the van

Beautiful skies. I love the skies.

This is how it feels to be on furlough sometimes. =)

We spent the night in Kentucky with Robin's sister. This is Kenzie with Nala. She's the oldest cousin.

on the road again...

entering Indiana

Just had to post this. Factories. I don't think you see any of this in Peru.

Brrr... it was really cold. 27 degrees Farenheit. We saw some flurries that morning. This is on the way to visit Calvary Chapel Terre Haute in Indiana.

Sunrise

We're home

2009-03-17T14:11:00.002-05:00

After 5 weeks of visiting friends and family we are home (Peru) safe and sound. We were uplifted and streched during our travels. We met many new friends and praise the Lord for His work during our time in the States. We are blessed to have so many awesome saints praying for us, Thanks.

In a couple of days I (Robin) will head off to Ica to look for a place to live. Please keep this in your prayers. Also we have all been a little sick, currently Tracy is sick with a low fever, chills and body aches. I think our bodies are just tired of traveling and are trying to get us to rest. We will soon post some pics from our trip.

The beginning of our trip

2009-03-11T16:48:00.009-05:00

Well, here's the beginning of our trip. Sorry we haven't posted in so long. We really didn't have very much internet access while we were traveling. Better late than never, right?!?! =)

Our first Sunday sharing in Grace and Truth Fellowship.

Afterwards, they had a lunch and we got to hang out with some of the people there.

This was a get together at Ann Marie's house with some of our close friends. It was great to see them!!!

Kelly and Kaulana

We played "scissors." Dominick had the hardest time figuring it out. Very fun. Thanks Ricardo for teaching us the game!

We met up with Bryon Mondok. He's the regional pastor for Shepherd's Staff. It was good tossing around ideas and just talking.

Instruments, Kaulana, and baby...

One day we recorded. That was a real highlight for me. Kaulana came to help out with the kids, but then they went to hang out with Nana (my mom). We decided to have Kaulana do a little singing as well. Kelly came, too.

Of course, David made it all possible. He came up to do the recording and some playing, too. Nala just looked cute.

Kelly and Nala

Look at that stand up bass... awesome...

David's expertise. One of them...

Bob and Nala.

We spent some time over at the Henry's too. Nala is a superstar.

Dawn came over. I love that crazy lady! We made chocolate sundays. The ice cream was super delicious. Sweet times.

On a Wednesday night, we shared at Calvary West Boca. It was good to see Pastor Tye and some of the other folks there.

Homeschool.

Ica Outreach update

2009-01-14T12:17:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we had our outreach in Ica. 24 Peruvians (including me) went to Ica equipped with mimes, dramas, puppet shows, clown acts and Bible teachings. Each presentation was focused on the gospel and what Christ did for this lost world.

We had the opportunity to do a lot of one on one ministry. Silvia (Jaime Inga's wife) sharing the gospel with a guy in the park.

We also had music to share. David Caplivski came to give us a hand.

We all wore green shirts that we made for the event, so that we were all easily noticed in the crowd. We ministered to several hundred people over the two days. We never had large audiences at one time, but many people came and stayed for an hour or so and then left. Wow! what a blessing to share the gospel with the masses in such a short time.

We started each night with about an hour of ministry especially for children.

Mimes getting ready for the evening show.

Some of the ladies from our church there in Ica prepared a traditional Ican meal. Wow it was delicious. God is so good, He covers all the details, all they way down to good food.

More fotos and update later.

Robin

Please Pray

2009-01-06T09:28:00.008-05:00

This friday and Saturday Jan 9 and 10 we have an evangelistic outreach in Ica. We have a group of about 25 from Lima that are going to do mimes, drama, puppet shows, worship music and street preaching. We are excited about what God is going to do. We have all been preparing for this event for months now. We need your help! The outreach begins at 5pm each night and goes to 10pm. We are looking for faithful prayer warriors who can intercede during these times.

18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view,

be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth,

to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains;

that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18-20 (New American Standard Bible)

Pray for boldness, pray for the pureness of the Gospel to be presented in love, grace and mercy, pray for unity amongst the group, pray for direction and wisdom for the leaders, but above all things pray for lost souls to be transformed and saved through the amazing work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

That His name may be glorified!!!

Robin

2008, A good year in Ica

2009-01-02T23:19:00.003-05:00

Last night we had our weekly service in Ica and in Los Pollitos. In the evening service I ask each person to share something from the past year that they were thankful for, something the Lord had done for them. Each one begin to share and one after the other shared how the Lord had used each of us that come from Lima each week to touch their lives. Three of them shared that they had really encountered the Lord last year for the first time in their lives. Before each of them had been "playing church" and now they said they have a new understanding of the Word and Christ purpose for their lives. Praise Him!! We haven't done anything out of the ordinary, we have stuck to the teaching of God's Word, sound doctrine and the breaking of bread together. How blessed we are to be used by our Lord to make a lasting impact in these lives. As I look back of 2008, I stand amazed at God's faithfulness in our lives. Last January is when I started teaching the group, it was my first time to teach in Spanish. Wow, since that time I have grown greatly in what it means to Pastor a flock and I have also grown in my ability to communicate in Spanish. In January of 2008 I didn't know that this is what the Lord was preparing us for and now in January of 2009 we begin our preparations to move there and sheperd the flock on a fulltime bases. Oh what does this new year have in store? Only the Lord knows, but we wait with anticipation and hope of the marvelous things that Christ will do in us and through us. How good is our Lord and how worthy to be praised!!!

Ack #3

2008-12-30T08:34:00.009-05:00

Worship in the church

Some of the ladies got together in the church to decorate for Christmas. It was so nice. I love doing stuff like that together. We eat together on Sunday afternoons. It's a business that's been started to help raise money for missions.

Robin's parents and aunt came to visit us for a week. They arrived Christmas eve and leave on New Year's eve. On Friday we all went to Ica. This is when we went to Los Pollitos to visit Ana, share the word and have a chocolatada.

Americo shared with some of the ladies there. One lady saw us walking with Nala and wanted to see the baby, so she followed us and went in and listened to the study!!! God is already using her little life for Him.

This is Ana's daughter, Ailin

Papaw was getting some sweetness from Nala at dinnertime.

That night we had a study at Jorge and Lucha's house. We sang some Christmas songs and had paneton and hot chocolate.

Some from the study. Zumiki is the girl on the left. She just left to live in Japan for 4 years. We'll be praying for her.

The guys.

The girls.

We had lunch with Jaime in Canete on the way back to Lima. He drove some of us the rest of the way. Later that night we helped him get his newsletters ready to be mailed.

Jerry and Judee helped out, too!

Sunday Robin and Doris went to Santa Rosa in the afternoon with the church.

Brian teaching in Santa Rosa

This was Denise's last Sunday in Santa Rosa.

The kids are going to miss her. =(

Judee, Robin's mom fell at the church right after she got there Sunday morning. Robin took her to the clinic and found out she had broken her foot. Such a bummer, but she's got such a great attitude about it. Today we found a wheelchair to rent so we'll be able to take her around some. Praise the Lord.

Ack! #2

2008-12-30T07:54:00.005-05:00

Couples Dinner

The Saturday before Christmas Brian and Betty hosted a couples' dinner at their house. It was a great time of fellowship.

Rebecca helping out in the kitchen

Ricardo and Eddy

The ladies all gathered in the living room.

Nala the crowd pleaser.

Ricardo is helping the kids practice a song for the talent show at the church New Year's Eve.

Marco and Rodrigo

Nala loves to sleep in Denise's magic arms. Sweetness.

Kilaine and Priscilla are helping out with the song, too!

Rebecca and Liam

Worship team farewell to Denise. We had lunch to say goodbye to Denise. She's been here 6 months and has been such a blessing. She's grown a lot on the worship team. I remember her starting out so shy we weren't even sure if she was singing!! Haha! Now she's done some solos and helps out a lot with percussion. Sigh. We'll miss her.

Arianna. I had to threaten to give her a pau pau (spanking) to let me take a picture of her. Her smile is just so great that I want to share it!

Miguel

Hee hee

Robin and Miguel Delgado. Miguel Delgado has been learning to do sound with Robin. He's the other Miguel's younger brother.

Punch in the nose!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHA!

Look at that beautiful group. I think Miguel was looking for superman or something!

Family photo

Kilaine 7, Liam 4, Nala 3 months, Robin & Tracy still young and vibrant!

Ack!! We need to update...

2008-12-30T06:56:00.006-05:00

Nala is growing way too fast! She's as cute as a button! I can hardly believe she's already 3 months old.

Such little cuties.

We had a time of fellowship with the worship team before Christmas. It was really great. We just hung out and played games.

First we played "tijeras."

You pass the scissors around and have to figure out whether they are opened or closed.

Very fun game.

Then came a round of spoons (inspired by Tim & Jamie...)

Then a game of "nervioso"

Liam, the superhero

fighting evil one day at a time.

Superhero Kilaine got her hair cut.

Super cuteness

Liam graduated from Preschool

Kilaine graduated from 1st grade. She was first in her class. This is Feve and her son Sergio, friends of ours. He was first in his class, too! Yay!

cool God story

2008-12-07T11:30:00.006-05:00

In the last post I talked about Ana and the new Bible study that we started in Los Pollitos. I realized I never posted about how God led us there the week before. Ana is a young women with two little kids that walks about 30 minutes to get to the study, she has to cross the interstate with baby in arms and 12 year daughter helping along the way. Well due to the new house issue and that no one can watch her house she hasn't been able to come to the study for many weeks. Well of course we didn't know all of this until we went looking for her to find out what was going on. We thought maybe she was sick or something else had happened so we wanted to visit her and find out. Two weeks ago we went to Ica with the purpose to take a letter to the city to ask permission to have the outreach in January and to visit Ana. We arrived and tried to take care of the business stuff first only to find out that everything closes early and we arrived too late. So we got a bite to eat and tried to call our friend in Ica that knows where Ana lives. He was working and his phone was turned off. We called his wife and she had no idea. I remembered that Ana had told me that she lived across the interstate in a small village called Los Pollitos, so I looked at the others and said lets go and ask around. One of the other guys said we were crazy, that we would never find her in a village with many houses and people, "we don't know anything about her including her last name". We decided to get into a taxi and ask the taxi driver to take us to Los Pollitos in the most central part (the soccer field). We were just trusting the Lord to direct us. I went to talk to the first person I saw, a women sweeping the ground infront of her house. The women looked at me a little strange as I described Ana and her two girls. After a few minutes she told me she had no idea, but maybe it was the new lady who lived down the street. The women I had talked to didn't know her name, but had seen this lady with two girls that match the description I had given. She lead us down the road about three houses from hers and we found the bamboo makeshift house and we began to call out "Ana" After a few minutes Ana appeared. Wow, the first try. We were able to spend about an hour encouraging her and praying with her. She explained the whole situation and that is when the Lord put it on my heart to offer to come to her with the Word. Ana was so blessed with the visit and our faith to come and look for her when we had no idea where she lived. She was also blessed and her faith was increased to see how God's mighty hand led the way and we found her so quickly. God is so good and His timing is perfect.

"Los Pollitos" New study in Ica

2008-12-05T15:15:00.008-05:00

From the left- Loreen, Juan, Me and Ana in Ana's makeshift house. Carlos took the picture.

Carlos in the middle of the construction in the soon to be adobe house. The bamboo house is behind the adobe construction.

Yesterday we started a new Bible study in a small village in Ica called Los Pollitos (little chickens). One of the ladies (Ana) that comes to the evening Bible study lives here and she is building her new house. Right now she is living in a makeshift house made from bamboo sticks and woven mats. In the evening she has no lights because she can't afford the meter, the electric company wants more that a months wages ($275.00) to install the meter, because this is an undeveloped area. So for now she borrows electricity when the neighbors allow or have enough to share. The fact that she has no lights and lives in a bamboo hut right now means she can't come to the Bible study, so just like Christ did, we take the Word to her. Carlos (a young man from the study) and I went to read, pray and answer questions about the Word. Ana invited two of her friends, and we sat around discussing God's plan of salvation through Christ and how no one can get to heaven on their good works. God is good, pray that we can continue to minister in this small community and that eventually Ana's parents who are strong Jehovah's Witness' will be able to come to the study and hear the Word of God. Pray for their salvation. Also pray for the salvation of Juan and Loreen, the two neighbors that came to Ana's yesterday.

Praise the Lord, because Ana told me that she had prayed that God would provide for her to build the house and that He would allow her to use the house for His glory. She told me that us coming to her and sharing the Word in her house was an answer to prayer, even before the house of adobe is finished, God is allowing her to use her makeshift house for His glory, to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Robin

Prayer meeting

2008-11-27T09:59:00.002-05:00

We recently started weekly prayer meeting on Friday nights for an outreach that we are doing in Ica in January (9 & 10). Here are few pics.

Everybody praying.

The kids love Betty and she loves them too.

Kristel

the clowns, Marco and Rodrigo

Kristel and Arianna with Liam climbing around from behind.

worship meetings

2008-11-27T09:54:00.004-05:00

Everybody enjoying a time of fellowship.

Denise is always smiling, she brings so much joy to our meeting times.

Miguel eating cookies, while Ricardo and Robin use all our time discussing Revelations.

Pilar reading to the kids

From time to time we have worship team meetings at out apartment. Miguel, Ricardo and Denise come for the meeting and Pilar (Ricardo's wife) comes and reads to the kids and puts them to bed. We always have a good time and laugh a whole lot.

Nala, Nala, Nala

2008-11-15T09:25:00.001-05:00

Our weakness used by God for His glory

2008-10-27T11:30:00.006-05:00

I (Robin) have recently returned to Ica after a short break to take care of Tracy and Nala. God is good and faithful and the Bible study is slowly growing. Two weeks ago there was a new guy named Eric. After the study I had the opportunity to share the gospel with him and he was very receptive. He told me that he was going to come again. I am a skeptic and thought, sure. Well not only did he return but he invited two friends from school. One was from a Christian family and the other (Edwin) had never really attended church except when he was a small child he went to mass on holidays. The Lord opened the door of ministry and I shared the full gospel with him and he truly seemed broken, pray for the Lord to continue this work in these two young men. After the study like always I was feeling really good, but it was time to go to the bus station and begin the long journey back to Lima. While I was standing in line waiting to buy my bus ticket the guy behind me cut the line and jumped in front of the lady in front of me. She began to say something in a small quiet voice. Well this happens to be something that makes me crazy, and I began to talk to the gentlemen firmly and of course he began to argue with me and tell me that we weren't going quick enough so he took our turns. Afterwards, he returned to the line and I purchased my ticket. The Lord immediately convicted me of the way I had spoken to this gentlemen and I waited until he finished buying his ticket and I apologized to him. I told him that it was inappropriate for me to treat him that way and said that at times my mouth causes me to sin. He said yeah whatever (in Spanish of course) that happens all the time here it is no big deal. Well I had to wait almost an hour for the next available bus and when I got on, my seat was right next to his. We began to talk and I told him why I was in Peru and he didn't understand. I began to explain to him God's plan for my life to share His word, and the man began to ask me questions about God and how God could let children starve in Africa. I explained the scriptures to him and told him of God's sovereignty and man's fallen nature and that we live in a fallen corrupt world. He ranted on, saying Jesus my God and then something happened, the Spirit of the Lord took over and began putting scripture verses in my heart to share with him. As I began to share I could tell his attitude was changing. We talked about Christ for nearly an hour and he asked me for my phone # and information so that we might be able to get together again someday and talk, because he had never heard the gospel and the scripture presented that way before. I started talking with a proud and arrogant man and ended talking to a broken man who was evaluating himself against what I had shared with him. Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ for His faithfulness in spite of my big mouth. Pray that Christ may continue to use our weaknesses for His glory.

Robin

Kilaine turns 7 (Kilaine cumplió 7 años)

2008-10-14T22:26:00.002-05:00

Kilaine and Liam with the cake.

Kilaine turns 7! We got a cake and celebrated just with our family. Kilaine is growing so fast, she is now bilingual and she loves to read books (especially in Spanish). We are so proud of her and how well she has adapted to Peru, to Kilaine this is her home, her country. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for Kilaine!

Work Begins on a Café

2008-10-14T22:07:00.003-05:00

These are a few picture of the back room in the church. Now we are converting it into a café. We are building walls to cover up the garage doors and reduce the noise from the street and we are covering this brick wall to paint a mural. Pray for the Lord's provision. We are using all the profit from the café to send more Peruvian missionaries. More pics to come are we make progress.

And she grows

2008-10-09T09:32:00.006-05:00

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

And the baby comes!

2008-09-20T17:32:00.006-05:00

Well, the baby was born!!! Yay!!! Here's the story. "It" is a girl. She was 49 cm =19 in. and 3.5 kilos = 7 lbs. 12 oz. Her name is Nala Denae. She was born in our home Friday night at 10:53 pm. And she's cute as a button!

The last pregnancy picture as we figure out that labor was beginning. I'm usually pretty fast so we started the preparations right away. The midwife got here just 38 minutes before Nala was born! Whew!!!

There was just time to get Kilaine out of bed to see the baby being born. Then Pilar got Liam up to meet the new baby. I had a water birth at home. Robin almost missed it because he was getting some more hot water from the neighbors, our little tank just didn't give us enough. I think I was only in the water about 2-3 minutes before she came out. It was super fast!

Here, the midwife is doing the baby checkup about an hour or 2 after she was born.

Betty and Pilar came to help out during the birth with the kids and taking pictures and things. It was a blessing to have them here. Thank you, girls.

Kilaine just couldn't sleep afterwards, so we let her stay up and be with the baby for a little bit. She's in love. She is such a help to me. It was really sweet. When I put her to bed in the end, she started crying as she said, "I'm just so happy..." And earlier, Liam had told me real slow, "I'm so happy to have a baby girl."

Her first bed for the 1st day or so. =)

And there she is!!!!!

We are very happy and very blessed. Thank you all for your prayers and love. Jesus is so good to us.

Ica

2008-09-18T14:19:00.003-05:00

The Ica Bible study is going well. This is the most current picture we have our Ica family. Because Ica is almost 5 hours away, I have to take a break until the baby comes. We are within the last fews days until the date arrives, but as always the baby has a mind of its own and will come when it is good and ready. We are hoping sooner than later. Brian and Jaime are covering the Bible studies for me, please pray for them.

Baby Shower

2008-09-03T09:37:00.007-05:00

The ladies at the church gave me a baby shower. It was such a blessing. Lots of people helped out. We had so much fun. It was great to have so much fellowship.

Betty, Karla, and Angie getting things ready.

Everybody signed a little book for me filled with good wishes and bible scriptures.

Me & Denise laughing about something... it doesn't take much to make you laugh when you're with Denise!!

Brian and Betty.

We had some worship time to start off.

Let the games begin! First it was guess the size of the pregnant belly game. Haha! Some of those strings got pretty long. Brian wanted to be my friend for life, so his was about the size of my head!

Then the charades. Aaron and Fernando acted out all the different things. They got pretty silly.

Everybody got crazy jumping up trying to shout out the answers. That was one of my favorite parts. Ha! I wish I had a picture of Angie.

Then, Robin and Jimmy had to dress up like babies and crawl around and drink from a bottle. So goofy.

Betty and Chipi fed Marco and Lucho baby food with a blindfold on.

Pass the ball... where it stops nobody knows... and you get some silly sort of punishment, like having to use a pacifier for a while...

or dressing up like a baby...

or wearing a clown wig and dancing around for all to see... much fun.

And we end the evening with silly faces from Denise. (she's going to kill me for putting this here. Hahahahahaa!!!!)

Thanks everyone. It was an awesome baby shower. The fellowship was so great!

More of David's visit.

2008-09-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

While David was here on his visit, he decided to record some of the songs we do. It was pretty fun. Denise couldn't be a part, she was with the team from Boston.

The girls were pretending to be pregnant while we were setting up. How cute!!

Praying before we start.

We thought we should mike the baby, just in case it wanted to add some harmonies in...

Ha ha! No, it was to mike my mandolin. =)

Thanks David!!

CCITC

2008-09-02T21:00:00.002-05:00

These are some pics from when the team from Calvary Chapel in the City was here. We went to Villa Maria to do an outreach in the park there, which we hadn't done in a while.

They did some worship.

And some really great dramas.

Katty shared her testimony.

This drama made me cry each time I saw it. They whip Jesus with some ropes in a part of it. It was really touching.

Thanks CCITC. You guys were great. (And thanks for loving my chocolates!!)

2008-09-02T20:34:00.002-05:00

Well, sorry we've been a little lax on the updates. We've just been a little busy. We had a visit from David Caplivski a couple of weeks ago. He is awesome to have around. Such a blessing. Here he is cleaning some rooms right before he left.

And who can resist sharing a really cute picture of Kilaine. She's growing up so fast!!

We are getting ready for our baby to come. I have about 3 more weeks or so until my due date. We are enjoying the pregnancy and anticipating getting to meet the new member of our family. Yay!!

Construction continues in Puente Piedra

2008-08-14T21:26:00.007-05:00

A group from Calvary Chapel In the City (Boston) came last week and helped us to advance a little further on the building. They were a great group and we made a lot of progress. Thanks CCITC.

Preparing cement to make a new floor, so the kids don't have to sit on dirt floors for the Bible studies. Praise God.

Americo (Peruvian) shows David from CCITC how to cut and prepare the wires for making the support beams of the roof.

A rare shot: Americo smiling. He really smiles a lot, but all the pictures we put on the blog of him, he is usually very serious.

We ran out of water and had to haul it from the neighbors house to keep the project going.

We built more columns and support beams and then on the final day we were able to finish the roof of one side of the building. More pictures to come.

Family and 1 to come (+/-7 weeks to go)

2008-08-09T16:39:00.004-05:00

Wow! Look at this strickingly beautiful pregnant wife of mine. Only a few more weeks to go before we get to meet the new edition to the family. We are very excited. This week we had an ultrasound and the baby had it's foot in front of it's parts, so I guess we will all have to wait to see if it's a boy or girl.

Kilaine being sweet as usual. What a blessing little girls are, especially for dads.

Liam, our little monkey! What a blessing to have monkies, too!
Good times goofing off. We have lots of fun tickling and wrestling around. Boy it's good to be a daddy and to have goofy kids. I think kids are goofy because they are imitating their parents. Ha! A house full of laughter is a great gift and blessing from our Lord (not a verse, more like a paraphrase of many verses together). Praise God for the gift of family!

Robin

Outreach in Ica

2008-08-02T16:11:00.006-05:00

Yesterday we did some street ministry in Ica. We have a team visiting from CC of the Triad (North Carolina). For the first couple of hours we did one on one street evangelism, then we invited the people to come and see a drama that the team had prepared.

A small crowd gathered around to watch the drama.

After the drama, Americo (peruvian) shared the gospel and explained the drama. It was good ole street preaching. We had a lot of fun. The people of Ica are ripe for the gospel, we had a blessed time. Many were asking where we met for the church, so please pray that soon the Lord would provide a place for His work in Ica.

In the evening we went to the Bible study. The house was packed, because there was 11 extra people from the group.
The Peruvians from the Bible study really enjoyed listening to a very touching testimony of one of the women from the missions team. It is great to see God working through language barriers and cultural difference. Our Savior is awesome.

2008-08-01T16:22:00.004-05:00

Robin took this picture of Kilaine, she was just crawling out of her room like this one day.

I finally made a cake for Robin's birthday. It was only a few days late... (almost a week).

We went to Santa Rosa yesterday to do some evangelism and a children's craft with the team from Calvary of the Triad. They're from North Carolina. We went out in small groups. Robin took this up on the hill on the other side of the road from Santa Rosa.

Some kids of one of the families Robin's group talked to.

Praying before we start.

We had a nice time doing the craft with the kids. I made a pretty funny language blunder. I was explaining that the craft was an invitation to give to someone that doesn't come to the church. But, I accidentally said it was an invitation to give to someone so that they don't come to the church. Oops!!! Brian was sitting at a table right by me and started laughing. He told me what I said so then I fixed it. But, I've been getting a good laugh about it.

Denise was sleeping until Robin tried to take a picture of her. Ha!

So was Nick.

Kara's party

2008-07-31T22:07:00.004-05:00

Denise and Ricardo.

The kids did a puppet show of Kara, Denise and Miguel. It was really funny!

Good job guys!

Classic picture of Kara, always laughing.

Ricardo played some songs.

Betty and Pilar did some dancing.

Kara

2008-07-31T21:39:00.005-05:00

Kara was a girl that stayed here for 3 months as a missionary. It was such a blessing to have her here helping out. She is such a joy. She went back to Florida on Monday. We miss her. Here are some pictures of her and that she took while she was here.

Robin and Angie. This is perfect of Angie with a pile of mandarin peels in front of her!

Senorita Mandarina!!!

One day in Canete. Me, Kara, Krystel and Jaime.

Cassy with the kids when they came to my house to help me make some fudge to sell.

Goofiness... Kara and the kids

This was Robin's birthday in Ica. They gave him a wonderful cake and told him about the "tradition" in Ica where you have to take an actual bite out of the cake. Without cutting it... using only your face... Hahaha. They shoved his face way down into that cake.

The Bible study group in Ica.

The family with Kara the day before she left.

Kara, Ayumi, Kilaine, Priscilla and another little girl (I don't know her name) in Santa Rosa.

Fiestas Patrias- Patriotic Parties

2008-07-27T22:09:00.004-05:00

Peruvians are very proud of their country and there are many festivals and parties to celebrate. In my institute of Language we had a party to celebrate the Peruvian independence. I dressed as a Chalan, typical Peruvian festival costume.

These are a few of the teachers at the intitute that dressed up as in traditional festival costumes from the mountains.

These are the people that are part of my spanish class. I am the tallest by far, and the only man. The guy on the end is not part of our class, he is another professor. It is fun to participate and learn about Peruvian culture in this way. We learned a couple of traditional patriotic songs and sang them all together that day to celebrate Peruvian independence. Independence day is tomorrow July 28, but I don't have classes, so we celebrated a little early.

Robin

Pictures from Sunday

2008-07-24T11:12:00.008-05:00

Kilaine and Angie

Kilaine decided to practice with us before the service. She was so cute singing along and doing some shakers. That's my girl! We always seem to be laughing during practice times...

Later, Liam joined in.

Pastor Tye from Calvary Chapel West Boca taught that morning.

In the afternoon, we went with the group to Santa Rosa de Villa.

This is Huadir. He's been coming around for some time after the services. He prayed to receive the Lord last week.

Cassy helping out.

The girls doing a couple songs with the kids.

Americo and Carmencita with the jovenes.

Jimmy teaching the older kids group.

Tye and Marcelo teaching the adults.

Bob hanging out.

Denise taught the little kids. (She's here for 6 months from Boston.)

Tim and Angie hanging out with the kids during the teaching time.

Sammy with the kids.

Let the craft begin!!! I think my favorite painting was Ayumi's "chocoteja tree" ;)

Desfile

2008-07-21T21:45:00.005-05:00

On Saturday the kids had a desfile (march) at school to celebrate the fiestas patrias (patriotic holiday). They put on traditional peruvian costumes. They both wore costumes from La Sierra (the mountains). Angelica and Pablo from the Boynton team went with us.

Kilaine and Pablo

Liam with some of his classmates. The girls are wearing marinera outfits. The marinera nortena is a traditional peruvian dance from the coast.

Kilaine with one of her friends from school, Thiara.

Liam during the march.

Pablo and Angelica getting into the peruvian spirit, which is awesome, because they are chileans.

Kilaine often asks me questions about "our country." It took me a little while to figure out that she was talking about Peru.

Liam with David, one of his school friends.

Boynton Beach

2008-07-18T08:26:00.008-05:00

Our church from Boynton is here on a missions trip. Here is a look at the first 2 days, Wed. in Canete helping Jaime out with the ministries and Thursday in Santa Rosa de Villa working on the building.

Angelica talking to the kids

Tom sitting in.

Kara came to help out. That girl always has a smile.

Jolly old Bob.

They did a craft and a song that went with it for the kids. It was about God's creation.

Pastor Tye came on the trip from Calvary Chapel West Boca. I think he and Jaime had a good time talking.

Krystel playing with the kids, Maria Fe and Esteban.

Beautiful picture of Cassie.

Here they are in Santa Rosa the next day. (I couldn't go, Robin took these pics).

Americo, no te preocupes!!

Looks like they're having a chocoteja break.

Times of prayer.

Mike and Dan.

Kathy and Cassie.

Tye and Tom.

Sammy up on the roof.

Bob, are you flexing for this picture? You crack me up. (he really wasn't, it just looks that way.)

Is that teamwork or what?

Kara hanging out with the kids.

Chupe de pescado

2008-07-14T22:03:00.005-05:00

Some people see visions of Mary on the wall, in the tree, on a cloth... we see smiley faces in our soup. I guess we're just happy people... No, but really, this really is what our soup looked like when Robin took the cover off of it. It gave us a pretty good laugh and we thought we would share it with you. I think chupe de pescado just might be called happy soup in our house for a while...

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:9-11

Eating in Ica

2008-07-12T15:19:00.004-05:00

Believers fellowship always comes with food. The ministry in Ica is growing little by little and we continue to look for a place to rent, which is a little difficult because of last years earthquake. Angie and Kara come from Surco each week to help Americo and I with ministry there. The girls are able to arrive early in the day and do ministry with some of the young people that attend the study (discipleship- Praise God!!). In the afternoon at 5:30 Americo and I meet with the group and pray together for 30-40 minutes, then we go eat (I mean fellowship with food). Pray with us for a new young man who recently started to attend the study - Isai (e-sa-e) we can see that God is working in him and we pray that he continues to come. Right now he is attending another church that has a lot of problems and is not very doctrinally sound.

Robin

address fix...

2008-07-02T10:20:00.001-05:00

We gave our new address a little while ago, but one number has changed. So here it is again...

Robin y Tracy Shelley
Gral. Luis La Puerta #231 Dpto. 202
Liguria, Surco, Lima, Peru 33

Ministry photos

2008-07-02T09:32:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday we went to Santa Rosa de Villa to do the ladies Bible study. It was a nice time.

Cara. She's here for 3 months. I think she has about 1 month left. Such a sweetheart!

Margarit and Lilila (Alejandro's wife)

Angicita (Angie)

This is one of the ladies I talked with a little and helped to find the scriptures during the Bible study. She was there with her sister. So sweet, full of smiles. She told me she's going to teach me how to strap the baby on your back by yourself. I told her I was sure the first time I tried it, my baby would end up on the floor!! =)

Some of the kids in the other room. Brian, Denise, and Cara (and later Betty) watched the kids so that the moms could sit in the study.

Denise. She's here for 6 months. She just got here last week from Boston.

There's one lady that didn't get in the picture. She's just outside, boo. We had a nice time. Betty began the evening, Angie taught the study, and I did the worship and prayer time, and of course, we had a little food, triples that Chipi made and some cookies and hot chocolate. Yum! I think the ladies had a blessed time.

Here's the worship team practicing before a Sunday service. Denise, Me, Ricardo, and Miguel.

It was Denise's first Sunday with us. Welcome Denise!!

Family photos

2008-07-02T08:01:00.004-05:00

studying, studying, studying...

Liam loves to stick out his tongue for pictures. Robin joined in for this one!

This is Liam being a snail...

Kilaine cute as a button!!!!

Kilaine on a sick day when she stayed home from school. I think she read books most of the day. She loves to read, just like her mommy!!

There's not very many pictures of me, I'm usually the one taking them... We are all doing well. I'm about 6 months pregnant. Our relationships with the peruvians are getting stronger. Robin continues going to Ica. Pray for the believers there, there is a lot of mixed up beliefs and spiritual darkness there.

Ladies Bible study

2008-06-12T08:40:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday morning we had a ladies breakfast and Bible study. It was really nice. We ate some wonderful foods that some of the ladies had prepared followed be a beautiful time of prayer and worship. Then Tatiana shared some of her testimony and Angie did the teaching. It was really nice. Afterwords we fellowshipped (and ate some more.)

Chipi

Karla

Angie

Betty and Alicia

Here's just a random cute picture of the kids in a taxi one day.

Brian teaching one Sunday morning.

Making chocotejas.

So, what's going on these days, anyway?

2008-06-02T14:32:00.004-05:00

The kids getting ready for their Mother's Day presentation with their school.

I think Liam was meaning to kiss the baby, not take a bite out of it...

Well, we once again have phone service! Yay! So, what have we been up to lately, anyways? Last week was pretty busy for Robin. Jaime (the pastor in Canete) was able to go to the states for the first time to attend the Calvary Chapel pastor's conference in California. So, Robin filled in teaching for him in Canete last week on Wednesday and will again this week. Jimmy is teaching on Sunday nights. Brian got really sick a week ago, and Robin got to help out teaching in Santa Rosa de Villa. The ministry continues in Ica. Robin and Americo are going early this Friday to spend more time looking for a place to rent where the church can begin meeting. Some of the men meet at the church on Mon nights for a discipleship class that Brian is giving. And Tues. nights there is a prayer meeting at the church.

I've been spending a lot more time at home cooking, cleaning, helping the kids with homework, and taking an occasional rest. I am 24 weeks pregnant now, almost 5 1/2 months. As my belly grows, I'm getting more tired, I guess I'm just not a spring chicken anymore!!! The kids just never seem to stop growing, I guess that is the way of it. They are doing really well in school. I just had a meeting with the teachers to receive their first quarter grades. Kilaine is #2 in her class! Did I mention the school is all spanish speaking? Yes, I'm pretty proud of them both.

It's getting colder here as winter approaches. We've begun to make chocotejas at the church again. I love fellowshipping with the other ladies to make them. The ladies meet together on Tue. mornings to pray for about an hour or so, then we stay if we can for a couple of hours to make chocotejas. We're thinking about starting to make others small desserts as well. We make them, and then sell them in the church or on the street to raise money for missions trips. That way some people in the church can go on missions trips to other parts of Peru. This year, we may have the opportunity to send a team to the Dominican Republic. Brian may have an opportumity to go to Cuba to teach and encourage the pastor's there.

There are always lots of things to be praying for. Along the way we've met and became friends with people serving in various ways in many different countries. We have friends trying to reach the unreached in a mountain village in Mexico, we know a family living in Thailand working at an orphanage, Angie here in Peru went to India to serve for 6 months, and now there are 2 girlsfrom the church serving with YWAM in Paraguay, possibly to go on to Brazil for a few months. Our close friends in Costa Rica are going through some very hard times. They've just been robbed of many valuable things, including their computer (very important for a missionary to keep in communication). Please lift them up in prayer: Mike and Revae Lawrence. You can read about them at their blog. http://ccfjaco.org/

I have heard about how things are doing in the states with the economy. The price of gas, bread, milk... I know it is not easy and many of you are making sacrifices to support missions. I thank you and pray that God will bless you.

A weekend in Ica

2008-05-07T16:34:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we all had a break from our clases, so we decided to spend the weekend in Ica to get to know the city a little better and see what God has for our family there. We are still waiting for God's conformation. This is a processional that was going on infront of our hotel. There are many of these in Peru. The people are always hoping to be the ones that get to carry the statue through the street. They use volunteers from the street and the priest follow behind giving blessings. This one is rather small, often the street is so crowded that no one can pass by.

We also got to spend some time having fun as a family. Right outside of the city of Ica is a Lagoon or Oasis in the middle of the desert. We took a boat ride with the family and walked around to look at the stuff available there. Earlier in the day we had the opportunity to visit a musuem of the history of Ica, which Tracy and I enjoyed a lot, but the kids were really bored. In all we had fun. We also got to spend some time encouraging and getting to know some of the people that go to the Bible Study everyweek in Ica. This is Tracy and the kids with Zumiki (Sumiki- a japonese name) She is 19 and loves the Lord with all of here heart. It is awesome to have believers like this in the study. She always has really interesting questions and comments. We also spent some time with another couple from Ica, Mario and Elizabeth. They have two girls, one is five years old and one is 8 months old. They are the couple that started the study and invited us to teach there in Ica. The people in Ica have been praying for a Pastor for many years. Pray for these guys by name if you can remember. Right now we can only have study a week on Friday nights and they are begging for more. Many of them have stopped going to their other churches because of the bad doctrine being taught, the only time they get fed is on Fridays and there personal time with the Lord. Pray that we could find a place to meet in Ica and possible open the door to one more Bible study. Right now we meet in the house of Mario's parents (which has been an awesome provision from the Lord). We would like to open the doors to more people but don't feel that it is wise to invite a lot of strangers from the street into a house that is not our own. Pray for the location and the Lord's provision for the rent each month. God has been abundantly faithful to provide each week for the bus fair for Americo and I and the other expenses.

The people in the study each week are: Mario and Elizabeth, Zumiki, Jorge and Lucha, Cesar and Rosio, Carlos, Martin (Marteen), Gerardo and Angelica. From time to time there are others, but this is the core group. Please pray for them!

God bless!!

Robin

A much needed update...

2008-04-20T12:38:00.004-05:00

We have just recently moved (3 weeks ago) to a new apartment. We needed to have a bigger apartment with an extra room. There's a pretty big reason for this need... we're going to have a baby!! I am 4 months pregnant, and am doing well. We haven't been able to update the blog or send out emails due to the move. The phone company finally showed up at our new apartment after 3 weeks of waiting to tell us they can't connect the line, the control box in the building isn't connected yet. Yikes! So, we don't know how much longer we'll have to wait with no land line for phone or internet. Please pray with us for this. Anyways, we want to keep everyone updated on our new address.

Robin y Tracy Shelley
Jr. General Luis La Puerta #231 Dpto. 202
Liguria, Surco, Lima Peru 33

Some updates...
-Liam turned 4 years old April 13. Happy Birthday Liam!!
-Kilaine lost her 2 front teeth. She's growing so big!!
-I (Tracy) am in my 2nd trimester of the pregnancy and am feeling good after a somewhat difficult 1st trimester. Praise report: we found a woman that practices midwivery, so we can have a homebirth (that's pretty important for me). She's from Germany, but she speaks English, added bonus.
-Robin goes to Ica with Americo every week on Fridays. It's a 4 hour bus ride and he gets home at 3a.m. There have been recent robbings on the buses going there, but the Lord has kept them safe.
-We are praying about moving to Ica in about 1 year or so. We're still not sure this is the next step, but the Lord seems to be opening the doors.
-Angie came back from being in India for 6 months.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We really wouldn't be able to serve here in Peru without solid believers on their knees for us. We really mean it when we say how much we appreciate it.

Tracy

Happy Birthday Tracy

2008-03-20T17:04:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday Tracy had a birthday. She is in full denial of her age and insisted we use Kilaine's six year old birthday candle so that no one would know how old she really is. Just kidding, she's 31, even though she still looks 20 (even more beautiful today than the day I met her). We had a quiet day with the family, then went to see a movie together. Tracy didn't want anything special, not even cake. Kilaine insisted that we needed cake for mommy's birthday, so we bought a couple of pieces of cake and sang happy birthday in english and spanish. We had a great time together and we thank God for the blessing of our family.

Robin

Baptism

2008-03-10T16:50:00.005-05:00

the group that got baptized with Pastor Brian, Betty and Pastor Jim Nelson from CC Palm Harbor in Florida.

singing praises to our Lord

Yesterday 11 people got baptized. Some old, some new, some from Puente Piedra and one that was on a mission trip to Peru. Praise God, He works in mighty and wonderful ways. We used a small pool of one of the families in the church. We had such a blessed time with the Lord. Afterwards we went back to the church to break bread together and celebrate the Lord's majesty and glory.

Robin