Peru - Almost Home.

Reflections and applications from this trip are many; I will not even begin to expel all I have experienced here. The contacts in Peru are examples of true service. The children were a true example of a child’s faith and joy in the Lord. Those two things will be with me all of my days. The third part of our trip, the Inca Trail, was (in my opinion) such an applicable endeavor in comparing it with our walk with Christ. Since our discussion a few nights ago on this topic, the symbolism and applications are hitting me hard. Our walk with Christ and our Inca Hike require: perseverance through trials, commitment to the race, acceptance of blessings along the way, highs and lows with God always there, resolve to stay on the path, anticipation of the payoff, reliance for his strength…the list can go and on. I am challenged to continually compare my walk with God and man to this extreme hike in the Andean Mountains. When I falter, I know God is there. When I am tired, I know God will give me strength. God is good and faithful to complete the work in me. That is one truth that I will hold onto all the days of my life.

Peru Update.

There is such a real God at work here in Peru. The difference between compassion and pity is something I find myself thinking about as I take in this country. Although they do not have the financial abundance, they have a true and evident joy in their simplicity. We are not called to pity their situation, but instead to show them compassion, as Christ would if he were present today. In a sense, we are that presence and the Lord is revealing Himself through us. Through compassion comes a love that surpasses a surface layer “like-for”. Unexpectedly, I found myself loving the kiddos of Peru. I came expecting to engage with them, and in so doing, bless them in some way. In reality, however, I (and we) have been blessed by them in such a huge way. God is so good, and as I look back over the last few days, I am excited to find some applicable life lessons.