Peru Project - June 7th-14th

Gateway’s Mission Statement is “Know Christ, Make Him Known, Enjoy the Journey”…and I have to say that that has been accomplished here this week.

We have all come to know Christ deeper in our personal lives. We have seen His Face in the Face of a Child, the Unity of Community, the smiles of the Peruvians, the worship of believers and the awesomeness of His creation.

 We have “Made Him Known” through our VBS times; seeing hundreds, even thousand(s) of children hear the Gospel Message of Christ dying on the cross for them, “making Him known” through prayer walks in the community, and also “making Him known” through our times of worship as a team.

 And I can speak for all when I say that we have definitely “enjoyed the Journey”, and what a journey it has been. I have seen God use the youngest to the oldest on this team in such a HUGE way. (Chuck and Betsy, you are my hero’s!) The youth on our team have also stood out too…giving all they have and then some, never complaining! The smiles and the joy of this team (Gateway, Living Stones, and Penn State crew) are contagious and have brought much excitement to the week.

God has been so good to us. NO injuries. Praise God! We have seen him take our hands and our feet and accomplish more than we could ask….giving us the strength that we need just when we needed it.

Today was a strong finish to an awesome week. I am sure, given the opportunity, the team would’ve stayed and continued working till it was dark, and then would have found some way to have light to continue still. No one was ready to leave the site we have grown to love. Not to mention, having to say “goodbye” to the Hogar Ninos. That was a hard one! We enjoyed the day, though.

It started with our “Ocean Devotion” on the beach. I will forever cherish these times of worship as one body all praising the Most High! Our times in the morning were the best way to start each day. Picture standing on the ocean, hearing and seeing the waves crash on the shore and collectively singing “How Great is Our God”…it won’t get any better than that till we are all together in Heaven one day!

We then went to Hannah’s Home, one more time, and there was a special presentation given to Lisa Guier and Dakota Thurn for their Birthday’s. There was a bench given to Hannah’s Home with a plaque in honor of Lisa and Dakota. They were both surprised and Lisa said that she couldn’t have asked for a better gift.

Everyone started working on their assigned jobs and let me just say that the Energizer Bunny aint got nothing on the men of our teams! WOW! They hauled concrete until their arms were like spaghetti and then they picked up one more load and continued on. They were awesome! The footing for the wall was completed along with a patio.

The sod was delivered for the front of the site and Pancho was adament about laying it himself. The sod became his “baby”. We were allowed to move it for him, but he wanted to lay it! He is a precious man and I will miss seeing his smiling face!

There were so many different jobs today and it was awesome to see the teams working together helping each other out…and still smiling in the process! Usually by the last day, we are tired and sometimes cranky, but I never once saw anyone having a bad day. It was a great end to a great week.

At the end of the day, we had to practically pull Amy Hurlburt, Courtney Pfannestiel, Dawn Butler and Amy Banta off the roof. They had such a great time together and weren’t coming down till they finished! GO GIRLS!

We then went a gave our gifts to the children at Hogar. The child that Dawn and I had was Jesus. He was absolutely precious in receiving his gifts. He was so excited over a lunch sack that had been signed by Dakota…his new friend…and the fruit snacks and candies that were inside. To see him pull out his clothes one by one and be so excited… was humbling. He then took Dawn and I to his room to put his clothes away and when I saw his “closet” I lost it. He pulled out a small plastic container that held his underwear and socks and was so excited to be able to add to the few that he had. Did you catch what I said? His drawer was a plastic container of which he was very proud of. Wow. May we never complain again when we have multiple drawers in nice dressers full and overflowing with what we don’t need. I felt the love of Jesus Christ as “Jesus” hugged me goodbye. He did not want to let go. I am so thankful that these children at Hogar have a wonderful couple, Felix and Erica, that love them and take care of them. Not that it was easy to leave, it wasn’t, but it was comforting to know that they are being taken care of and that God has provided for them.

There is so much to say, and I feel as though I could go on and on, but I will close. Ask me more when I get home, I cannot wait to share. And for those of you whose hearts have been touched this week, don’t ignore what is going on inside of you. Join us next time when we come. We have had so much fun this week and you are the ones missing out by not coming! Don’t let anything stand in your way, don’t make excuses, just say yes to the stirring going on inside your heart. You will never regret it! Just ask us!

Pray us home!

Amy Hayward

Wrapping up a trip like the one we just completed is a difficult task.  It seems like only moments ago I was standing on the beach Monday morning thinking we had a full week ahead of us.  This morning as the waves pounded into the shore at my feet - I shook my head and wondered where the week has gone.  So much accomplished, but still so much to be done.  I’ve learned that you can’t come on these trips thinking we will be the group that spreads the last bit of paint but it is still difficult to leave things unfinished.  However it is obvious as I survey what has happened here over the past few days, we literally moved mountains this week - physically and spiritually.  Exponentially more than we could have imagined on Monday.

This group (Gateway, Living Stones, and our construction leaders from Penn State) melded into the hands and feet of Christ for Peru and for each other.  The goal is clear but the path is still long.  Regardless, we laid a plan and worked it right down to the last glimmer of daylight on Friday when the roofing team (all female and fearless) laid the last pieces of roofing on Hannah’s Hope.  Additionally, the Great Wall of Chilca is about 80% complete.

The greatest lessons learned by all on this trip come from those who really brought us here - the kids of Hogar and the communities we visited in the area.  Pass out gifts and watch the commandment “love your brother as yourself” in action.  If your hugger doesn’t work - stay home because that seems to be what the kids all want first.  I’ve been hugged so many times and so hard that my arms are sore and it has absolutely nothing to do with carting concrete.  The kids are what make this trip unique.  Their unconditional love is awe inspiring and after listening to the conversations around the bonfire on the beach tonight that’s where the greatest impact has been made with everyone on this trip - and that is what will bring us back.

If you’re reading these blogs you’ve got a connection to someone here. When you see them, look for a difference, then ask them about the week in Peru.  Be sure you have time to listen to a lot of great stuff.  I heard it said tonight that “we’ve seen the dead raised” and I know where that feeling comes from.  If you saw these people on TV without any personal interaction, you would wonder how such apparently hopeless people could drag themselves out to face life every day.  Spend a few minutes among them and you will be ashamed of what you thought gave you hope in your comfy little world.

This team has had an incredible week and our hope would be that more of our friends and families could see what we’ve seen, taste what we’ve tasted.  Then we would not feel so inadequate as we try to put this experience into words.  You can’t just hear about it - you must live it.

I’m anxious to get home, but I can’t wait to get back to Peru.  Think about coming with me.

Mike

I’m not sure where to begin.  It has been a week of tasting the Lord’s goodness over and over again.  God is certainly at work in this place .  I am so privileged to be a part.  For me, it has been the start of many new relationships.  The Peruvian people are precious and so passionate.  We are different in so many ways yet our need for the Lord is certainly the same.   This experience has been yet another reminder that our relationship with Him is vital in order that we may share his love with others.

We have seen miracle after miracle day in and day out.  Thank you to all who answered the call to provide for the kids at Hannah’s home.  I had the opportunity to help deliver the groceries yesterday morning.  I will never forget the faces of the children as the bags were put on the table.  One little girl began to count the number of days that they would get to eat on her fingers.  Thank you God for your provision!

Later that day, we went back to Hogar to paint pottery with the children.  My heart was overfilled with joy as creativity filled the room.  I wish all of you could have watched as they created designs that were absolutely beautiful.  It is obvious that Felix and Erika are raising these children up in the LORD.

There is a very unique partnership that has developed between ChildReach and this community.  God is working in a powerful and mighty way.  I believe that we are only seeing the beginning stages of ministry that will continue to spread like wildfire.  I can’t wait to see what He is going to do!

Andee Carr

That song has been going through my head since we were sitting out by the bon fire on the beach, earlier this evening, reflecting about how the week has been and what it has meant to us.  As I listened to everyone’s responses and reflected on the week, I recall the amazing feats of manual labor we completed this week.  With every muscle in the body aching from digging trenches in order to pour a concrete wall to filling the orphanage walls with foam (Peru’s version of insulation), it all seems minimal to the power of God working through each and every one of us as we ‘moved mountains’ here.  We accomplished stuff this week that if you had told me on Monday would be done today, I’d tell you that it was impossible.    I can’t wait to see Hannah’s Home and Hannah’s Hope when it’s completed.  To know that so many people gave so much to give to people that they don’t even know yet is inspiring!

The people, especially the children, here have the most beautiful smiles and I believe that’s because they smile from their hearts.  They touch your heart even when you don’t understand the words coming from their mouths.  Their eyes glow with joy when they see us coming.  They have nothing but love here and it’s all they need.  It’s taught me a lot about my life.  We continually see them giving when they have nothing to give.   Many times this week we gave the kids candy or bracelets and they’d turn around and share them with us.  How can you top that!?!?!  Someone mentioned at the bon fire tonight how Pastor Gorge, pastor of one of the churches we visited here,  has mentioned to them in the past that “Peru is the most wealthy country there is” .   Thinking about what I’ve seen in the week here, I totally agree.   Wealth does not come from materialistic things but from the non materialistic things in our lives. 

There’s so much to say about the things we did and the lessons we learned while here but it’s very hard to put it in words.  The only way you will ever really know and understand is to experience it yourself!!   It’s my, as well as everyone else’s here, suggestion that if you have a chance to go on a mission trip, DO IT!!!

Peace out,

Shawn

Today was an amazing day!  We got so much done.  We got the cement footers poured for the wall.  This took a lot of hard work.   We got some styrofoam pieces put in the walls of 3 rooms.  This is used as insulation here on the outside walls.  The roofing crew got most of the roof on today.  Sod was laid in the front of Hannah’s Home today.  It makes it look so nice.  We knew we had a big day ahead of us today with a lot to accomplish but with the Lord’s strength we got it done and with no problems.

After we left Hannah’s Home we went over to Hogar and saw the kids and gave them the gifts that we brought.  They were so happy and appreciative.  It was very hard to say goodbye to all of them. 

We got back to Ola Grande and had dinner.  Then we had a bon fire on the beach and shared about our week.

This week has been such as awesome experience.  We have all been blessed and have gotten so much out of this week.  We know that it is through Him that this was possible.  Because through Christ All things are possible.

Robin Pfannenstiel

viewing the waves breaking on a still beach, we glimpsed three dolphins and an industrious fisherman as we gathered for morning prayers and lovely hymns.

The Vacation Bible School traveled to the elementary school to meet with and perform for 1,400 primary school children. Amy extended our gratitude and best wishes, offered prayers and announced our very popular skit starring the volunteers, who incidentally are true hams.  The children and teachers loved the performance and especially enjoyed the songs we sang together.  Afterwards we distributed coloring books and crayons to the childrens’ classrooms and visited with the children and teachers.  Saying good bye was difficult, as usual, for the children were most responsive to our hugs and we did not want to stop kissing them.

Returning to Hannah’s House,  we found the rest of our crew knee deep in sand, gravel and cement, having begun filing the trenches. Amazing teamwork.  Forms were being filled with cement at a fast pace; trusses were nearly complete; patio base smoothed and formed; wall frames were being set. This was incredible to watch.  Scurrying about is not what one noticed.  Everyone had a definite path. And everyone proudly pointed out their projects. 

Mike prepared lunch for everyone. So everyone took pictures. It was a spectacular lunch.  A highlight for today was a birthday party for two of the children at Hogarth.  Decorated with balloons, the party room held gift bags for the children and special gifts for the honorees.  All the guests had their faces painted by the children.  The women were cats, the men were individually custom painted. (Jeff had an especially difficult time trying to explain his looks to the clerk when he picked up our cement order)

Tonight was a Reflection night one worth remembering forever.  This is meaningful in a different way for each person.  Of course, the experiences of the total week is unique to each of us.  The change in each of us is obvious.  We are more comfortable with one another. We are proud of one another. We are committed to doing a job well, and are not hesitant to stretch our abilities to accomplish a task. 

There is no doubt of the strength and beauty of each persons faith.  Each day has offered new possibilities for people to express their love of Jesus and faith in our God and each other.  It has been an amazing journey and certainly one i would never have imagined.  

During our prayer walk we walked along  The Pan American Highway, a               place i never dremed i would be, and we discovered a nursery owned by Maria and her husband.  Inviting us into her home and gardens, she shared her strong belief in God, her committment to our environment, and her support of our efforts. After sharing our prayers, she presented us with a tree, which we will plant in her honor at Hannahs House.

One child at a time, one person at a time, one seed at a time.  I am blessed.

Betsy Phillips

In the words of the best translator everrrrrr, Richard, wow. Wow wow wow! I love Peru. I love its amazing people, I love how God put both the mountains and the ocean side by side, I love its precious children, I love french fries and rice, I love how God is so evident here. My Jesus has done so much in my heart and the hearts of my brothers and sisters in Christ here that we are seriously aboout to explode. But that is so important because He has allowed that Love to overfolow to the children of Peru. Jesus has revealed so much to me and I have seen the face of the Lord in the Peruvian people. When we first went to church on Sunday morning (which I might add that we had absolutely no sleep after arriving in Peru that morning…it felt like a dream) the people met us with hugs, kisses, and pure joy in their eyes. They don’t let anything get in the way of expressing what Jesus puts in their hearts. Wow (Richard again, haha). That in itself impacted me in a HUGE way. Then, in the service, the pastor sensed that Richard was upset, and he said he was going to pray for him. The whole church joined in, adding their own unique words and offering it to the Lord for their brother in Christ. They love each other like Christ himself with every move they make. Last night, we went to church in Lima and I can say that it was one of the best things I have experieced in Peru. I LOVED the worship. They sang in spanish songs that they knew we would know to make us feel welcome, and sang some of it in english. Even though this is something that sounds simple, it hit me at that moment that
their God is our God and that his word that is Truth to us is Truth to them, too. Words on the screen can’t bring justice to what that truly means. Colossians 1:17 :”…in Him all things hold together”. Jesus Christ is the only thing that unites us all. Either our desperate need for him or our love of His beautiful name.

Tonight we had an amazing worship night that Mike and Amy set up for us. They are both amazing leaders in Christ and I am so priveledged that they got to lead me here. Mike humbeled himself before us and encouraged us individually in front of everyone. If that isn’t a humble, confident leader in Jesus’ name I don’t know who is. Dad, he told me that he is taking care of us for you (and mom, so is Lisa!) Amy is a beautiful heart for Christ and there hasn’t been a moment that I have been with her that I havent felt encouraged, loved, and most importantly spurred toward the lord… except maybe when she broke that window…haha j/k Amy! And that is saying something cosidering I have been living with her this past week. Anyways, we washed eachother’s feet and encouraged one another, and it was a humbling experience. It reminded me, along with many other things this week, that Jesus heals all things, and also that I am so proud to be a part of a church that resembles more than any I have ever come in contact with what the body of christ should look like to eachother and others. 

Many, many other things have happened that have been encouraging, breaking, and healing. Jesus is here as well as at home and if you are reading this, take heart, because our Savior is doing tremendous things through his people!! Because He wants to, not because he needs us. What a God I serve. I’m soaking up every minute of this experience God has given me. “Breathe it in and breathe it out, listen to your heartbeat. There’s a wonder in the here and now, right there in front of you”.

Psalm 37:4. God’s word is alive!

Mom, dad, shel, pnut, kenny, joi~ I love you all and miss you a ton.

Kailey Jones  

Our morning started singing and  praying on the beach. What a way to start the day! The women went to an elementary school with over 1,000 children to do Vacation Bible School. We sang and danced a toodeeta a toodeeta a toodee tata and I felt like one of the Wiggles. It’s amazing to see 1,000 smiles and an out pour of God.

Samantha gave her testimony which was awesome! Sharing the word of Jesus and doing the Hokey Pokey with the children there - that’s what it’s all about. 

The men worked really hard today mixing cement and pouring concrete for the wall. You can really see the progress made everyday.

In the afternoon everyone was working hard at Hannah’s Home. We all got to go over to Hogars before it was time to go home to celebrate two of the kids of the birthdays, Jose and Allysons. They had balloon races, made crafts and did some face painting. Not one of us left without getting our face painted.

One of the touching moments for me was when Jesus - one of the boys at Hogars was standing in front of me and I put my arm him to hug him. He took it and pulled it tighter and tighter and then said ”awww comfort”  Playing and hugging on the kids, that’s what it’s all about.

We went to two church services down here this week. A few things were a little different. One is they seem to not be on any time schedule. It could last one, two or three hours. They worship God singing  and dancing wole heartedly as if they never want it to end. They put there whole selves in, that’s what it’s all about!

Cindy Booker

Hi Nate and James !!         

“Open the eyes of my heart Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you.  I want to see you.”  We started out this morning on the beach singing that song.  The words spoke to my heart like they never have before.  This is a song that I have grown up hearing and this week, the words took a whole new meaning in my life.  Since I have been in Peru, God has continued to amaze me and show me his great love!  Today a group for VBS went to a school with 1200 students.  We took the kids from Hogar with us.  Before we got off the bus Liliana, one of the kids from Hogar, said a prayer.  She prayed for hungry kids and thanked all of us for feeding them.  Earlier in the morning some of the people in the group brought food over to Hogar.  Liliana counted all the food and told all the kids how long the would have food for.  Hearing this broke my heart.  She was so thankful.  This just goes to show you that if you ask God to move mountains he will.  Prayer is very powerful.  How blessed I am to have been here, able to witness it all.  While they were hungry she was still praying for others.  At VBS we did a drama for the kids, sang songs, and Samantha gave her testimony.  I saw God today through Samantha’s eyes.  She has been an inspiration for me.  To see a freshmen in high school have such a passion in her heart for God, is a very special thing.   After VBS we went back to Hannah’s Home to get some work done.  The men in the group where working hard laying a concrete wall.  While our work was hard today, it was a wonderful day.  In the late afternoon some of our group had a birthday party for Alison and Jose, two kids from Hogar.  The kids played games with balloons, made crafts, and got their faces painted.  Something as simple as face paint put huge smiles on every one’s faces.  If you walked into the room with a clean face a child would shortly find you cover your face with cat whiskers, windows, flowers, circles, or bird poop (sorry Courtney haha).  After dinner we went to stations to reflect on what God is doing.  We also had time to wash each others feet.  What a humbling and overwhelming experience.  I watched this group pour out their hearts to each other.  One of the best parts of this trip is seeing everyone in this group grow!  I have enjoyed getting to know everyone and building relationships that will continue to grow strong through Christ.  I love you all!  Hope you are all ready to hear me talk for hours because I have a lot of stories.  By the way I have many people here who are stepping up and being my temporary parents (by your request of course mom and dad. haha) 

~Aimee Jones~ aka: AJ ( Since there are 4 other Amy’s here)