Ve a la gente.
Vive con la gente.
Aprende de ellos.
Empieza con lo que saben.
Construye en lo que tienen.
Pero lo mejor de lideres
Cuando se cumple su obra
Su trabaja se termina
La gente dirá:
Lo hemos hecho nuestros mismos.

--viejo poema chino

Go to the people.
Live among the people.
Learn from them.
Start with what they know.
Build on what they have.
But the best of leaders
When their task is accomplished
Their work is done
The people will say
We have done it ourselves.

--Old Chinese Poem

My heart grieves
The poor increase at every hand
And illegal foreigners too
Birthrates skyrocket,
We can't grow enough food
Prices inflate
Natural catastrophes,
Millions homeless,
Floods, winds, droughts, plagues
Earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides
Hurricanes
Cholera, malaria, typhoid, AIDS
Laying low the thousands, millions
Criminals and crime and violence
Perversion and greed
Wars and rumors of same
Recession, layoffs, terminations
Failures, closers and foreclosures
The poor increase at every hand
I feel surrounded and I am afraid.
I could cast all my fears on God
And know His peace
I could trust Him
And not be afraid
And then
I could feed the hungry
From my abundance
I could clothe the naked
From my bulging closets
I could invite the homeless
Into my spacious house
I could tell the lost and dying
About the wondrous love
of God my Savior
I could
But I don't trust enough
To not be afraid
But I don't love enough
To not be afraid
So I’ll just secure my doors
A little tighter
Some dead bolts and bars
To bring a sense of security
I'll just secure my borders
And my identity a little tighter
Fences, guards and fire walls
I'll just gather a little more
To put away
Against a rainy day
I'll build my house a little larger
My hedges a little higher
My gates a little stronger
My dwelling just little more
Comfortable
As I isolate myself a little deeper
Inside my virtual cocoon
Of electronic gadgetry
No longer listening to
What I don't want to hear
Staring out occasionally
In apathetic lethargy
At the thousands dying daily
Without hope of heaven.
I could tell them
But I didn't and I won't
I could help them
But I didn't and I won't
But I will carefully give thanks
For all that Jesus has done for me.

Jason Nightingale, Wordsower International

Remembering Daddy

While I could never forget my precious dad, I wanted to make a grief wreath to honor him, based on the Bible verse, John 12:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit."

My mom sent me a wreath, flowers, wheat, pumpkins, a vine, and a Bible verse. It was healing for me to put the wreath together and think about good Daddy memories. On a happy photo of my dad, I attached leaves on which I wrote a few of my dad's words of wisdom to me (there were a lot to choose from!). (Go to My Photos, Daddy)

I pray that my dad's life continues to touch and bless many people. He lives in my heart, and I am thankful for the spiritual inheritance that he left me. I miss him a lot--tears come to my eyes when I think about his laugh, his kindness, his flowers, his pancakes, his wierd jokes, his scratching my back, his advice and phone calls, his encouragement, his short but sweet notes, his evening prayers with me, our adventures together, walks, and conversations about ministry, politics, and life.

The past 7 months have been really difficult, as I processed shock, anger, and sadness (in a foreign country without my friends close by). But I have grown through it. You know, as my dad died and Jesus came to walk him Home, I was reading Psalm 23.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

I thought those verses were for my dad, to give him peace as he died. I realize now, that he was already at peace. Those verses were for me. Altough my dad is not here, the Lord is with me, leading me and giving me rest. I was the one who walked through the valley of the shadow of death, and there was no fear. God assures me that He will be with me, as He is with my dad, all the days of my life--forever!

Processing: The last few months, I have been extremely sad. I miss my dad a lot, and I guess I've been in shock. As I am reading in a Grief Therapy book, I find myself mostly in the suffering stage, although I go back to shock and forward to acceptance. Most days I cry and long to be in the States, but I always conclude that I need to stay here in Peru for several reasons: 1) while I would have more support in the States, my dad is not there, and my friends are busy, so it probably wouldn't be much easier, 2) I need Josue to go through this with me, and 3) there is ministry work to be done.

Village Work: I spent most of April in various communities, translating, and teaching, taking care of, and playing with the children…in hot sun and pouring rain, and always accompanied by mosquitos. But it was restful—hammock time, river baths, nature hikes, and Skip-Bo.

Children's Clubs: I have been teaching one children’s club since February, and helping in the other two. Next week, I am beginning an after-school tutoring program, to give the club kids a place to go two afternoons a week. My team will help with homework and teach the Bible, literacy, math, and English.

National Children’s Day: Josué and I had fun creating costumes and performing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to help with a ministry event that shared God’s love to over 500 kids. Josué made the handsomest Prince Charming ever!

Josué: My loving boyfriend has patiently spent a large portion of his time helping me through my grief. This process has put stress on our relationship, but we are growing through it. Please pray for him, as he is in charge of coordinating the children’s clubs and river trips (several American teams come this summer). He is also studying English and hoping to continue his schooling.

I appreciate your prayers, any cards or packages you may send to my Iquitos address, and emails of encouragement. Rachel

Photos of the above mentioned activities have been added in Photo Bucket under April 2008.

Heartache

Really appreciate continued prayers, for my heart. I am fighting a cold, can't sleep, and am feeling stressed. And...I can't call my daddy for help.

Bottle of Tears
By Rachel C. Deal
January 15, 2008
Dedicated to my stepmom, Denise

There is a bottle on God’s shelf
Labeled with my name
He looks at it to remember
My tears of joy and pain

I’ve shed many tears since I was born
Due to hunger and scraped knees
Spankings and frustrations
And from feeling pleased

I cried when I was sick a lot
Because I felt alone
I cried when there were arguments
And conflict in my home

I sobbed on my first mission trip
At the sight of homeless kids
I sobbed with joy when I felt God’s call
To give my life to Him

I’ve experienced heartbreak
From the death of my sweet dad
I never would have imagined
That I could feel so sad

I’ve experienced mercy and grace
In salvation from above
I’ve tasted a bit of bliss
In my boyfriend’s love

On display in Heaven
Is a bottle that holds my tears
God tenderly collects each one
To show me that He cares

I never need to doubt
That He is by my side
He comforts me as a hen her chicks
And embraces me when I cry


Frasco de Lagrimas

Hay un frasco de lagrimas en un estante en el Cielo
Etiquetado con mi nombre
Dios lo mira para recordar
Mis lagrimas de gozo y dolor

He derramado muchas lagrimas desde que naci
De hambre y rodillas raspadas
De castigos y frustraciones
Y de sentir contenta

Lloré cuando estaba enferma por mucho tiempo
Porque sentía abandonada
Lloré cuando eran discusiones
Y conflictos en mi casa

Sollocé en mi primer viaje de misiones
Al ver niños de la calle
Sollocé con gozo cuando sentía el llamado de Dios
A dar mi vida a El

Experimenté un corazón quebrantado
Del muerto de mi dulce papá
Nunca podia imaginar
Que podría sentir tan triste

Experimenté la misericordia y gracia
En la salvación de Dios
Probé un poco de gloria
En el amor de mi novio

Exhibido en el Cielo
Es un frasco que sostiene mis lagrimas
Dios las collecciona tiernamente
Para mostrarme que me cuida

No debo dudar nunca
Que El está a mi lado
Me consuela como la gallina a sus polluelos
Me abraza cuando lloro

Nauta

Monday to Wednesday, I worked with the same team that helped me out with last week's VBS. We spent three days in a community 2 hours away by car (the farthest one can go via car in the Iquiteñan jungle). Nauta is a small city, with a few stores and one often-ignored traffic light! We held four events. Monday night was an introduction, where we gathered the kids together in the plaza to play games and share with them about Jesus' love. I dressed up as "Tamara." (see My Photos: Nauta) The eyes are far apart, so I could only see out one eye at a time and the head is very stuffy, so I sweated heavily as I, leading the girls, played tug-of-war against the boys, led by a teammate. The girls won, and we all had a great time. Tuesday afternoon, we taught 160 children about sharing via clowns (I was Baby Pricila), a puppet show, and crafts. That night, more than 200 children heard how special they are: that all God's children are princes and princesses...as their Father is the King of kings! Queen Esther (aka Rachel) shared her "rags to riches" story. Wednesday afternoon, after songs, games, and competitions, I taught how we are soldiers in God's army, and how we must protect ourselves against the enemy with the armor of God (from Ephesians 6). The kids then colored cut-out figures. (This was an improved version of the lesson I taught at last week's VBS.) The team returned to Iquitos late last night. I'm exhausted...but what a mark we left on the children of Nauta!

Children's Club

This morning, I had the privilege to teach the children's club at my church Torre Fuerte (which being on a Sunday morning is basically Sunday School with food). Seventy children came and I took the miracle of the ice cream on Friday and taught the miracle of the multiplication of the 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, which fed around 20,000 people. Praise God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

The kids acted out the story, shared how God has provide for them, thanked Him in prayer, and enjoyed a relay race carrying "fish" and "bread" on a fork.

See My Photos: February 2008.

VBS: Torre Fuerte, Iquitos

This past week, I organized a VBS for 100 children from the neighborhood of my church, Torre Fuerte, where we met from 3-6pm. The theme was I am God's Treasure, and each day the kids learned, through games, songs, puppets, clowns, stories, and manuel activities, how they are God's treasures: special, chosen, soldiers, champeons, and princes and princesses. It was a wonderful week--I loved preparing and performing (baby clown and Queen Esther) and teaching. The team was united and we all had a great time!

We were able to purchase all the craft materials and food necessary and remain within my $100 budget--to the penny. The last day the kids went on a treasure hunt, and the reward was an ice cream bar. When a teammate went to buy the ice cream, the store was out of the cheapest kind; but God had mercy and the boss gave us $90 worth of ice cream for $17! Amazing!

See photos in My Photos: VBS Torre Fuerte.

Iquitos: home at last

Contentedness does not come easy for me. It´s been hard to enjoy life these past several months. But I am trying. The trip to Ecuador not only gave me 90 more days on my Peruvian visa (when I re-entered Peru) but it was a great distraction (as you can see from the photos in Photobucket, section Ecuador). Josué is working in Ecuador, staff of a missions school for a month. I spent last week in Lima, attending a Christian conference focused on creativity in ministry. It was inspiring. Thanks for your continued support, emails and prayers. Blessings.

Prayer Requests:
my health, emotionally and physically
wisdom and safety for Josué
my grandma´s health
growth for my church in Iquitos

Josué

I am adding Josué as a link, so you can read his newsletters, put out every other month. They will be in Spanish and English. He has his unique style and shares information that I might not, as he focused on events and I on emotions! Only this first time, I am putting his newsletter on my blog, as the link is not yet posted.

Josue’s Newsletter: January/ February 2008

January: Mission Trip, Momón and Nanay Rivers.
January 3-6, I traveled with a group of missionaries from Perú and the States to minister in several communities, San Antonio, Flor de Agosto, and Santo Tomás. Every night, we showed a Christian video in each community, afterward sharing the Gospel. The people were receptive and we prayed for them at the end of each program.

The first day, the team dug a well for San Antonio, and we evangelized house to house. I spent the second day buying supplies for the rest of the trip. The third day, we went to Flor de Agosto. Before showing the film, we spent the afternoon teaching Bible stories (with songs and manual activities) and playing games with the children. The guys played soccer with the young men of the community. That was fun for me! The path to the community took about 15 minutes and because it had rained the night before was all mud and water. We tried to walk on dry ground and cross bridges made of narrow tree branches, but we all ended up with mud up to our ankles. The return was even more adventurous, as it was night. Once on the boat, I navigated it the 30 minutes back to San Antonio, also crazy, as our boat currently is without a headlight. So I had two small flashlights to try to keep us away from the sides of the river. We almost crashed four times, which scared me, but the team of 20 people wasn’t aware. Thank the Lord we arrived safely! The last day, we spent the evening in Santo Tomás ministering. The trip was a blessing, to the people, to the team, and to me.

February: Trip to Babahoyo, Ecuador.
A missionary group invited me to help them direct a mission school in an Ecuadorian city, north of Guayaquil. I will be one of the 15 staff, working with 150 students. Although I will be far away from my girlfriend, I pray that God uses me in this new experience to be a bridge to encourage the youth who want to work in missions.

Rachel will travel with me to Guayaquil so we can sightsee together; plus it will allow her to renew her visa so she can stay more time in Perú.

March: Future Plans.
When I return, my team, led my Brandon Carroll with Thirst No More, will take a trip to the Napo River to visit the indigenous in the community of San Juan, and to have baptismal and marriage ceremonies. We will also return to the Momón River to visit several communities, including some new ones who have never heard the Gospel. And of course, we will continue to work with the children’s clubs on the weekends, adding after school tutoring several afternoons of the week.

Prayer Requests:
•Protection in the trip to Ecuador.
•Encouragement and strength for the children’s clubs and river ministry.
•More workers with a passion for missions and financial supporters.
•My relationship with Rachel and the month we are apart.

Thank you, friends, for your prayers and support in the ministry to which God has called me. May God strengthen and bless you.

Love in Christ, Josué Ahuite P., from “Iquitos es bonito.”

Revelations 5:9 “…You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.”

Processing the Grief

Friends, I ask that you continue to pray for me, as I grieve the loss of my dad and learn to live in the present. I do not see the why, but am learning to trust the Who. Thanks. Rachel


Some verses that minister to my broken heart:

•Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry, and Jehovah hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Jehovah is near to the broken-hearted; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit.

•Psalm 147:3 He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.

•Psalm 30:5 …Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

•Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall sprout; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

•2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our trouble, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in every trouble, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

•Lamentations 3:24-26 Jehovah is my portion [He is enough—all I should desire and hope for], says my soul; therefore I will hope in Him. Jehovah is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope for the salvation of Jehovah, even in silence.

•Psalm 57:1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me; for my soul trusts in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings I will make my hiding-place, until these great troubles pass by.

•Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, be silent only to God; for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my strong tower; I shall not be shaken. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength; my hiding-place is in God. Trust in Him at all times; [Rachel], pour out your heart before Him; God is your hiding-place. Selah.


“The Weaver”

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oftimes He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

—Author unknown

Iquitos

We just got back from a river trip, 3 days to a few communities, with an American team. In the midst of pain (the 3 month anniversary of my dad´s death, and my uncle Jim´s funeral), I was able to minister in the Lord´s strength. I didn´t really want to translate or work with the children, but the team prayed for me, and I did really well, and that gave me a little taste of joy.

I am settling into the apartment; it´s quieter and spacious and I´m enjoying it. My heart is still heavy, but I trust that God is slowly healing me. My prayer is that I can be in control of my emotions, even in the midst of pain and trials. Josue has been a blessing to me. We have fun together, but this year has been trying on our relationship.

Keep praying. Love you.

Happy New Year 2008!

It's been a busy week. I have been sick. I helped with the Christmas meal. I taught the Christmas story to the 3 children's clubs. And I moved into my apartment. I’ve been cleaning and organizing. It’s nice to have space. The dust and lack of sleep this past week made me a little sick (sore throat), so pray that the Lord heals my body, because January 2-6, my team is going on a river trip to minister to 3 communities with an American mission group. I pray God’s blessing on you. Have a Happy New Year! Love in Christ, Rachel

PS. Thanks to those who have mailed me cards and little packages to my Post Office Box. It means the world to me--Josue likes to go to check the PO for me, and is happy when he gets something in the mail!

Happy New Year 2008!

I hope you had a Merry Chrismas. I spent it well--although I was sick and in the hospital the weekend before, but God gave me strength to teach at the three children´s clubs the Story of Christmas--it went really well, we have about 150. Thanks for the extra support you sent to help with presents and food. I am feeling better. I have moved into an apartment with a living room, bath, kitchen, bedroom, and patio. I bought a bed (I didn´t own one before). It feels good to be more settled and organized. My dad´s brother, who had kidney cancer, died Christmas Eve, so this has been a difficult year altogether. I look forward to the New Year. I am going on a river trip to do mission work January 2-6 with my team. Thanks for continued prayers for my health, heart, work, and relationship with Josue, who is fine--busy, and a big support to me. Blessings.

Merry Christmas 2007!

God is never in a hurry but spends years of preparation with those He expects to greatly use.

Just as God spent many years preparing the world for Jesus’ arrival, and just as He is preparing His children for our eternal Home, He continues to prepare me for His purposes. It’s hard to remember that His highest purpose for me is to know Him and obey Him, not to save souls—although that is my calling and the desire of my heart. I know He is doing a good work in me, and I will hold on to hope.

It has been a sad year for me, overall, due to my dad’s battle with cancer and death. I am returning slowly into my work with the children’s ministry. To have a routine for the next year, I am in the process of getting a job (and a work visa) to teach English part-time at a private institute. Another change I’m taking to help me emotionally is to move to a small apartment close to the institute and to Josué’s house. It is in a nicer, quieter part of town. It has its own entrance (helpful in storing the motorcycle). For safety, the windows and doors are barred and there is a night guard. And I’ll have more space: living room (to teach English classes), kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and back patio (to hang a hammock and stargaze at night!). I will have telephone and Internet access, which will help me connect more to my friends and family in the States. If I get the job, it will pay the extra $100 per month I’m spending on the apartment that is not covered by my present budget.

Meanwhile, Josué and I along with our team are ministering weekly with the children’s clubs. On December 22, 23, and 24, we will host a party for each of our three clubs (more than 100 children)—the Christmas story; a Christian children’s dance group (Vasti, Josué’s niece, is in that group); songs; games; a special meal of chicken, bread, and hot chocolate; and gifts for each kid.

I will be celebrating Christmas with Josué’s family, which will be a turkey meal with a few shared gifts. I ask for prayer for my emotions and health, and for wisdom in Josué’s and my decisions. God bless you. Thank you for your monthly support, emails, and prayers.

Have a blessed Christmas! Love in Christ, Rachel :)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” –Jesus (John 14:27)

Hope

Death is a birthing canal into a greater part of the same life. Truly as a baby exits the womb. The baby is the same person before and after but living in two distinct worlds. We all die. And we all live forever. Can a man shorten his days? They are in God’s hands. One must be hopeless to take his life. With even a spark of hope, one lives. Each of us has the Spirit of God breathed into us. It’s what makes us different from animals. The greatest joy is assurance of eternity from the day of salvation. Even in my despair concerning the death of my daddy, whom I miss so much, I believe. I believe in God, in His love, in His control, in Heaven. I believe my daddy is there with God. I believe I have a purpose. I believe I have been chosen as His daughter. I believe I have been called to serve Him all the days of my life. Today, 2 months after the death of my daddy, I mourn, I weep, I grieve from the deepest part of my soul. But I am not without hope.


1 Thessalonians 4:13, “But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.”

Prayer Requests:
a new apartment where I can get better rest
my relationship with Josue
health (feeling a little sick: stomach, back)
safety (in house, on motorcycle)
Christmas ministry with the kids (additional money to provide food and gifts)

Iquitos

I've been here for two weeks. Missing my dad. Doing a little bit of ministry work. I ask for continued prayer for me (my emotions), my relationship with Josue, and my team (our work with the children). Thanks so much.

Still in the US

Rest, like patience, can be active or passive. I'm taking another 2 weeks to rest at home before returning to work, November 13. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.