Where do we start? How many people get the opportunity to live in another country for 8 months, working as part of a mission team, sharing with others what Jesus Christ has done in our lives?
In Peru, there are many things that are different; the weather, the food, the time, the people and working as part of a team in another culture and in another language. In this last year we have been involved in summer camps, holiday bible clubs, visiting and helping churches and working at the camp centre. It’s been an unbelievable experience. Although it hasn’t always been easy, we have learnt the need to depend and trust God in every situation.
One thing we have been reminded of time and time again is that sharing the Bible with others is an enormous responsibility. It is the most important message that has ever been given and so we have to share it in the right way. However, we cannot do it ourselves and in our own strength because we cannot save anyone. It’s God’s work. Trying to share in another language seems nearly impossible. We have had to rely and depend on God. God can use any little thing we say to change a life – no matter how small. It’s his work.
We are leaving Peru having learnt to depend on God more, pray more and with a better understanding of mission and the need that exists. This has definitely been a worthwhile experience.
Ephesians 3 says that God can do much more than we can ever ask or imagine. We may never know the impact of this year in Peru but all we can do is have confidence in God and believe that he will use what we have said and done to impact the lives of other people.
We thought it might be interesting for you to hear from one of the team!
Name: Maria del Carmen Chombilla Rivera
Age: 19
Living in: Tacna, Peru
Hobbies: Listening to music, reading, drawing and painting
Why did you choose to be a part of Mision Rescate? Before starting my studies, I wanted to set a time apart in my life to serve God. I wanted to grow in my relationship with God, sharing with others about what he has done in my life. I had seen the work of Mision Rescate I and II at the summer camps and wanted to be a part of it.
What have you been doing with the Team? I have had the opportunity to help and encourage the churches in Ilo, Tacna, Moquegua, Ite and Puno. There is a wide variety of work; children’s evangelism, holiday Bible clubs, door to door visitation, youth meetings, ladies meetings, working at camps and conferences in the camp centre. We have been able to share about Christ and the importance of knowing Him.
Highlight/Favourite Moment? Yes – it was the first time I had to share for the ladies meeting in the Ilo church. I was told there would only be 5 ladies but more that 20 arrived!! I was so nervous and wanted to run away. When the time came for me to share, I felt assurance that God was speaking through me. The theme was ‘Why should we have confidence in God?’ It was something that I had learnt and I knew, so I was able to share it with others.
What have you learnt? I have learnt lots, especially the need to depend on God and trust in Him. He is faithful and has control of every situation of our lives. Before, I didn’t know how to serve God but during my time on Mision Rescate, I discovered new talents that surprised me. Now, I want to work with children and I would never have imagined this before!
What did you find difficult? It has been hard. There have been moments when things have happened and I haven’t understood why. Also, to be away from home for a long time is difficult, especially when my family have had problems. During Mision Rescate I have had the opportunity to do many things for the first time; childrens stories, writing talks and devotions or talking in front of many people. In every situation God has been with me, giving me the strength I needed. It was through the difficult situations that I learnt the most. I verse that has meant a lot to me is Joshua 1v9.
What’s next? I want to study to be a teacher. In my church I am going to work as a Sunday school teacher and help to run children’s holiday Bible clubs in the area where I live, with the objective of presenting the Gospel of Christ to them.
Anything else? I want to tell the young people in Ireland to make the most of any opportunity to serve God on a Mision Rescate team. Remember Matthew 6:33 and always seek to put God first in every part of your lives.
Article by Lynne Holmes, Shirley Starrett and Simon Curry