Back in Juliaca, til Thursday.

Well, we are basically done for the summer. The plans for the rest of my time in Peru is hopefully set. We fly out of here on Thursday afternoon and will then spend a couple of days near Lima before I fly back to the States. I am really excited about getting home, but I am enjoying my last couple of days here in Peru.

I don't have too much to say right now...other than I was very sick yesterday, but I am better now. I will post one more before coming home, it will be the ten things I learned about myself this summer, I hope it is enlightening to you all.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

In Juliaca

We decided to leave a day early from Orurillo, so our time there is over. I have way too much packed and I am wondering how I will keep up with it for the next week!

Today, we handed out around 45 blankets to families in extremely rural areas of Southern Peru. We traveled wayyyyyyyy off the beating path to meet some shepherds and give them some blankets. In the mountains, it is even colder that in the villages, so these people deal with freezing weather even more than a villager. We did see snow again today, which was awesome! To give you an idea of how remote it was, it took us an hour to get there, from our village of 3000, which is still fairly small. I would tell you where these people lived, but I have no idea where we were, other than not in any village. It was a great ending to our time in orurillo and I will never forget our last day there.

Tomorrow, we will travel to Chupa, with 50 blankets...somehow.

Here are the plans

July 26th-28th: Chupa
July 28th-30th: Juliaca
July 30th: Fly to Lima
July 31st-August 1st: Final Debriefing
August 1st: To da airport.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Let it snow...

Not a whole bunch going on, we are basically wrapping up our time here. But, this morning...IT SNOWED. It snowed for about 15 minutes, but none stuck. It was really pretty though and I tried to get it on camera, but not sure if I had any luck! It was the first time Claudia had been in snow, so that was exciting! Also, since I am a geography teacher, I feel I should explain how unique this was! Ok...the Southern Peru mountains have a wet season and a dry season, which is different from the U.S. The wet season is during their summer and the dry season is during their winter. It is almost always cold enough to snow at night in the winter, but the air is too dry for such. There have been many days that it has been cloudy and it will look like it is gonna snow or rain, but it never does, because the air is so dry. But, this morning...I heard something hitting my roof and it was sleet, the sleet quickly changed to snow and I knew that I was seeing a very special thing.
I still can't believe it...

Wow...ok, with that said, it is so cold here today! The sun is still behind the clouds and although its nearly noon here, it feels like its in the low 30's outside and windy. Maybe we will see some more snow, but I would be ultra shocked if that happened! I am cleaning up my room and packing to leave Orurillo for good and getting really excited about seeing everyone and giving my family presents! I am gonna have to pay for excessive baggage on my flights but its totally worth it!

Let me leave you with a verse from Judges, the book I am reading currently...

When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out "Oh, Sovereign Lord, I'm doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face." "It is all right," the Lord replied. Do not be afraid. You will not die.
-Judges 6:22-23

We must fear the Lord if we are to do amazing things for Him. Later in the book of Judges we will find out that Gideon is an amazing judge and man of God. Let's be more like Gideon today!

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Back in Orurillo...at least for now.

We (the Ayaviri Team and myself) left at 7 this morning from Puno, to meet Claudia and Kelly in Juliaca to pick up 200 blankets that a church had donated money for. This operation was very frustrating, but we managed to get all the blankets to their respective villages. We will be here in Orurillo until Sunday morning and plan on handing out 50 blankets soon, with the help of the doctor. We will do our final things here and try to encourage these people to do bible studies!! Here is the schedule for the rest of the summer.

July 23rd-26th: Orurillo
July 26th-28th: Chupa via Juliaca
July 28th-30th: Juliaca
July 30th: Fly out of Juliaca at 2:40 Arrive in Lima at 5:25
July 30th-August 1st: Final Debriefing
August 2nd: FLY HOME.

I am so amazed and excited that I will be flying to Lima a week from today and flying home in a week and a half! Continue to remember us in your prayers because we will be traveling quite a bit over the next week or so. Thanks.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Another Day in Puno...

Quick Update on Kelly...Kelly is doing much better. Her and Claudia actually went to Juliaca yesterday to buy some blankets for the people of the village. Claudia e-mailed me letting me know about the blankets and kelly's condition.

We will be staying in Puno for another day. I am DONE spending money, so I don't know what we are going to do. At least we are staying at a nice hotel and we can always walk around Lake Titicaca...and eat a bunch!

I will try to get some pictures up on Facebook of Lake Titicaca and some floating islands from a boat tour we took a couple of days ago.

Continue to remember us in your prayers, there is a strike today, but tomorrow morning we will leave to head back to Ayaviri. Then, I will leave for Orurillo, if we get back in time for that. If not, I will return to Orurillo on Friday.

On another note...I am ready to go home! This is the longest I have been away from home, by far. I will miss the people I have met and a couple parts of Peru...but, I can't wait for real pizza! Which we will be having on Sunday, August 2nd at 8:00 at Pizza Buffet in Anderson! Come on out...its gonna be awesome, well...decent pizza. :) Also, I MISS MY CHURCH AND FAMILY SO MUCH!!

Well, not much going on here...just a bunch of Americans wishing to be in the South!

BYE YA'LL

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Why do we even make plans?

So...we found out late yesterday that Puno would be striking for two days, the 21st and 22nd. Therefore, no buses are traveling to anywhere for several days. We are going to try this morning to find a bus to Juliaca, but from there it will be nearly impossible to get to Ayaviri. We thought about leaving last night, but we would have arrived in Juliaca late, with no way of getting to Ayaviri at that time. Therefore, since Juliaca is a sketchy town, I thought it would be better to stay here. Anyway, we are going to get back to Ayaviri on either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on transportation, then I will go back to Orurillo that day, probably.

I was reading in Judges this morning and saw interesting and very blunt verses. I really liked it and thought I would share it with all of you.

Then the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers. Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but prostituted themselves by worshiping other gods. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord's commands.
-Judges 2:16-17 (NLT)

What have we been prostituting ourselves for...money, lust, greed...what are we truly worshiping...our job, family, children, success, fishing, golf...

Let's re-focus our eyes our Jesus Christ today.

Less than two weeks remaining.

Here is a quick update. I am in Puno, going to Lake Titicaca today. The rest of my team (Kelly and Claudia) are in Orurillo as Kelly recovers from a parasite. I will be back there on Wednesday and will give a more detailed update then. Also, NewSprings' youth group left for The Gauntlet this morning! I wish I was there but instead I guess I will just have to pray for them...may God move like never before!!

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Another Update.

Ok...so that tentative schedule is out.

Here are the new plans for me. Kelly and Claudia are staying here until Kelly gets better but my plans are different.

July 18th-19th: In Ayaviri
July 19th-21st: In Puno, Lake Titicaca
July 22nd: Back to Orurillo
July 23rd-26th: In Orurillo
July 27th: To Chupa via Juliaca
July 28th-30th: In Chupa
July 30th: Fly to Lima
July 30th-August 1st: Final Debriefing
August 2nd: Fly Home

An Update.

Ok...so here is the deal, we are still here in Orurillo, at least for a week or so. Kelly has an amoeba, which has made her very sick, so she is on lots of meds. She should start to feel better very soon. Because we had planned on being in Chupa at this time, we have nothing planned in town for the next 3 days, so we will try to meet with some people in town and have bible studies with them, but we will go to their houses unexpected.

On another note, Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, and several others are in concert on August 28th in Atlanta. I am thinking some small group guys may want to go, i'm just saying!

Lastly, Beth is back in the States now. She is a very sweet and tender person, so she is great with children and women who are emotional, both of which are definitely not my strong points! So, pray for us that we can be compassionate and loving to those we speak to.

Here are the tenative plans for the rest of the summer...

Here until 26th: Schools around here are out, so we are gonna be trying to meet with people in the plaza, homes, etc.
Juliaca to Chupa: 27th through 29th or 30th
Juliaca Airport: 30th
Lima to Final Debriefing: 30th through August 1st
Flight back home: August 2nd, 12:20 A.M.

Here is a list of prayer requests, since I haven't done that in a while...
Orurillo Team (Health, Safety, Vision)Kelly, Claudia, and Myself
Ayaviri Team (Penny Jo, Jourdan, Jared)
Chupa Team (Lidman and John)
ESL Arequipa (Sarah, Nathaniel, Stacey)
ESL Cusco (Several Guys from Samford University in AL)
Research Team (Lydia, Phillip, Jess) Jess is sick, so remember her.
Soccer Team
Creative Ministries Team
All Barnabus Teams
People of Orurillo...Fausto (Sick), his wife Victoria
People of surrounding villages...Batsapata, Miraflores...
Doctor and Nurses at the Hospital (interest in Bible studies)
Me...Pray that I stay focused on the task at hand.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Plans have changed again...

Alrighty, so today we were supposed to drop Beth off at the Juliaca Airport, but Kelly is really sick, so Claudia and Beth went to Juliaca and Claudia is coming back tonight. Kelly went to the doctor this morning and she has to go back at 2, so we will hopefully know more then. Right now, the doctor thinks its parasites. So, remember Kelly in your prayers, please.

Yesterday, the Ayaviri Team visited us to see Beth before she left. It was nice to see them and they left with Claudia and Beth around 530 this morning.

We have no plans at all for what do to here in Orurillo today, after all, kelly is sick and I don't speak Spanish, so I guess today will be pretty uneventful, other than trying to get kelly well.

I read this morning in Joshua 9, where the Israelites were deceived into signing a peace treaty with a town that God had called them to take. Here is the most powerful verses that I read.

This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. But now, as you can see,it is dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and split open, And our clothing and sandals are worn out from our long journey. So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.
-Joshua 9:12-14 (NLT)

Let's consult the Lord on our decisions today. He is the Great Counselor.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

God is Good and Powerful

Alrighty...so yesterday was one of the more fun days I have had here in Orurillo. Tuesdays are market day and I found some good deals. Alpaca Wool blankets for 10 U.S. dollars, thats right. I shopped for hours, it was like the Flea Market back home, only way cheaper! The only appointment we had yesterday morning was to go to the school in Batsapata to make Salvation Bracelets for them and to leave them a book about Jesus. Anyway, the kids there were sad that we were not coming back to see them again, but hopefully in future years, missionaries will get to talk to these amazing 9 and 10 year olds. Beth was having issues with her eye, so she stayed at the hostel, that was sad because Beth is definitely the best with kids of our group. I just kinda stare at them and smile...its hard to connect when all you can ask them is how they are doing. The conversation pretty much ends there for me! Anyway, I went shopping, then bugged Claudia while she tried to check her e-mails, then we walked to Miraflores to see Corina, a believer at the church in that small village, but she was not there. So, we tried again at 6:30, still no luck. Hopefully we can meet with her today.

Today's plans...nothing in the A.M. and I think we are meeting some people for a bible study this afternoon, but other than that, nothing really. It's a slow day here and we will make the best of it. A couple of prayer requests on top of the ones I have already put on here...Kelly, one of the girls on my team, did not feel well yesterday, so please remember here. Beths eye is better now, but she is flying back to Lima tomorrow to go home, so remember her as well. Also, Jourdan from the Ayaviri team has been sick for several days, so pray for her. They (the Ayaviri Team) are supposed to be coming to Orurillo today, if Jourdan feels better.

Now back to my journey through Joshua and the reason for the title of this blog...

Joshua 8: The Israelites defeat Ai

Yesterday I blogged about the disobedience of Achan, how he took expensive clothes, gold and silver from Jericho, when God had commanded that they not do so. So, Achan and his entire family was killed, stoned to be exact and then their bodies were burned. Pretty graphic, right? Wait until this chapter...if the Old Testament does not make you fear our Lord, then nothing will.

God is good.
The the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given you the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land. You will destroy them as you destoyed Jericho and its king. But this time you may keep the plunder and the livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the town. -Joshua 8:1-2 (NLT)

If Achan would have just listened to the Lords commands, he would have eventually gotten all that he wanted and needed from the town of Ai. If only he would have obeyed the Father, he would have had more than enough. After all, God is good...he knows what we need, before we even know we need it. Wow. What powerful verses! I am blown away by Achan and this story...wait, I am as guilty as he is...

God is Powerful
When the Israelite army finished chasing and killing all the men of Ai in the open fields, they went back and finished off everyone inside. So the entire population of Ai, including men and women, was wiped out that day - 12,000 in all. For Joshua kept holding out his spear until everyone who had lived in Ai was completely destroyed. Only the livestock and the treasures of the town were not destroyed, for the Israelites kept these as plunder for themselves, as the Lord had commanded Joshua. So Joshua burned the town of Ai, and it became a permanent mound of ruins, desolate to this very day. Joshua impaled the king of Ai on a sharpened pole and left him there until evening. At sunset the Israelites took down the body, as Joshua commanded, and threw it in front of the town gate. They piled a great heap of stones over him that can still be seen today. -Joshua 8:24-29 (NLT)

Wow...that sounds violent huh? That is the wrath of God in 5 verses. He is powerful and because of the Grace of God through his son, Jesus Christ, we do not have to face the wrath of God. Death. I am learning as I read Joshua that my view of God is skewed by religion. Jesus and his flowing hair is a humanized version of God. God is both good and powerful, can I explain why the town of Ai had to be destroyed entirely? Or why the king was impaled?? No, I can't explain that, but what I do know is that God had it destroyed for a reason. God is completely sovereign and just in all of his decisions, so although I can't explain it, I know that God ordained it.

What in your life is unexplainable?
How does reading such passages change your view of God?

God is good and powerful...

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Greed.

I am going to give a quick update on what is going on here, then I am going to turn my focus to something I was reading this morning. Here we go...

Yesterday, we went to Batsapata High School, but no kids were there. We aren't sure why, but that is ok. Then we went to Batsapata Primary School and were told that because of the strike they were behind and needed to catch up, so we waited for about 2 hours for an opportunity to talk to the kids. We acted out a skit of Lazarus and the Rich Man, which was fun and the kids seemed to follow it really well. Then we practiced the stuff we had already taught them (this was our 4th? time with them). Then, we headed back towards Orurillo. A couple of interesting (not necessarily good) things that happened...
1. We found out that the kids are on break from July 15th through 31st for the Independence Holiday (so today will be our last visit to schools)
2. Some of the younger kids were screaming that "the gringos are going to take us" which is a common belief among the natives here.
3. I had some of the best fried chicken from a roadside stand in Batsapata.

Then, in the afternoon, the girls went to meet with a believer, but I my head was pounding, so I laid down for a little while. Around 6, we ate our typical egg sandwich for dinner and went to meet with Victoria, the wife of Fausto, who is in the hospital in Ayaviri. However, she was not there so we came back and the girls made chocolate oatmeal cookies, which I gladly ate.

Today, we will be going back to Batsapata (by automobile this time) to talk to the kids one last time :( Then, we have bible studies in the afternoon/evening.

Now to my journey through Joshua...

We all know the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho in Joshua 6, but there is a story in Joshua 7 that I think is just as powerful.

Here is a summary...Joshua and the Israelites are moving towards the next town, the town of Ai. Joshua's generals are so confident that they tell Joshua that they only need about 3,000 men to do the job. So, they went on to fight the people of Ai and were soundedly defeated and ran back to camp. Then Joshua cried out to God, asking God why he allowed this to happen. God replied that there was sin amongst some people in the camp. You see, God had told them not to take anything from Jericho, but as we find out later in the chapter someone broke this commandment, causing God to turn his back on his people in anger. Then, God told Joshua that he would call all the people together and make known the person who had done this...I will quote the verses for you...

Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don't hide it from me." Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. Among the plunder I saw a beautiful robe from Babylon, 200 silver coins, and a bar of gold that weighed more than a pound. I wanted them so much that I took them. They are hidden in the ground beneath my tent, with the silver buried deeper than the rest." -Joshua 7:19-21 (NLT)

Achan's sin did not go unpunished, actually the Israelites stoned him and his entire family, then burned their bodies. Then, the Lord was no longer angry with them.

Do we realize how much God hates sin?
Do we understand that God is angry with us when we have sin in our lives?

We are blessed that Jesus died for our sins so that we aren't stoned to death for the greed in our lives. Achan did what many of us would have done, he saw gold, silver, and expensive clothes that God told him to stay away from...but he took them anyway. Ever bought anything that you KNEW you shouldn't buy? Greed is a dangerous sin. I was so convicted by this passage...our lives aren't about how nice our clothes are or how much money (gold and silver) we have. Its about pleasing an all mighty God.

So, lets stop being greedy and start pleasing God.

Do we think we can hide our sins from God?

Achan buried his treasure in the ground under his tent...I don't think I need to speak further on this...we can't hide sins from God.

Wow...Joshua 7 really brings the heat. Man, my God be with us today so that we do not fall into the trap of greed.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

What's Going On...

"Then Joshua told the people, Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you."
-Joshua 3:5 (NLT)

One quick thought, then I am going to talk about whats going on here in Orurillo. What is God asking you to clean from your lives so that he can do a great work in your life? Just as Joshua commanded the Israelites to clean up their act, God often calls us to do the same thing. We know in scripture that God was about to dry up the Jordan River so that the Israelites could walk through, and although in our lives it may be much simpler, maybe it isn't. Maybe God wants to change the world through you...so "purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you."

Now to Orurillo...

Yesterday we went to church in Miraflores for the third time. This time I was asked to speak, then do a sermon. I had NOTHING prepared, but it was fine. At first, I got up and spoke from Jude and encouraged the believers to work together to grow in their faith...mainly have Bible Studies! Then, I sat down and about 10 minutes later they called me up again to do a sermon...hmm, ok. So, I read the story of Paul standing in front of King Agrippa from Acts 26 and challenged them to be bold in their faith where God had changed their lives. God changed Paul on the way to Damascus and Paul first preached in Damascus. I have actually blogged about Acts 26 and the Book of Jude before and have no doubt that is why God laid those passages on my heart. I didn't have notes, just what I remembered from my blog posts and the words God was giving me at that time. I hope that the people at this small church will heed the words of God and start making disciples here. After that, we went back to Orurillo and the girls washed clothes while I watched The Office until I fell asleep. After that, we ate dinner and watched a sermon from NewSprings' Beautiful Series called 'Caught.' If you do not subscribe to NewSpring Audio or Video Podcasts, that needs to change. Wow, what an amazing sermon about God's love and forgiveness!

Today, we are going to Balsapata High School and Primary School. It should be an interesting day because we are riding bikes or walking, both choices that I do not care for.

Thanks for the prayers, please continue to pray for all of the ReapSouth SMT.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

What I saw in Revelation...

Ok...so I read Revelation in two days and it definitely is a mystery to me. I could list the 1,000 things I don't understand about this book, or focus on what I learned from this amazing prophetic book of God. So, here are ten things I saw...

1. God is going to kick some tail.
2. God's wrath is gonna suck for those who do not believe.
3. Many Christians are going to be persecuted in the last days.
4. God will show final mercy to the Jews.
5. Unconfessed sins are ALWAYS punished.
6. We should all fear God, all the time.
7. He is coming back, dipped in blood.
8. He loves us.
9. The new Jerusalem is going to be awesome!
10.The enemy will be defeated once and for all!

This passage is the hope we have for our eternity...

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever." And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making all things new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give the springs of the water of life without charge! All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards who turn away from me, and unbelievers, and the corrupt, and murderers, and the immoral, and those who practice witchcraft, and idol worshipers, and all liars – their doom is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."
-Revelation 21:1-8 (NLT)

On another note, God is not anti-war...clearly. It is in the New Testament and the Old...i'm just sayin' Are there unjust wars, of course there are...but war in and of itself is not wrong.

This is my prayer for all of you today...

Heavenly Father,
Please be with all who read this today. May your blessings fall upon them as they live their lives to please you and you alone. May they find hope in your future for them, both on Earth and in Heaven. May you show Yourself to them so clearly that they have no choice but to praise and exalt You wherever they may be. May You be lifted high in all of their lives because you have rescued them from the fiery flames of judgment. We all deserve hell, that is a fact, but thanks to Jesus' blood on the cross, death and hell have been defeated! Lord, help us to never forget that fact. Remind us daily of the grace and mercy you continually show us. For anyone who is reading this blog that may not know you...may your convicting power captivate them and may your grace change them even as they read this. Lord, you alone are worthy of praise, you alone are perfect, you alone are majestic, you alone are our Lord. May all we do glorify you. Amen.

Now that I have finished the New Testament, I am having a hard time deciding where to go next, I read the first 5 books (well, most of it...I got bored) and the minor prophets in the winter...so I am not sure what to read next. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

My B-Day and Beyond.

My birthday was yesterday and it was a great day! I miss my family and would have loved to spend the day with them and many of the amazing people doing mission work in this area. We left for Ayaviri around 11 and got there for lunch, where I got Roasted Chicken and French Fries with several people from the soccer team. The food was pretty good, then we went to an internet place, then as I was walking towards the market by myself, Jourdan from Ayaviri team saw me and we walked around the market for a while. After that, I got a chance to hang out with Jared. I then followed the Ayaviri Team to their English class in the municipal building, and had way too much fun goofing off during that. After that, we all went to eat Chinese food, there were about 20 of us, although a lot of them went to other places to eat and met us there for my b-day. The Ayaviri Team bought a cake for me and we went back to the hotel to eat the cake. Then, I finally talked some of them to go to "da club" with me, but it was sketchy, so we went back to the hotel. Then, we (well, all the girls on the soccer team, Ayaviri Team, and Orurillo Team, Jared, and Myself) watched "Just Friends" it was a good movie and a nice way to end my b-day.

I am so thankful for so many amazing people that cared about me enough to celebrate with me. God has truly blessed me with some giants in the Faith.

I am reading Relevation in my Quiet Time, but soon I am hoping to read something that doesn't confuse the heck out of me! Just saying!

We have had some luck here in Orurillo with bible studies, but with us leaving town from the 16th through 20th, we need to get these people to meet without us!

Here is our schedule for the rest of the summer:
11th-14th: Work here in Orurillo
15th: Ayaviri Team is coming to visit!
16th: Juliaca to take beth to the airport
16th-18th: Barnabus Team work in Chupa
18th-20th: Going to Puno and Lake Titicaca with Chupa Team, Ayaviri Team, and Orurillo Team.
20th-29th: Who knows.
30th: Fly back to Lima
31st-August 1st: Final Debriefing
August 2nd: Home.

The Day before my b-day...busy busy.

Yesterday we were able to meet with some believers in town and encourage them to do bible studies. Also, the soccer team played some pick up games at a small court at the police station, where orurillo's finest do absolutely nothing! However, most of the day I sat in my room as the soccer team took turns using my computer, which was cool because we had some good conversations. It has been a welcomed site having them in town and I have loved getting to know many of them.

Today is one of our busiest days since we have been here. We have bible studies at 9, soccer matches at 10 and 1, more bible studies at 4, then 6 with dinner at 5. It should be an interesting day, I really hope we can get someone in town to start a bible study soon! Hoping to find time to trim my beard (which is massive) and my hair today because the soccer team has hair trimmers with them.

Tomorrow we are spending the day in Ayaviri for my b-day and I am excited about that. Twenty gringos celebrating my b-day should be fun! Also, I haven't bathed in a longggggg time, so I am taking a shower on my b-day. It will be a happy day for me and anyone who has had to be around me lately!

P.S. The strike is techinically still on, but it is only transportation, stores were open all day yesterday. Today is the last day of the strike, they know better than to strike on my b-day (just kidding).

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Another Productive Day...

Yesterday, I kept to myself for most of the day. I am not used to being around people all the time and I think it was starting to wear on me a little. But, around 3, I was ready to sociable again. It was a perfect day to be a hermit because with the Strike going on, we couldn't go anywhere. The rally in the plaza ended around 3 and the soccer team arrived around that time. So, we all hung out for a while then ate dinner at 5. The hostel owner cooked dinner, which is good because there was nothing to eat in town.

In the evening, half of us went to see the doctor and myself and the other half went to Miraflores to visit a member of the church there, it is about a 15 minute walk, but she was very welcoming and invited us into her little mud hut. So, we crammed in there and told bible stories together, she knew a lot of the details. We are encouraged that she may start bible studies eventually, she is a very sweet lady.

Today, we are going to basically follow the soccer team around. They have a game today in town and I hope they win!

The strike is techinically still on, but shops opened last night and we hope today will be a normal day here in orurillo.

I want to leave you with a passage from a book that all of you should read if you haven't. This passage is from the Book of Jude:

"But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most high faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives."
-Jude 20-23

Continue to lift us up in prayer as I will you.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

11 Years Ago...

So I became a Christian on July 7th 1998. I'm not sure if I have shared this story with many of you, so here it goes.

I grew up in church and always considered myself a good person. I thought I was saved at the age of 10, but it became clear as I entered middle school that I had no relationship with God and really didn't understand anything about Him. So I went on living my life and then in the Spring of 1998, after years of goofing off in church with the youth group at another church, my family decided to change churches. The youth pastor, Tim Ballard, continually asked me and my best friend Blake to go to the Go Tell Camp at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. However, neither one of us wanted to go. After a couple of weeks, we agreed to go and this camp changed my life forever. Several nights went by at the camp and I fought with God. But, on the night of July 6th, 1998 the preacher that night prayed that anyone whovdid not know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior would be restless that night. We went back to our dorm and I went straight to sleep, although I knew that God was calling me. I woke up the next morning and my eyes were burning like I hadn't slept in days, I was totally restless. I continued to deny it through the morning service and afternoon activities, but that night I could not run any longer. I remember standing up to go down front, but I also felt weightless, like God himself was carrying me, I will never forget that feeling as long as I live. Then, we went backstage and a college kid led us through the sinners prayer and I felt the weight of sin lifted off of my shoulders. I didn't understand everything, but I did understand the Jesus lived, died, and three days later rose again defeating death, sin, and hell on my behalf! I am so thankful for my story and amazed by how much I have grown in the past 11 years. It hasn't been all smooth sailing, but through the storms, God is still there and he is faithful to be there in the future.

What is your story?
Do you know that you know?
Can you remember a time that defines you and changes the course of your life?

All I know is I was lost and now I am found...the great Shepherd rescued me...has he rescued you?

Today...we are hanging out because of the Strike, everything is uncertain right now, but one thing is for sure, God is not.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Manic Monday.

Today was a great day here in Orurillo. We started this morning around midnight with the sound of Carson, one of the men from the church in Louisiana throwing up right beside my bed (not the greatest part). However, once the day started, it seemed like it was gonna continue to be pretty rough. The van wouldn't start, so we pushed it to a battery shop in town. Then, it was off to Batsapata, a little town near here that we had visited before, but the teachers at the High School won't give us a clear sign on whether they want us there so we left for the Primary school. Unfortunately, the primary school was closed because today is Teacher Day in Peru and what better way to celebrate than a day off!! However, we did get to meet with Felix, a believer, and hopefully encourage him.

In the afternoon, we went hiking and I took some awesome pictures! Then, it was off to the hospital to talk to some nurses, but they were too busy.

The evening consisted of dinner with the Catholic Priest (a charming man) and then a nice conversation with two believers, the town doctor and a nurse. They both seem very passionate about reaching others but feel they are too busy with their jobs to make a difference (sound like anyone back home). We told them that they can be Jesus to anyone at anytime.

The nationwide strike starts at midnight...it could be bad, please pray that it is not!!

Also, I almost touched a llama today, those things are quicker than they look, especially wild ones.

I got saved 11 years ago tomorrow...you best believe an awesome post is planned.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Encouraged.

A (not so) quick update...

We are meeting with nurses and doctors in town, talking to High School kids and seeing some interest in the Gospel. The end. Just Kidding.

We have been back in Oruillo for a couple of days, however, yesterday we had to go to Juliaca to pick up Beth who is returning from Lima after dental work. We left pretty early on Saturday morning and picked her up. Then we ate lunch and headed to Ricos Pan...an awesome Bakery! Then, we headed back to the airport to meet the two guys from Grace Works Church in Baton Rouge, LA. They are great men of God and they have encouraged me greatly. They had with them a translator and a driver of a rented van. We then went to eat again (I am never opposed to that) and they paid (even better). After that, we drove to Ayaviri, where I saw three of my favorite people on the planet (all of which will be speaking at THE CHILL this year) and talked with them for a minute or two, then it was off to Oruillo...now, for the encouragement...

1) They bought us heaters! (in the teens at night is no fun without them)
2) They brought us candy!
3) They brought coffee, cream, sugar and a french press (yes please)
4) We are riding around in a sweet van for several days.
5) They are guys!! (we have talked SEC football for two days now)

Apart from somewhat trivial things...we have had some encouraging encounters at church today. We went to two different churches, both in Quechua (that is an ancient native language). We were able to hear hymns in Quechua that I will put on Facebook when the internet is fast enough for it. At the other church, 3 high school guys played traditional music for me and I video taped it too!! I also asked them if they meet together as young men of God to study the Bible and they said they did every Saturday and that they invite lost friends!! These churches are not in the village of Oruillo, but they are close-by and could be the start of a movement of God here. Lastly, the doctor in town is a believer. She is only here for a year, but she is interested in teaching others the Bible! She is meeting us for dinner at 7 tomorrow.

Tonight, Claudia went to the city radio station to tell the villagers why were are here.

On another note, there is a nationwide strike on July 7-9 that could get violent in big cities (not here). There is even rumors of an overthrow...that would not be good! Anyway, the men from LA are supposed to leave Wednesday but will probably have to leave on Monday because of the strike situation.

Here are the "plans" for this week...

Monday: Go to Balsapata Primary School and High School
Meet with Nurses at Hospital
Meet with Doctor at 7
Tuesday: Shop at the market (tuesday is market day)
Meet with locals in the plaza
Wednesday: Soccer Team will be here, so we will follow them around
Thursday: Same as Wednesday
Friday: MY B-DAY PARTY in Ayaviri with Ayaviri Team, Oruillo Team, and Soccer Team.

Be praying for us as we work here...we are relatively healthy and happy. I am so excited to be here and ready to work some more. We will continue to be obedient and let God do the work (after all, our works are filthy rags).

Now, about THE CHILL...Claudia wasn't feeling well the other day so I had some time to work and pray about the direction of THE CHILL. God totally just hit me with EVERY SINGLE THEME for the whole year!! BE EXCITED! You think last year was good...wait until you see what God has in store for this school year.

Also, THE CHILL...we are going to Peru next June for two weeks...I am taking up to 10...start saving and praying!

I am so encouraged here and encouraged about the future of things back home...God is great and greatly to be praised.

I want to leave you with this passage...

"But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise (to return) as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
-2 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

Repent of your sins and accept Christ because "he is coming as unexpected as a thief in the night." -2 Peter 3:10

I love you all...

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

Back in Oruillo...what a journey.

I will just start by saying that bus rides at night suck. They just do. Anyway, I did get to sit with Jourdan, which is nice because she is a cool chick. But, Jared got his laptop and camera stolen...it was a long story but basically the most massive peruvian cop ever got on the bus and retrieved the laptop, but Jared didnt realize his camera was missing until we were off the bus and walking to Ayaviri (at 3in the morning). Obviously, we were all upset and Jared was ready to head to Juliaca to find the guys who stole it (the bus was headed for Juliaca so it only makes sense).

This morning, Claudia, Kelly and myself said goodbye to the Ayaviri Team until my b-day, when we party it up :) and got a Comvii back to Oruillo. It is freezing here as winter moves further and further along, so please pray for us that we stay healthy.

This afternoon, we met with some nurses and talked with lots of people in town, I really think a bible study may happen soon. They are a little friendlier this time because they recognize us, so that is good.

In conclusion, tomorrow we are having tea with a nurse and hopefully explaining some of the Bible to them. Please pray for us.

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson

An Update.

Since we left the mid-summer retreat, we have embarked on a 14 hour bus ride from 1:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. where I may have slept for an hour. Along for the journey was Jared, Ginny, and Hannah of the Ancahuasi/Barnabus Team, Jourdan, Penny Jo, and Jared of the Ayaviri Team, and Claudia, Kelly, and myself of the Oruillo/Barnabus Team. Beth had to leave for Lima for dental work after the horseback accident. She is hopefully coming back, but she has to stay in Lima until Tuesday, at least. So, when we arrived in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, I was exhausted. So, we went to a restaurant called Jack's Cafe and it was pretty good. The cool thing about Cusco is that it is one of the biggest tourists attractions in the World and there are Europeans and some Americans, but along with that, normal food! Anyway, after dinner, I went to sleep around 6:30 P.M. and woke up at 8:30 A.M. so I got my sleep back.

The next day, we met for breakfast/lunch and I got French Toast, Bacon, and a freshly squeezed orange juice...yep, it was awesome. Then, we went shopping and I bought a lot of random stuff, but it was tons of fun. I was able to hang out with Jourdan and Penny Jo of the Ayaviri Team for most of the day, because Jared and Claudia were getting Jared squared away after leaving his passport at a restaurant in Nazca, never to be seen again. I had a great time hanging out with those amazing girls, they even helped me shop a little. The coolest thing about the day for me was that I found lacoste polos for 35 soles (around 12 dollars) with the tags still on them that say 92 dollars...so I bought every one of them in my size! We also bought North Face jackets for 45 soles (around 15 dollars).

In the evening, we went to McDonalds for dinner and I ate 3 hamburgers...its weird because I don't really go to McDonalds back home, it just felt right! Anyway, peruvian ketchup is different than american ketchup (its sweeter/gross) but McDonalds had REAL KETCHUP! We met up with Hannah (from the Barnabus team near Cusco), Kelly (newest member of my team), and Jared (Ayaviri Team) at McDonalds completely by accident and ate together. Claudia was not feeling well and had a fever, so she went back to the hostel to lay down. Our plans were to leave that night, but Claudia was too sick for that, so we stayed last night. However, Jared, Penny Jo, Jordan and myself decided to stay in a nicer hostel for the night, so we moved our stuff down the hill, then hit the town. It was more shopping, followed by dessert at this restaurant in the plaza, then just hanging out. It was nice to spend so much time with one of the teams that my Barnabus Team is ministering to and I am going to miss them so much when we drop them off in Ayaviri tonight.

Today, we are meeting for breakfast/lunch again, then going to some Incan Ruins and shopping more, then we will eat dinner and get on a bus for Ayaviri, as long as Claudia is feeling better. The last thing we need is to leave the city for the "boondocks" if Claudia is sick, so it is really up to how she feels today.

Just in case you were wondering, we are not going to Macchu Picchu, it is really expensive to get there! Anyway, they are shooting fireworks outside and have been since before 8 this morning, so pray that I do not lose my mind! Apparently there is a festival in town soon. We should be headed back to the village tonight, it is about 5 hours in Ayaviri, then 1 1/2 hours to Oruillo, so more traveling...yay.

Prayer Requests:
Beth (Dental Work)
Claudia (Sick)
Ayaviri Team (Penny Jo, Jourdan, Jared)
Barnabus Teams (Ginny, Kelly, Hannah, Beth, Claudia, Jared, Me)
Chupa Team (John and Lidman)
Research Team (Phillip, Jess, and Lydia) (They travel on some terrible roads, pray for safe travels)
ESL Arequipa (Sarah, Stacey, Nathaniel)
Creative Ministries Team (John, Ashley, Brittney, Hayes, Hannah, Brandon and Arturo)(They are traveling north of us for the rest of the summer, pray for safety)
*John is doing much better, by the way.
The Soccer Team (They are headed to our village next week)
Oruillo, Puno, Peru...its a dark place.
Coping with the Freezing Cold (as it gets warmer in the States, it gets colder here, it is wintertime, so coooooooooold)
Getting re-adjusted to 12,000 + feet elevation.

We have a little less than a month before leaving our villages and heading back to Lima for final debriefing, so we have to DO WORK! Well, off to my last hot shower indoors for a while...

I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson