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