Peru 2011

Posted July 10, 2011

Dearest Friends,

YOUTH PRISON

Technically, the place where we shared with the young men and young ladies is not a prison. It is a detention facility. However, when you cannot leave when you choose, it is a prison.

Many of the young people had committed serious crimes. They came from very broken places. One young man spoke to me after the show. He had seen such terrible things and was close to giving up. He was quick to excuse his own mistakes and blame others. His story is the story of most of the young people who watched our show on Thursday. Please pray for them to find their hope in Jesus Christ.

I watched with joy as they enjoyed the program. They clapped and cheered. I believe that some truly heard the message. I grieve for so many who did not. Pray for these young people who most people never see. Hear their cry. Hold them before the Father.

CAMP

Our friends invited us to share at a camp for teenagers Thursday evening. Many of them had been taken from their parents because of neglect or worse. I heard what can only be described as horrific stories of physical and sexual abuse from some of the young people. My heart broke. What do you say to a young person who has suffered so much? How do you explain the Father's love to someone who has had such a terrible father? Do you dare to tell them to forgive no matter what has happened to them?

Only Jesus can heal their broken hearts. Only Jesus can make them whole. Hold them before the Father and pray for them to trust in Jesus.

PERU

One week ago today, Saturday, we returned from Peru. The next morning, I shared at my church about what we had seen God do. Still, as I think about the time we spent in Huancayo and Choisica, I am in awe of God's faithfulness. We heard so many children praying out loud, asking Jesus to be their Savior.

In the higher altitudes, we all struggled with unexpected weakness and some battled nausea. Though we were very careful what we ate, we still got sick. None of this mattered because all of us were so excited to tell the Quechua children about Jesus and his wonderful love.

I was so blessed by the team members that traveled with me to Peru. Jacob, Susan, Mykayla, Heather and Billy were heroic. They happily spent less on their own needs so that we could fund 2 ministry trips for our Choisca puppet team.

I watched all of these young people except for Susan grow up. Jacob prayed to receive Christ with me as a little boy. Heather and Mykayla have traveled with me for 7 and 6 years respectively. Billy is part of a puppet team in Mexico that we planted with a Covenant College team more than 10 years ago. These young adults are precious to me. I am honored to have served with them in the Andes!

PRAYER REQUESTS

We spent 2 days this week learning a new puppet drama and costuming all the puppets that we needed. Please pray for this new program as we travel across more than 10 states this summer. We want to see many children come to faith. We want to see the Father use this new drama.

Last Sunday night, we had a great time sharing at Naomi Baptist Church. Please pray for the Lord to help us find a church where we can share on Wednesday evening, July 13th, in the Pigeon Forge or Knoxville area. Also, we need a church in the Baltimore area for Wednesday evening, July 20th. Thank you for praying!

In Jesus, Linda for, Heather, Mykayla, Paige, Seth, Daniel and Jared

Posted July 1, 2011

Dearest Friends,

OUR LAST SHOWS AND HOME.....WE FINISHED WITH JOY!

Tonight, Friday, July 1st, we begin our journey home. Please pray for safe travel and no flight delays. We will not arrive in Atlanta until 11:30 AM Saturday morning. I am sharing a mission report at a church Sunday morning and we have a show at a church Sunday night, so we really need to get home.

Please know that we finished our time in Peru with joy! Today, we shared at a home for children with mental and physical disabilities. Many would say that they could not understand and urge us not to bother. They would be so wrong! The children followed the story of Jesus beautifully. When Jesus did a miracle, they started clapping. I think that they are smarter than the rest of us. When is the last time you got excited about something that Jesus did?

A little girl at that place sang us a song to thank us. She sang about the marvelous love of God. She is blind, but she can see clearly that God loves her. In all the ways that count, she sees better than many young people and adults that I talk with while traveling or at home. She understands that she needs God!

Our last show was at a school where we had a huge crowd of children aged 7 to 15. They listened so well that I was amazed. I knew that it was God's spirit moving in their lives. Some prayed in soft whispers and put their trust in Jesus. Others came and told us after the program that they had also prayed. I also had an incredible conversation with the Director of the school. It was for us a beautiful ending... for others a beautiful beginning. God is gracious!

Please pray us safely home and continue to pray for the children of Peru.

In Jesus,Linda for Jacob, Susan, Billy, Heather, and Mykayla

Posted June 30, 2011

Dearest Friends,

A TERRIBLE PLACE.....A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

Yesterday afternoon, we returned to La Era. It is a place of great poverty and brokenness. It is a terrible place to be a child, but a beautiful place to share God's great rescue plan. We had a lot of trouble getting there. No one wanted to take us. Finally, we found a man who would take us, but the charge was 48 dollars. I believe that the money was well spent. If I was a child living in a place like that, I would want someone to spend whatever it took to tell me about Jesus.

When we arrived, we set up in the same dirt field. Again, we moved all of the benches from the little church. Then we announced the show on the PA and waited for God to answer our prayers. It is winter here and yesterday was very cold. A cloud had begun to settle on the mountain and the mist made everything feel damp. I wondered if the children would come. God answered our prayers. We could see them running down the hills where their small tent homes stood. Some of the children came back from the other day. They hugged me and thanked us for coming back.

Many of the children were dirty and most were cold. I gave my jacket to a boy wearing only a t-shirt. We could have used boxes of coats. The children were so happy and grateful for the balloon dogs that we gave them. The Father packed every bench and some stood watching. More, in soft whispers, some came to faith.

Keep these children in your prayers! Do not forget them!

In Jesus, Linda for Jacob, Susan, Mykayla, Heather and Billy

Posted June 29, 2011

Dearest Friends,

GOD'S GIFT

It is early Wednesday morning, but I am still in awe of all that I saw the Father do yesterday. We had a very difficult day on Monday and all of us were somewhat discouraged by the very negative comments of one of the school directors.

However, yesterday the Lord gave us back everything that the enemy had tried to take from us. We did 3 programs yesterday, giving us an opportunity to share with more than 700 children plus their teachers. The children loved everything we did and so did their teachers. More, they responded with enthusiasm when given the opportunity to ask Jesus to be their Savior.

Two teachers came to me after the first 2 programs and promised to continue to teach the children more about how they could follow Jesus. Praise God!

Two of our programs were at the primary and elementary schools run by the University of Cantuta. This is an extremely large university which graduates many doctors, lawyers, and teachers every year. The Director of the children's schools was thrilled with the program. He watched twice. He said, "Your language was not even a problem, the program was so good! You can come again any time that you are in Peru." They even gave us transportation in their school bus. They showered us with many kindnesses and comforted our souls.

The Director of the second school had the same response. His teachers were also thrilled with the stories about Jesus that we told the children. More, they loved the stories for themselves.

THE BEST PART OF THE STORY

The greatest gift that the Father gave us today was the children's overwhelming gratitude for what they had heard. They thanked us and kissed us on the cheek. My face was wet because I was kissed so much. They smiled and laughed and many now walk with the Father. They listened so well that we all knew that God had truly poured His spirit on the day. We finished encouraged and so happy.

THE LESSON

I have joy when the children hear! Still, I want to remember the lessons and struggles of Monday. It is good to have a day like that every now and then. I am so grateful that we do not have them very often, but still I am thankful for all of God's gifts to me!

PRAYER REQUESTS

There is no school today, but we will do a street show this afternoon in the very poor area where we worked the other day. Please ask the Father to gather many children and adults to hear his stories! Please ask Him to give them courage to follow Jesus in a difficult place!

In Jesus, Linda for a very happy team!!!

Posted June 28, 2011

Dearest Friends,

GOD'S GIFTS

God is so good to me! I so much want to live the life our Lord lived, but I make mistakes. I say things that I regret. I get so focused on the work, that I do not always consider carefully how my concerns sound when I share them with others. Today was such a day!

I would love to say to you that I never get frustrated or discouraged, but it is not true. Besides, any of you who know me, already know the truth. I was very unhappy today with the schedule.

It is not a good match for our program to put us with very small children, 2 ,3,and 4 year olds. I am too loud and the puppets scare them. More, little ones do not know that there are other languages. When they hear my English, they are scared. Our first 2 shows were with such little ones.

I should have thanked God and been praying for Him to show us what to do. I did do that, but not first. Instead, I allowed my troubled spirit to spill into my friend's lives. First, I talked to the Father, was convicted of my sin, and then I asked my friends to forgive me for my thoughtless words.

God is gracious! The first show went better than could have been expected. The children listened and even the teachers loved the program. It was a wonderful time for all of us!

The second show was all that I feared. Some children listened, but more did not listen. Worst of all, the Director became very annoyed with our speaking English to small children. She demanded that I should learn Spanish. I have never had this problem before. She got rather loud. I will spare you her comments, but let us say that she was not happy. We all left very sad and discouraged.

We really had done our best, but the director's displeasure hurt all of us. She is not a believer. Please pray for her not to be angry with other Christians and still allow programs in her school.

However, we have all learned what to do when everything goes wrong. We immediately got together and prayed. Then, just as we finished praying, a friend came to tell us that we had picked up a third show for bigger children and teenagers.

We grabbed all of our equipment and walked the 4 blocks as fast as we could to the school. I was thanking God! We had a couple of hundred children and teenagers. The program could not have gone better. They laughed and seemed to enjoy everything we did. So many children trusted in Jesus! The Director of this school was very happy and invited us to come again whenever we could.

Yes, the third school was a good match for what we do. However, I believe that as God changed my attitude today, it mattered less. I had my eyes in the right place. I am so grateful to God for His patience and love. I am so grateful for each member of this precious team. They have blessed so many children and they have blessed me. I am so grateful for your prayers.

In Jesus, Linda for Susan, Jacob, Heather, Mykayla, and Billy

Posted June 27, 2011

Dearest Friends,

IGLESIA EVANGELICA DEL PERU

Today, we worshiped with our Quechua brothers and sisters at the above named church. The older Quechua ladies are so small that they make me look like a giant. I am only 5foot 5inches, but I tower over most of them. One lady was playing a big necklace of jungle seeds that she used as a percussion instrument. It was incredible!

I always enjoy watching people's faces when they worship God . Many of the older ladies had endured the terrors of The Shining Path. You could see their stories in the lines of their faces. Their deep faith challenges me to love Jesus more.

I was able to share missionary stories and I hope encourage them to reach the children of Peru for Jesus. I talked about how nothing is impossible for God.

We sang in Quechua and Spanish today. I thought that you would enjoy seeing one of the songs as we sang it in worship. Don't worry...there is also an English translation.

IN QUECHUA...
Allpallamanta kallani
Jesusniyman rikchakuq
Vidanpa chaninmi kallani
Yawarninwan rantisqa

IN SPANISH...
Polvo de la tierra soy
Semejante a mi Senor
Precio de su vida soy con su
Sangre me compro

IN ENGLISH...
I'm made from the dust of the earth
Made like the Lord
I am the price of His life
Because He bought me with His blood.

Pray for us as we return to the schools tomorrow!

In Jesus, Linda for Susan, Jacob, Heather, Mykayla, and Billy

Posted June 26, 2011

Dearest Friends,

"Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse." Proverbs28: 27

Please do not hide your eyes from the following story. Today, we worked in a very poor place. We were with hurting children who need your prayers. Please see them and pray for them as you read.

We drove up the side of a mountain about 10:00 this morning. The houses that we saw were very small and only the better ones were made of concrete. Most were constructed of whatever they could find, pieces of tin and scraps of wood. Too many families did not even enjoy that fine a home. They had made tents of a sort out of whatever trash was available.

At first, the clouds covered the mountainside and only as they lifted did we see how many little shacks there were. We had set up our stage on an empty lot. In front of us, there was a sea of these little tents. It is a hard place to be a child.

All of the usual problems that come with great poverty were evident. There was alcoholism, abuse of all sorts, and a complete lack of clean water and basic sanitation. Some of the children do not go to school regularly or at all because of the long, steep walk that is required to reach the schools located at the bottom of the mountain.

A little boy taught me to spin a top today in the dirt. Okay, it was really the pointed plastic top off of a bottle of dishwashing detergent, but he was very happy to have it. I was thrilled to play with him.

In this dark place, there is a light. We worked with a kind and humble man, Caesar, who pastors a small church there. We carried all of the benches out of the church and set them in the field. Children, teenagers, and adults gathered to watch the program. Many would not come close, but watched from the safety of their homes or further up the mountain. We had the PA turned up very loud so that the sound carried a great distance.

In soft whispers, we heard some children praying, asking Jesus to rescue them. One older lady was weeping. Another lady, dressed in the traditional dress of a Quechua woman, came to talk to me after the show. She was so very small and her face told a story of a hard life. She thanked me again and again for the story that she had heard. Then, she kissed my dirty hands. She also hugged the team. We gave her the pictures that I had drawn for the story and she was so happy. We also made balloons for everyone. Even the adults were happy with this very small gift.

Many asked when we could come again. This is where your prayers can make a difference. We want to schedule all of the schools in this place on Thursday and if needed, Friday. Please ask the Father to open these doors.

There is so much brokenness in this place. If it were possible to have all of the money you can imagine to pour into this place, their greatest needs would remain. These children have no hope. They need Jesus. These children have broken hearts. They need Jesus. They ache to be loved and to be seen. Only God our Father can satisfy these deep needs.

In Jesus, Linda for Susan, Jacob, Heather, Mykayla, and Billy

Posted June 25, 2011

Dearest Friends,

THE SWEETEST DAY

Because of special plans that the schools had today, we expected to only have one program. God was kind to us and He answered your prayers for us. We had 3 programs today and heard so many children put their trust in Jesus as their Savior. Please ask the Father to help them grow strong in their new faith.

We began our day by praying and asking God to make these special shows. We did not want to just do a program; we wanted the children to love it!

The children really blessed the team with their enthusiasm! They loved hearing about Jesus. That is amazing. The team was besieged by students who wanted their autographs. Many wanted their pictures made with different ones. The children laughed and clapped, but so did the teenagers at the last show that we did. More, the children wanted the pictures I drew. I challenged them to tell the story that they had heard to others.It was so much fun and so much hard work, but we are very happy.

Even the Directors (Principals) were generous in their praise. They both said basically the same thing. They talked about how the words that they had heard had touched their hearts. One teacher was very moved by what she saw and heard. Please pray for them as you pray for the children. Please rejoice in the blessing of today!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Tomorrow, Saturday, we are in a community, doing a street type show. We need to be wise and kind and loving. Please pray for us!

We will spend the rest of the day at our Chosica Director's home enjoying a time of fellowship. Please ask the Lord to make us a blessing to these dear friends!

Please ask the Lord to clear the air. When you can not see the mountain that is right behind the school because of dust and pollution, it is wise to pray.

Please ask the Lord to open many doors for us next week as we begin our last week of ministry in Peru.

In Jesus, Linda for Susan, Jacob, Heather, Mykayla, and Billy

Posted June 24, 2011

Dearest Friends,

TWO SHOWS

We were having trouble scheduling today and our good friend Lucy arranged for us to have 2 shows at her school. We did the first program for the elementary aged children and the second show for high school aged students.

This was a Christian school, but it is full of many non-Christian children and non-Christian young people. It was a great opportunity because we had complete freedom to share Jesus. Another team from the states was with us today. The Lord really encouraged us when one of their young men told us that he could feel the spirit moving.

The first show was difficult because the children were very talkative, but some were responsive. One little girl began praying out loud with us. She was very brave and soon others joined her.

The high school students were very quiet during the prayer. Afterwards, a group of boys came to see me. Four of them shared that they had put their trust in Jesus. I love what the Father does! I love how He calls children and young people to faith.

LIFE IN DIFFERENT PLACES

Coming from the mountains to the city is a bit of a shock. Time seems to have stood still in the places where we have been working. There were few cars. The people were mostly dressed in traditional Quecha clothes. Often, we stopped for herds of sheep or cows. The people live mostly in handmade mud brick homes. The floors are dirt. Children walk great distances to get to school.

The other day as we walked down a dirt road to see some remote Incan ruins, we saw cow manure piled on top of a wall. They were drying it so that they could use it for fires for cooking. As we looked across the mountains, we saw that they were divided into patchwork squares of small fields.

Now, we are near Lima and the noise never stops. Always there is traffic. The children have different problems, but the answer is the same. They need Jesus. Please ask the Father to give us His eyes so that we will see clearly without being distracted by all that is a city.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for our schedule. We need more work as we do not want to waste a single precious moment in Peru. Tomorrow is a special day at the schools and too busy, but we have been blessed with one school that will let us come. Please pray for more doors. Please thank God for His faithfulness.

In Jesus, Linda for Susan, Jacob, Heather, Mykayla, and Billy

Posted June 22, 2011

Dearest Friends,

A LITTLE BOY ON THE STREET

If you read our previous emails, you will remember that Luis is the boy that Pablo, friends and I tried to feed. We were arrested as the police questioned our motives. From the first time that I saw this little boy as he watched us eat, I was drawn to him. Even after we were taken to jail, I still wanted to see this little boy. God answered our prayers in the sweetest ways. I did see him twice more and each time, he greeted me with the biggest smile. Billy helped me and I shared with him about the love of Jesus. We were able to place in his hands a small Bible story book in Quechua and a handwritten message in Spanish about how to know Jesus. We were not sure what lanuage he needed.

When I had to say goodbye to him yesterday, I was so sad. Please turn my saddness to joy by remembering Luis in your prayers. I told him that even if I did not see him again in this life, I would see him in heaven if he put his trust in Jesus. He seemed hungry for more than food and I do expect to see him again. Please pray for Luis!

AWESOME!!!!

There really is only one word to describe the incredible time that we had in the mountains on Tuesday......AWESOME!!!! We drove over 2 hours to a height of over 12,500 feet to reach children and young people at 2 schools. At that altitude, even the strong young men on our team were struggling. Things that you could normally lift without a problem, suddenly seem heavier. Doing the puppets and telling a story required all of us to focus. The Father blessed our efforts and kindly poured His spirit on all we did. The result was that many children prayed out loud, asking Jesus to rescue them. More, dozens of teenagers prayed out loud in an unexpected response to the Gospel. Praise God!

Our Peruvian friends were as amazed as we were. In both places, I told the story of Joseph, but changed the presentation slightly to make it better for each age group. This was also a good teaching opportunity for us as were working with our new team. Everyone enjoyed the program so much and responded with such enthuiasm that we all decided that yesterday was our favorite day so far!

CUYA CUYWAN CUSHICHICU

This is the name of our new Quechua puppet team in Huancayo. In Spanish, their name is "el que da alegria con amor". So, their name means "the one who gives joy with love" puppet team. Quechua and Spanish are both such beautiful lanuages! This team is very excited and has a good vision for ministry. Please hold them in your prayers!

PRAYER REQUESTS

We are back in Chosica and plan to begin work in several very poor areas. Please pray for Raphael as he is arranging our schedule. Please pray for us to do our very best as we share with the children.

In Jesus, Linda for Heather, Mykayla, Billy, Jacob and Susan

Posted June 20, 2011

Dearest Friends,

Please hold us in your prayers. We are having the sweetest time sharing with Quechua children in very rural schools. Hyancayo is at 10,000 ft and today we climbed to a little over 12,500 ft. There is no way to contact these schools. We simply go and pray and watch as the Father answers our prayers. The children aredelighted to see us. Life is hard for these children. They have sunburned faces and chapped lips. Dehydration is a big problem. They are very shy. So many called on Jesus today. At one school, some of the children began to pray and soon many followed them. These days delight my soul. Please pray for these precious children!

In Jesus,
Linda for the Team

Posted June 19, 2011

Dearest Friends,

FERNANDO'S STORY

Fernando is a 10 year old Quechua Indian boy with dark hair and dark eyes. He came to a show that we did at a school high in a remote village. We were in a valley surrounded on all sides by the Andes. The mountains were beautiful, but the children captured my heart.

They were extremely talkative and if you had been there, you might have thought that no one was listening. However, all of the children on the front 2 rows were following everything I did. Fernando was one of these children.

After the program, Fernando came and spoke to us. He had asked Jesus to rescue him, to be his Savior. Please pray for him to grow deep in his faith. He took home a Bible story book in Quechua that will help him, Pray!

THE ROOF

We spent almost 8 hours yesterday, 4 stories up, on top of a roof. You might be surprised to know that we were training a puppet team. We could have crowded into a small office, stacked high with boxes. Given our choices, the roof was a perfect place.

All of us are sunburned despite using sunscreen. As the new Huancayo team practiced, we had an incredible view of the city. We were on top of one of the highest buildings. We only had one problem. I believe that the best place to teach juggling is not on a rooftop. Enough said. The new team is very eager to learn. Please hold them in your prayers as we practice more tonight and return to the schools tomorrow.

In Jesus,
Linda for Jacob, Susan, Billy, Mykayla, and Heather

Posted June 18, 2011

Dearest Friends,

The Principal

When we finished our first show, I was a little discouraged. The children had listened well, but were not very responsive to the puppets, or the story. We could not drive to this school, so we had carried the equipment a good distance.

As we were walking away, the principal chased after us. She had rosy cheeks and wore a black hat with a big bow. All Quechua ladies wear hats. Only Mykayla and I were left, but she can speak Spanish and translate. The lady was so excited! She told us that this program was for her. The principal had asked Jesus to be her Savior. She kept saying, "Yo estoy feliz." This translates, "I am so happy." I started to cry. Please pray for this dear lady as she is in a special place to touch many children. Ask the Father to make her a bright light.

JAIL

Last night, Pablo, Rafael, Javier, and I were arrested. It was a big misunderstanding. A little boy had watched us eat our dinner . He was very hungry. As I have done countless times in countless places, I decided to buy him a meal, and tell him about Jesus. He could not accept our offer because his parents would not let him come home until he sold all of his gum. This is a common problem.

I bought the last of his gum and Rafael took him to get food. The police stopped him, thinking that we meant the child harm, and all of us went to jail. Recently, they had had some little boys disappear and that is why they were concerned.

We talked with may police officers. God used our webpage to help me prove who I was, but also to share with the police. One lady really listened. I shared Mike's testimony with her. I believe that she was why we went to jail. All of us were calm because we knew God had a plan.

The little boy, Luis was given a good meal and the police released us. The major even asked if we could schedule a puppet show for some of the children that they work with. God blessed this time. Keep praying! You never know how your prayers are touching the children of Peru and keeping us safe.

In Jesus,
Linda for Jacob, Susan, Billy, Mykayla, and Heather

Posted June 17, 2011

Dearest Friends,

Puppets In The Andes

Today we went to three shows out in villages. The children were so excited to see the puppets. They listened very well to the stories. They loved watching Jacob juggle his shoes and Billy was a terrific translator. Many of the children prayed out loud, asking Jesus to be their Savior.

We all loved today! How amazing to set up our program in a school yard with the Andes mountains looming behind us!

We are working with friends from Runa Sumi. They are giving all of the children picture story books full of Bible stories. As soon as the children received them, they stopped and started to read. Many have parents who cannot read, so we expect the children will share with their parents.

Pray for us as we plan to share at three more schools tomorrow. The children are so precious! They have beautiful dark hair and big dark eyes. Many have sunburned cheeks. I ache for them to know Jesus, to walk in His love. Pray!

In Jesus,
Linda for Jacob, Susan, Billy, Mykayla, and Heather

Posted June 15, 2011

Dearest Friends,

We are safely in Peru and happy to report to you that all of our luggage arrived with us. In a few minutes, we are leaving Chosica which is near Lima, and we will travel to Huancayo. This town is located high in the mountains. To reach there, we will need to travel a road which at its highest point is 5,000 feet. They tell me that I might get to see snow today!

We will be working with the Quechua children. Please hold them in your prayers and ask God to call many of them to deep faith. Already we have realized that we are not in Georgia anymore. Today, we enjoyed purple corn juice for lunch and everyone is excited about eating Guiena pig soon.

I am especially excited about this trip and eager to see what God is going to do.

In Jesus,
Linda for Jacob, Susan, Billy, Mykayla, and Heather

Posted June 14, 2011

Dearest Friends,

PERU

Very early tomorrow morning, Tuesday, June 14th, we will be leaving for Peru. I am very excited to be working with my friend Donna Saune and her childern. This trip, we will partner with her daughter Kusi and her husband, Pablo. We will planting a new puppet team in a place called Huancayo. It is in the mountains and much like the town of Ayacucho where we have worked in the past.

Some of you may remember my friend Donna's story. Nineteen years ago this August, Mike and I were having a conversation on the phone with her husband Romulo. We were planning for him to come visit us and share about his ministry in Peru with our friends. Mike and I were very concerned for his safety because we knew he had been targeted by The Shining Path. This is a comunist gurerilla group that is less active today in Peru, but still causes great difficulty in the high mountains and in the jungles.

I still remember the words of that conversation. We begged him not to go back to Peru at that time. Romulo said "You don't understand. Most of my people cannot read. Now that they have the Bible in their own language, I need to read it to them. I have to go." On Mike's 40th birthday, we received a phone call and found out that Romulo had been martyred. I often think of that last conversation. So many times I am asked not to go by friends who are worried for my safety, but I always remember Romulo's passion for Jesus and his lack of fear. He was a very good example to me. My friend taught me to trust God deeply and to follow Him without fear.

It is an honor to work with his family. They love Jesus deeply and I expect God to greatly bless this time of ministry. Please hold us in your prayers. As always, please pray for the safe arrival of all of our equipment. Please ask the Father to call many Quechua Indian children to faith in Jesus. Thank you for praying!

FLORIDA

After a lovely twelve hour drive on Saturday, we arrived home from a week of puppet shows with Northside PCA in Melborne, Florida. It was an incredible five days of shows. We did many programs for children in a housing project and also many programs for children who were attending a soccer camp at the church. I heard so many children calling on Jesus, both loudly and in soft whispers. Two children even got down on their knees and began to pray. It was so sweet! This was a very special time and we are eternally gratful to our friends at Northside for their invitation. Please continue to pray for these friends as they work to establish an ongoing ministry in this low income housing area near their church.

Love in Jesus, Linda for Jacob and Susan Burnett, Heather and Mykayla Kelley, and Billy Salinas