Spring has come! The birds are singing and the humming birds are coming back. The weather is warming up enough that we are not wearing coats in the house anymore.
God has been very good to us. The quarantine was lifted on September 1st (though “marshal law” remains in effect at least until October 1st). The stores and malls were allowed to open for the first time since March 15th. Some reports say that up to 75% of the population have had Covid-19.
Denver and I have started teaching weekly (online for now) at Arequipa English, an English speaking club for intermediate to advanced students learning English. We have 1 hour of games and then 1 hour of Bible Study. Not every student is a believer so it is a great way for us to spread the gospel during these times when we cannot meet face to face in the conventional way.
We celebrated with the recipients of the food pack project with a thanksgiving service (online of course. No public or private meetings allowed yet). Over 60 people joined us on Zoom and another 270 interacted via Facebook live! It was a blessing to have so many join us in worship online.
The food project is shifting from Phase I to Phase II. Phase II will try to transition people from receiving food to developing ways to help them support themselves. Another important part of Phase II is connecting people to local churches. The fact that so many joined in the thanksgiving service online is proof to us that people are spiritually hungry. Since gatherings are not allowed, we are trying to find ways to meet there spiritual needs through online meetings. A special WhatsApp number has been set up for people to ask spiritual questions and receive answers via their phones.
Of the 3000 people on our food distribution list, over 2000 have indicated that that are no longer in dire need and have opted not to continue receiving food packs. So for the month of September we packing 1000 packs every other week.
Many of you have partnered with us in this project with your support and with your prayers. A heartfelt “Thank you” from all of us.
P.S More photos have been added on our photo page.
Stan Schrock Family Serving in Peru 