Merry Christmas!

Feliz Navidad and Happy New year!  We celebrated Peru with the other YWAM missionaries here yesterday (Caters, for those of you who know them).  Thank you so much for all your support and prayers, you are such a blessing in my life.  The mission here wouldn't be possible without all of you.  We went to a Christmas Eve service at a local Peruvian church and enjoyed the traditional fruit cake and hot chocolate here.  On the night of Christmas Eve, we were able to hand out around 25 blankets, 200 sandwiches and 200 juice boxes to homeless people in Cusco.  We were able to make contact and see people we've talked to previously and they were overjoyed to get blankets and food on Christmas.

We had some great conversations with people about Jesus on the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu.  We spent 4 days with people, hiking and talking.  Some people were so open and curious about our faith and relationship with Jesus, they seemed so interested in what we were doing and what it looked like to have relationship with God.  After coming back, we managed to be involved in 4 chocolatadas.  A chocolatada is when people go out to a poor village and give them hot chocolate, bread and clothes for Christmas.  We also get the chance to tell them about God and talk with them more if they would like.

We have one more week here in Cusco before returning back to Brisbane.  We've really enjoyed our time here and God has continued to move on our behalf and on behalf of the city.  Please continue to pray for us to finish strong and end our time here well as we continue to seek God's face and everything He has for us here.

Peru!

We have officially been in Peru for 2 weeks.  We are sitting at 11,500 feet elevation; the first couple days we got here I couldn't stand up without panting, I felt so out of shape it was crazy!  The elevation change has been a bit better recently as our bodies have adjusted, but going up 2 flights of stairs still feels like a heavy workout:)  Cusco is beautiful, full of so much history. This city is where the Inca Empire existed during the 13th century-1532.  Mountains surround the city on every side.  The people are so warm, hospitable and welcoming.  Being here feels like taking a step back in time.

The first week we took some time to adjust to the new time zone, climate and elevation.  We have been involved in various kids and church ministries since being here.  Last week we focused on the Holy Spirit and allowed Him to guide and direct us for the week.  We spent time in worship, prayer and evangelism.  Cusco struggles with religiosity.  People have a difficult time understanding God wants a personal relationship with them and this is more important than any amount of money they could ever have.  Cusco is a city in need of prayer, God needs to do the breaking ground work in order for people's hearts to be ready to receive Him and His love.  It's God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).  Please pray with us that the people of Cusco would see God's kindness.  "I have loved you with an everlasting love and drawn you in with loving-kindness" Jeremiah 31:3.

Yesterday we had a great cultural experience.  We were able to get tickets to the finals of a Peruvian soccer game.  The stands were packed with over 40,000 people attending.  The tension was so high in the arena it was crazy.  The Cusco team lost 0-1, but it was well worth the experience!

God is doing great things here in Peru, please continue to pray our team approaches this time with a heart of brokenness before God as we continue to love, serve and pray.