MISSIONARY FRONT LINES!!

Well, missionary work isn't all high drama and quoting Bible verses to the lost. Sometimes it is simply being a part of the community. Sometimes we are off to a birthday party- a BIG event in most Peruvian families. And, no, it isn't a matter of "Hi," a piece of cake and hug and "Goodbye." It is a 3 to 5 hour session of chatting, a full meal, making room for more people, and listening intently to multiple conversations in a language other than one's first language! But it is a community building event. (Maybe I should say a community FATTENING event, too!) Often someone will give an intricate handmade card, some beautiful flowers, or a handmade purse out of bluejean material. Usually gifts are not opened until the crowd has left in order to not embarrass those who are unable to bring anything. The focus is on making sure the GUESTS are well cared for.

Community means caring about one another. Caring enough to spend time on one another and building trust so that later deep things may be shared and prayed about. Here I'll include a picture of a missionary on the front lines- Vicki helping with a fund-raising dinner at the church.