Mighty Warriors: Vision Caster

If you want the background to this post and what is the mighty warrior series, you can refer to the original post here: original post

Okay, truth be told, Jose barely made it through xtreme training. He opposed us on many different teachings. But as we rolled out the Biblical basis for everything we were teaching he was slowly won over. Then he took the things he learned and began to put them into practice and then teach others. After years of ministry he started his own team and began casting the vision that God had given him to churches who might support him in the task. He was very good at expressing to other nationals the great need of getting the gospel to these people. Lord, send us more who have vision and know how to express your vision to your people. Send us men who can inspire us to work harder for you in the very places and in the ways you desire us to.

update: Jose is still living in Peru and is married and they are expecting their first child. They plan on returning to work with the Asheninka people soon in the future.

212 speed bumps

Speed bumps: 212

Miles travelled: 700

Road hours: 26

Bullet proof vests issued with our new house: 3

Adults: 4

Children: 3

Fuses blown: 2

Cows we saw: 2,000,000 (more or less)

Muslim men smoking a cancer stick: 1

The trip to Kaabong, our future home was a huge success. We met with several key people and learned cultural insights and some language. We learned the roads and ate the food. We got a feel for our new house, which is somehow very nice and still kind of primitive. 

The kids did great. There were a couple of sketchy moments. When we went to the market we were mobbed. I really mean that in the most literal sense. Everyone around rushed to see the white children. Most of the outsiders who have been here do not have children. So the Karamajong were blown away by white kids. They were all yelling and trying to touch Victory and Ember’s  skin and hair. Memphis cried a bit, then he just figured if he ran they would leave him alone. If you know anything about running, you know chubby little Memphis is not going to beat any East African in a foot race. We had to protect our kids and help them to know they were safe. Later Memphis started getting into it. He was in the car making faces at the kids and reaching out the window to shake their hands. By the time we had been there 5 days we went to visit the Ik people. Our friends the Schrocks are working with them. The kids had fun with the other children and felt more at ease. One of the Ik women said, “We can’t believe it, White people give birth, too!”

While we were in Kaabong we did a lot of planning and preparing for the future. I feel like the Lord has a lot for us to do here. I hope you will all join us on this journey.

Mighty Warriors: Storyteller & Self-starter

When Jesus came to us (not the Jewish one, the Chayahuita one) he struggled in his early understanding of spanish, but once he started getting the hang of it and began learning Bible stories in his language he became a superstar with storying. He would tell the stories with such enthusiasm and zeal. You couldn’t help but be interested even though you didn’t understand his language. He and some of his other Chayahuita brothers even began teaching stories in traditional song rythms so they would appeal more to his tribesman. Also, after his training was over he went out to begin working with a new people group. he recruited a team and went right to work planting churches, telling stories and training others. When he would call in to tell us what God had been doing we would always rejoice with him for what God was doing through his faithful servant. Lord, Please send us young men like Jesus. Men who devote themselves to learning your word, and are not afraid to get out there and put into practice what they have learned.

update: Jesus continues to work as a missionary in some of the most remote areas in Peru. He travels to these remote villages with his wife and child. Please continue to pray for his ministry.

Mighty Warriors: Teachability

Caleb's story is filled with one surprise after another. When he came to us he was so shy and self depreciating that it was hard to believe that the Lord could do much with someone who lacked so much self-confidence. But as he passed through training he was the most improved of any of the missionaries who came to us. It seems the Lord likes to use men just like Caleb. He just soaked up new information like a sponge. Then he went to serve in Bolivia, when his support ran out he returned home and we didn’t hear from him for a couple of years, then he shows up again and we learn that he had been applying all that he had learned and training others outside of his home town. I like to say Caleb was most improved for 5 years in a row. Lord, help us all to continue to grow and learn, never getting stuck in a rut of doing things. Grow us in your likeness and send us more missionaries like Caleb, who are teachable and moldable.

update: Caleb is now married and has a child. They are planning on moving to Southern Peru to reach out to a unreached segment of the Aymara. Proud of you Caleb.

Mighty Warriors: Adaptability & Longevity

When Javier came to us, he was like 18 years old. He was young and inexperienced, but the hand of the Lord was clearly on his life. We were priveledged to watch the Lord teach him and turn him into a mighty man of God. He has now been with the xtreme team for the longest of any current member. Even though his support is always a question, he continues on and trusts God to provide for him. Javier has been given the gift of adaptability. He can learn to fit in almost any culture. (or as we jokingly say, he can be robbed in any language. he holds the record of being robbed 9 times in one year) Lord please send us more young men like Javier who are adaptable and willing to conform to any culture to reach more for you. Also, bring us missionaries who are in it for the long haul, who consider being a witness and making disciples their lifes work.

update: Javier continues to work with the team, he has moved from working in Bolivia to working in his home country of Peru. He will soon start working with yet another tribe and another language.

Inquiring men want to know

I thought I would try to satisfy some of the questions I know all the men have. So this post is for you guys! That means, less words...more pictures.

This is what j is driving

1996 Toyota Land Cruiser: 4x4, 5 speed, Manual, 6 cyl. 

Steering wheel on the right hand side

This is Robert's Truck: 2008 Toyota Hilux 4x4, 4 cyl. 5 speed Manual

filling up the truck

Here are some pics of Lake Victoria and the roads we travelled to get to Entebbe.

We leave Monday for Jinja, and then Friday to go see where we will be living in Kaabong. your prayers are appreciated.

Mighty Warriors: Perserverence

E came to us to finish the practical part of his seminary education. He was a bit surprised when we didn’t have any textbooks or classrooms. But after his required 3 month stint with the team, he returned and stayed with us for 4+ years. He would be the first one who woud tell you he was not cut out for this type of difficult work. But yet, he continued out of obeience to his Lord and excelled in many things but most of all he was an example of perserverence in the faith. There are many things he wanted in life, but he has sacrificed them to the Lord, knowing that the Lord himself will give him what he needs. and God will sustain him in good times and bad. God, send us more like E!

update: E continues to serve the Lord in Peru. Due to the nature of his work we can not use his full name or tell you much about what he is doing. Just take our word for it, he is doing well.