But they are people, the worth of a soul.

But they are people, the worth of a soul.

For the Christmas celebration I went back to lima to see my family and to see some friends, I went there just for a week. While I was there I got to go to my church there where I saw many of my brothers and sisters in Christ. While I was talking with one of them, He asked me how was the mission work going and how I was doing. At some point the question of what's my responsibility in the mission field is, came and I answered that I was working as a temporary Pastor, and he seemed to be really excited. Right away I said yes but there is only around 10 people, right after he emphatically said: But they are people.

I was ashamed of the numbers I had at my church in the jungle and I was underestimating the mission work just because there wasn't many people. But my friend gave me a good reminder of what's the main reason of why I do missions, and why I'm there ministering to an small amount of people at the church I'm pastoring. My mindset at the moment was: yes I am a pastor in the jungle but it's not a big deal there is just few people there and I don't have a lot of people for you to be amazed of my ministry. But my friend said But they are people, there was something powerful when He said that which kept me thinking about it. So to explain it clearly I want to split what the Lord was showing me at that moment in 3 parts:

1. Anything done for God is a High Calling: so while my response gave evidence of my desire for a better reputation by increasing the number of my members, my friend reminded me  of the High calling I have in Christ. Not all have the opportunity and the privilege to minister to God's people and the fact the I can stand and preach to just few persons is a task that even angels desire. So if angels who are perfect beings, demonstrate the high view of just sharing the word of God, who I am as to look down on it just because I don't have more people. God was the one who called me, if the work I am doing is for Him, why does it matter if I'm known or my church is known by just having more people? Isn't God Worthy enough and Sufficient as to be content and satisfied by just working for Him? We need to be reminded that ministry is a always serious thing but more than that we need to be reminded that is a beautiful thing because is God who call us to preach and share HIS WORD for HIS GLORY.

2. Souls are important: while I was undermining the work, I also was undermining the value of the souls I'm shepherding. See, we tell people that God loves them but we don't unless there are a bunch of them, that's heartless. If we think that God's creation is amazing because He created the heavens and earth out of nothing, how much more we should be amazed on how He recreates a being out of a corrupt mass. The manifestation of power in salvation exceeds the one demonstrated through creation by the mere fact that a God hater will become His son through adoption because the one whom he hated changed his stony heart into a fleshy one. So even that one person is God's creation and if this person is a Christian, the Bible says that God cares of them and He knows everything about them because He is their Father. So if you happen to be a minister is because God is trusting you with His children and you have no right to look down on them because of how much of them there are.

3. You may become that which you hate: for those who know me, whether you've talked to me or read my posts on social media, you know that I despise the mindset of numbers in ministry. The numbers mindset that treats groups of people as a king size bag of M&M's and also makes evangelism more like a marketing strategy rather than the faithful preaching of the Word of God. So at the end of the day when I went back home, I did repented of my sin of underestimating my call and the people who have been entrusted to me.  But I also realized that I've have become that which I hated. Probably a hypocrite is a sincere way to put it, but as a child of God I understood that I must keep guard of myself for I'm also a sinner and if I don't keep my eyes on what God says about things and how He defines it, I can do this as many times and not even realize it. So I became what I hated but God in His grace and Mercy made come to the realization of it so I came before Him to see my weakness.

In conclusion, there is a high calling for every children of God because we are about soul business and the mere fact of just dealing with one soul, must be a reason for contentment and awe for the privilege God gives us through His son. Even tho there is just 1 person in your ministry, that one person is God's child and even if you have to prepare and study for a sermon to that one person is because God is worthy of our service.

I hope this has edifying you and keep praying for me and for those in ministry, feel free to ask any question.

End of the year update

Hello

Sorry for the late update, this last month has been a little bit chaotic trying to figure out something's concerning the ministry but thanks the Lord that He has provided clarity for it. The church has been inconsistent also there is some people sharing my burden concerning the growing of the church but its majority seems to be indifferent to it. After talking with some people I've decided to have a meeting with the people from pueblo viejo who had any kind of involvement with the church in January. This will be helpful as to see what way the church is going to follow for the rest of my term and for the next person who jumps in. Also keep praying for the next person who jumps in to lead the church, we still haven't find anyone but there is going to be more clarity soon. Also pray for us as we have begun the book of 1 John three weeks ago.

To me the situation still frustrating but still seeing it as a channel to seek the Lord and rest in His sufficiency as I keep seeking guidance from Him. It's very discouraging sometimes but I also have to remember that if I keep trying just in my own strength I will get nothing done even tho if it looks outwardly like it, i must trust Him.

Prayer Requests

Character: pray that I may grow in humility, love, wisdom and faithfulness.

2. Church in Pueblo Viejo: pray that they grow in commitment and a desire to grow themselves and see others come to Christ. Pray for the upcoming meeting in January also.

3. Family: I'm in lima until the 27 so pray as I'm with them i can reflect the love of Christ.

4. Pray for the missionaries: Walter Isse, TJ Lindsey, Buddy Fitzgerald, Dan Nagao, Daniel Nunez, Scott Blackburn, Bud Lenz, Caleb Lenz, and Jay Cross.

5. Pastor for next year: pray that God raises someone to take over the ministry when I leave next year

6. Cedar lake team: there is a team coming next week and we are going to be working with kids so pray for that time.

7. Work permit: pray that the process in finding a summer job and getting a work permit to work legally go smooth.

8. Finances: The Lord has provided so pray as He gives me wisdom to be a good steward of His provisions.

Thank you so much for praying for me. Feel free to ask any question or call me, FaceTime and Skype.

Merry Christmas
Edher

Almost December Update

Hello brothers and sisters


This last month have been a lot of work and also frustration to be honest. People at the church are not responding as I would like to but God still Sovereign and Powerful to do what I can't. Good news also are that I have a team from Tennessee are coming in December to help work with the kids, approaching they are on vacations. There also will be a friend coming to help me with the church life and visitation for 10 days.

People are the church has become a little bit lazy, and even tho there is 3 people committed, they sometimes get frustrated and discouraged by the rest. I spend as much time with them as I can to encourage them and disciple them. On the other hand there is also 3 new people starting to come eventually to the church and one of them is a very baby believer so that was good. I kind of had a very honest straight talk with them 2 weeks ago about the important of commitment to the church and the effects it does have in the people who comes to visit which I thought they responded good. So I'm trusting for them to grow as we have some studies and also as I trust the Lord to do the work that my words can't.

This was kind of stressful, added with other more personal stress that I had, it kind of was taking my eyes away from the main thing who is God Himself. So I was just doing stuffs because I had to and not enjoying my time with the Lord at all because of it. But the Lord has shown me that if I don't keep Him at first on prayer, devotion and as my main desire, every activity or bible study will be worthless. So keeping Him first has demanded me to put my burdens, stress and frustrations on His shoulders and also pick carefully what battles I'm gonna fight so my heart doesn't faint at trying to look at a 1000 things at the same time. So prayer has been the perfect refuge, and fuel source for my personal life, battles as the future, some friendships, circumstances, personal wants are some battles that I don't need put on me but I must fight to keep the Lord first always, what's best in order to love those around me and the people in Pueblo viejo. I'm not saying those things are not important but I can't just control the outcome of all them but trust the Lord, that He will do what is best.

Prayer Requests

Character: pray that I may grow in humility, love, wisdom and faithfulness. I can't blame situations for how I behave but they always bring what my life needs work on. I'm not perfect but  that's not excuse to not seek diligently and obey the only One who is.

2. Church in Pueblo Viejo: pray that they grow in commitment and a desire to grow themselves and see others come to Christ.

3. Family: pray for my mom who is going through a difficult time right now, and for the salvation of my brother, dad, stepmother, sisters and stepbrother.

4. Pray for the missionaries: Walter Isse, TJ Lindsey, Buddy Fitzgerald, Dan Nagao, Daniel Nunez, Scott Blackburn, Bud Lenz, Caleb Lenz, and Jay Cross.

5. Pastor for next year: pray that God raises someone to take over the ministry when I leave next year.

6. Finances: pray that the Lord helps me to be wise always in spending and administrating the sources I have for His work.

Thank you for reading my update and praying for me,
Feel free to ask any question and let me know how can I pray for you.


PD: the Christmas activity has been cancelled due to commitment issues.

God is Patient with us

Hello my brothers and sisters

This past month has been encouraging having a team working alongside with me for even a few days, CBC from crossville, TN were here helping us with evangelism and visitations. Also encouraging people to be more consistent in their participation with the church. After they left people in pueblo viejo were encouraged to be more consistent in their participation and involvement in the church. Im right now working with the follow up of the people that were contacted that week. 

Church has been inconsistent in its attendance which normally occurs during the raining season, but im so glad that even when I have a lot or little there is few people being consistent in their assistance. I still working on discipleship on saturdays 3pm im teaching theology to a man from another church but lives in the Pueblo Viejo area. There is another group that we are going through the book of 1 John which we are going to finish next saturday. Im adding to my schedule a bible study on the attributes of God on sundays evening and also a new group to disciple on Saturday evening. I also plan to teach partly bible study methods to all te groups little by little so they can grow in how to have a personal bible study.

This is going progressively slow but is going and i have to be patient because there is not so much consistency always. But God doesn't give up on us so I shouldn't give up on them, I think the more I wait for them it gives me time to think how I shouldn't complain about me waiting for it. Which asks the main question: if i cant lovingly wait for them then why am I doing it at all? I think the Lord uses this situations to redirect us to the main motor of our service which is love. In other news I had to move for 5th time which im starting to consider each moving a mission trip but oh well. 

Pray Requests

Character: Pray that I grow in Patience, love, wisdom and faithfulness to God and the preaching of His word always preserving an attitude of humilty.

2. family: pray for some of them to be saved and others to grow in the faith as they walk with the Lord.

3. Church in Pueblo Viejo: pray that they grow in consistency and love for others to start evangelizing and discipling.

4. Pray for the Missionaries in Peru: Walter Isse, TJ Lindsey, Buddy Fitzgerald, Dan Nagao, Daniel Nunez, Scott Blackburn, Bud Lenz, Caleb Lenz.

5. Pastor for Pueblo Viejo: pray for a pastor to come next year to lead the church in pueblo viejo as I leave to the states next year.

6. Finances: Jehova Jireh, He mainly provided a sacrifice on my behalf and also im fine with my monthly expenses while im here. I always need wisdom to use the Lords resources accurately.

7. Christmas in Pueblo Viejo: im planing to do 2 activities in pueblo viejo, 1. Is a christmas for the kids is to have a program where we can feed the kids and give them a christmas gift and also teach them the meaning of Christmas. And 2. Is a dinner with the church members. Im planing to raise 350 dollars of which i already count with 50 and people of the church are planing to cover some of it which would be around 70 dollars. So if you want to bless the kids in pueblo viejo respond the email to give you the methods.

Thank you for reading this update and its an encouragement to hear from you always whether is skype, message or a call. Also I always need your prayers because I need Gods power to be wise and preach in the Spirit..

Love you all 

Edher

PD, to my american brethren: I know you guys are going through a tough election because of the candidates. But let me encourage you to never take your eyes away from the Gospel, the preaching of it will convert souls, whoever gets elected dont forget that the God who created heavens and earth is more than able to bring them to Himself. And never forget that those who oppose you politically are not your enemies but your mission field, what politics can do the power of the Gospel will. Praying that your love don't grow weary but be fueled by the Sovereignty of God.

Affirming and Praying

Hello brethren

Thanks for actually taking the time for reading this letter, the church in Pueblo Viejo has been a little inconsistent again and that is kind of frustrating because im trying to do everything i can on my hands to encourage them but they go back and forth. This is totally teaching me patience as the Lord was patient with me also. Because of that i've decided to be more intentional on discipling people so the Lord has provided so far two opportunities. The first is discipline Sani and her sons and neighbors, we are studying the book of 1 John. Also I was introduced to a man named Zacarias who lives in the area of pueblo viejo but he goes to another church that does not have a pastor, when i met him, he was attending a day seminar lead by a group of pastors from cuzco, they were learning hermeneutics and exegesis. I asked him if he would like someone to come to his house and disciple him, he gladly said yes and now im teaching him on saturdays theology, we are going through doctrine of scriptures. So that is encouraging in contrast of not having a lot of people at church being committed. After both groups we talk and have fellowship so that takes most of my afternoon so im glad im investing that day to disciple.


I still seeking opportunities to keep discipling people, i am praying for them to be stir up to want to learn more of the word of God. I had kind of new experiences for me to counsel like Angel from pueblo Viejo who's partner left with his kid ad he didnt know what to do and he wouldn't listen either but the Lord gave me patience with the situation. Or this other angel who lives in town, he uses drugs to not feel the pain he have with his girl, she works in a bar brothel, and is a mess up situation but is what the Lord has called us to do, to seek what is lost.

There is a few people that are concern for the commitment of the people at church and im trying to spend time with them the most also, so they can learn how to encourage others, this is a hard task because they don't always have time. But we trust the Lord that He will work in a mighty them to draw them to himself.

Pray Requests

Character: pray to keep growing in faith, humility, love and faithfulness to the Lord and showing it to the people. Also for wisdom to respond: there has been a few times when young ladies have asked inappropriate double sense questions to see how far I go in my answer. I mostly ignore it and them in the way but also i dont want to be taken as a Jerk, so pray they can see the love of God as I try to make them see the dignity in them that they dont understand.

2. The church: Pray that the church grows in number but most important in commitment and a passion for the Lord. There is people being awaken but we need to be awaken as a group. Prayer meetings are being more fruitful so PRAISE THE LORD to left and to the right. (If you are baptist you may not be allowed to move) JK

3. Job Interview: i have an interview via Skype on october 3rd to work in the states next summer so i can make money to continue my education. Please pray for this, or for me to find any other job to work to go to school.

4. Next Pastor: because of this, my term ends on april, so pray that the Lord will raise a man to lead the church. There has been a person whom has been asked for it but please pray for it, the church here is also praying for it.

5. Family: pray for my family, that they come to the Lord and for my mom and my sister to be affirmed. They go to the church i go in lima when i am in lima.

6. Missionaries in Peru: Walter and Gabriela Isse (church in lima), Tj and Pamela Lindsey (working with kids in caja de agua) Buddy and Loren Fitzgerald (church in la plaza in PM), Daniel and Becky Nunez (Church in la joya), Bud and Laura Lenz (Orphanage in Peru) Dan and Ruthie Nagao ( deaf church and library), scott and tracy Blackburn (girls rehab house in PM)

7. Finances: The Lord has provided what i need so im grateful for the generosity the Lord uses to bless me. Pray that i always be wise to administrate what He has given to me.

8. Christmas in Pueblo Viejo: im planing and praying to do an activity in Pueblo viejo for christmas, is what we normally do in Peru. The goal is reach 350 dollars and make a program for the kids and feed them. Also give them a christmas gift which not many of them would have the chance to get since pueblo viejo is a very poor area. Consider prayerfully donating for this activity and if you are interested answer this email to check the options.


Thank you for your prayers and your time to read this update.

Missions, Politics and Donald Trump: making the Gospel great again.

Elections are getting closer for my friends at the North of this Continent. And there is only two options Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, most of the people I know are Republicans and they are going to vote for Donald Trump and is ok because of that is their political inclination, they should do it. Now you should have a political position, share your political position but not Idolize it, evangelicals in the USA mostly in the south have traditionally voted republican because most of the candidates sympathized with moral values. Which is great, the problem is when we try to endorse the candidate as a face for what Christianity is.  

 Let me explain, if you are voting for Donald Trump because is the candidate that aligns more to your political views that's good, but say that he is a representation of Christianity?? I wouldn't take that far my friend. I'm glad that people are outspoken about their political opinions in the North but I would like also to be that outspoken about the Gospel, Sound Doctrine and Discipleship. Now as many of you who are reading this are probably Christians, I want to share with you some reasons why you should be wise with your political opinions for the sake of missions in your community and oversees.  

1. Dehumanizing people:  Illegal Immigration, let me talk about your golden calf for a second, yes I think that illegal immigration should be punish it because it's breaking your law, happy? Now the fact that illegal immigration is an issue shouldn't take away our responsibility to share the Gospel, I know you think those illegal people need to go back to their country but they need Jesus the most and I don't think they hearing that from you. Maybe this next president will make your dream come true of kicking them all of your country but then what's next? Will you go to their country and tell them how God loves them while you hated them in yours? I saw this because most of latinos immigrants in the USA have heard more about how they are unwelcome rather than the Gospel.  

 I know you have a political position, but if you are a Christian you know that it doesn't give you the right to dehumanize them of the greatest undeserved privilege you enjoy which is to know God. Illegal people needs Christ, they needed when they all came to this continent and killed all the Indians, mayans and Inkas and they still need Him today as much as you and I do.

   2. Classifying people: not long ago I read a post where a man (trump supporter) was talking about how latinos were ignorant, uneducated and low class people. Apparently he justified himself for the sake of illegal immigration issue, but I know illegal immigration is an issue but you have to insult an ethnic group in order to make your point valid? Isn't that racism?    Preaching heavenly things to people while you shove in their face all their earthly prejudices is certaintly hypocrisy, may some latinos had not the luck of going to school or college but that doesn't make them less worthy as human beings, I don't think you really believe in creation if you can't equally see people as God sees them. Yes, there is some clear limitations some of us have but focusing on them doesn't help us to live for the things above which we claim we hope for. Do you think that on judgement day your immigrant status really will matter? Or will the educated will be more privilege to get Grace rather than the uneducated ones?

   3. Unwholesome talk allowed?: i don't know if you notes but Donald trump likes to talk about things that aren't exactly edifying like some of the members of his body and big this is. I mean I think we are ok with it as long as they kick the immigrants out right? Surely is this how Christianity should be represented? To say Donald Trump is an actual good man and an example is to give room for  disrespectful speech be allowed in our young people, and even adults.  And I'm not adding insults, childish comment and more.

 4. Women are not objects: this man brags of his affairs as a seminary kid brags of his study bible. I don't think we think adultery in the Christian community is okay, even tho a rich powerful men who is running for our favorite party does it, right? Well if you who preach trump more than the Bible are ok with this, then tell the girls in your life that they need to be respected and be look for who they worth. We live in an age where their purity and beauty is strangled and we just so selfish to endorse and lift up a men who collaborated with this. Again is this a Christian principle or a quality in a man worthy to be exalted?  

 5. All Mexicans are bad: apparently Mexico= Latin America for this guy, he once said that mexicans (latinos) don't bring the best to his country, many of them are rapists, murders and more. Well mr trump, neither yours, we have a lot of American tourists coming to buy drugs, encourage human trafficking by consuming prostitution and they have been quite characters like Lori Berenson and people participating in pedophilia here. I think that's not the best of your country neither, but even tho that I won't think that all Americans are the same because is not just right. But you see there that people are sinners doesn't matter where they are from?

   I know you prefer Donald Trump over Hillary, that is okay, just be careful in preaching that he is the model of what's Christians stand for. Because if Americans Christians stand for that, then I'm greatly insulted as a person and as a believer. If you do missions, you have a greater reason to watch out what you stand for, don't forget most of the countries of people you want to kick out, they welcome you when you come for a mission trip. Let's not forget that there are brothers and sisters illegally in the whole world killed by the Gospel, and we will die for politics rather than for the Gospel. 

   I understand the desire many of you have to see their country as they used to be, and see people coming to Christ but law enforcement is okay but that's not the Gospel. Make the Gospel great again by making it your priority and may God have mercy and make your country great, God is sovereign my friend and this is more than a cliche. May the Lord have mercy on us and we look at the heavenly things, the things above and truly looking at them because whoever becomes the president won't alter the course of your eternity if you are in Christ. It's an indictment to our own faith to live obsesibly concerned by our earthly destiny without looking to the heavenly Kingdom.

   Praise the Lord that He will come for those whom He saved from every tribe, tongue and nation.          

Back to the field

Hello brethren i was taking a little while to write my report and what happens is that i was busy doing some stuffs here and catching up with the church here in Puerto. It has been a great encouragement to talk to the people and hear how the Lord has blessed them in their time here with Dan ad Ruthie, i've been blessed of having them helping while i am gone. The church is going through a transition of affirmation, so they can be solid in their faith, so i will be working for opportunities to disciple the people in pueblo viejo in their houses through small groups. Praise the Lord i already have two scheduled and one of them is a man who goes to another church but is willing to invest his weekends in learning more about the word of God. Also Dan and Ruthie has been a huge help during this transition so the people has been able to see the picture of Christ and His church through a marriage working in it for a while.


Finally, i found a mini apartment and i think i will stay here until i leave next year, praise the Lord for that, we are going to start to gather on the last sunday of the month at evenings to share a meal and have fellowship in the church. That will help them with fellowship and getting to know each other more. Im also encouraging them to invite people to the church, they have expressed before that they want to see the church grow and people in pueblo viejo get saved but now im teaching a little more of their part in evangelizing. Pray that their hearts will be prepared during this time so they can learn to share the good news with others.

Most men still resisting to the idea of coming to church but i still talk with many of them during the week so pray for them: Angel, Enrique, Celso, Chita and Erik. Thank you for praying for the church here.

Prayer requests

Character: pray that i grow in humility, love, faithfulness and self control as i am working here
Pueblo viejo: the church can be affirmed and the church may grow according to God's will but also be faithful in the sound teaching
Family: my mom keeps going to church and praying with my sister so i can confidently say they are also my family in Christ. Keep praying for my brother Johnny, dad Juan , sister Kyara, step mom Elizabeth and step brother Ricardo.
October team: there is a team coming in october to work with me so pray as they prepare to come and work here for a week
Missionaries in Peru: Walter and Gabriela Isse (church in lima), Tj and Pamela Lindsey (working with kids in caja de agua) Buddy and Loren Fitzgerald (church in la plaza in PM), Daniel and Becky Nunez (Church in la joya), Bud and Laura Lenz (Orphanage in Peru) Dan and Ruthie Nagao ( deaf church and library), scott and tracy Blackburn (girls rehab house in PM)
Pray for more people to be interested in help the ministry in Pueblo viejo, puerto maldonado
Finances: the Lord has provided faithfully so i cant complain but just to ask for wisdom to administrate His gifts to me.

Thank you all for your prayers
I aprecciate them, feel free to ask any question you want And tell me how i can pray for you.