Dear
Praying Friends, July 3, 2012
It’s
hard to believe June has come and gone! For
months we had been counting down to our arrival in Peru, and it is almost
surreal to think we have been here for exactly two weeks! God has been so very good to us in our
journey. As much as we longed for the end of our deputation, our travels taught
us so many invaluable lessons that will always be with us. The churches we
visited and the friends we made will always be very near to our heart as well.
Our
trip to Peru was almost seamless! Our fellow teammates, the Szabatins, were so
gracious to drive us up to Toronto. The
check-in process at the Toronto airport started off a little rough, as we were
told none of our baggage (which was a lot) was going to make it to Peru (very
long story)! God quickly intervened, and
we, along with our six totes, three carry-ons, and dog made it onto the
plane. I wish I had the time and space
to share all the “I love yous” God gave us along the way. We had a very smooth flight and then a 7½-hour
layover in Bogota, Colombia. We were not
sure how we were going to care for our small dog, but security quickly fell in
love with her, as did all the drug-sniffing dogs! Once again, God showed us He was watching out
for us. We then made the short flight
into Lima. Believe it or not, we breezed
through customs without a single question, retrieved ALL of our luggage, and only one tote was searched! I think we must be in God’s will!! Around 1:00 Wednesday morning, we were
greeted at the airport by Bro. Dan Hubbard, Bro. Zach Foust, and a cup of Starbucks! Thank you to each one of you who have been
praying. Your prayers have truly made a
difference.
Our
two weeks in Lima have gone by so fast.
After being in the staging home for only three days, we moved into a
temporary apartment in Chorrillos. What
a beautiful area! Chorrillos is the
district where we will be permanently located and where our church will be. We have spent a lot of time searching for the
right apartment and for a church building.
Please pray that God continues to guide us and give us the wisdom needed
to make the right decisions. We have
three beautiful apartments we are looking at and trying to “negotiate.” The negotiation process is certainly
different than in States, and we want to make sure we get what is best for our
family. After being without a home of
her own for over a year, I am eager to give Jessica a place she loves and can
call her own.
Since
our arrival, we have officially started the Iglesia Bautist Internacional! We are currently meeting in
Bro. Hubbard’s apartment but are looking at an ideal piece of property. Please pray that God will open the door for
us if this is His will. Having the
church started is great, but in our current neighborhood, it is hard for the
people to get to us. I am eager to get
the church in a permanent location in the midst of the people, so we can begin
bringing in multitudes of Peruvian people!
We
have spent much time walking up and down the streets of Chorrillos, praying for
and talking to the people. We have been
able to give the Gospel to many and have over a dozen people and/or families
interested in visiting our church. God
also has already opened a door for us to begin a home Bible study next
week. Please continue to pray for the
people of Lima. I have such big dreams
and aspirations, not only for our district but also for the rest of Lima and
all of Peru. In a city of 9 million
people and a district alone of 260,000 people, I cannot wait to see what God
will allow us to do!
Thank
you to each of you for your faithful prayers and support. Jessica and I are so thrilled to labor in
Peru on your behalf. I cannot wait to
get through this time of acclamation and transition and consume myself in the
ministry. We have spent much time
purchasing appliances, apartment hunting, ordering furniture, acquainting
ourselves with the stores and public transportation, and working on our
visas. Although all this is necessary, I
long to turn my attention solely to reaching the people of Peru. The Peruvian money unit is called a sol.
Everytime I am asked for “just one sol,”
I cannot help but think of the countless souls around me who need to
hear the Gospel. Thank you for believing
in us and for praying for us. I can
hardly wait to see what amazing things will happen in July!
Your
ambassadors to Peru,
Junior and Jessica Martin
Romans
9:3
