In two weeks, Grace Presbyterian Church is sending a group to Peru to do whatever they can in Pisco. I admire the passion they have to go out of their "comfort zone" and show the love of Christ to fellow brothers and sisters in need.
I went to Peru the beginning of June with my Aunt Pam and my Uncle Carlos, we spent two days in Pisco. Through Grace Church, Pam and Carlos had donated money to different churches. We were there to see what that money was put toward and report back. It was amazing to see the strength and optimism of these people. They openly welcomed us and were more than willing to show how we helped them to rise out of the masses of rubble everywhere. We went to five churches and one school all of which had put the money to more than good use. It was a strong encouragement to see how far the people had come from almost a year ago when the earthquake first struck. I had been to Pisco only once before, about five years ago, and only have memories of going to the beach and running around with friends among the waves. It was shocking to see t
he state of things now and I found it overwhelming. The sadness of the devastation around was so real and yet the people and their faith was so great, I couldn't help but wonder how I would react if I lost everything like the people here...would I have the strength to stand on only my faith when the walls around me were dust? We all like to think we would but it's so hard to stand in someone else's shoes when you are only a spectator in a distant land.Although I was only in Pisco for 48 hours, the hope that grew in me filled up as though I might burst. I wanted to act, I had to help, there were miracles happening in this place. I was greatly encouraged by the president of the school in Pisco we funded. She was such a strong ambassador for Christ and His light beamed so strongly through her that I believe it was what led the way for us as we toured around to the different churches. She sacrificed all her time and energy to see that we met with all the necessary people and was always positive about the rebuilding of the town and the growing of the school. She had not received a salary since before the earthquake yet still gives her all to the school and it's growth. I have such admiration for this woman who against all obstacles, including the town saying she had to close down the school after the earthquake. Yet she never backed down claiming that more powerful things are at work than them and the school could not close!
I am excited for the group from our Church and know that God has wonderful things in store for them and the people of Pisco. It will be quite an adjustment for our group, especially those that have never been outside of the country, but I urge that they always keep in mind the fact that Pisco once was thriving and fully civilized....but now there is nothing. If they can live for a year with no walls, no roofs, no food, and no money, we can certainly endure such things with them. Through everything it is important to remember that God loves us and he cares for us, He will never put more ordeals and trials onto you than you can bear. His love endures. I wish everyone all the best as they embark out on this hopefully eye opening and life changing journey and of course encourage them to blog whenever they can so that all of the church may follow with them. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Gwen Leggett
"No He'll never put more on me...His Word said he wont, I believe it, I receive it, I claim it, It's mine!"
