Run For Their Lives

This morning I have a meeting to lay the groundwork for a 5k race that will raise awareness, and voices against the inhumane crime of sex trafficking.  Here are a few goals that you can help us pray for:

Race Day - October 20th, the same day it will be held in cities all across the United States

Race Course - including permission from the municipality to hold the race and close down necessary roads, support from neighbors where our potential course will be held, a clear pathway (Peru's neighborhood streets are often dead ended by a locked gate, which makes it difficult to create a fluid race course)

Race Team - a solid group of 4-5 people passionate about seeing Jesus glorified and his people justified, who have the time, wisdom, and creativity to make this thing work

Race Participants - we want to spread the word through the local church and open up this event to our surrounding communities. The more people who know about this issue, the more help we can provide, and the more lives that will be rescued and restored.  We would like to have at least 300 runners.

Race Logistics - the more I plan, the more I realize what is involved in organizing a race. We will need people who want to serve by running registration, passing out water, providing food, taking pictures and video, directing traffic, etc.

We have a long way to go in a short amount of time, but God is able! Thanks for joining us as we pray and plan to end modern day slavery in Peru and around the world.

One race at a time, one life at time. 

Together for the Kingdom!

Rescued

"Abigail! Abigail!" Voices erupted from the school soccer field where our PE class usually reeks havoc. 25 1st graders ran wildly trying to escape the chosen few chasing them with small, yellow balls in hand. If they were unfortunate enough to be tagged, they were frozen until rescued by the one student holding the magical blue ball- the ball that set them free to run again. A chorus of desperate voices rang out as more and more students stopped frozen in place, dying to join those who had escaped. It was in that moment that I had an epiphany. When handfuls of kids were crying out to be rescued, I had the perfect analogy of the Gospel. Gathering them all together after the game had ended, I drew their attention to the parallels between "ball tag" and the story of salvation. Who is the ONLY one who can save us? "Jesus," they answered. The feeling of being helpless and then set free was no longer a foreign concept. Ball Tag was the perfect personification of the gospel for 1st grade minds. I love how God can use a simple game of tag to teach His children the incredible truth of His saving grace. I hope it's a lesson they never forget.

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.       John 14:6

Anything Else?

In exactly one hour I should be sitting on a plane headed for Tampa, FL, but instead I'm sitting in my room writing a journal entry from my bed. Ever since I decided to fly home for vacation, my trip seemed destined for trouble. A week after I got special permission from my school director to leave a day early, I was looking over my calendar and finalizing a few plans for the weeks ahead when it dawned on me. A scheduling conflict made me realize that I had booked my trip one week TOO EARLY than I meant to! A dumb mistake that was eventually resolved $110 later. "Thank you Lord that I saw that NOW and not when I arrived at the airport (a week too late!)," I remember praying. 

Fast forward about a month and a half later. It's the night before the day I was to fly home. While catching up with a friend over Skype about her recent trip back to the States, she wished me luck -her's turned out complicated and stressful. The rest of our conversation went something like this:
April: "Just make sure you have the little white paper." (Immigration form)
Me: "I don't have that, Mr. Voysest does."
April: "You can't leave the country without it! Call him right now!"
Well how convenient that his wife works at the school. I'll just ask him to pass it along to her, and she can give it to me when I see her at work the following day... Or so I thought. Come to find out, that this little white slip was now in the possession of the Peruvian government officials responsible for issuing my Carnet (foreign resident identification card) - requiring a drawn out and somewhat complicated process, during which I am not allowed to leave the country. Perfect. Now what? My flight was scheduled to leave in T-24 hours and I had to get special permission to leave the country.
I called my parents to give them a heads-up on the situation and asked if they could send any medical documents to help me plead my case to travel home. Since I recently had a major medical issue, with a follow up appointment scheduled for Monday (3 days after I was to arrive), I figured I had a pretty good excuse. We had to get a bit creative though in order to prove that my appointment was indeed real. Because my mom had made the appointment over the phone, we had no written record to show for it. Luckily with an old "appointment reminder" card and some white out, we were back in business.
So along with some recent medical records, a copy of my passport, my actual passport, a copy of my flight itinerary, 2 other signed documents and 25 soles, I was headed to downtown Lima the next morning for an adventure at the Immigration's Office. After standing in 3 lines, paying a fee, and practicing my heart wrenching speech, we walked up to the window where the woman with the power to send me home told us that she would not even consider my case because I was requesting to leave in less than 24 hours. However, I found out that I could still leave that night, but the status of my carnet would be terminated and I would have to restart the entire process from the beginning- notaries, fingerprints, application fee- the whole shebang. But I was still going home, "Thank you, Lord."
5:30 pm rolls around and my taxi would arrive soon to take me to the airport at 7:00. When my roommate asks me what time I will arrive at home, I decide to check my email- just for good measure. An unread email awaited in my inbox, subject line "Spirit Airlines flight cancellation." Opening it only confirmed my disappointment. My hope hadn't completely faded yet because I jumped back and forth between the phone and computer for the next 30 minutes, until it was finally confirmed online. The rest of the story is just a jumble of details, but long story short I was finally able to get another flight home leaving Peru 2 days later. Unfortunately, these plans weren't finalized before the taxi arrived, so I had the pleasure of paying the cancellation fee.
Even with pockets growing empty and expectations of seeing the Sunshine State any time soon running low, I know my God is still in control. And I'm so glad He is! Because I know that frustrating things like this have a purpose and He's teaching me through it- even if I have to learn the hard way. I overheard my roommate playing this song in the other room and I felt like it fit the situation perfectly!

"This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use"

The Way of the Master

For the past few weeks our church has been learning "The Way of the Master," an evangelism course created by Kirk Cameron. Today we put our training into practice and hit the dusty streets of Manchay to share the exciting news of freedom and forgiveness! The conversations were intriguing and interesting, to say the least. Because most people have been raised in the Catholic faith, it was genuinely exciting to share about redemption outside of works. If you're unfamiliar with The Way of the Master, check out their website  http://wayofthemaster.com/, or take "the test" for yourself!  http://www.areyouagoodperson.org/ Below are a few pictures from today...

 Mr. Surrett giving some last minute instructions to our group before heading out

 Gathering materials to hand out

 First stop: neighborhood park. Emily did an illusion and was able to share with the kids there!

 Talking with some street vendors

Emily sharing the gospel 

Daring to be Audacious

I recently finished an autobiography called Mud, Sweat and Tears by the great adventure seeker, Bear Grylls. A regular ol’ English chap, whose childhood was nothing more than climbing trees and mischievous thrills, which no doubt became the catalyst for some of his biggest achievements such as climbing Mt. Everest at 23 years old, joining the 21 Special Air Service, and starring in Discovery Channel’s “Man vs. Wild.” Needless to say, after I finished reading, I was inspired to take on just about anything.  On my way home from school after a long day, I was feeling super hungry and annoyed at the 10 minute walk ahead of me. Walk for 10 minutes… or run for 5? The sooner I’m home, the sooner I eat, and the sooner this day is over. My backpack wasn’t too heavy, and the slight incline in the road dared me to try it. After convincing myself that I didn’t care what people thought of me as they drove past, I began jogging up the road. 2 minutes later I was dying, gasping for air and trying to ignore the burning sensation in my legs. I was determined to make it to the end; by now consumed in my own little world. If only I would have known the battle it turned out to be! However, unregretful and perhaps a bit too proud, I walked through the door of my house with a big smile across my sweaty face. Partly driven by hunger, the other by curiosity (or perhaps insanity), I reached my goal- and a new found respect for the man in my book.

Now if only I can learn to apply the words of the Word, and dare to be audacious for the Kingdom’s cause; I may appear crazy, but at least I’ll make a difference.  ^“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22-25. 

Stress > Boredom

I hit the ground running ever since I arrived back in Lima on March 31st. Even though my luggage couldn't quite keep up with my pace, I'm thankful that it arrived a couple days later!

Returning home unexpectedly was a challenge. I tried to stay busy, or read a lot, or be productive in some way or another, but it was hard to settle when my heart was still in Peru. Now, I'm going to bed at 9:00 because I know the next day is packed with things to do! I wouldn't have it any other way though. It's good to be needed, and it's satisfying to have work to do.

School is going very well. I'm enjoying life in Lima 100 times more already than I did last year. A lot of minor changes can make a huge difference. I'm so thankful for a PE curriculum this year, the new boy's PE teacher who has been a huge help to me, the chance to be a home room teacher for the senior class, the opportunity I have to disciple the 6th grade girls, and just the familiarity of things this time around.

Health update: I had surgery in early February to remove the remaining cancerous/precancerous cells (melanoma). All went well, but the healing process didn't seem to go fast enough. They sewed me up with internal and external stitches- the external ones were taken out 2 weeks later, and the internal stitches were said to dissolve in 3-5 months. The doctor said he couldn't assure me it was caused by the sun because of the location (left side of my ribs), therefore I don't have to hide from sunlight for the rest of my life. However, I've been painting my body in sunscreen ever since just to be safe. The doctor told me, "There was an angel sitting on your shoulder when you walked in here, because if you had come any later we would be talking about different strategies to treat this thing." Call it what you will, but I know the Lord was watching over me through it all. He is my Protector and my Healer after all :)

Thank you all for you prayers! Together for the kingdom.

                                 My housemates together on Easter Sunday



"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" Ephesians 3:20


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KONY 2012

It's been 3 and a half weeks since I returned home and it will be 3 and a half weeks more until I'm cleared to go back to Peru. The healing process has made me restless and given me more time than I know what to do with. So, because I'm not chasing children and doing jumping jacks, I thought I'd share with you what I am doing with my time these days. Watch the video below- MAKE the time. Fight for justice. Make him famous. STOP KONY 2012.

ISAIAH 61

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has tanointed me

to bring good news to the poor;1

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and uthe opening of the prison to those who are bound;2

2 vto proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,

wand the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

xto give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

ythe oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

zthat they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, athat he may be glorified.3

4 bThey shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

A Sigh of Relief

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." 1 John 5:14


In hindsight, my previous blog might appear a bit dramatic given the report I received today. I'm thankful all the same though that the doctor I traveled 4 1/2 hours to see didn't give me any alarming news! As it turns out, the skin removed a couple weeks ago was precancerous  (whew!), but still requires a deeper incision to get rid of the rest before it develops. They'll send it back to the lab to make sure I'm clear, but if all goes well I think I'll be on my way back to Peru in no time :) 


In the meantime, I'll have a little extra time to work on lesson plans, spend with my family, and catch up on some NCAA basketball (yay!). 


Thanks again to everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, wrote me, brought me gifts- everything! Your support has meant so much. 


And thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers! 

Florida Bound?

The Latest in Lima has now become The Latest in Florida. Even though I arrived safely in Peru on February 5th, there's been an unexpected turn of events turning me right back around to Florida.

About a week before I was to be flying back to Peru I went to the dermatologist on a mere whim (a sovereign whim if you know what I mean). A few things had plagued my thoughts and finally after watching a youtube video on skin cancer that I had found by scrolling my facebook homepage ("Dear 16-year old me")  I decided to walk in to see about an appointment. After all, I work outside all day and it runs in my family, so if for the very least I thought it would give me peace of mind. They couldn't fit me in immediately, but the doctors worked together and I was able to get an appointment 3 days before I left the country. They ended up taking a piece of skin to biopsy and the doctor assured me it was nothing.

This past Wednesday I was at a staff retreat and received a message through the grapevine that my mom was trying to get a hold of me. I already knew why she was calling, but I hoped she was just missing me a lot ;) "There's good news and there's bad news," she said. "The good news is we went to the doctor when we did, the bad news is that they found the early stages of melanoma." My thoughts were trying to keep up with the news, but it wasn't until she told me that there was a possibility I would not be able to return to Peru that my heart broke. I remember hanging up the phone and through my tears I said aloud, "I trust you, God." My mind began processing and naturally I began to assume the worse, yet in a strange way it gave me a fight and a tenacity unlike one I've known. My life's purpose grew all the more clear: Make Christ known. Sickness and death are only repercussions of a fallen world, a world broken by sin. God grace was that more alluring, fascinating. My friend Emily was close by to offer me some immediate encouragement and comfort and it didn't take long for me to simply accept the news. After all, why do I need to fear? My God created the world. My Savior defeated death. My hope is found in Him. Not hope against the worst, but hope to walk in His strength.

Tomorrow morning I will fly back to Tampa and follow up with a doctor in Jacksonville within a few days. Depending on his assessment will determine if I can return to Peru.

There are a lot of encouraging verses throughout the Bible, but one chapter I read last night made me smile.


Psalm 116

I Love the LORD

 ¹ I ^(A)love the LORD, because he has ^(B)heard 
   my voice and my pleas for mercy. 
² Because he ^(C)inclined his ear to me, 
   therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 
^3 (D)The snares of death encompassed me; 
   the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; 
   I suffered distress and anguish. 
⁴ Then ^(E)I called on the name of the LORD: 
   “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”

 ^5 (F)Gracious is the LORD, and ^(G)righteous;
   our God is ^(H)merciful.
⁶ The LORD preserves ^(I)the simple;
   when ^(J)I was brought low, he saved me.
⁷ Return, O my soul, to your ^(K)rest;
   for the LORD has ^(L)dealt bountifully with you.

 ⁸ For ^(M)you have delivered my soul from death,
   my eyes from tears,
   my feet from stumbling;
⁹ I will walk before the LORD
   ^(N)in the land of the living.

 ^10 (O)I believed, ^(P)even when^[a] I spoke:
   “I am greatly afflicted”;
^11 (Q)I said in my alarm,
   ^(R)“All mankind are liars.”

 ¹² What shall I ^(S)render to the LORD
   for all his benefits to me?
¹³ I will lift up ^(T)the cup of salvation
   and ^(U)call on the name of the LORD,
¹⁴ I will ^(V)pay my vows to the LORD
   in the presence of all his people...

I have already been rescued, I have already been healed. Not from sickness, but sin. Not by medicine, but grace. My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Please pray for me, but please don't feel bad for me. Because of this situation I can encourage a world of people I couldn't relate to before this (2 Corinthians 1:2-7). God is my strength and God is my confidence. His story will continue, and His name will be magnified.