Greetings from sunny (and hot) Tacna, Peru! It is hard to get grass to grow here in the desert. You may have to water, and water, and water it, and it may or may not grow. I am so thankful that the Word of God is not that way, According to I Peter 1:23, the Bible is an incorruptible seed that lives and abides forever. I’m glad that the Bible can bring forth spiritual life where corruptible traditions, religions, and good works cannot.
Arrival of Pastor Henry Sucapuca and Family
We were very glad to welcome Pastor Henry, his wife Irene, and their children Esteban, Lidia, and Miriam on January 15th. Pastor Henry is a wise and godly man who fully believes that God has called him to work and serve in Calvary Baptist Church. Please pray that the transition for Henry and his family will go smoothly, and that they will be able to find a school for their children for the upcoming school year that begins in March.
Anniversary Service
We had an evangelistic campaign to celebrate the anniversary of our church (17 years) with services Wednesday through Sunday, ending with a special lunch on Sunday afternoon. The services were well-attended, and there were 2 precious souls that made a profession of faith in Christ! Praise the Lord!
Vacation Bible Schools
We have had the privilege of taking part in 4 Vacation Bible Schools this summer. We were first able to help Pastor Willy and the folks of Grace Baptist Church do a two-day Bible school near their church location. In addition, we have been able to hold 3 other 3-day Bible schools in the areas where we have Saturday children’s Bible clubs during the school year and pick up children for church on Sunday mornings. We have been able to minister to more than 300 children! It has been a blessing to see everyone working together to help the children of our city hear the message of salvation. Please pray that the Lord would raise up fruit that would remain among these children and their families.
Visas
Please continue to pray that the Lord would help our visa processes to move along efficiently. We have seen some advances, but continue to wait on other things to be processed.
Upcoming Furlough
We are making plans to return to the States for a short furlough in August of this year through January, 2017. It would certainly be a pleasure to come by your church and share what the Lord is doing here in Peru. Please feel free to communicate with me through our Vonage phone (330-238-4944) or by e-mail at rstover22@yahoo.com. Also, please pray that the Lord would allow us to find airline tickets at an affordable price.
Thank you for all your prayers and giving for the work that the Lord has called us to do.
Rejoicing in Him,
Robert, Sara, Josiah, Caleb, Joshua, Lydia, Zachary, and Elijah Stover