One of the hardest things about church planting in a foreign country, for us, is missing the encouragement and edification of our church family. Whether it be worship, play, shooting the breeze, prayer or praise, being with other believers refreshes us like nothing else. Our lives are enriched, we are able to share our gifts with others and our oneness in Christ binds like nothing else.
The weeks and months and even years we've spent trying to build something from nothing are very difficult, as any missionary would say. Not having consistent fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ is definitely one of the things that make this journey a challenge. We sense and feel (physically it seems, at times) the huge family size hole in our hearts and miss so much the familiar ease and comaraderie we have with other Christians.
As new believers are added to the church, it is with much rejoicing, and joy in the knowledge we will once again be surrounded by family, albeit new members we are only beginning to know. The relationship with new believers is different, but sweet and wonderful just the same.
Family is a gift. Family we will spend eternity with is a treasure beyond measure. Love your church family. You need them! They need you!
Dear Williams Family,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want to commend and thank you for the work you are doing in Peru. Although it may seem impossible, daunting, unrewarding, unnoticed at times- it is reaping eternal benefits!
We are a family living in Phoenix, Arizona and just adopted a little girl in June who was born in an Ashaninka tribe near Satipo and who moved to Lima at the age of four. Her people are very much on our hearts. I am so encouraged to see the work you are doing, and look forward to following your blog and to hearing all of the amazing things Jesus is going to do there as a result of your sacrifice!
Many many blessings from one hot place to another!
love in Christ,
Rhonda LaBatt
(and husband Kerry, daughters Anna, Emily, and Savina)
our blog is labattsinperu.blogspot.com