Things are changing a bit in Paucarpata. When we went to the market last Thursday, Miriam wasn't there; so we followed her 9 year old, chatty-kathy of a niece to another section of the market. There we sat and listened to story after story and then began to make plans to teach her at the market the following week, In the process of talking about her friends that can join her, we started to talkto her mom about meeting with her family. So, we made plans to go out to her parent's house, which is where a cell group with Miriam and Sonia used to take place. When we got to Dalia's house later that day, Dalia told us that she needed to change days for discipleship and it just so happens that Wednesdays work perfect for her. We're hoping to get more of the family together, little by little (poco a poco).
We will be teaching Miriam at the market and a group of children as well. We have yet to meet with Cecilia and Jorge this month, but are trusting that good things are yet to come. We had spoke with them about having other believers join them in their house, which will be a great location to start a church because their dining room is much bigger than most houses I have been to.
Every week as we are leaving the market, we walk a street that usually has a couple of prostitutes. My heart has been burning to say something to them; I've been at a loss for how to start, so I contacted Lonna Vopat who has experience working with women in red light districts. She gave me great advice and I am praying for this week's encounter. Isaiah 61:1 won't let me go: "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners." This is uncharted territory for Wendy and I, but we know that God wants to liberate these women from such an oppressive lifestyle.
In February we have an impact event in Paucarpata, we have a park in mind that is close to Dalia's house. Please join us in prayer for the discipleship that is already established and what is opening up, for the event, and for uncharted territory led by the Holy Spirit. Pray that we effectively communicate the love and grace of God every day, in word and deed.
