Thankfully the rest of our trip in Lima was very productive. This included obtaining a copy (or three of them to be precise) of my Peruvian birth certificate. The wasn't particularly difficult but took most of the day. In the end it was amazing to see the details about my birth, some of which I didn't know, written about me 29 years ago. Apparently I was born at ten. At the bottom was my Dad's signature. In a strange way, perhaps being soo far from home, getting this birth certificate was oddly emotive.
As I have reflected on this over the past few days it has also reminded me that my name is written in another book, a book which will be opened at the end of times, the 'Book of Life'. My name, written in that book, is in a sense a record of my spiritual birth. When I got my Peruvian birth certificate I was told that with this document I can proceed and obtain full Peruvian citizenship and the right to vote or become the president, not hat I would ever want the hastle. Spiritually speaking the fact that my name is written in the 'Book of Life' evidences my heavenly citizenship and the fact that I am a citizen of Gods kingdom and part of the Church.
I could go on pondering this amazing topic but the above will suffice for now.
Now I am back in Ilo preparing to go for another week of camps. This time it's a family camp which no doubt will have a different dynamic to it than the youth camp. Please continue to pray that God would give, and that we would be faithful in taking, opportunities to share to gospel. Also, writing from 'camp nurse' point of view, please pray there would be no serious illness or injury among campers or leaders.
I look forward to letting you know how camp went once I return.
God Bless,
Alistair.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Monday, 9 February 2009
Lima
Hi, this is just a short post to inform you of answered prayer. We arrived safely, though exhausted, in Lima yesterday. We made an early start this morning and headed to the immigrations office. We had allocated two days to complete the necessary paperwork, and a third just in case of complications. However, God answered prayer and we were able to complete all the necessary procedures, and walk out of immigrations with our residency cards in hand at 11:45am, just before they closed for lunch at midday. It was a great relief that there were no complications etc. Thanks once again to all who prayed.
Grace Roycroft's does seem to be a little more complicated but it will not be completed for a few months yet as her paperwork couldn't be commenced until her parents paperwork was complete. So we would value continued prayer on her behalf.
Now having a resident status we were able to open bank accounts this afternoon, which will save us from having to carry cash on our person. It also means we don't have to carry our passports everywhere we go as a form of ID which is comforting.
In the next few days we have a few other things to do like getting a couple of copies of my birth certificate. Good thing I was born in Lima. This actually confused the man at immigrations considerably, why someone born in Lima was now applying for foreign residency status. I suppose I could apply for Peruvian citizenship, but one thing at a time for now. Anyway tomorrow I'll try and get new copies of my birth certificate. For some unknown reason I'm quite excited about this, I just don't know why.
My latest educational experience has been learning how to upload photos on the blog, thanks to Andrew Roycroft guidance.
The two photos I've uploaded refer back to the previous post about the youth camp. The first photo is of some of the camp leaders, including the 'Mision Rescate' team, Richard who helps with the church plant in Ite (beside mein the back row), the guest speaker Santiago (in the front row in red shorts and grey top) and myself.
The second photo depicts some of the unfortunate individuals being 'placed' in the typhoid tank. At this point I'm still behind the camera but shortly got in of my own accord to save being 'placed' there.
Grace Roycroft's does seem to be a little more complicated but it will not be completed for a few months yet as her paperwork couldn't be commenced until her parents paperwork was complete. So we would value continued prayer on her behalf.
Now having a resident status we were able to open bank accounts this afternoon, which will save us from having to carry cash on our person. It also means we don't have to carry our passports everywhere we go as a form of ID which is comforting.
In the next few days we have a few other things to do like getting a couple of copies of my birth certificate. Good thing I was born in Lima. This actually confused the man at immigrations considerably, why someone born in Lima was now applying for foreign residency status. I suppose I could apply for Peruvian citizenship, but one thing at a time for now. Anyway tomorrow I'll try and get new copies of my birth certificate. For some unknown reason I'm quite excited about this, I just don't know why.
My latest educational experience has been learning how to upload photos on the blog, thanks to Andrew Roycroft guidance.
The two photos I've uploaded refer back to the previous post about the youth camp. The first photo is of some of the camp leaders, including the 'Mision Rescate' team, Richard who helps with the church plant in Ite (beside mein the back row), the guest speaker Santiago (in the front row in red shorts and grey top) and myself.
The second photo depicts some of the unfortunate individuals being 'placed' in the typhoid tank. At this point I'm still behind the camera but shortly got in of my own accord to save being 'placed' there. 
I have to go now but will write again soon. God Bless.
Alistair
Sunday, 8 February 2009
On the go
Hi, I´m just back from a week at youth camp 2009 at the camp centre in Ite and I´m trying to get up to date with e-mails etc. (Whats changed?)
To start with camp was excellent. It was exhausting but soo worthwhile. It ran from Saturday to Saturday with roughly 40 or so young people from 12 to 25. The schedule was very full with little time to rest or catch a breath, so to speak. We went to the beach, to Ite and then had all the normal activities provided, like football etc, and then the more abnormal stuff like a 12 station assault course. Thankfully I didn´t have to run it, but that didn´t stop me from getting dunked in the `Lake of Piranhas´ on the last day by the campers. It was essentially week old stagnant water with any number of dead bugs in it. I dubbed it `Typhoid Tank´. Good for the immune system I say!
The theme for the week was "Are you Listening" and focused on essentially the importance of what God is telling us in His Word. It was a very appropriate topic. The speaker was an actor from Lima called Santiago. He was great and really motivated both the campers and all us leaders. I´ll not say much more about this as I was given the opportunity to write an article about the camp for the Baptist magazine, so you´ll get more info then.
It was really good to get a chance to work with the `Mision Rescate´team this week. It allowed me to get to know them, and frankly they are a fantastic team of young adults. Each very different in their gifts and personality. I´ve been so impressed and encouraged by their servant attitude, their dedication and their enthusiasm no matter what the task. Please pray for them as this is a particularly busy month for them.
I got back from camp yesterday evening and then Trevor Morrow and I left Ilo at 4am to travel to Tacna as we head to Lima today. We had to leave early in order to give Santiago, the guest speaker, a lift to the airport in Tacna as his flight left at 7am. Ours isn´t until 11:15am so I´m taking the opportunity of some free time to catch up on e-mails and this blog. The Roycrofts will join us here in about an hour and we´ll head to Lima to try and finish our immigration procedures, and get Grace Roycrofts started. Hopefully no drug smugglers or mafia kingpins have been using the alias `Alistair Creelman´ or it might make my Interpol visit more lengthy than I would care for.
On a serious note though I, and I know then others also, would value your prayers during this trip. Please pray that the immigration office visits would go smoothly and that there wouldn´t be last minute changes in laws or requirements that would cause delay. Also pray for our saftey as we travel about Lima.
Also pray for all those involved in preparing for the family camp at Ite while we´re in Lima. It starts next Saturday.
Thank you all once again for keeping up to date with this blog. Your prayers and comments are a source of great encouragement.
God Bless,
Alistair.
To start with camp was excellent. It was exhausting but soo worthwhile. It ran from Saturday to Saturday with roughly 40 or so young people from 12 to 25. The schedule was very full with little time to rest or catch a breath, so to speak. We went to the beach, to Ite and then had all the normal activities provided, like football etc, and then the more abnormal stuff like a 12 station assault course. Thankfully I didn´t have to run it, but that didn´t stop me from getting dunked in the `Lake of Piranhas´ on the last day by the campers. It was essentially week old stagnant water with any number of dead bugs in it. I dubbed it `Typhoid Tank´. Good for the immune system I say!
The theme for the week was "Are you Listening" and focused on essentially the importance of what God is telling us in His Word. It was a very appropriate topic. The speaker was an actor from Lima called Santiago. He was great and really motivated both the campers and all us leaders. I´ll not say much more about this as I was given the opportunity to write an article about the camp for the Baptist magazine, so you´ll get more info then.
It was really good to get a chance to work with the `Mision Rescate´team this week. It allowed me to get to know them, and frankly they are a fantastic team of young adults. Each very different in their gifts and personality. I´ve been so impressed and encouraged by their servant attitude, their dedication and their enthusiasm no matter what the task. Please pray for them as this is a particularly busy month for them.
I got back from camp yesterday evening and then Trevor Morrow and I left Ilo at 4am to travel to Tacna as we head to Lima today. We had to leave early in order to give Santiago, the guest speaker, a lift to the airport in Tacna as his flight left at 7am. Ours isn´t until 11:15am so I´m taking the opportunity of some free time to catch up on e-mails and this blog. The Roycrofts will join us here in about an hour and we´ll head to Lima to try and finish our immigration procedures, and get Grace Roycrofts started. Hopefully no drug smugglers or mafia kingpins have been using the alias `Alistair Creelman´ or it might make my Interpol visit more lengthy than I would care for.
On a serious note though I, and I know then others also, would value your prayers during this trip. Please pray that the immigration office visits would go smoothly and that there wouldn´t be last minute changes in laws or requirements that would cause delay. Also pray for our saftey as we travel about Lima.
Also pray for all those involved in preparing for the family camp at Ite while we´re in Lima. It starts next Saturday.
Thank you all once again for keeping up to date with this blog. Your prayers and comments are a source of great encouragement.
God Bless,
Alistair.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
up to date
The last post ended with us arriving in Ilo.
Since arriving in Ilo I have been living with the Murphy family who have very kindly let me stay with them. Its been great to get to know them and share their home. In between trying to settle in and do things like trying to open bank accounts (unsuccessfully until we finish our immigration procedures apparently) Dave has been explaining to me the workings of the 'Mision Rescate' team and the responsibilities I'll have once he goes home on deputation.
Last week I was out of action for about three days with a tummy bug, I'm not sure if its something I got since I arrived, or something I brought with me. In the end thats just another part of settling in to a new culture.
This week Trevor, the Roycrofts and I went to Arequipa for three days. This was to move some of the Roycrofts belongings and to sort our accomodations for language study. We are supposed to all start in March, and it looks as though I'll be living with the McKelvie family from Mountpottinger Baptist who serve with SIM in Arequipa. It will be a good chance to catch up and it makes going to Arequipa a little less daunting. I'm only going for one month but I reckon it will be hard work but very profitable. I'll keep you posted on this.
We also were able to get a lot of other things sorted while in Arequipa which made the trip even more worthwhile. I also managed to find a hat that actually fits properly and will keep my head from looking like a tomato with a beard!
On Saturday I'm going to go to Ite to stay and help at the youth camp that starts then. I have been given the responsibility of being the camp first aider/nurse. I'm looking forward to the camp. Some prayer points include:
Since arriving in Ilo I have been living with the Murphy family who have very kindly let me stay with them. Its been great to get to know them and share their home. In between trying to settle in and do things like trying to open bank accounts (unsuccessfully until we finish our immigration procedures apparently) Dave has been explaining to me the workings of the 'Mision Rescate' team and the responsibilities I'll have once he goes home on deputation.
Last week I was out of action for about three days with a tummy bug, I'm not sure if its something I got since I arrived, or something I brought with me. In the end thats just another part of settling in to a new culture.
This week Trevor, the Roycrofts and I went to Arequipa for three days. This was to move some of the Roycrofts belongings and to sort our accomodations for language study. We are supposed to all start in March, and it looks as though I'll be living with the McKelvie family from Mountpottinger Baptist who serve with SIM in Arequipa. It will be a good chance to catch up and it makes going to Arequipa a little less daunting. I'm only going for one month but I reckon it will be hard work but very profitable. I'll keep you posted on this.
We also were able to get a lot of other things sorted while in Arequipa which made the trip even more worthwhile. I also managed to find a hat that actually fits properly and will keep my head from looking like a tomato with a beard!
On Saturday I'm going to go to Ite to stay and help at the youth camp that starts then. I have been given the responsibility of being the camp first aider/nurse. I'm looking forward to the camp. Some prayer points include:
- That there are no major injuries or illnesses.
- That a good number of young people turn up.
- That it would be enjoyable, but more importantly, a spiritually enriching experience for the campers.
- For all the leaders, speakers and helpers as they interact with the young people.
With the camp in view I plan to spend today and some of tomorrow purchasing items for the camp both personal and for the first aid box, which is proving a little harder than expected. For example I can't find just plain non-elasticated bandages.
I value your prayers immensely. Please keep praying both for the specific items I share but also the more general everpresent issues that are simply part of missionary life in this country for example safety walking around town and safety in travels. This was highlighted yesterday on our return from Arequipa. On the bends going up and down mountains, which anyone who has been to Peru will be familiar with, the recklessness of other drivers were at times astounding.
I better go now, but I'll write again when I get the chance and let you know how the camp went.
Thanks and God Bless.
Alistair
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
getting caught up
I'm continuing trying to get caught up with what all has happened.
I departed from Dublin airport on the 11th. It was a tearful farewell to parents and granny, made perhaps worse by the fact I was travelling alone. Thankfully I had the assurance that God was with me and knew exactly the emotions I was experiencing. The flights both the Madrid and then on to Lima were uneventful.
I arrived at 7:45am on the 12th. I was met in the airport by Trevor Morrow who took me to the flat we were to stay in. The Roycrofts arrived later that day. Over the next two days we initiated our visits to various offices and warehouses to try and get paperwork sorted. This even included a dental inspection at Interpol.
We were also able to meet up with Tom and Isobel Fleming as they travelled home. As many know, Tom is seriously ill. While they spent 7 hours or so in Lima airport awaiting their international flight we were able to spend some time with them. I am amazed at how God showed himself sovereign at this time. The fact that our stint in Lima coincided with their emergency, unpredicted, trip home was no coincidence! In fact we happened to be across the road from the airport in the frieght warehouses trying to get the Roycrofts belongings released.
My abiding memory however, of these days was the care and support given by Trevor. Leaving home and all that in involved is difficult, yet the little things Trevor did, like having a phone card available so I could phone my parents as soon as I arrived, were very meaningful and much appreciated. Thoughtfulness like this can only come from someone who has been through the same experience you're going through.
I also valued the journal given to me by the Young Adults group. It included seven days of daily readings based of Clive Johnston sermons. I finished the last entry this morning. The journal also included some phone numbers which was helpful as I had forgotten to bring anyones phone number. They're all on my mobile which I didn't bring. I was touched by the thoughtfulness shown in the comments in the journal. I am very thankful to all who took time to write.
The upshot of the Lima paperwork extravegaza is that we will need to return to Lima in February for upto 5 days. This is to complete the paperwork already initiated.
We flew down to Tacna and then travelled to Ilo on Friday. We are now in the process of settling in and unpacking. I will bring you up to date with this in my next post.
Thankyou and God Bless,
Alistair
I departed from Dublin airport on the 11th. It was a tearful farewell to parents and granny, made perhaps worse by the fact I was travelling alone. Thankfully I had the assurance that God was with me and knew exactly the emotions I was experiencing. The flights both the Madrid and then on to Lima were uneventful.
I arrived at 7:45am on the 12th. I was met in the airport by Trevor Morrow who took me to the flat we were to stay in. The Roycrofts arrived later that day. Over the next two days we initiated our visits to various offices and warehouses to try and get paperwork sorted. This even included a dental inspection at Interpol.
We were also able to meet up with Tom and Isobel Fleming as they travelled home. As many know, Tom is seriously ill. While they spent 7 hours or so in Lima airport awaiting their international flight we were able to spend some time with them. I am amazed at how God showed himself sovereign at this time. The fact that our stint in Lima coincided with their emergency, unpredicted, trip home was no coincidence! In fact we happened to be across the road from the airport in the frieght warehouses trying to get the Roycrofts belongings released.
My abiding memory however, of these days was the care and support given by Trevor. Leaving home and all that in involved is difficult, yet the little things Trevor did, like having a phone card available so I could phone my parents as soon as I arrived, were very meaningful and much appreciated. Thoughtfulness like this can only come from someone who has been through the same experience you're going through.
I also valued the journal given to me by the Young Adults group. It included seven days of daily readings based of Clive Johnston sermons. I finished the last entry this morning. The journal also included some phone numbers which was helpful as I had forgotten to bring anyones phone number. They're all on my mobile which I didn't bring. I was touched by the thoughtfulness shown in the comments in the journal. I am very thankful to all who took time to write.
The upshot of the Lima paperwork extravegaza is that we will need to return to Lima in February for upto 5 days. This is to complete the paperwork already initiated.
We flew down to Tacna and then travelled to Ilo on Friday. We are now in the process of settling in and unpacking. I will bring you up to date with this in my next post.
Thankyou and God Bless,
Alistair
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Sooo much
Hi, sorry it's been soo long since I last wrote and soo much has happened since. I don't think I could relate all that has happened in one post so I'll do several posts over the next few days and catch up that way.
Since I last wrote I ended up having to go to London to sort out Visas for the Roycrofts and myself. We all flew over together and then I stayed overnight to collect them. It was a bit tedious but finally we succeeded. There followed a few intense days of packing, shopping and tidying my room. I also had to make numerous phone calls to cancel car insurance etc.
On Sunday the 11th I had a farewell service in my Church. It was excellent. I was soo encouraged by how many people made the effort to attend. People were so encouraging in what they said and the interest they showed.
Crucially the service closed with an act of commisioning which is entirely biblical. However, having experienced it, it has truely given me a renewed sense of purpose as I embark on this period of service in Peru. I am a strong believer in symbolic rituals like Communion and Baptism and the how they symbolically convey the spiritual truths. Commissioning is not on the same level as those (some may argue otherwise) but it has really impacted upon me. The thing is that I know that my Church is supporting me as I come to Peru. I need no convincing of that. Yet some how when the elders laid their hands on me it conveyed to me, and I believe to some in attendance who commented on it afterwards, the reality of what was happening. It has given me a confidence and reassurance that I'm not here just because I came, but rather because I was sent!
I was, as I mentioned above, very encouraged by the good attendance at my farewell. I have also been encouraged by the phone calls, e-mails, cards and messages I received from those not able to attend the farewell. Thankyou. It's so encouraging to know that such a large number of people will be upholding me in prayer while I'm here in Peru.
I will finish up for now and continue tomorrow as I endeavour to tell you about all that has happened this week.
God Bless,
Alistair
Since I last wrote I ended up having to go to London to sort out Visas for the Roycrofts and myself. We all flew over together and then I stayed overnight to collect them. It was a bit tedious but finally we succeeded. There followed a few intense days of packing, shopping and tidying my room. I also had to make numerous phone calls to cancel car insurance etc.
On Sunday the 11th I had a farewell service in my Church. It was excellent. I was soo encouraged by how many people made the effort to attend. People were so encouraging in what they said and the interest they showed.
Crucially the service closed with an act of commisioning which is entirely biblical. However, having experienced it, it has truely given me a renewed sense of purpose as I embark on this period of service in Peru. I am a strong believer in symbolic rituals like Communion and Baptism and the how they symbolically convey the spiritual truths. Commissioning is not on the same level as those (some may argue otherwise) but it has really impacted upon me. The thing is that I know that my Church is supporting me as I come to Peru. I need no convincing of that. Yet some how when the elders laid their hands on me it conveyed to me, and I believe to some in attendance who commented on it afterwards, the reality of what was happening. It has given me a confidence and reassurance that I'm not here just because I came, but rather because I was sent!
I was, as I mentioned above, very encouraged by the good attendance at my farewell. I have also been encouraged by the phone calls, e-mails, cards and messages I received from those not able to attend the farewell. Thankyou. It's so encouraging to know that such a large number of people will be upholding me in prayer while I'm here in Peru.
I will finish up for now and continue tomorrow as I endeavour to tell you about all that has happened this week.
God Bless,
Alistair
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
A bunch of 12's
Hi, time is flying by so fast. I only have one more shift to work before going to Peru. I celebrated my birthday on the 12th of December, and it suddenly occurred to me that it was exactly a month from then that I would be departing to go to Peru. I leave, if you don't already know, on the 12th of January. These two dates just happened to coincide in a sense, yet the reality that I am now ACTUALLY leaving dawned. There is so much still to be organised but I'm getting there.
I also wanted to write to let you all know that a farewell service has been arranged for me on Sunday the 11th of January at 4:30pm in Magherafelt Baptist Church. If you need directions let me know. It's the day before I leave and it would be great to see you all.
In terms of prayer the visas have been granted, so give thanks to the Lord for that. However, they are in London, so somewhere in the next week or so someone has to take our passports to London, get them stamped (or whatever needs to be done) and back. Arrangements are already in progress to try and determine how this will be achieved. Please pray that whatever arrangements are made, that all will run smoothly without any last minute crisis.
Thanks again for all your prayers and I will endeavour to post more regularly to keep you all informed.
Its past midnight which means, firstly I'm up too late, and secondly that it's the 31st. This means there are only 12 days until I go. Wow.
Thanks, God Bless, and have a happy New Year,
Alistair.
I also wanted to write to let you all know that a farewell service has been arranged for me on Sunday the 11th of January at 4:30pm in Magherafelt Baptist Church. If you need directions let me know. It's the day before I leave and it would be great to see you all.
In terms of prayer the visas have been granted, so give thanks to the Lord for that. However, they are in London, so somewhere in the next week or so someone has to take our passports to London, get them stamped (or whatever needs to be done) and back. Arrangements are already in progress to try and determine how this will be achieved. Please pray that whatever arrangements are made, that all will run smoothly without any last minute crisis.
Thanks again for all your prayers and I will endeavour to post more regularly to keep you all informed.
Its past midnight which means, firstly I'm up too late, and secondly that it's the 31st. This means there are only 12 days until I go. Wow.
Thanks, God Bless, and have a happy New Year,
Alistair.
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