Thunder & Lightning

Hi, I'm writing this post from Arequipa. Yes I got here safely and thank you to all who prayed for my travelling and also my settling in. I am living with the McKelvie family who serve the Lord here in Arequipa with SIM. They are primarily involved in a program which provides breakfast for underprivileged children. This is actually a busy period for them as they are buying supplies for the months ahead and coordinating with the various churches involved in the program. Please pray for their safety as they often have to carry large quantities of money on their person, to purchase the food for the program, in wholesale markets which are notoriously dangerous in terms of thieves.

I have also four days of language study over me. It involves both conversation and grammar classes. So far it is going well and the homework's have not been excessive (until my teachers read this!). I will say no more about this now as I will be able to elaborate more fully about language school as the weeks go by.

There is actually something else burdening my heart, which I want to write about. I am composing this post at 11pm and hope to post it on the internet tomorrow. As I write there is a thunder and lightning storm outside. I am staying in a room on the fourth floor which in many ways is great in terms of a panoramic view over the city etc. Tonight however, it also gives me an almost front row seat for the lightning show with thunder resounding ever more loudly all around me. I've tried my best, somewhat successfully, to photograph some of the lightning from one of my windows until it began to rain so hard I had to call it quits. I've posted the two best photos I managed to take, not amazing in quality but see what you think. Earlier I considered going up the last flight of stairs on to the roof above my room to try and get some even better photos but chickened out in the end. I may not have much hair on my head to singe, but I can't imagine a lightning bolt would improve my Spanish any. Thunder storms like this are common because of the altitude (Arequipa is 2200 metres above sea level). I can only imagine the lightning storms I'll perhaps see in Puno when I go there in April. Its at a much higher altitude than Arequipa.

As I sit here writing this, with lightning flashing in through the windows around me, and the sound of thunder booming I also remember the earth tremor two nights ago. I woke from my sleep to the sensation of my bed shaking and the metal single-pane windows vibrating, and began to think to myself was this really and earth tremor or perhaps some heavy goods vehicle passing by. Before I had concluded my pondering's the tremor had passed. I was later able to confirm that there actually had been an earth tremor (so much for my reflexes). Perhaps for those of you who don't know, Arequipa is located right beside an active volcano called 'Misti'. The crucial issue is that these small tremors, which are very regular in these parts, are actually very helpful as they allow tension to be released from the tectonic plates. One of the missionaries told me that back in 2001 the newspapers had publicised that 6 weeks had passed without a tremor. The very next day there was a large earthquake which caused a lot of damage both in here in Arequipa, but also in the south for example in Moquegua.
Reflecting on the tremor two nights ago, and the magnificent display of the power of nature unfolding around me, I can't help but become so profoundly aware of Gods power. The fact that he is in control of the tremors, of the thunderstorms, and of all creation.

Psalm 19 verses 1&2 say:

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge”

One of my most favourite songs is Chris Tomlin's 'Indescribable'. I have been listening to it just now and he sings that creation reveals God's majesty, something I am presently acutely aware of. He goes on to sing that God is “all powerful” and “untameable”. It is so easy to fall in to the temptation of conceiving God as a kind of teddy bear who we can have as a comfort where and when we choose. Whilst God is our Abba Father this thunder storm testifies clearly his almighty power and that fact that no-one can tame or control God. Chris Tomlin goes on to sing that God “has told every lightning bolt where it should fall”. As I look at the lightning bolts falling outside they seem to flash and crackle across the sky in an almost haphazard fashion, their destination appears unpredictable, yet God is in control. We may gaze in wonder but God has determined the path which each lightning bolt follows.

Psalm 19, continues to read in verses 3&4:

“There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.”

I wonder how anyone witnessing this spectacular display of nature could fail to see the creators hallmark imprinted throughout. Nature, as David writes in his Psalm, does proclaim God's greatness across language barriers. Attending language school I have met people who for example speak only German, or Norwegian and have had great difficulty communicating with them. Yet truly, language is no barrier to God and creations ability to display and proclaim boldly His majesty.

I can say no more... words simply do not suffice,
God Bless,
Alistair.

Conference time

Hi. Just catching up having returned from Ite. We had an excellent 24 hour conference. There was a really good attendance including children, parents etc. The schedule included Bible studies and relevant seminars dealing with issues related to mission. We also had a seminar on first aid very ably given by a local doctor and also a talk on security/emergency response by a local community security officer. These were aimed at enabling the mission workers to be able to deal with emergencies in their churches or ministry locations.

The highlight was definitely the last session where we celebrated the Lord's Supper. It was such an appropriate way the end the conference, by sharing communion as a team of mission workers both foreign and national. Many expressed how much they appreciated this.

Earlier in the day some also took the opportunity to run the 12 station assault course. It was very entertaining and also included the oldest person, so far, to ever complete the course. They shall remain nameless as far as this blog goes, though I shall reveal that they are in their late 70's and come from Ireland. All were left very impressed by this young (at heart) person's enthusiasm and determination.
Anyway, tonight I am packing for Arequipa. This is very much on my heart, I would sincerely ask for prayer especially for the journey. I realise I have already mentioned this for prayer numerous times already but I still remember the MADNESS exhibited by some of the other road users on our last trip to Arequipa. This time instead of trusting Trevor Morrow's excellent driving skills, I will be at the mercy of an anonymous bus driver, who may also be excellent, but one never knows.

God Bless until the next time,

Alistair.

The life of Abraham

Hi. This week was meant to be mission conference week, and it still is. Just things had to changed around a bit, primarily due to the fact that this is a very busy period for all of the missionaries in their various ministries. As such a three day conference proved unworkable, and instead we met yesterday here in Ilo as a mission family for a one day conference. It was great to meet the Brew family who I had not yet met since I arrived.

The highlight of the day was definitely the three sessions with Pastor Byers where we looked at the life of Abraham. It was spiritually nourishing and very challenging. There was also time spent in prayer for all the missionaries including myself which I valued greatly.

This is to be followed on Friday and Saturday by another conference, this time in Ite, with all the national workers (Pastors, lecturers etc) and missionaries. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to meet many of them who I know only by name, or haven't met in three years. Please pray that this gathering will also be a beneficial time of fellowship and spiritual nourishment for everyone.

Also this week some of us went on a boat trip around Ilo harbour. This is a popular attraction to everyone both tourists and Peruvians. We were able to see birds, boats, seals and some very large sea lions.

The other news is that I have finally bought my ticket to Arequipa, I leave by bus at 9am Sunday morning. Please continue to pray for safety as I travel and settle in to life there.

I'll aim, as always, to write again soon,
God Bless
Alistair.

Seafood & Needles

This week I have been attending family camp at the camp centre in Ite. It was much more relaxed than youth camp, with more time to chill out with those in attendance. There were still the usual activities like the beach, treasure hunt, assault course etc. Everybody entered into the spirit of the camp and created a very friendly atmosphere with a lot of camaraderie, for example on the assault course, even by individuals on opposing teams.

There wasn't a large number in attendance, but all those who did participated fully, took an interest in other campers. It also allowed those leading to get to know the campers much better with many fruitful conversations. Whilst there may not have been quantity, there was definitely quality.

One of the highlights as I look back was a lunch were one of the campers, a retired career soldier, took the notion that, as his contribution towards 'talent night', he would cook his favourite dish. This was a beautiful 'Ceviche', a seafood dish cooked in lemon juice. It's not a dish I particularly like, especially the shell fish, but this was really good!



Another experience that comes to mind, though not really a highlight per say, was having to give intramuscular injections to two of the Peruvian members on the 'Mision Rescate' team, one of whom was prescribed an antibiotic. What is of particular significance is that this was the first time I have ever given an antibiotic intramuscularly. I have given many intravenously but apparently it is common place in Peru to give penicillin intramuscularly. I really did not envy the poor patient. On the upside it seems to have done the trick. I realise that many who read this will not be at all interested in this, but probably my work colleagues, or other nurses, may.

One of the greatest encouragements about the camp, in a similar way to the youth camp, has been the promises made by all to return again next year. At the bonfire night many expressed their genuine enjoyment of camp and plan to return next year, not just themselves, but with other family and friends. Many of the young people plan to also attend to youth camp. I pray that these promises are fulfilled come next year, and that year by year attendance at all camps grow.

It has been a true pleasure to serve God, all be it in a small way, during both camps. I am left with a sense both of enjoyment, but more importantly spiritual growth not only from what was learnt during the teaching sessions, but also what God has taught me through the practicalities of the camp such as interactions with other leaders and campers. I leave camps exhausted, but already contemplating expectantly next year's camps.

This coming week includes a conference at Ite camp centre for all the mission workers. Pastor Byers, Gordon Darragh and John Brew will be speaking at it. I don't know much more than that, but I know it will be a great opportunity both to spend time studying God's word and also to meet up with the rest of the missionary family, some of whom I have not yet had the opportunity to meet since I arrived.

Next Friday or Saturday I then have to pack bags and travel to Arequipa for language study. I can't believe this time has already come. It seems as though I only arrived a week ago, yet next week will be my 7th in Peru. In a way, as fruitful a time as I hope language school will be, it will be good to get it over with and settle properly back into the work here in Ilo and Ite.

Some prayer points before I go would be

• safety as I travel to Arequipa.


• that I would feel Gods presence as I settle into life there.


• for both the Roycroft's and myself as we start language study. I don't know what to expect and therefore have a sense of trepidation as it approaches.

Sorry this has been a long post but that is what happens when you don't have access to the internet for over a week. Good to share with you though.

God Bless,
Alistair.

More Camps

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.

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.

I have to go now but will write again soon. God Bless.

Alistair

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.