Festival Parade

Our team, comprised of four churches from Minnesota, Texas and Peru gathered together to begin this trip with a parade through the streets of Callao. Thousands of fliers were passed to onlookers announcing the nightly celebrations we will be holding in the Coliseum just down the road from the Church.

Check out the photo gallery tab to see pictures from the event.

To be a fly on the wall in Dave’s cab:

I’ve always thought it would be interesting to take a cab ride with Dave Gibson. I, like most of you, have heard the stories of how Dave takes every opportunity to lead yet another cabbie to the Lord. The chances of me on a cab ride with Dave Gibson, however, are slim to none because I rarely travel in his circle. I’ve always heard it’s scary to travel with Dave – he’ll ask you to share your story.

Fast forward to July 26, 2008…I’m in Peru and I’m stranded at the coliseum because of a meeting I needed to be at. My only chance of getting back to the hotel was a van ride with Jeff Anderson, Rick (not the elder) Nelson and (gulp), Dave Gibson. I was thoroughly exhausted and sleep on the ride home was on my agenda.

God…and Dave, didn’t care whether I was sleep deprived. Ishmael, our driver, needed to know the Lord. The problem was Ishmael didn’t speak English. Dave turned to Rick and said “shall we give it a go?” Dave needed a translator and Rick made himself available. It made me think that I’d better be available too – you know, just in case.

I reminded myself that I can do it. I’m certainly capable of telling my story when called upon. But, which version? I have different slants based on the situations of people I run into. I’m scanning my story. It’s way too long. Think fast. Where can I shorten it? Which direction should I go with? All of this is going through my mind while I’m listening to Dave ask questions, Rick translate and Ishmael respond. We’ve moved beyond the point where I would speak, so now I’m relaxed and enjoying the interchange even more as I take mental notes on how a “pro” does it.

Ishmael did pray to receive Christ and we now have a new brother in Christ. The point of this story is to say 1) Don’t be afraid to be used by God, 2) Don’t leave the job of sharing Christ with the world to others because you think they will do a better job and 3) We can rejoice at the new life in Christ – way to go, Ishmael!

- Kerry Teel, Technical Director for the trip

Photo Gallery

The health and well-being of the team.

The resolution of a team member's lost passport.