Abraham Avila Prayer Letter: Soul-Winning Marathon . . . At a Cemetery?!

Our feet were tired and dusty, but we wouldn’t have done it any other way.

I was speaking with my dad a few days ago. He asked me how we’ve been. I could tell he was mentally tired by the slight slurring of his words. He mentioned how intensive and productive his therapy was and that he could see a difference in gained movement since his stroke in August. I recapped some of the big events in the last few weeks/months here in Peru. He was happy to hear them, and then he told me to ensure that our kiddos remember them, as they were important life events. I mentioned to him that I am storing our prayer letters so that one day our kids can show them to our grandkids. He really liked that idea. Below are a couple of those stories.

I was asked by one of the elders in our church, IBI San Gabriel, if I would be willing to preach at one of the elderly meetings for the local community. A couple days later, my family and I were before 75-plus elderly of Villa Maria del Triunfo. I preached and gave the plan of salvation. More than half the room prayed out loud and received Christ as their Saviour. Afterwards my kiddos walked around and handed out tracts from the church in San Gabriel. One cute elderly lady stated that she was very happy to hear a clear biblical message outlining how she could “get to Heaven.”

A few weeks later, my family and I joined Pastor Rader and Pastor Foust in a soul-wining marathon at one of the world’s largest cemeteries, Nueva Esperanza. It was good seeing the IBI churches represented there among the thousands of people flocking to their loved ones’ tombs. Every year on the Day of the Dead, this event takes place. It is a sight to see. Thousands of tracts were passed out, and hundreds received Christ as their Saviour. My kids’ jaws literally dropped as they witnessed the immense crowds. Squeezing through people and getting pushed around by the crowds became normal for our kids after a few hours. Our feet were tired and dusty, but we wouldn’t have done it any other way.

His eyes began to tear up.

It seemed like a regular Saturday afternoon to go soul winning; however, God had something planned for me that day. I was walking behind our group of Sunday school kids, who were passing out tracts. I spotted a man who had received a tract and was reading the tract to himself. I walked up to Mr. Rojas and asked if he would let me explain what the tract says. He agreed and listed earnestly. He asked several good questions that were answered towards the end. One question stood out: “So if I repent of my sins and accept Christ’s gift, God will accept me into Heaven?” he asked with a squeak in his voice. I reread him some verses and asked him, “Now what does God’s Word tell you?” He smiled and said, “Yes.” His eyes began to tear up as he prayed and received Christ as his Saviour.

Afterwards we spoke briefly, and he mentioned that he was just passing through the area, as he still had some more walking to do. He was visiting a family member farther up the hill. He stated that lately he had been worried about himself, as he knew he had done some bad things in his youth. He had prayed that morning and asked God to show him the correct way. Prior to my arrival, he had spoken to a Seventh-Day Adventist and a Jehovah’s Witness but had felt more confused than before. He stated that he liked the clear presentation I offered and that I was able to show him through the Bible that all he had to do was repent of his sins and accept Christ’s gift. He said that he remembers his mom telling him the same when he was younger, but he had never really listened. He reiterated that he was a bad kid and felt bad that he had never listened to his mom, but he was glad that he had another chance to listen. As we parted ways, my wife mentioned that a lady in the next bench over was listening and prayed along with Mr. Rojas. God is good!

To be continued . . .

I am thankful for praying and giving friends such as you. If it weren’t for you, my family and I would not be able to be here in Lima, Peru. We love you and pray for you often. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you and your family.

Prayer Requests

• Safety for our family, our team leader Bro. Dan Hubbard, and the other families of Team Peru
• Additional monthly financial support
• Health for the families of Team Peru
• Bro Hubbard’s health
• My dad’s recovery
• That many will trust Christ through Christmas outreach activities that our churches will be hosting

Blessings

• We have seen 93 souls saved.
• Sunday school class children are soul winning and bringing visitors to church.
• My dad is gaining more movement through his therapy.
• New Testament Baptist Church (Pastor Brian Miller) sent us a box full of Christmas gifts.
• We have received various love offerings for Christmas from friends, family, and loved ones.

Thank you once again for your prayers and support.

Your co-laborers to Peru,

Abraham, Fabiola, Marco, Leilani, and Joaquin Avila