While marching on for Jesus through March and April, we have seen and felt the hand of the Lord moving here in Peru. Our church has had visitors and soul saved almost every week. We completed one year at our new property, and we were able to renew the contract for the same price. The first Sunday in March, we started the new contract year by baptizing Maxima. Maxima is one of our several new members.
Our Saturday soul winning is taking a step forward as I become more comfortable with my Spanish. We are witnessing at parks, markets, hospitals, and bus stops; and we are now preaching on public buses. Some people have told us that we can’t do this, but even the National Police who ride the bus listened quite well to the preaching. Maybe they’re just surprised that the Gospel is actually “good news.” AMEN! On each bus we have the opportunity to preach to 40, even as many as 80, people, and the response has been excellent.
The first week of April, we said “Goodbye” as Heaven said “Hello” to our unborn child. Sarah was hoping for a girl, so we named her Hope. Monday after the ultrasound confirming that Hope was no longer with us, we came home to grieve together. That day our teammates and many church members came by to express their love and comfort. The Lord has shown His hand of comfort to Sarah in a tremendous way. For almost a year, Sarah’s brother, Caleb Lee Davis, and I have been planning his surprise visit. Sarah had not seen her brother in four years. The next morning after the sad news, her brother walked in the door. God’s timing was perfect, and I don’t have the words. The reunion was so sweet. Sarah will continue to grieve, so please continue to pray for my sweetheart.
Thank you so much for your love, support, and prayers. The kingdom of Heaven is at hand here in Peru. Daily we see answers to your prayers. We love you. God bless you.
In Christ in Peru,
Mark, Sarah, Savannah, Paul, and Samuel Rader