The River: Bob & Stephen's Peruvian Adventure

Stephen Best and Bob Laing traveled to Peru for twelve days during the month of May 2011. Having been prayed for and sent out by the fellowship, they left with the encouragement to expect new and different things.

Saul & Ana

Their journey started with a new airline and a new route traveling via San Salvador to Lima, and them staying in a place in San Borja at the home of friends. Each day would start early in the morning and end close to midnight. For the first week they would travel to throughout LIma to churches and friends in San Martin, San Isidro, Santa Anita, and Mira Flores. They visited Pastors Saul Gutierrez Prado, Gilbert Rodriguez, Fernando Torres, Ruben Erazo, & Cesar Costa, and encouraged missionaries like Ron Smith and Steve Bremner.

GIlbert & Maariela

Stephen was asked to preach three times at Emmanuel Iglesia Biblica in San Isidro where God blessed the ministry of the Word of God. Many came to Christ during these services. While the church and Pastor Saul have been long time allies of River Run, it's only recently that have we have realized the mutual potential of this growing friendship. Pastor Gilbert, Ludwing, Rocio and Jason have been very helpful in developing this relationship between our churches.

Bob and Stephen also enjoyed a vibrant worship service in San Martin with Pastor Ruben Erazo. It is always a joy to participate in a meeting where celebration to the Lord is so animated and wonderfully Peruvian. Furthermore fellowship with Pastor Ruben is always an enriching and powerful time.

Roxanna, Marco, Bob & Stephen

Of course a trip to Lima is never complete without a visit with the entire Costa family. Bob & Stephen enjoyed several visits with the family and were treated to a fantastico beef meal at a special restaurant by Marco and Roxanna. It was truly a highlight.

Steve Bremner continues to establish a ministry in Peru. He is teaching english at Catedral de Fe Seminary and learning more about making disciples. Steve has also found a great apartment in Mira Flores as a base for his activities.

Fire Peru remains to be a progressive force in throughout Peru as it continues to feed and give shoes to tens of thousands of children each month, train pastors, and assist churches. The visit with Ron was mutually encouraging.

Sara & Francisco

Before leaving Lima they visited with longtime friends and translators Karem & Christian, and Sara & Francisco. Their lives are changing as they are enjoying their new marriages and young children. Our ministry in Peru would not be what it is today if it were not for these trusting and anointed helpers.

For the second leg of the journey Stephen and Bob rode the bus from Lima to Tarma. It is a upward, winding, hot, and enduring trip. At the end of the 8 hour ride is Tarma at an elevation of over 10,000 ft., and standing tall in the Andes Mountains. They were met by Martin and Denise who are ministering to children in Huaricolca, a village further up in the mountains.

Pastor Fraternity in Tarma

In Tarma Martin & Denise had arranged for a citywide church gathering where Stephen would preach. The following day he and Bob would meet with the pastors at a local and historical hacienda. Their unity was evident and their desire for God's blessing was sincere. God spoke to everyone during the day, and opened doors for more visits and ministry in the future.

Martin & Denise arranged for Bob and Stephen to visit the mission in Huaricolca. Their programs to the children were in full swing and Bob had opportunity to lead an english lesson. Never did he know the energy it would take to lead the song Head and Shoulder, Knees and Toes. The elevation plays havoc with one's breathing ability.

Martin & Denise are doing a great job in Tarma area and could use some extra support in finishing their home in Huaricolca. Please pray in how you can help their work.

The ministry adventure concluded with a radio interview reaching all Peru with Miguel Algorta, a shop in the local market, and a fast trip back down the mountains to Lima. Their last supper in Peru would be with Karem and Christian eating pollo a la brasa and drinking Inka Cola. The only real way to end a trip in Peru.

It was fantastic that River Run ministries had opportunity to connect with so many old and new friends in Peru. It was also amazing to realize so many new opportunities that God was presenting. We hope to return again in October - November. Many thanks to Rocio & Jason for scheduling and administration, and to Victoria for the use of her home.