A Great Way To Finish

Our last 'workday' was better than we could have hoped for (and by this point we had gone into it just hoping to get it done and get home).
The parenting seminar was very well attended. Pastor Willy had got busy and drummed up support for it (a great sign of things to come) and the people there were really engaged - writing notes and giving responses. We came away feeling we had made a real impact.
Following this was tea with the San Jeronimo Vineyard - a time of shared songs and blessings and an exchange of gifts with a group we had connected with at a deep level. They took the message of the Kingdom and it brought them alive. As the week went by Pastor Willy (stop it boys) grew in stature, confidence and authority, and we saw lots of others step forward and grow in leadership and excitement for God.

Last up was a youth meeting. Arthur spoke on the prodigal son and how Jesus upset the pharisees by hanging out with the 'sinners'. Some of the youth (most of whom were unchurched and part of Malena's dancing group) were grippped by the tale of the Father's love and looked ready to respond when the pentecostal pastor hosting the meeting stood up and prayed a long prayer of how great it is to be safe in the house of God while those horrible sinners out in the world upset God with their dancing , drinking, partying and sexual sins. I'm so glad he grasped the point of Jesus' parable with such clarity. Willy (settle down) rescued it with a rousing time of praise, thanks and dancing before we went out and watched Malena's dancing group, joined by all of the Vineyard bless them. There we were outside of the church building clapping and cheering the unsaved youth as they danced and it was great. Long may it continue. I hope the Vineyard there feel able to break out of the tradition of church religion and follow their hearts to gather the unchurched and lead them to God's grace.
On the way home our taxi driver Cesar talked of how he wanted to cooperate with Willy and Ellie in planting a new Vineyard group in Huancayo. Throughout the week he had been attending more and more of our things and had come alive in the process. He talked of God having given him the car and therefore he ought to use it for His Kingdom, and how he will put God first and trust him. And more. I haven't got time to tell all but it was amazing to hear how this introverted taxi driver had been captured by God's vision and was willing to be used. Suffice to say that God has a servant in Huancayo who is wearing a Man City cap and stepping out in faith to serve, despite significant obstacles he needs to overcome. He isn't counting the cost, he is just responding and stepping out - an example to us all.
Home tomorrow. Lots to ponder, lots to be thankful for and some new initiatives of God to support with prayer and encouragement. If you are ever in Huancayo look out for a taxi driver wearing a City cap and ask him for directions.