October already? Wow!
If you’ve received the updates I’ve forwarded, you know a bit of what’s been going on in the life of the church and (by extension) in my life lately! And perhaps that explains some of why you haven’t heard from me much in the past month!
In September, we moved out of the house where the church had been meeting for 2 ½ years and where we (two pastoral families and me) had been living. In order to “finish well” and avoid paying more, we had to do quite a bit of work to leave the house painted, cleaned and restored to its original condition (i.e. dismantle the addition we’d made to the sanctury and return it to a garden area).
I am currently living temporarily with Álvaro and Luisa (the other assistant pastors) in an apartment generously offered by a family in the church. The church is meeting in the Club Pacasmayo, a community-center-sport-club facility just 2 blocks from our former location.
The church is a people…
In the midst of all this change, one of the most beautiful and encouraging things to see has been the unity in the congregation. If Satan wanted to destroy this church, he has failed miserably. Even though some members are still new in their faith, the congregation has remained faithful in attending and supporting the church. It is clear that these individuals and families have identified with the church – it is their church — an attitude that has been a blessing and encouragement to see. The attendence our first Sunday in the Club Pacasmayo was even higher than previous Sundays in our other location!
We are meeting for our morning prayer times in a large park nearby, which is a different experience. But it is a privilege to be able to meet in public and a reminder to pray for our brothers and sisters all over the world who are not free to meet publicly to worship or pray.
Five loaves and two fish…
Reading Matthew last week, I was struck by a familiar story, a story known as “the feeding of the 5000.” Here’s my quick paraphrase for you: It’s getting late and the hillsides are covered with thousands of people. The disciples are getting hungry and come to Jesus. “Send these people away to eat dinner!” They demand, adding under their breath, “We’re hungry!” But Jesus responds with what they least expected to hear, “That isn’t necessary – you feed them!” (NLT)
You can almost hear Peter coughing out a surprised laugh and see the little gears spinning in Judas’ head as he eyes the money bag. “Impossible,” they respond. “We have only five little loaves and 2 little fish!”
But then Jesus speaks the doubt-crumbling phrase that echoes across history, “Bring them to me.”
What followed is one of the most well-known of Jesus’ miracles – thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people ate and were satisfied…with a banquet of five small loaves and two fish.
I identify with the disciples. How many times have I felt overwhelmed, even discouraged, looking at the to-do list, the imagined future, and the responsibilities today, compared with my abilities, strength and wisdom. It’s like the Lord is asking me to feed 5000 with a tuna sandwich and I look at him incredulously and think, Yeah right. Don’t you see that all I have here is a tuna sandwich? Don’t you realize that I’m young, inexperienced, timid, afraid? Don’t you see that I still have so far to grow before I’ll really be able to do what you’re asking me? Don’t you understand my financial situation?
Jesus smiles, willing to patiently repeat the lesson until it is well-learned, and says, “And don’t you realize who you’re talking with? Bring them to me.”
We have developed the bad habit of deciding what is possible based on the resources and capabilities we have to offer. But fortunately for us (and for the world), our abilities do not define or limit the possibilities. Our responsibility is simple: we bring all we have, our limited resources, intelligence, willingness to Jesus and allow Him to work a miracle. What we have may be limited and puny…but we are in the service of a God for whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
So what’s next?
Who would have imagined last year at this time that I’d still be in Peru in October 2009! I’ve grown during this year, I have seen God at work, I am being challenged and transformed and used in the kingdom of God, all at the same time. Many have asked me, “So, how long do you think you’ll be there?” My answer may vary from day to day, but it always stems from my desire to be here as long as God wants me to be here (another six months? A year? Five years? Yikes!) And wherever I am, I will continue to serve in full-time ministry.
In order to remain in full-time service, I depend on God’s provision and your support. That is why, in this season of change, I am praying that God will raise up individuals and familes who are willing to commit to support me on a monthly basis for six months or a year. My monthly budget for living expenses is about $280; this will include my rent (I am looking to rent a room or small apartment), food, transportation and my studies at Allegro Institute. And I continue to make payments of $670 monthly on my college loans.
Please prayerfully consider supporting me on a monthly basis. If you decide you’d like to commit to supporting (or continue supporting) me, let me know by filling out and sending me the bottom portion of this page, via email, or to my home address in the States.
The prayer of a righteous person is effective…(James 5:16)
I would greatly appreciate your prayers and I would also love to hear from you so that I can pray for you specifically. Here are a few prayer requests:
• For God to raise up financial support as I continue to serve Him here.
• For guidance and wisdom as I walk through the challenges of daily life (and specifically as I seek to renew my visa this month)
• For provision of a more permanent living situation within my budget and close to where the church is meeting
• For numerical and spiritual growth in the church
May the Lord bless you, keep you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace (Num. 6:24-26).
Much love,
Anna Shimer
