March 2023 Prayer Letter
March 3, 2023
“Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, Lord.”
Psalm 9:10
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings to you from Peru.
You have blessed Avivamiento Amazonica S.A. (Renewal in the Amazon) more than you can possibly imagine with your continued prayers, love and support for myself and the ministry. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Here is a quick summary of the last few months of the ministry and life here in Peru.
My dear friends and fellow missionary family, David Mahon, wife and children have been relocated (through their mission organization) out of Iquitos to the coastal city of Trujillo. I was privileged to lend them a helping hand in packing. I helped with driving and protection during the 10 hour trip to their destination. There has been incidents of civil unrest in major cities and towns. Consequently, we were able to make the drive in one day preventing an overnight stay. It was a bitter sweet time as we spent RR together, knowing we will not be seeing each other for a long while on a daily basis. They will be sorely missed.
God has continued to keep the doors open for ministry in Estrecho and San Lorenzo. After leaving the coast, I flew to Estrecho, a tribal community of 3,000. It is a 35 minute flight from Iquitos. Round trip is $120. When I stay for a week the cost is usually $175. The cost of living is quite expensive in Estrecho, because the village is very isolated. The accommodations are simplistic, with a common bathroom and shower. The Pastors and people were delighted to see me, since my last visit was 7 months ago. While there, I was able to help by visiting various ministries. There are 4 evangelical churches with a total of 50 attendees, including women and children. I often teach at these churches and always give lots of encouragement to remind them they are not forgotten. My goal is to visit 3-4 times a year.
Following my return to Iquitos from Estrecho, I flew to San Lorenzo. It is a 1 1/2 hour flight and costs $150 round trip.I need to spend $400 for room and board for a 1 week stay. This town is where our big conference is held each year in the fall. I met new missionary friends there, Mike and Sonya Frei, who are in their late 50’s. We will work alongside each other sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. We have a lot in common, and the Freis and I live in Iquitos. I was sad when the Mahon family left, BUT GOD blessed me by filling the void. Praise the Lord!! I will be making 4-5 trips to San Lorenzo this year. My next trip is planned for the beginning of March to teach and edify the Pastors. While there, I will meet up with Julio Ceasar (from MEPI) to schedule visitations on the rivers to remote small villages and towns. We will also begin the plans for the upcoming conference in October.
One of the greatest obstacles in serving the Indigenous Peruvians is a spiritual battle. Peru’s culture is so intertwined with religion that it is impossible to experience one without the other. Most Peruvians are Roman Catholic. The indigenous people of Peru practice Catholicism in a way that incorporates many of their traditional beliefs full of symbolism, idolatry, Inca witchcraft, witch doctors and a works based faith!!! My fervent prayer is always to have their eyes opened and hearts softened to hear all the teachings of God’s truth in His Word.
“I do not consecrate myself to be a missionary or a preacher. I consecrate myself to God to do His will where I am, be it in school, office, or kitchen, or wherever He may, in His wisdom, send me.”
― Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life
May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. Galatians 1:3-4
May God bless you all richly,
Clif
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
*Pray~ for my health as I continue my blood pressure checks and other medical issues.
*Pray~ for the water project in San Lorenzo. To be used during the conference and hope to be completed in 2023
approx. cost $3,000
*Pray~for funding for the Davar devices (If interested please note on your giving form)
*Pray~ for the need of a new boat and outboard motor to travel the rivers and to improve travel transportation for missionary groups and river visitations. approx. cost $10,000
*Pray~for the finances to be provided for the conference in October
*Pray~for the Ingenious peoples I shepherd, that they may clearly hear the Word of the Lord. Use me Lord!!
~Ways to Partner with the Lord’s work in Peru~
Short term mission trip
Prayer support