Spreading God´s word can be dirty work. Literally. Last thursday night we had the opportunity to do some outreach at what was basically a village attached to the edge of the city of Iquitos. This community, though only a few hundred feet away from the bustling city life, is dramatically different from what we´ve seen so far. These people live in houses that are raised about 20 feet off the ground because thats about how high the river gets during rainy season. The ground is all mud, dirt, trash, and in some places other unpleasant things…. We did some Spanish and English worship, some testimonies, the “everything” skit (look it up on youtube), and I got to give a portrayal (aka sermon) of the gospel. It was all really cool to be there ministering to the children and adults of this impoverished community, but what brought the most joy to so many of us was just being able to express the love that God has for His children just through playing with them. The village was overflowing with little kids. We played with them in the mud and the dirt til time had passed us by without any of us even realizing it. Soon many of us were filthy and overjoyed to be that way if it meant playing with these kids. It was amazing.
Most of our time has still been spent at the jail. We had our last time in the men´s and women´s prisons during their church services (which we were able to put on for them). It was unbelievable how close we had gotten to so many of them through heart-to-heart conversations, Jesus dance parties, sharing our testimonies, and speaking God´s truth into their lives. They truly are free men and free women, they share a greater freedom than can be chained down, captured, or taken away.
Other random and disjointed thing´s we´ve done over the past few days: We got to go the zoo the other day, I got to hold/play with an anaconda. We went swimming and some of us went canoeing. I got to drive a motokar the other day. I hunted a rat with Grant last night. Played some soccer, went swimming, went to my first ever futbol game.
Ultimately I can´t wait to get out into the jungle. I know God is going to do crazy mighty things and blow all of us away with His wonders. We´re going to Riquena tomorrow, so I won´t have internet access for the rest of the trip after this. At some point we will be in Nauta. Other than that I don´t really know where we´re going. Just to some villages that are kinda far out there, but mostly all ones that are pretty close to the Amazon River. I know God has unbelievable things planned for the rest of the trip, so ask lots of questions when I get home. I know I´ll have lots of stories.
Mom, Dad, Tony, Alyssa… I love and miss you all sooo much. I´m looking forward to seeing you all when I get home.
En Dios,
Josh
