Wow! What a week it has been. We met in Lima with the Trans Am Committee. This is comprised of indigenous leaders from the 6 countries of the Amazon Region. Many things were discussed. Meetings were long (aren’t they all), but with a wealth of information.
Dr. Dan Rickett spoke on Partnerships and explained what they are and what they aren’t especially in a Christian context. So many foreign missionaries enter into indigenous areas and impose their agenda on the indigenous without ever even consulting with them and asking what their needs are or what they would like to see in their futures. They control everything and the indigenous just politely say “yes” because that’s how they are, non confrontational. The foreigner teaches like they would in their own culture and think that contextualization is putting something into Spanish. Very enlightening information.
Empowerment centers were also a subject of discussion with Phil Goddard leading those discussions. We are getting closer and closer to make them a reality. So excited to see the possibilities and making this dream come true for our indigenous brothers. Many ideas of what to be taught and how to make them truly a partnership venture between the 3 waves of missions. Property possibilities are on the horizon as well.
A new team has been formed for South America Alteco. So far there are 6 of us: Irma Espinoza, Juan Carlos and Zulema Sanchez, Ken and I and Elmer Terrazas. There are so many things that will be accomplished by this team in the future. There is a list of things already in the works.
We also had the privilege of celebrating our anniversary (cake and all) with our indigenous brothers and the whole South American team. Thanks for making it memorable! One we'll never forget.
We are so excited to see how God has already answered so many prayers and is opening up so many doors. He is the one doing these great and amazing things for the Amazon Region!
