We recently traveled to Iquitos, Peru. Outreach consisted of supporting and encouraging the Camp Amazon staff as they prepared for camp. We gave them feedback on their programming as well as taught them new programming. We answered their many questions ranging from basic questions about games to more complex questions about how to handle certain issues or how to best lead group discussions and processing. We also spent a great deal of our time with the men from the Safe House, encouraging, loving, listening to their stories and telling our own. We spent several days in neighborhoods within Iquitos helping to oversee mini camps put on by the Camp Amazon staff, and participated in door to door evangelism, prayer and church outreach.

During our trip we led the group through a character study of Joseph. We focused on Genesis 29 – 50. As we looked at Joseph’s family, his trials in life, and his relationship with the Lord, we were able to draw many parallels to our trip and our experiences in Iquitos. The study of Joseph was not only educational for the group, but provided a great platform for discussion. It proved to be valuable for the stage of life that many in the group are in as they are considering where the Lord is leading them next after college. For some it was a testimony of God’s faithfulness in our lives as we wait on His timing and His direction. For others it was an example of a man of faith who was bold in sharing who his God is.

To put into a short summary what the Lord taught us on the trip is impossible. For each person a different take-away was evident. But through discussions with the group, here are a few of the immediate impacts and what we learned:

Camp Amazon leadership staff: They had such an excitement and enthusiasm for doing the Lord’s work. Their excitement made each of us ready to get back to camp and behave the same way. It was not just a fun vibe, but more of an infectious enthusiasm that was fueled by a desire to bring God glory. We also were touched by their constant desire to make improvements on what they were doing. They never ceased asking questions and always showed their desire to “excel still more.” Seeing them take ownership of Camp Amazon while preparing to kick off their camp season, it was a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness, what He has done with this camp, and His sovereignty. It shows what we can accomplish with a willing and humble heart and a readiness to serve as the Lord uses us.

Safe House guys: Our time spent with the safe house guys will have a lasting impact on our lives. It did such great things for our faith to see how the Lord has worked in their lives, how He has taken sinful men entangled in the darkest lusts of this world and transformed them into warriors for Christ who are not ashamed of the gospel, who are passionate about sharing what the Lord has done and the change that He has made in their lives. Each have their own story to tell, but all point to God’s faithfulness. Each one in their own way showed us a picture of what Paul must have been like – a man notorious for his persecution of Christians, humbled and transformed into one of the most influential men for Christ in
the history of the world.

Church Outreach: For several in the group this was the first time for them to do any kind of door to door evangelism or outreach. All spoke of it being a positive experience and learning a lot from the Peruvians as they spoke with their neighbors. Each person in the group had a chance to give their testimony in front of a group of people. We also all
participated in dramas and other programs – wherever we were needed – for the Camp Amazon staff. For most these were moments of stretching and growth. A quick cool story – one of the Safe House guys, Alex, translated Megan’s testimony for her. Alex is Peruvian, but spent most of his life in Brooklyn, New York, and was deeply involved in the Latin Kings. After he translated Megan’s testimony, we asked how many people could say that they had their testimony translated by a former member of the Latin Kings. He laughed and gave glory to God on the spot.

These are just a few of many impacts and effects of this trip. We all left with a desire and an understanding of a responsibility to tell our stories and our experiences there in Peru, to share with others God’s faithfulness that He may be glorified.