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As I write, the Cubases are in route to the US for their three month "home ministry assignment" (AKA furlough) and we are the only English-speakers left in town. Tonight marked our first worship service without them. They arranged for a seminary in Lima to send a student to speak every week at the service, and we spent most of the morning and early afternoon worrying about how that was going to go (more about hosting strangers than about their sermon). I read recently that worriers are false prophets, always predicting the worst in their minds but rarely correct in their predictions. We proved ourselves false prophets today for sure.The couple that arrived this afternoon was a delight in every way. They are young, intelligent newlyweds, Presbyterians from the jungle living in Lima for seminary. We enjoyed their company and so appreciated their offering. Earlier in the week, we had handed out invitations for this week's service, and instead of the 6-8 people that have been attending on Sunday nights, we had 18 adults by the end of the night! The enthusiasm of the crowd made for an atmosphere of celebration as we sang, and the congregation was both encouraged and exhorted by the preaching. Church was fun!
Tim and I are relieved and much much more. Tonight has been a tremendous blessing for us personally and I think for this community, which makes us all the happier. I'm so grateful that I can trust God to take care of me and of the people I care about.
