I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I hope that all is well with each of you! Thank you for your faithful prayers and support this past year. God has done exciting heart transforming work in Peru and within me this past year! I am writing to share with you what God has done, how He has grown me and what this upcoming year looks like. God has definitely called me back to Peru and I need your financial support again!
Where I’ve Been
This past year was a great eye-opening and maturing experience for me. God taught me how important it is to get involved in people's messy lives. This past year has been a time of learning language and culture, and beginning to build relationships. My work falls generally into two categories. The first is to evangelize the music community in Trujillo, and second, to encourage and support the churches in their music ministries.
• August-December was about intense language study
• I taught English and violin to people in the church and community
• I had musicians in my home and played concerts with the local Symphony and with conservatory students
Being a North-American trained musician, God uses that training to open up many opportunities for me to get to know people and share the gospel. It was a full year, full of surprises, growth, relationships, gospel-rich teaching and sharing, and serving alongside the church in Peru.
God brought two musicians into my life who worked many hours with me preparing for a concert.
Ricardo started out as one of my advanced English students which lead us into many conversations about spiritual things. When he found out that I was a violinist he began inviting me to concerts and introducing me to his musician friends. One of those friends was Leonardo, a pianist, composer and professed atheist. Leonardo and I started out playing a variety of music for fun using the lunch hour for rehearsals and afterwards lunching together. As we spent more time together, he became more open about his beliefs. In turn, he heard the gospel, God’s work in my life, and the reason why I was in Peru. Before I left in May, I had begun to see a change in Leonardo. He respects my beliefs even in small ways like bowing with me as I pray over our lunch. He appreciates and respects my training and talent as a musician, which gives us much to talk about. God has also given me numerous opportunities to share and live out the gospel for Ricardo. I pray that the gospel is preached to him more and that God will soften his heart and open his eyes. I am excited to see what God will continue to do in both of their lives in the coming months. If you are interested in hearing more details about this past year, I would love to talk to you! Where I’m Going
For several months I had been praying about whether God would have me stay another year in Peru. Peru Mission invited me this May to join their team as a missionary (up to this point I was a fellow). I am very excited to be working alongside the team in Peru Mission and for this opportunity to serve another year. God has used the musical gifts and instruction that I have received to develop relationships and to share the gospel. This coming year I am planning to co-teach my violin students from the churches with a Peruvian. My goals are to be more aggressive in teaching serious violin students from different parts of the city, to play chamber music, and to plan monthly concerts to serve students by giving them opportunities to share their gifts. Additionally, I would like to make it a weekly habit for people to come hang out at my home, ask questions, have discussions, and hear the gospel. These goals will give me opportunities to get more involved in their lives. One of the things I have learned about this year is that evangelism is a community endeavor. I have met several other Christian musicians and my prayer is that we can band togetherand share Christ’s love with the rest of the community.
What I Will Need
My prayer is to be back in Peru by August 10th, 2011. I ask you to partner with me in this calling God has given me with your prayer and financial support. Please pray that God would guide me in relationships and which gatherings will build more community. Also, pray that I would be humble and open to what God has for me, that God would help me form Christ-centered relationships with fellow Christians and non-Christians, and that we would have unity as a mission team. I need to raise $21,000 to cover my travel, and living, medical insurance, ministry expenses, and administrative costs. Would you pray about giving $200 either as a one-time gift or spread out over the year? If 105 people give $200 either as a one-time gift or spread out over the year that will meet my needs. You can either make a one-time contribution or recurring pledge online at www.perumission.org under Rachel Reese or send your gift or commitment to the Christian Missionary Society P.O. Box 53363 Knoxville, TN 37950. I am excited to see what God will do!
I would love to hear from you even if it is just a quick hello! May God bless you in your relationship with Him and as you grow in Christian community.
In Christ,
Rachel
601-519-1336
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