FINAL del Perú: Famous Places & Not So Famous Faces

To finalize my time here in Perú, I lucked out with a good day at the internet cafe and was able to upload these photos from August and September. Note: This is by no means a comprehensive view of the August & September, as there are well over 1,000 photos, but in relation to your time and my internet capabilities... this is quite comprehensive haha. REMEMBER YOU CAN CLICK THE PHOTO TO SEE A LARGER VERSION. Blessed Holidays and Love to ALL!

AUGUST

The morning of the ROJO concert, we had a secret kids program in the streets. They were hesitant at first, but eventually came around to see what all the comotion was about.

Little did they know ROJO was going to show up. This is a big deal for a place like Iquitos, let alone the barrio.

From high and low they came for a glimpse.

A few weeks previous this group won the opporunity to do their coreography before the concert. They have an English name, BREAKING CHAINS.

Emmanuel has been nominated for multiple Grammy's, but he was quite the humble man, very interested in our ministry and what we are doing here. The band recently completed a project in Africa.

Martine's masked face is my proof that my promotional video played at a major concert.

... and it was a great concert where people really worshipped the Lord and not the band. Due to copyright purposes, I cannot show you the photos (publicly).

Next day, the HEFZI-BOYS at the Hefzi-Ba Women's camp. Hefzi Ba is taken from Isaiah and in Hebrew means 'He takes delight in her.'

This was part of my kids team. I can't really call it mine however, I had help. Jaja.

Treasure Hunt nature projects. You won't find this stuff in the US and it's not Made in China.

The women had an amazing time as well and being the only gringo, I was quite famous. But more famous... JESUS! Glory to God for the freedom these women experience.

An amazing photo I took in September of the Marcha para Jesús. A time on our knees in the central plaza praying for the city. (That's a famous building in the back left. Can you guess why?)

One of my best, self-funded trips ever! Machu Piccu is majestic and brings new understanding to why He is called Majesty.

Although grandpas made this hike, I can honestly say it was really difficult.

Try getting your size 11's down these steps!

While I stopped in Cuzco, I got to see my friend's childrens home El Arca! I fell in love.

RED TEAM reunited...Sam, Renita, Ela and Bielgui.

We played in the woods and for the first time in Perú, I felt like I was at home... in Minnesota. (But in heart too.)

Kids always find a way to play.

Overlook at Arica, Chile from one of the military strongholds that turned the war for Chile's victory.

For about $40 I made an all day bus trip in some incredibly beautiful places. Mountains, volcanoes, rare animals and deserts in the Nacional Parque de Lauca.

RED TEAM reunited part two. Spent a few days in Lima with mi hermano en Cristo, Edú.

It was an interesting trip indeed. Macchu Piccu, Cuzco, venturing through bus stations by myself, not understanding the Chilean accent, the wonderful people God put in my path along the way...

As I wind down my trip here in Iquitos, I'm reminded by pictures like these of what a beautiful time it was been here in Perú. In this blog you've seen some of the best parts... some of the self-funded vacations, the successes of camps and concerts. Reality is day-to-day is good, but it's been tough and if you havent had the chance, I suggest you check out my blogs from the outreach before this one and you may understand how enjoyable this short break really was back in September. I will leave you with a last few urgent prayer requests and wish you all the very best Holiday Season... for which I will be there, God willing, shortly.

Obviously with camp coming up, and my teaching being a pivital part of my ministry here, I owe you at least one more blog upon my return home. Blessings to all. Thank you again, each and every one, for your continued prayer and support. I receive your messages of support and am very encouraged. Please read through my final prayer requests, especially those regarding camp.

Building Dreams Ministry Updates:

-   DECEMBER KIDS CAMP - Update: The reality about our camp is that we aren’t even half raised. It takes a lot of work and money to secure a camp ground, prepare food, make shirts, give each of the 150 kids a present, not to mention transportation, etc. If we have to do this at a minimum, we will. (Basic food, no shirts, cheap presents, etc.) But we really want to give these kids something special, please prayerfully consider a donation. We are putting a down payment on the camp grounds today. The rental itself is $700 alone. For more information, check out the website. www.construyendosuenos.org You can also give directly through me if you wish to do so. One year in the past there was zero funds, but they all came in within the last few days. We know the Lord is faithful. If you are unable to give, your prayers are just as valuable... for churches and families around the world we are in contact with to be blessed with continued work and economic stability. Obviously, we need prayer as well for our preparation as these last few weeks will be pretty crazy. If this is something you or anyone you know is interested in giving to, I will be sure to personally get you a copy of our CD we are recording and a photo from camp.

-   (More info: 2 weeks away is the climax of the ministry with the annual kids camp. It’s also the end of my journey here. We will be having a 3 day camp for kids in poverty, ending with a Christmas celebration where we will give each kid a small present. For ONLY $30 you can cover one child IN FULL - transportation, food, clothes, activities, present, etc. If you are interested, please send me the donation and note what it is for. A BIG THANK YOU comes from my team here and I will be sure to send you our new CD and a photo of your kid(s) at camp!)

-   Recording - Since October, we have been recording and now editing a CD to help benefit this ministry here in Iquitos, as well as in Bogotá, Columbia and with me back home in the US. Prayer that this will be used to help promote the ministry would be appreciated. This has been a good experience for me to record an entire band and it’s all for a good purpose!

-   Health Update: The father of my Perúvian mama, Cecy, one of the ministry leaders here at the house is in better condition and back at home. He has diabetes and a complicated history. He’s been in the hospital recently. Please pray for better medical care and education here in the Amazon.

Personal Updates:

- My Health - As I mentioned, I was real sick about a month ago. 5 times in 10 months is pretty sad and I cannot afford to be sick in this final stretch.

- Mr. Tindall: Maestro Numero Uno- Teaching has been interesting. I realized I had expectations that weren’t able to be met and adjusted to what’s ahead. I’m now teaching 4 classes, so I need to really focus in on what I can teach for them to retain these last 2 weeks. My goal is that these kids will be able to have an introductory “conversation” with any person who speaks English. My photography students are doing well and will be assisting me with photos and video at our camp.

-  My Spanish - I have been having conversation about my life in the past and continue to work on being able to share my testimony in Español. The hard part really will hit when I return home and have very little opportunity to speak it.

- My Finances & My Future. Despite coming here dramatically underfunded, the Lord has proven faithful. Thank you so very much to you all that have been greatly generous. My trip here is hitting the final stretch and I’m seeking direction from God on my future. I have decided to continue on the mission field. Prayer for in what capacity or direction and monthly (or one-time support) are always on a missionary’s prayer list! :)  For those that prefer PayPal, my email address is stbtome@msn.com. You can still buy the Duets for Peru Project for a donation as well. http://duetsforperu.bandcamp.com Please consider giving to camp, however, as this is a much more urgent matter.

Final (wow!) blessings from the humid Amazon in Perú,

Sam