12-C Apartado 402, Lima 12, Peru                                                 Spring  No. 47

 Tel: 00511- 349 5073                                                                 

 E.mail:-  billandjean@bjwilliamson.co.uk                               website: www.bjwilliamson.co.uk   

 

Hello!  We are so sorry for the long gap since we wrote.  Going unexpectedly to England for Bill’s dad, sorting out the projects on our return to Peru, the Evaluation of Huaycan and then Christmas activities all conspired against us.   A BIG thank you for continuing to pray.  God undertook – with Christmas parties, gifts and gospel talks.  Everyone had a good time.  Now we are busy again

after a good break in the green hills of Abancay, where other SIM missionaries work.

 

Huaycan – The Evaluation mentioned previously showed us some weaknesses to work on, as well as some strengths.  In one meeting, we and Miriam had to write what we wanted the project to achieve and the church leaders had to write what they wanted.  We said things like growing maturity and development spiritually, emotionally and intellectually! They said a third floor for the church and a private school! The meeting was good humoured and we all agreed that the project is serving many in the community – but we need to work on a united vision. 

 

Volunteers – were strengths and weaknesses.  Most mums only have 2 or 3 years primary education and Quechua is their first language so helping with homework is difficult.  We rely on our short termers and the church youth, who are also trying to earn a living.  Yanesa, aged 17, has done exceptionally well to get into a state university.  She assists us when there are no classes, or the lecturers are on strike – which happens quite a lot. At one evaluation meeting she reported, ‘I joined the project when I was 10.  If it hadn’t been for that I wouldn’t be where I am now.’  She wants to be baptised, but her Roman Catholic parents won’t give permission.  Martha, mother of 5, with a husband in prison, came to us saying, ‘Thank you SO MUCH for the help you gave Raul.  Because of that he has passed his course.’  This means he won’t have to repeat the year, with the extra costs and discouragement that involves. (Martha helped us while Rosa was looking after her husband in hospital.) We obtained work for one of our best volunteers, Betsaida, so she could save and then start a teacher training course, which we will assist her to pay for.  (Without professional training there are no reasonable jobs, but most shanty town people cannot afford to send a member of the family to study.) Hector, however, whom we helped with technical training two years ago, is now working shifts so can help in his free time.  We are encouraging Elizabeth Q. to decide what professional training she could do, but hope that she and Elizabeth Luna, who is training in pharmacy, will continue helping, along with Vicky, Elizabeth’s sister & Nilda, one mum who does have secondary level education.  Our German short termers Ulrike & Wiebke are also a great help and have settled in well.

 

During February we have had meetings with church leaders, volunteers and mums.  When you get this letter the project will be in full swing - Wednesdays & Fridays, with about a hundred children.  We take 2 from each family so as to help more families.  Those who have moved onto secondary school will attend the adolescents on Saturday. 

 

Miriam continues to work hard in the project.  Her son is fine now, though no one knows why he suddenly collapsed.  Cananeo, Rosa’s husband, has had his operation, but is not expected to be fit for work for a year.  We suggested Rosa, who supervises the purchase of food and the cooks, stop working with us so she could concentrate on supporting their 4 children, but she insists it's her service for the Lord – and it isn’t as tiring as walking the streets all day selling fruit. All the volunteers do receive payment but it is more like a tip than a wage as projects try to avoid dependency and encourage helpers see their work as service for the Lord.

 

 

La Campiña - A loud scream followed by another even louder emanated from the water tank outside the church.  Marta was inside cleaning it. A cockroach had got into her hair and another was climbing up her leg. Bill tried to kill some by inserting a broom and squashing them but in the end it was all down to Marta who at least had some idea where they were in the darkness. Thankfully all water is boiled before the drinks are made, but one could be forgiven for feeling a little nervous when drinking it!  

 

 

 

Thorough cleaning of the building, utensils, games and toys was the first step before restarting the Tuesday & Thursday activities.  Short termer Jo, returned to England in February so the artwork she organised for the children will be missed.  Pray as she readjusts to English life.  Ulrike & Wiebke, along with the mums are now responsible.  Mum, Yulisa, sees that children are weighed regularly and under weight children are referred for special help. (A recent survey revealed that 25% of Peruvian children under five are malnourished.) 

 

 

Beni, Maria, along with Eulalia, continue on the committee. We are unsure about Elsa & Martha.  Eulalia, a widow with 3 unmarried sons at home, lives in a shanty town near La Campiña and helps with the talks and spiritual care of the mums.  Her eldest son works in a factory, where pay and prospects are dismal.  There was no money when he left school to obtain training for him.  Her second son has persevered through university so is beginning to earn a decent wage.  Her third son, aged 23, is still trying to get into university, while earning a living driving a mototaxi.  (State universities are free, though one has to pay entrance fees and for all materials.  Private universities or institutions are too expensive for most shanty town folk, so competition is very stiff.) Eulalia has a regular Sunday school in her home with about 40 children, so we are helping with some materials.

 

Personal – Bill has just been appointed Lima Co-ordinator, which gives him responsibility helping to care for the other missionaries.  Life in Peru continues to be a challenge.  On the corner of our street a large block of flats is being constructed! The building now has five floors, (the rule for our area is three).  The council erected a large sign saying the work is illegal and must stop – but it carries on!  Recently two missionaries had their belongings grabbed from their cars on the same day and someone from the top of our road was pulled out of his car as he came out of his garage so the thieves could drive it off!  (Thankfully we don’t have a car!)  The papers are full of the upcoming elections in April and the dishonesty of most of the candidates, which is rather depressing.  However the people we meet continue to be deeply grateful for the love being expressed by people like ourselves who, with your help, are holding out a helping hand.  Psalm 90 v. 17 is our prayer, ‘May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.’ Thank you for praying for and supporting us.  We very much appreciate it.

 

With our love,  Bill & Jean.

Weekly timetable:-

Mon  - Preparation & admin, SIM prayer meeting, monthly adult meeting in Huaycan.

Tues - La Campiña – Bill & Jean with committee, Eulalia, Ulrike & Wiebke.

Wed  - Huaycan - with Miriam, Rosa, Nilda, Ulrike, Wiebke & others.  Ladies Bible study after.         

Thur - Day off, catch up on preparation and life!  Occasional visits to La Campiña. 

Fri    - La Campiña, Jean adult Bible study, Ulrike, & Wiebke adolescents, though this may change

           to Mondays as they want to go to Huaycan – with Bill, who already goes.

Sat   -  Preparation. Afternoon/evening Huaycan adolescents, Miriam, Bill, Jean, Ulrike & Wiebke.

Sun  -  Our own church, with some visits to the churches where the projects are based.        

 

Prayer Secretary: Mrs. I. Aylin, 4 Ferndown Road, SOLIHULL, W.Mids. B91 2AT