12-C Apartado 402, Lima 12, Peru                                                 Autumn  No. 46

 Tel: 00511- 349 5073                                                                 

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

 

‘Can we pray that my dad won’t come home drunk?’ asked Yeseñia from the La Campiña’ adolescent group.  Luz, from the Huaycan Ladies group, pleaded, ‘Please pray my husband can find work.’  ‘Why are all those men standing on the corner doing nothing?’ asked a short termer.

 

It made us think - when do we see the men in the shantytowns? They go out early to look for work, and return late, either tired from having found it, or depressed and possibly drunk because they have not. When Yeseñia asked for prayer for her dad, several others immediately echoed it.  It was the same with Luz’s request.  And the men on the corner?  They are waiting, hoping someone will employ them for the day. They spend the little cash they have to get to the spots where they might get employment, but often have to return home empty handed. This is the battle of survival in the shanty towns.  Please pray as we work with these families.

 

England:-At the end of August Bill returned home.  His dad Jack, 91 and not yet a Christian, had been in and out of hospital and was not at all well.  We expected Bill to be there for at least 2 months.  Jean continued in Peru.  On 12 September Jack unexpectely died peacefully. I, Jean have gone to be with Bill.  We expect to return on 26 October, the return flight already arranged for Bill.

 

Huaycan:- The work continues to go well, though we all miss Bill. It's exciting to hear the adolescents, mothers and children grasping spiritual things as well as practical.  One lady arrived at the Huaycan Bible study assuring us that Galatians was not in her Bible!! I was just pleased she had tried to find it. Most people in the study are not used to having a daily time with God – it's difficult when there are 6 or more of you living in one room.  It has been good as the women begin to open up.  A newish mum, Julia, said she didn’t have the new nature because she wasn’t a Christian, another asked if she had to be baptised before she could be considered a Christian, another wondered about not being actually married. Miriam will be a real help in doing some follow up.   

 

In the Adolescents group Evelyn, Diane & Elvis among others bring their daily devotional books each week to be checked.  Elvis, aged fourteen, does his at school, so he can borrow someone’s Bible.  He told us he finds it difficult to pray in school assemblies when other kids are fooling about, but he thinks it's important.  The Feeding/homework programme for 5-12 year olds continues to be busy.  Almost everyone can chant off memory verses enthusiastically. Our aim is that these will stay with them and they will continue to follow Christ as they grow up.  There have been a lot of changes amongst the volunteers, as some have found work.  Rosa is unable to help us as her husband, Cananeo, who has been unable to work for over a year, is now very ill in hospital.  Doctors have had difficulty diagnosing his problem.  It may be TB or fungus in the lungs. They are planning an operation, but nothing has happened yet.  Miriam, who does a great job, is pictured here with Veronica doing homework.  She had an emergency recently because her 7 year old son collapsed. They are still trying to diagnose his problem.

 

Evaluation at Huaycan:- After 5 years we felt an independent assessment of the project would guide us for the future.  This is taking place as we write, by a qualified national.  We will let you know more next time. Unfortunately Jean leaving during the process will weaken it a little.

La Campiña:- There was a noticeable silence in the ladies Bible study group when we read Matthew 10:37, ‘If a man loves me more than his father, mother’ etc.  Then, Benedicta, a faithful committee member, proceeded to explain what this meant, how she had come to realise it since studying with us and why it was important.  In the shantytowns many women have made ‘decisions’ for Christ, but most have not advanced much further, so this was an important breakthrough.  Unfortunately, at present we are only getting six or so to the study.  A number of our ladies are doing work that the State is providing clearing roads & debris etc. in exchange for food. After the Ladies meeting 12-16 enthusiastic adolescents arrive.  We have a lively lesson.  (While Jean is away this may have to close). The feeding/education programme continues happily, with all the fun and chaos that 50 mums and their under five year olds make.

 

‘I cannot think why we haven’t done this before!’ says Jean. ‘We have started a savings scheme.  The mothers run it and all I do, is take the money home and keep a separate record.’  The mums are really eager, although many can only save 20p a week.  If they have the money at home it gets spent.  This way when there is an emergency they have some money in hand. 

 

Short Termers:- Jo continues to organise great activities for the small children. Our two German girls, Ulrike, who arrived a month ago & Wiebke, who starts with us in October, speak some Spanish and are settling in well.  Pray especially for these three during Bill & Jean’s absence.

 

Jean says: - It was a testing time with Bill away.  The computer broke down, Miriam & Rosa had serious problems, we had 2 new short termers and I was doing Bill’s work as well as my own. It reminded me how much I need to trust in God.  Thankfully my church here and the SIM team were very supportive.  As I go to join Bill in England I see God’s overruling hand.

 

Bill says: - It was strange being 7000 miles away from Jean.  Knowing how busy they were didn’t make it easier, but the prayer and support of friends were a great help. We both felt that I should be with my dad. His death was not expected, so I am just so thankful I was able to be there and have some quality time with him during the last weeks of his life.

 

While we are away pray especially for the projects, which continue, & for the 3 short termers.

 

Usual weekly timetable:- we repeat this, with amendments as several people found it helpful.

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

Tues - La Campiña – Bill & Jean with committee + Eulalia, Maria, Jo & Ulrike to help.

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

Thur - Day off, catch up on preparation and life! 

           Occasional visits with Jo at La Campiña. 

 Fri   - La Campiña, Jean, Jo, Ulrike, for Adult Bible

           study, then adolescents. Bill at Huaycan.

 Sat  -  Preparation & admin.  Afternoon/evening

            Huaycan adolescents, Bill, Jean & Ulrike.

 Sun -  Our own church, with some visits to the

            churches where the projects are based.         

 ← 20 mums setting up their pit toilets at La Campiña                                                    

 

 

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