Focus on God Transforming tragedy to triumph John 21: 7 “Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 A couple of nights ago my sweet husband Rick, whom I’ve been married to for twenty-three years, and I received some devastating news. It was difficult to receive this news, knowing in a couple of days I would be departing on a mission trip to Lima, Peru. I felt I was abandoning Rick, and wouldn’t be there to see him through the next rough days. Lord, how could we receive such news right now? Feelings of incompetence and disbelief boiled in my heart. I felt like such a failure, I even doubted my existence. Where do we go from here? How many mistakes will we make? How can God want to use people like Rick and me? It’s Thursday night and we’ve sent prayer requests out to our friends of the ministry asking God for travel mercies. You see, flying alone in a wheelchair, when every need is reliant on others, can be a bit challenging, to say the least. But God is real and the Lord raised all the funds for me to personally deliver the electric wheelchair, manual wheelchair, bedside toilet and shower chair to an ATM gunshot victim, who is now paralyzed from the waist down. And He will continue to meet every need. Even though this devastating news was a setback and ever present on my heart, God had a reason. I knew the Lord needed me to keep my focus on Him, so I could minister to others in Peru. I had to stop letting this news bother me so much, and realize God was in control. Because the apostle Peter was hit by the enemy with a very bitter experience, this gave me hope. You see earlier on, Peter had promised he would follow Jesus, even if it meant death. But later on down the road, Peter faced unexpected pressure and denied Christ. You know, when we face unforeseen demands or stress, we also can be put in a position where we just want to give up, run away, or even, perhaps, deny Christ. You know that kind of despair could have caused Peter to give up, but he didn’t. Jesus didn’t give up on him. Just like Jesus is not going to give up on us. Jesus said, three times to Peter, “Do you love me? If you love me feed my sheep.” After Jesus encouraged Peter he went into the world boldly proclaiming the gospel and many trusted in Christ because of his submission. Though we all can be hit by devastating news, or a bitter experience, Jesus is saying do you love me, ‘feed my sheep’? God is in the business of transforming tragedy to triumph, so we, too, can be encouraged. Let us go forth like Peter did, and proclaim the gospel so that many will trust in Christ! The Maker of Heaven and Earth Pray without ceasing Luke 1:37 “With God all things are possible.” Saturday, November 13, 2004 I’m departing to South America, to a country on the Pacific Ocean called Peru. Departing to a foreign country, bound to a wheelchair, can be complicated. I’m flying on a new airline, different people, but the same God. I keep reminding myself what the Bible says: “Pray without ceasing.” I must not forget that, with God, all things are possible. Many thoughts came rushing to my head. Who’s going to get me off the plane in Atlanta? How do I get to the correct terminal? Most importantly, how do I get to the restroom with this huge bag that holds my laptop? I know these seem like the same old questions, but for me, they’re an every day reality. My whole life truly relies on the compassion of family, friends and strangers. These are important questions that I have prayed about asking God to fill me with His peace and handpick the people who will assist me on my journey to Peru. As we were descending in Atlanta, all you could see through the window was haze. The intense murkiness was so chunkily scattered, you could see nothing in front of you. I prayed as we landed that the pilot would be able to see the landing pad. Praise God, he did. Eddie, one of the attendants who transferred me to and fro through the Atlanta terminals, was a Baptist Minister. God is so good! After sharing with Eddie the special delivery for Sophie in Peru, he shared with me how his son is a Pastor in Africa. His son has already started over twenty-two churches. I shared with Eddie our desire to minister to the Kenyans full-time one day, Lord willing, by training them how to take care of themselves in their disabled state of disarray. It astonishes me, every time, to see God respond to prayers by giving me a special assistant who happens to be a believer. Eddie dropped me off to the cafeteria area. This gave me time to read up about Peru and pray about how to minister to Sophie, since I don’t speak Spanish. I knew I was going to have an interpreter, but I didn’t know how much English she could understand. Later on, I needed to go to the ladies room. I saw a Delta Airlines representative, and asked her if she could push me to the restroom. I discovered the young lady’s name was Marie, a beautiful Brazilian woman who left Brazil to arrive in the US to assist her family back in Brazil. After the restroom we went to the bookstore in the Atlanta Airport. Marie stopped pushing me and turned me around and asked, “Who did you vote for?” I humbly stated, “Bush, who did you vote for?” Marie replied, “Bush.” When I asked her why, Marie said, “Toby are you a Christian?” I was so thrilled she asked. I said, “yes.” She said, “So, am I.” Marie was encouraged to know we have a president who prays before he goes into war; that President Bush would humble himself in prayer before the Lord, to make important decisions that would affect our country for eternity. I agreed with Marie and we just hugged each other. This sister, in a swarm of people, was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later on, Marie helped me to the plane, and I asked her to pray for me as I continued on to Peru. She said she would. I’m so glad God takes care of my every need by providing the people, or in this case, the sister and brother in Christ, to take care of me. This happened because of prayer and because, with God, all things are possible! Amen. Tears of Joy Paralyzed but not broken 2 Chronicles 20:15 “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” Sunday, November 14, 2004 I’ve now landed in Lima, Peru and I’m staying at Sophie’s casa (home), which is located in a poorer suburb called Moderno, Peru. As we drove two hours from Lima to Sophie’s home, we could see that the Peruvian people respect their country. The streets were clean and there were professional street cleaners every few blocks. Many of the buildings were unfinished, probably due to lack of monies, but very clean. There’s a big mountain located in Peru. Interestingly enough there’s no grass, it’s all brown dirt. I later discovered it only rains maybe one or two months every year. When it does rain it just sprinkles. They don’t have a problem with flooding like we do in the States. There are thousands of homes sprinkled along the mountainside. In Peru, people are strong and like to walk long distances. I guess even if they have to climb twenty miles up a mountain to get to their home, they are thankful they have a home. Sophie’s home is made of cement and adobe, which her husband, Manuel, built with his bare hands. The home is three stories high, where other families’ members live above her. Because they ran out of funding, the building does not have a roof. One thing precious about the Peruvian people, is that they are very close and keep in touch with their family members daily. Every ounce of space is used. Though they are limited, and don’t have back yards, their rooftop serves as a clothesline and playground for the children. Occasionally, when I go outside I can even see a dog or chicken roaming on the rooftops. Sophie and her family have given me the best bed. Once I get in it, the dip in the middle is so low it can be a challenge to get out of it, especially when you have no hip joints. So, I’ve decided to get comfortable for the night and try not to turn. Sophie and Manuel have a beautiful twelve-year-old daughter named Lacie. Lacie is very intelligent and is studying English. Sophie is fifty years of age. Thirteen years ago, while taking monies from an ATM machine, she was shot during an attempted bank robbery. She was left paralyzed from the waist down. The gunshot left her body locked-up which has been unforgiving, but then to be jailed to her home was almost too much to tolerate. Her husband now must complete the every day tasks she once performed effortlessly; plus work a full time job. Their bathroom is small and extremely limited because el bano (the toilet) is right next to the shower. This makes it impossible for her husband to carry her in. Most of the time, when she does bathe it is from the bed. Though burdened because she cannot reach parts of her body, Sophie tries to make the best out of her life. Friday, I shared how Wheels of Love (WOL) received an email from her friend Jackie, who said Sophie was in need of a wheelchair. It broke my heart to hear how she has had to live without being able to get around her home. WOL prayed for Sophie to be able to receive a wheelchair. Then, a brand new electric wheelchair and manual wheelchair were donated to WOL. We tried two different ways to get her a chair. First, through another Christian Wheelchair Ministry, and then, by trying to ship them by plane, which would have cost at least fifteen hundred dollars. Realizing the cost to ship was so expensive, I believe the Lord had placed it on my heart to check the cost for me to hand carrying the items to Peru. I explained that many friends and ministry partners donated the funds so I could share this special gift with you. As I shared this information with Sophie, she broke down in tears. Her eyes welled up and, uncontrollably, she sighed as thirteen years of waiting poured through her tears. You know Joseph was also once imprisoned. And for Sophie and me, one way or another we have felt the coldness of the prison walls. Maybe you may not be confined to a wheelchair, bed or prison; yet, you may have often sat in darkness and felt around you the restriction which did not allow you to do as you pleased. We have to remember the battle is not ours, but God’s, He can set you free. Through God’s love, Sophie now has the freedom to move around her home without the dependence on others. The dungeon of her soul where she once dwelled - confined to darkness due to depression - now has light. The light of encouragement, that God heard her prayers and provided an electric wheelchair. Are you in a position where you can’t do, as you would like? Perhaps, you feel like you’re in prison? Do you feel like your soul is confined to darkness? Then turn your eyes to the Lord and put your trust in Him. Cling to His promises, because the battle is not yours but God’s! {Sophie and some of her family in her new electric wheelchair} Set Free To Worship Surrendering your life to Christ Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you are saved by faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works least any man should boast. Monday, November 15, 2004 Bondage can be very painful. Some of us may be bound to a TV program we need to watch, or perhaps, you can’t say, “no” to other people. Maybe you deal with profound bouts of uncontrollable anger. I think it’s safe to say, in one way or another, we have all been there and done that. Yes? During my stay in Peru, God blessed me with a wonderful helper and interpreter, whom we will call, “Sharon.” Though her English is awkward at times, she has a precious heart to assist me in any way she can. One of the benefits of living in someone’s home is that it allows a personal relationship to form. You have the opportunity to live out your witness. Through prayer, when you share the gospel story, you trust they will see that there is a need to surrender full authority to Christ. For there is only one way to Heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ, for we are saved by grace through faith, and not works, lest any man should boast. I’ve had the privilege to spend a lot of time with Sharon. One day, I had the opportunity to play the movie ‘Ten Commandments’ for Sophie and other family members. Since the language barrier is complex, I thought viewing the life story of Moses would motivate them to ask questions. After the movie, Sharon and I had time to talk. Sharon asked about God’s love. I had my Bible and was looking over my notes on how to share the gospel. Sharon asked, “What are the steps for following Christ about?” I presented the gospel to Sharon. What Jesus did on the cross was to bridge the sin gap between man and God. {By the way Friday night at 8pm we will show The Passion of Christ at a local church} I shared with Sharon that we have all sinned and are in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ. I asked Sharon if she had ever lied, stolen or had an impure thought. She agreed she had done all of them. As she knelt on my bed, in deep excitement to learn more, Sharon prayed to trust and submit her life to Christ. Remember when I asked if you ever have been in bondage? Bondage in Christ can be very good. Now, Sharon can say she is bound to Christ, forever. Later during the day, Sophie asked me if I would like to go to church and share my testimony. What a privilege to be asked to share the testimony God has allowed in my life. I was very thankful that their church was only ten minutes walking distance from her home. The Pastor was a short, dark man, enthusiastically proclaiming God’s goodness and His provisions, for His church and family. In his generosity, the Pastor permitted me as much time as I needed. After sharing how God allowed WOL to help minister to Sophie, the congregation shouted praises to Hosanna for providing Sophie with a wheelchair. Loud claps of praise went up as a fragrance to the Lord in adoration and thankfulness for God’s provision. When I was finished, the Music Leader, Margarita got up to lead us in a time of worshiping our King. The Peruvian people have a unique cheer they repeat throughout the service. I watched passionately trying to keep up with them as they were all moving or clapping (which wore me out). Sitting in my chair, I realized the Peruvians poured their souls out, with unbridled passion and praise to God. After the music, the Pastor shared the sermon about putting on the full armor of God. The Pastor, then, allowed me a second time to share my personal testimony. Later, he invited people up for prayer. I was amazed as more than twenty people came up for prayer. But following the service, many people came and thanked me for sharing and bringing the chairs to Sophie. I explained God gets all the glory, and thanked them for their hospitality. You know, living an enslaved life to Christ, in full bondage, whether in a wheelchair or not, is a breathtaking joy. Tonight, with prayer, song, and dance, even those bound to a chair were set free to worship our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, with great joy! {Handicap parking in Peru} Made To Last Forever More to life than the here and now 2 Corinthians 5:1 “For we know if our earthly house of His tabernacle were dissolve, we have a building of God, an house made not with hands.” Thursday, November 18, 2004 Within the last year, I have been doing a lot of reflection about Wheels of Love (WOL) and ministering to the disabled, by providing them with a wheelchair, a Bible in their language, plus the opportunity to hear the gospel message. Which way would God have WOL minister? Do we take large groups of people from the U.S. to do a mission trip to say, Kenya for two weeks handing out a 20-foot truckload of wheelchairs? Do we stay in a hotel or with the local families that will receive the chairs? Though I have participated in both short-term and long-term mission trips, and have stayed at the local hotels, plus with a local family, I know God has used both opportunities to minister in a very distinctive way. God has assigned WOL to us, and we’re taking notice of the way He is shaping His ministry. You know, running a ministry is a privilege, but the bottom line is all people are one of a kind, and God places on each individual’s heart, exactly what He wants them to do to fulfill The Great Commission. As I continue in God’s Word, I’m seeing almost every person who has contacted WOL, in some way or another, has been misplaced and at wits end, and, perhaps, from their view, forgotten. We continue taking note of the individuals who just “happen” to find us on the web. You and I know, as believers, nothing is by chance, but ordained by the hand of God. Someone who is in need of a wheelchair can’t get one, for whatever reason. WOL tries to locate another Christian ministry, or Christian, who is ministering in that country, to, prayerfully, try to obtain the person a wheelchair, Bible and the opportunity to hear the gospel message. When we can’t seem to meet the need through a larger Christian Organization, God steps in and asks WOL to be His ambassador and hand deliver the items, ourselves. In the past months sometimes I catch myself looking at the financial numbers when God places a need on our hearts. Questions like this seem to cloud my thoughts: You mean bring two wheelchairs to one person in Peru~is this cost effective? But Lord that is $700.00 USD, just for the ticket. Plus, what about all the other expenses such as, groceries (when living with a family, out of respect, you need to help supply the meals), and then $60.00 USD, in custom fees to get the wheelchairs into Peru? To get around town we will have to use a taxi. Thus far, the cost is around $40.00, one way, because the roads are unpaved, and you sink in it like quicksand, which makes it difficult to push a wheelchair. The grocery store is very far, at least one and one half-hours, one-way. Is all this ministering in Your name? Instead, Father, why don’t you have us send a 20-foot container to Peru? Couldn’t many more people use them, and more have the opportunity to hear the gospel? Surely, Father, ministering to one person in Peru is not all you want WOL to do. As many of these questions and thoughts permeated my mind I went back to God’s Word. I needed confirmation to know what we were doing was God’s will. As I continued to read, it gave me the spiritual nourishment I needed to fulfill my purpose in Peru. Through prayer, I’ve continued with the dilemma of how much this twelve-day mission trip will cost. But in God’s Word, I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) “Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for WOL”. A couple of years, back in 2000, when WOL was first birthed, after many years of every day life, Rick & I began to fully comprehend that there was more to life than the here and now. We began to live differently. We started WOL in obedience to God’s purpose for our lives. We went ahead living in the light of eternity; knowing God’s plans would endure forever. Once we accepted that God’s plan and purpose for us was to use WOL to help the disabled, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ, we started receiving e-mail requests from around the world. As I’m sitting in my bed in Peru, I’ve come to realize I’d been putting so much thought into the financial aspect and didn’t recognize our limitations. You see, God assigns each of us a field or sphere of service, with limitations. Since WOL is a very small ministry limited on funds, God is choosing to allow WOL to share Jesus, one on one, to the forgotten. Right now, we don’t have international contacts where we could even deliver one hundred wheelchairs. For now, God is asking us to deliver two. Next, God is saying, “Complete the goal that I set before you.” Because of the ministry partners, and God’s grace, this has been accomplished. My prayer is that, in Heaven, your rewards will be many. Though my heart and head battled over the best way to minister to people who’re in need of a chair, I’ve discovered, for WOL, due the physical and financial limitations, staying with the intended family who will receive the wheelchair, is best for now. In Sophie’s case, an electric wheelchair was desperately needed, which requires training to show her how to be an effective driver, without breaking her toes, or someone else’s. The one on one time with Sophie and her family, has allowed much needed training for her husband and brother-in-law on how to properly lift her. Due to lack of resources, finances, and knowledge in most undeveloped countries, such as Peru, a disabled person can find himself, or herself, paralyzed and stressed, because they don’t know how to keep living. For instance, after Sophie’s surgery, a doctor came to her home and put her in a standing position behind her sofa and then left the room. He told her to hold onto the back of the sofa and bend her knees and go up and down to build up her strength. After a few minutes of standing, not even being able to go up and down, she was completely exhausted and turned around to reach her chair, and fell breaking her leg. After many weeks of pain and suffering, the doctor gave her a prescription for sleeping pills, instead of a pain reliever. The doctor later told Sophie they thought she was faking it and she could walk, but just didn’t want to. Can you imagine if your doctor told this to you? My time with Sophie has been priceless, as I continue training her in upper exercises from her chair. A transfer board was donated to Sophie, and I’ve showed her husband how to use it to get her into a chair, without having to do all the lifting. God has been using our time to build and encourage Sophie and, at the same time, to minister to those in her immediate family. Though, sometimes, I’ve tried to schedule plans for the next day, it didn’t always work out. I’m seeing, first hand, that being God’s servant on a mission field means giving up the right to control my schedule, and allowing God to interrupt it whenever He needs to. For instance, Thursday I was going to take a taxi to the market, Plaza Vea, which is like our HEB stores. Previously, I prayerfully encouraged Sophie, who hadn’t been in a taxi for many years, to, at least, get in one, and go around the block. Sophie’s blood pressure goes up and she fights bouts of vomiting and wetting herself. Plus, when she is transferred, it causes much pain in her legs. The Taxi arrived, and it was a perfect time to train Papa Cero on how to get her in and out of the Taxi. Before we even began the transfer, we opened with prayer, asking the God of Heaven to help control her health problems so she could go out and see the world. After she got in the Taxi, and was comfortable, she then wanted to go to the Market with us. Now, instead of a 5-minute ride, we’re going for a 90-minute ride. Instead of two in this small taxi, we now had four. God truly interrupted my schedule, but, for His glory. You see, Sophie had no problems with vomiting, and no pain in her legs. Can I hear, “Amen?” ~“Amen and Amen”~ As I continue my time in Peru, I pray God will keep developing WOL SHAPE--, that God would cultivate our gifts and abilities, and develop our character and personality, and expand our experiences, so WOL will be more and more effective in our service to the Lord. When you read this story, I do hope you will pray that God will give you His direction for your life, keeping in mind that there is more to this life than the here and now; that God wants us to keep developing our SHAPE for His eternal service. God designed you in His image, to live for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT) “God has planted eternity in the human heart.” So, as you seek Him for your purpose, I pray you also will live with eternity heavily on your heart, with each decision you make. {The homes go up the mountain in Moderno, Peru} Christ’s Ambassadors Following Jesus demands change Matthew 10:38-39 NLT  "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you cling to your life, you will loose it; if you give it up for me, you will find it. Friday, November 19, 2004 Though I’m here to deliver two wheelchairs, bedside toilet, and shower chair to Sophie in Peru, I also felt a burden to show the Passion of the Christ on my laptop. Before I departed, I designed a flyer to print during my time in Peru. I wanted to be prepared, ‘just in case’ an opportunity presented itself. Not knowing Spanish well enough, I thought the movie would speak volumes to them of exactly what Jesus did for them, and that He seeks to have a relationship with each of us. Wednesday, the Pastor from Iglesia Christina Misonera Church, came over, upon my invitation. After our fellowship time, we had prepared a very American meal called ‘spaghetti’. Maybe you have heard of this? The spaghetti was a big hit. After blessing the food, everyone dug in and, for at least five minutes, no one spoke. You could truly hear a pin drop. Then, with a breath of air, someone said, “Rico,” which means very good. I gently approached the conversation with Pastor to ask him if we could show the Passion at his church on my laptop. The Pastor was so excited that he offered his own TV and DVD player to play it on. He had only one concern. He was afraid no one would come, because there was no way to advertise. I was glad he shared his concern. I shared with him that I had already prepared the flyer in Texas, and WOL would pay for the printing, and hand deliver the invitations to each person’s home in the immediate area. He was thrilled, and we agreed Friday night, at 7pm, the movie would begin. This was a divine appointment only made in Heaven. The church is located in Moderno, Peru. Congregation is about twenty to fifty members. But the pews and chairs will seat about sixty- eighty people. Thursday, after we got back from grocery shopping, I emailed Rick, letting him know I was ok, and what God was doing here in Moderno. I asked my interpreter if she would take me to distribute the flyers. Sharon said she had to pick up her sister’s children, and it would take at least two to four hours to complete their homework. I was impressed with the commitment each member of the family has to help out. Each person takes turn helping out doing homework with the young ones, and even doing dishes. Each adult, even the men, wash their own clothes and iron them. They also alternate in the cooking. So, I thought it only appropriate, since I’m living with their family, I would make breakfast. I needed something to cook that would be hot, filling and inexpensive, since we had fifteen hungry stomachs to fill: how about a fried egg sandwich? As I started frying the eggs, and I could only do two at a time, because they only had one frying pan, I asked Papa if we could pray, now and everyone could start eating while the eggs were hot. Papa replied, “No thank you. We all eat as a family.” This was wonderful to see, first-hand, that family was valued more than a hot meal. Since Sharon had other commitments, Paper Cero, Profia and Armando agreed to help me in my great endeavor to get the invitations out. As we departed Sophie’s house to distribute the flyers, I still didn’t know who had committed their lives to the Lord, until Friday afternoon. But, I will share more about this later. WOL had about eighty flyers printed up. As Armando pushed me, I asked Paper Ciero and Porifa to take some of the flyers and insert them under the door of each home. I hand-carried some so I could give them out to people as they walked by. As I handed out the flyers, Porfia, who has such a difficult time seeing, had to go by touch and gently locate the bottom of the door, so she could push the flyer under it. Though Porfia cannot see well anymore, her heart feels and sees everything. She is kind, and even talks to me in Spanish, like I really understand what she is saying. I love her for that. Then, there’s Papa Ciero, my interpreter’s father. Ciero is tall, older man with the strength of five men put together, and has a very healthy appetite. I could tell, neither of them had even done something like this before. But, praise God, they were willing to do so now. That is what mattered. They were willing, and God used them for His glory. As Papa and Porfia continued up the mountain, Armando and I rested on the side of the road. The total radius we covered today was about five miles. In complete exhaustion, but filled with great joy, we headed back home! In Peru, income is so little, that maybe, once or twice a year, on a special occasion, they get to have chicken. Tonight was a special night, and every member of the family ate a piece of chicken with potatoes and rice. At the table, I remembered, in the Bible, when Jesus would share about Heaven and His Father’s Will, that food was supplied. Remember the manna, the fish and loaves of bread that were multiplied. Have you ever wondered why the food was given? I have, and I think now I understand why. In my opinion, I think, how can you expect someone to listen to you speak about God’s love and goodness, when you’re wrangled with hunger pains. Your thought process is being held captive by food. If I take all the time to listen to Jesus, or a Christian’s testimony, I won’t be able to work, no work no income; no income, and I can’t feed my family. God, himself, fulfilled the most basic need, filling their stomachs so they could be filled spiritually. I can see clearly, that is what God has been doing with providing the meals for each family member, as He prepares their hearts to hear the gospel. After a wonderful night of rest, it’s now Friday morning. We’ve all just finished our fried egg sandwiches. As we’re sitting around the kitchen table a conversation had come up about the many women who call the house looking for Armando. So I said, Armando how many girlfriends do you have? To my chagrin he replied at least five or more. Armando is twenty-four years of age and thinks it is real cute to have the attention of so many women, but I said what do you think God thinks? With about eight other family members I saw God opening a spiritual door that would fill the next two hours in deep prayer and many tears. You see, just last night, Sharon, my interpreter saw me reading my paper work about my testimony. I asked her if she would like to read it, not knowing, the next day, she could share it with Armando and the rest of Sophie’s family. I shared with Sharon, God has given us all a testimony, and God wants us to share His Word with unbelievers. Once born again, our task is to lead people to the Savior so that they become citizens of the eternal kingdom we represent. The other night, Sharon dedicated her life to Christ and I explained how we have an important assignment, and we must take it seriously. Sharon agreed, and we drifted quickly into a deep sleep. The next day, Sharon took her assignment seriously. Because she had read my testimony last night, she could share it today. I asked Armando if he ever asked Christ to be his Savior; he replied, “No.” I asked Sharon to share my testimony with him. She said, “Ms. Toby, are you sure?” I said, “Yes, that is why God gives us a testimony so we can encourage others with it.” I knew enough Spanish to recognize when she got to the part about my dad and the terrible things he did to me. As I listened to her share my testimony, I prayed that God would break down every wall that was evident. Then, she went into the accident and how God has used my wheelchair to help others for His glory. As I listened to Sharon, the horrible memories flooded my mind, but God’s mercy refreshed my spirit. As I look back in retrospect of my past, I can truly see how God has used all the bad for His good. In love, I shared how God is love and He loves you, but he hates the sin in our lives. By Armando’s own admission he has lusted in his mind, stolen, and is a liar. I explained this is why we’re in need of a Savior. I continued to share with him what it says in the Bible. Then, I asked him if Jesus came back tomorrow, “Would you be going to Heaven or Hell? Because you have not surrendered your life to Christ, he could say, ‘I knew you not; depart from me.’ Did he want that?” “No”, he replied. “You see, God knows better than anyone else, what is best for you. God loves you more than anyone else will. Would you like to surrender your life to Christ in front of everyone to make him Number One if your life?” Armando said, yes he wanted to have Christ in his heart and, admitted he was a sinner in need of a Savior. As I prayed with Armando, he repeated the prayer. Today, Armando’s name was written in the Book of Life. The rest of the family that was there also recommitted their life to Christ. Halleluiah! After this blessing, all of us were so tired, we had to go lay down and take a nap. This is the first time during my stay; anyone had needed to take a nap. I knew we had stepped out of a boxing ring with the enemy. We were doing battle for Armando’s soul, and God won! By 6:30pm we need to be ready to head to church to set up the Passion movie. I woke up at 5:30 pm, and still quite tired, and knew I was going right back into the battleground. Because the Bible says we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the principalities of the darkness, I prayed for the Lord to give me His strength and to do battle for me. At the church, we were greeted by the pastor and introduced to his daughter, who would be doing the interpreting tonight, since Sharon, my interpreter, was at work until Sunday morning. We opened up in prayer, asking to be flexible to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We purchased some candies and some biscuits to offer to everyone who attended the premiere. As the doors to the church opened, Sophie’s family filled eight seats. Within twenty minutes of the first part of the movie, at least forty seats were filled. To all who prayed back in the States, God did a miracle tonight. One of the first people to come accept Christ, was a young man in a wheelchair. Then, young mothers carrying their babies and then, some fathers also came. When the scene of the whipping of Jesus appeared on the screen, there was not a dry eye in the church. After the movie ended, I shared with them, “Now, that you know what Jesus did for you, and how He wants to have a relationship with you, will you deny Him, or will you surrender. To anyone who has not committed his or her life to Christ, please come forward for prayer.” As I continued the gospel message, one by one, they came. Five total, without hesitation or reservation, committed their life to Christ. While departing to home, Walter, the young man in the wheelchair, said he borrowed this chair because he heard about the movie. He wanted us to know that he sells things at the market to make his living, but it doesn’t provide enough for him to get a chair. I said, “Could we please pray first, and let the Lord see what He would do.” Then, I asked him if we could meet with him Monday, at 10 am, to see how WOL could help him get a wheelchair. Sunday, we hailed a taxi and went in search of purchasing a new wheelchair. We located a hospital that hung the sign ‘CLOSED’. I told my friend someone might be inside, and they were. WOL purchased the chair for Walter. It was beautiful. The reason we’re able to purchase the wheelchair for Walter, is, several months back, the VBS kids from Waxhaw Bible Church did a fundraiser and raised enough funds for three people to receive a wheelchair and a Bible. Thus far, their funds have helped two people, one in Peru and one in Kenya. Praise God for our children! One more thought before I close. I thought I was coming to Peru to bring a wheelchair to one family. God chose to use WOL to help many families. You never know how God will use us in this life. But one thing will stay the same, “Following Jesus demands a change!” Are you willing to change? This is Walter in his brand new wheelchair: