If you’re reading this article then you are probably already a contributor to the future work in Cusco, Peru. I intend to run a series of articles in six different church bulletins that will inform our supporters about this mission. This is the first installment of the series. Because we have been richly blessed by your support, and because it is necessary for you to understand the impact you’ll have in Cusco, I hope this series will build within you enthusiasm and purpose.
Our team will come across four phases of the work in Cusco, Peru, and the first is preparation. I believe the Bible teaches that preparation is essential to the life of a mission. Perhaps this is best illustrated in Paul’s mission among the Gentiles. In Galatians 1, Paul mentions a few key moments of preparation. From the very beginning, he states that God “set me apart even from my mother’s womb” (v. 15). Eventually, the “Son” was revealed to him (v. 16). But what is most interesting is his three-year stay in Arabia prior to his missionary journeys (vv. 17-18). Scholars have debated over the purpose of his time in Arabia, but most believe Paul used that remote area as a place to meditate and pray. Some speculate that Paul’s three years in Arabia were compensation for the three years of instruction Jesus gave the apostles.
When we look at God’s plan for Paul, the apostle’s encounter with Christ, and his three-year stay in Arabia, one word comes to mind: preparation. In the same way, our team understands the value of preparation. Our training began in Christian homes and continued in Christian universities. For the past five years we’ve gained precious experience in local work. And, beginning in January, we’ll move to Dallas, TX to continue our training. An organization affiliated with the church, Continent of Great Cities (greatcities.org), will take us through their six-month internship. Together, our team will be trained in culture, language, team dynamics, and mission strategy. This course of preparation will be invaluable. Then Allison and I will move from Dallas, TX to Huntsville, AL and work with the Memorial Parkway Church of Christ for four months. There, we will come to know our overseeing church and complete the preparations to move to Peru. Ultimately, it is our hope that the preparations we make now will help to prepare the souls of many for eternity.
Published in Seeking Things Above and at The Cusco Chronicles.