Month 7: Teach Them to Pray

This month and next my team is partnered with a church plant in a rural part of the Ica Province of Peru. 

Our ministry consists of construction as we help with the completion of the church building, as well as relational ministry geared towards kids and adults in our area and a neighboring town. 

Our “house” is said un-completed church building–and it’s been the best blessing so far. We have a big kitchen and a dining table we can all fit at (!!!!). Not one but TWO bathrooms, a “living room” with sometimes comfortable couches, and a “rooftop patio” (aka just the roof with a couple chairs we’ve scrounged up, but a stellar view of the mountains). We all have our own space to rest and pray and simply be. We have beds with the coziest blankets to keep us warm at night, and the sun rises over the mountains and sets behind the trees every day. 

Life out here is simple and sweet and beautiful. 

The first morning we met with our host, Pastor Samuel, he strummed his guitar and sang worship songs in Spanish for us. He then held the guitar out in anticipation of someone else being able to play too. One of my teammates grabbed it and our team sang a few songs in English for Pastor. 

I noticed right away his enthusiasm and joy, and sheer delight when we’d sing praises he certainly cannot understand. At the end of our time together, he said “podemos orar” (let us pray) and then said “repite” (repeat, meaning repeat after him). 

He started praying in short Spanish phrases, to which we’d repeat in our mumbled clearly-not-native-speakers Spanish.

Back and forth. Back and forth. 

“En el nombre y el poder de Jesús Cristo, amén.” 

Amen. 

We’ve gone into a neighboring community on Thursday afternoons twice now to help with a kids Bible school program. 

There’s a Bible story and questions and always time to color the pictures that go along with the story. We sing songs and play games and everyone there always gets a snack. 

And whenever we pray, Pastor or his wife or their son always instruct the kids, repeat after me. 

And so we do, back and forth, back and forth. 

Tiny voices raised up together to the One Most Holy and Most High God. 

And one day it struck me: this is what Jesus did when the disciples said, ‘teach us to pray.’ 

We’re going though Genesis at both of the Bible classes. Starting at the beginning. Teaching them to pray. 

It’s humbling and re-centering to go back to the basics. To model how you thank God and how you ask God for help. To show how to love in word and deed. 

Please pray: 

• for peace as we work and rest away from the bustle of the city. 
• for a greater understanding of the Spanish language to communicate effectively and build relationships well. 
• for growth in the church to be centered on the gospel of Christ and the goodness of His grace. 
• for endurance for myself and the team — we’re almost halfway through month 7!! And, in full transparency, the going is tough some days. Pray for us.