| 04 October 2020
Well, Yes, in many ways i think so. As to the Covid-19 here in Arequipa, it appears the worst is over. The death toll from Covid has gone way down. Now, oxygen is available and so are some ICU units. There are a lot of new cases every day still, but most recover. We praise the Lord for that but we still have to wear masks and practice social distancing.
We still cannot have the large Sunday a.m. meetings here in the central church building. We have started small meetings, Bob's leaders meeting on Monday afternoons, and we are considering re-starting midweek prayer meetings, with only like 2 or 3 groups, sitting a fair distance apart. Please help us pray we can gradually get together again as churches without danger.
Bob also would like to travel, there are a few places he needs to go and deal with some problems. Yes, there still are some problems, but the Lord is amazingly keeping our brethren together, and faithful to Him. We are able to visit individuals, pray with them, and disciple new believers. Several still call, asking Bob questions on God's Word and expressing desire to stay faithful to Him. Some come to receive counsel and many want to buy Bibles, hymn books, and other helpful literature.
Our youth leader, Pepe, is doing an outstanding job of connecting the young people. They have begun and continue with their outreach to Belaunde, a district of Yarabamba, where they work with children and families. Also, Pepe has bought and shared good Christian books with the youth. They have also begun some small group Bible studies and visits. Vicente, who had Covid pretty bad but recovered, and his family are continuing their outreach to Polobaya and its district, Agua Buena, once a week. They have a good group out there who listen to God's Word. There are a few baptized believers there, but they need to grow in Christ.
Many faithful believers connect to hear, watch and participate with the messages and songs we share on facebook (De Cristo) twice a week: Sunday a.m. at 10:30 ET and Thursday afternoons, at least by 7 p.m. Ministry goes on, and we are thankful to be here for our brethren. This month of October I miss our children and families and the beautiful fall colors, but glad the Lord has us here, and spring weather here is nice now.
As to my poor broken elbow, I think the worst is also over. Cast came off and stitches came out Sept. 22. I am using it some but still have to keep it bandaged and I have to be careful not to put pressure on it, etc. Nails and wire have to stay in for some months but I hope to also get them removed.
Thanks so very much to all of you for praying with us and sharing with the Lord's work here. He is at work, truly He is in control. Our support address is:
Christian Missions in Many Lands, Inc.
P.O. Box 13
Spring Lake, NJ, 07762-0013 (with a note: for Bob Rich, Perú)
Thanks so very very much, many blessings for you, Noél for us
