| 25 December 2023
Finally! December! Year 2023 is almost gone, but a lot has happened, a lot will happen. Here we are! Bob had profitable and good trips to the mountains, 2 of the once a month leaders training in the Colca canyon. He went to Pinchollo and later to Tuti. We are thankful that God's church is "rolling on" as the song says. The Lord gives strength, way beyond our own.
We are also thankful for our youth. Many of the newlyweds and some who are still single are taking more responsibility, in Sunday School, visiting, doing year end distributions in areas where they teach children.
In one of these, Jeff and Angela have a year end distribution to needy kids and neighbors. They have the children memorize crucial Scripture verses for points. They can purchase goodies and other items with these points. They learn a lot of Scripture. God's word will never return void, we pray these kids, their folks and neighbors will truly come to faith in Christ, and service to Him. Truly a lot of areas and people are being reached for Christ, we are thankful.
Our enemy wants to crush God's work in hearts, but God Himself protects and saves. A young man who works in Lima was baptized here Sunday. He is seeking a good church in Lima. Please help us pray for Alberto, he is sincere and is growing in Christ.
Bob is also still preparing messages, preaching, teaching, counseling, visiting and working for the Lord Who gives us strength.
Ebenezer Christian school had their year end Christmas program ("clausura") last Friday and it was good, honoring Christ. The directors, Lupe and Marino, still have much to do to satisfy the government requirements. Lupe and the teachers have to turn in tons of forms, reports, etc. and Marino has to do some structure changes for the required licenses. We have the approved licenses but every year there are changes required. Please help us pray the school will always be a light for Christ and we are truly thankful for all of you who help especially in fees, scholarships for the needy, yet deserving students.
We had around 250 students this past year 2023 and pray for more as the Lord provides in 2024. We thank God for the freedom to teach His Word in school, we pray this will continue, thanks so much for all who pray for this and share as He leads. 2024 school year starts in March, Lord willing.
Late last month our neighborhood had several electrical power surges. This blew out several appliances all up and down our street. in our apt. the fridge burned out and also our little radio. In the church some of the fluorescent lights and something on the church computer burned out. Praise the Lord these are fixed. The fridge is not fixed. It needs a new motor which is so far not available here. Thanks for praying for this.
We went to the U.S. again for 3 weeks in December. Bob was able to see his brother Paul and his family and other good friends we have not seen in over 20 years. We stayed with Bob's sister Bev, now a widow, but still strong in the Lord. Bob's cancer tests show that his cancer is reducing. It was stage 4 and now it is stage 3A. So it is reversing. Though Bob often is tired, he is able to minister and drive. We both really want to remain here in the Lord's work as long as He leads. We ask your prayers for God's leading, wisdom, and provision in these decisions.
So we trust you have had a very joyful Christmas, and will have a fruitful year 2024. 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 much!
Christmas and new year's blessings, Noél for us
