| 06 July 2024
Hi to you all,
Yes, July is already flying by! June was a very busy month for us here. We had a baptism, then a wedding, and just last week we heard sadly that a dear brother in his 90's had passed away. Albino had a real testimony of being converted and changed to a new life in Christ. He worked with our dear colleague Bob Riggenbach (with the Lord now), for years in the Quechua speaking towns in and around the Colca canyon. Albino also wrote most of the songs in the Quechua hymnbook they use. For sure he is now with the Lord he loved and served, and has heard his "well done".
Some of his grown children and grandchildren are here in Arequipa and some have their children in our school. I have had 2 of them in my Bible classes, last year and this year. They do really well, the little guy in 5th grade could teach the class, he knows all the answers!
Bob is traveling now to the canyon for the leaders training up there tomorrow and Lord willing, Bob will go to Sibayo, where Albino lived and served, Sunday morning to help and encourage the family and other believers there. Albino's widow, Manuela, is not doing well physically either, and is on oxygen, so please pray for her in her grief and weakened state. Also, please pray for dedicated leaders to continue on the Lord's work in all the churches in and around the Colca canyon, and in all the areas we have served in for so long.
School marches on. Tomorrow is declared "teachers day" in all of Perú. The students had surprises for their teachers and tutors and then the directors invited the teachers (and Bob and me) for dinner. Bob was able to give thanks for the meal and later to exhort all present to seek the Lord and put Him first in their classes and teaching. I am truly blessed in teaching the O.T. to the 29 fifth graders, every class is a blessing. We are thankful for the freedom we have to teach God's Word and His values here still.
Bob traveled right after the meal and we trust will have a very profitable teaching time up in the canyon tomorrow, and an encouraging Sunday morning in Sibayo. And a safe trip home Sunday afternoon. Then he has to go to the U.S. for his cancer checkups, scans, bloodwork, etc. He leaves Monday afternoon (July 8) and has his return ticket for July 23-24. Then we have another wedding early in August. This one is a couple who are leaders in the youth, Sunday school, outreaches teaching children, and other areas of the church here. So the busy life is not over yet.
Thank you so very much for praying and sharing with the Lord's work here. 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
Many thanks and blessings for you, Noél for us
