| 03 August 2024
Hi to you all again,
Well, August is here with lots of wind and lots of dust because it is the dry season. These months are the best for traveling to the mountains because even though it is winter and cold at nights, it is dry.
So Bob traveled again to the Colca canyon for the discipleship training for the leaders from the churches in the canyon. Vicente Kacma went with him, he does know how to drive in case Bob needs help, but so far Bob is able to keep going, driving and teaching.
Please help us pray for Bob's health and ministry. The Lord is really helping us but there are some problems. In July Bob was over 2 weeks in VA again for scans and checkups. The Dr. there changed Bob's medicine because what he was taking is no longer effective. The new meds will have to be taken with steroids (prednisone) which will likely make it harder for Bob. The Dr. wants Bob to be in a study at John Hopkins in MD. which may be a step in the direction of a cure. His stage 4 cancer is irreversible but at least the meds are to keep the cancer under control and give him more "quality time".
So, please help us pray. Bob should take the new meds and prednisone here till the end of this year and then start the study. We still plan on being there a few months and then be here in ministry for several months. We don't have a place to stay for a long time in VA or MD so please help us pray.
This week we have the wedding of the youth leaders we mentioned in the last letter, José Luis and Ruth Katerine, a real blessing. Some of last year's weddings are now producing a "baby boom", newborns and expecting parents. We pray these will result in godly homes and churches.
Many of these newlyweds are enthusiastic, serving the Lord. There are some problems, but we are glad to see our pastors and others taking responsibility, visiting, counseling, teaching, and careful parenting. The Lord is showing us that He can use each believer with their gifts.
Many still call Bob and tell him all their problems, but they are learning to respect and seek counsel from our Peruvian leaders. Again, the most progress this way is in the Arequipa churches, which is why it is important to see the mountain, valley and coastal churches also have responsible leadership.
The school is still my main place of service and I pray to be able to finish the OT. this year with the 5th grade by late Oct. and somehow be here to teach the NT. next year to the same class, 6th grade by then. These kids are attentive and are a blessing. My prayer and desire is to see this next generation firm in the faith.
The govt. does not help, they declare extra holidays, prohibiting schools to function. There are too many holidays, strikes, etc. here. We are thankful for our Christian teachers and hardworking directors. Thanks for praying and sharing. God's Word and church will go on, PTL!
Gratefully, Noél for us. 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
