Written by Noél Rich | 07 February 2024

Hi again! Here we are in mid summer and it is warmer than other years here, and there is very little rain so far in this rainy season. Many places really need the rain for their plants and animals so that is a prayer request. Thanks.

Last letter I wrote about my starting this new year, 2024 on "the wrong foot", and it still is having nasty consequences, the stitches from the surgery on my knee cap caused an infection which still is not getting better. The dr. says I definitely need more antibiotics but my stomach does not tolerate them orally. So please pray for the Lord to heal fully and a method that the needed antibiotics will get into the necessary place. Thank you so much.

Also about health, Bob is doing well but recently shows signs of being more weak and tired. He still prepares and teaches good Bible studies, and he preaches a lot. The believers here are wonderful in accompanying him, helping both of us in all ways. They surely want us to stay here, serving the Lord, counseling and seeing new souls come to Him. Bob and I also want this for as long as we can be useful, so that is the prayer request. God will guide us, thanks so much for praying.

Our son Joe is with us and he also is a big help. Joe has been able to do good things with our youth group and has done several videos of the Lord's work here. Hopefully he will be able to return to the U.S, in a couple of weeks, after he accompanies Bob to at least one of the leaders preparation in the Colca canyon, (Yanqui) next weekend. Bob really wants to go there, he wasn't able to go to the January one because of my fall, surgeries, etc. So, another prayer request is that this infection will be healed and I can be ok by then.

The school is officially on "summer vacation", the rest of February. They finished their vacation program in January, and now are registering for the school year beginning early March. Please help us pray for dedicated Christian teachers. We praise the Lord for the ones who are staying with us this year, and do need a few others yet. Also for the students, and their families, so many still do not have the economic means for a Christian school. Thanks to you who are helping by sponsoring some of these needy ones with school fees. They and their families are truly grateful.

Many are from broken homes, single moms who struggle to make ends meet. A truly Christian school is really helpful, and we pray will be God's light in this neighborhood, helping many to come to Christ and be God's witnesses for this generation. Thanks for your help in this.

We have seen the Lord raise up leaders here, which has been an answer to prayer. Our youth continue to reach out to many neighborhoods teaching children. We are really thankful for the freedom to teach God's Word, in the open air, in the schools, etc. Please help us pray for this freedom to remain.

Thanks so much for praying for us and for all you share in 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, Peru)

Thanks so very much, blessings for you all, Noel for us here

Written by Noél Rich | 16 January 2024

Welcome, 2024.

Well, we are still here, and God knows our times. Thank you all so very much for faithfully praying and sharing for the Lord's work here in southern Peru.

This year started out kind of "on the wrong foot" however. I had the worst of my trips and truly a horrible fall. Joe and I were walking downtown for some needs for him as he had just arrived, and it was after the New Year's holidays. In a plaza just a few blocks out of our apartment I tripped and fell - I could not get up, even with help.

Bob was in his office just those few blocks, so he was called and came immediately. The "Citizen's Security" officers brought an ambulance and took us to the clinic where our traumatologist Dr. works for x-rays. Verdict: fragmented fractures in my right knee cap and in my left elbow. So, Dr. ordered hospitalization in the hospital where he operates for private patients and the next morning he did the two surgeries. Both points now have nails and wires again.

The left knee cap was the one that had the fractures before and both elbows had been operated on before. This Dr. works full time in the social security hospital but we do not have that insurance here in Peru. So, yes, it is expensive but truly in many ways better to just go privately. Anyway we are way too old to get into an insurance plan here. We have medicare in the U.S., and our daughter Terri is doing a wonderful job of managing all this for Bob.

Here, the elbow is healing well, but the knee cap stitches are badly infected. The Dr.comes regularly and has ordered really strong antibiotics to be applied to me intravenously with the saline solution morning and evening. He also gave me a stomach protector because I do not tolerate medicine very well. A neighbor nurse comes to apply the IVs. However she has a real hard time finding a vein.

The baby needle connection remains on my arm but at night sometimes it comes out, which makes it hard to get into a vein again. So far, it is taking, but the other complication is swelling (edema) in my right ankle and foot. Also in my left hand. So, I am now a "basket case". Very uncomfortable. and very frustrating.

Joe is still here and is a real blessing and help. We had to cancel our 2 day vacation by the beach but Joe also has been working with our youth here. There is another wedding this afternoon. Joe is videoing some of the youth outreaches and distributions to the children's home we help. Also he is getting his teeth worked on here (less expensive than in the U.S.} He will be able to go with some of the youth to the beach by Camana where God is raising up a little church we work with. So all is not lost. Guess the Lord had other plans for us.

Bob is staying with me, and it is a blessing to see the brothers here take responsibilities, trips and churches here and elsewhere. Bob had really wanted to go to the training of leaders and we pray he will be able to go the next time, early Feb. He does have his leaders training here. But all this is really tiring for him. He has lost a lot of weight.

The director of the school, Lupe Riveros, is cooking dinner for us every day. Everyone wants to help but honestly it is very frustrating. I cannot go downstairs, we live on the third floor, so I am stuck. Please help pray us through all this. Please forgive me taking so much time explaining this difficulty, but we do want to continue to serve the Lord - we are willing to go or to stay - as the Lord leads. He has provided for us and we trust will continue - as He promises.

Please pray for the school, now on vacation for 2 mos. They are in their vacation courses, what they call "useful vacations" (vacaciones utiles). They offer mini-chef, music, sometimes drama or other special courses. We truly are very grateful for all you who help with the school, sponsoring needy students and other needs. We sure pray many will come to Christ through the school and through all we do here. May we be lights for Him.

Honestly, thank you so very much for all you have shared with us here. Please pray for me, your black and purple sister here. (Doc. says I really tore into the blood vessels, and have bruises all over - legs especially.) May the rest of 2024 really be a lot better - for God's glory. Thanks again and again,

New Year blessings, Noel for us. Our support address remains:

Christian Missions in Many Lands, Inc.
P.O. Box 13, Spring Lake, NJ, 07762, with a note: for Bob Rich Peru, THANKS!

Written by Noél Rich | 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

Written by Noél Rich | 07 November 2023

Hi again, wow, November already! Guess we have to be ready, for whatever God has in store for us.

Special day Thanksgiving is coming, but every day is thanks giving to the Lord. He is real, and good to us, so this November we remember the many good things He has done,Bob's health is good so far, even though he still has to take strong pills. He had a small problem last month but he is better.

Bob went with a brother from here to the Colca canyon on Friday, to Pinchollo. Leaders and others from the churches in the canyon met together. Bob preached a lot Saturday, and this morning in 2 of the churches up there: Yanqui and Lari. He and Fortunato are coming back now from Chivay, about a 3-4 hour trip. We are thankful that the roads are much better than a few years ago. There are still a lot of dirt roads and bumps etc. The car works well and Bob can still drive with relative comfort. Thanks so much for praying for our health and for wisdom. Our times are in the Lord's hands.

Bob finished the second part of the book he wrote on conflicts in the earthly home of Jesus, and fulfilment of the OT prophesies of our Christ. Some brothers here did a "presentation" of it. We pray that those who read it will be blessed, and stronger in faith in the Lord and in His Word.

Last Monday, October 30th, there was a Thanksgiving ceremony for remembering the Reformation. A Christian congressman organizes this each year and many Christian schools participated, including our Ebenezer Christian school. We are so very thankful for the freedom to teach God's Word in school. Please help us pray this freedom will continue. Marino and Lupe work really hard to meet all the endless govt. requirements. Many of them have no reason but we have to obey. We are thankful for the Christians in leadership who also have the vision to help Christian schools with God's values.

Though our churches in and around Arequipa are growing, there are some conflicts between a couple of brothers, resentment and lack of forgiveness. This concerns Bob and the other elders. Please help us pray for a solution, true humility and forgiveness for God's glory and His peace.

Again, we are thankful for our youth here, active in the Lord's service. They are helping me in the yearly distributions for December/Christmas in the state boy's home and a Christian children's home where we help all we can. Hoepfully all this will be ready for Dec. 2, just a few weeks away.

Well, dear ones, thanks so very much for your prayers and for sharing as the Lord leads. All glory is for HIM. 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

Though the world is in a mess, we can still have a meaningful Thanksgiving this November - and remember all God's goodness.Thanksgiving blessings, Noél for us

Written by Noél Rich | 11 October 2023

Hi again! Well, September's letter was so late and now October's keeps getting put off, but truly these have been and are very busy months.

We are really thankful for all of our recent newlyweds, and we had the blessing of having specialists Billy and Donna Hires to give us a really great marriage conference here in our main church. Several of the couples attend here and some attend in different churches we work with. Most of these newlyweds are working for the Lord teaching children and youth in outlying areas, and serving the Lord in other ways, helping this generation to believe in Christ and to keep believing - through "thick and thin" as the saying goes.

Another couple now have told us of their engagement, so it looks like we will have a few more weddings in 2024, Lord willing. Also some may be having their first babies next year too. So, God is forming godly Christian homes and families. Thanks for helping us pray for their faithfulness, Spiritual growth, and influence in their local churches.

Though the churches here in Arequipa are doing well, many of the churches away from the city are struggling as they do not have strong leadership. Many of the youth in these areas come to Arequipa city to study or work, which drains the leadership in these outlying areas. Bob helps in preparing local leaders but it is hard for these men to come to the city, so the next monthly leader's preparation is planned for a town in the Colca canyon. This should make it easier for the leaders of the local churches in that canyon to attend and be strengthened and encouraged in the Lord.

Ebenezer Christian school had its 20th anniversary with a ceremony of Thanksgiving. Bob preached on the need to stand firm on the foundation of God's Word in our school. A Christian congressman was present and he gave acknowledgement to the school, diplomas to the director and others in charge of Christian formation. He is presenting a project in congress in favor of Christian schools and eliminating the "gay" teaching in the state school curriculum.

He also has formed an association of Christian schools to have a united voice in eliminating the "anti God" materials in the govt. curriculum. Well, hard to explain, but now more than ever we need prayer for this generation to know God and His Word from an early age. Truly we are thankful for the freedom we do have to teach the Lord's message. Please help us pray for real dedicated Christian teachers, we thank the Lord for the ones we have.

Bob's health is holding up. He is able to teach, preach and counsel many here. Sept. 27 I had one of my famous "accidents". But this time I did not fall. Coming home at 6 a.m. I was attacked by a pack of street dogs, the biggest one came at me and bit into my left leg. I just kept walking across the bridge and prayed. I am having the anti rabies vaccinations as there is no way of controlling the dog and there is rabies in Arequipa. The crazy law prohibits eliminating street dogs, so rabies is a real threat.

Bob has seen at least one with foam in its mouth in a pack of street dogs. Praise the Lord he was driving his car and not out walking like I was Sept. 27. I have had 3 doses and have 2 more to go. The main fang wound is slowly healing, the other 3 have healed, and we thank the Lord for His protection. It is nice to walk here early a.m. but I now pay a bit more and get a taxi back home.

We are concerned about the wars in Israel and the Ukraine. It seems the Lord's return will be soon. "Even so, come Lord Jesus". 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.

Thank you and may God richly bless you, Noél for us