Dear Family and Friends
Greetings from Lima. Well first things first, many of you have been praying and have been patiently waiting to hear about my contract decision. Thank you so much for all of you prayers and counsel as I have walked through this very difficult process. It is with great joy in my heart to let you know that I have decided to stay in Lima and continue ministering with Word Made Flesh. I have renewed for 3 more years, but I will reevaluate in a year to see if I want to continue. This may come as a surprise to many of you as I have struggled over the past couple of years here and many of you have walked with me through it, so you know how difficult it has been, but the Lord has set me at peace with my decision and I am enjoying living and working here in Lima. Over the past few months, the Lord has allowed me to heal from some past events that have taken place here in Lima, where I feel more comfortable. I also felt that the Lord was not calling me home for anything specific, so I felt it was best for me to stay. This decision does come with some sadness for me and for many of you as I know that I will not be able to see you as often. Thank you for making that sacrifice with me as I continue to seek after the Lord.
I am also very excited about some new opportunities to serve here in WMF. We have started a new men’s bible study for men that are back in their homes. We have met for a month now and I can see a hunger in the eyes of a few of these young men to learn more about God and what it means to follow Him. I have to admit that it is one of the highlights of my week. Also we are doing a family bible study that takes place on the first Saturday of the months. It also is going amazingly well. We have a bible study for the adults and also a study for the young kids. Please pray for this program and that we can continue to have many volunteers as we need lots of help because we have as many as 30 kids that can come at anytime. So amazing.
I also have some great news; Sebastian has made it to San Francisco and is with Sarah as I write this. Sarah has also finished her chemo and is cancer free. On June 27 they will get married. The Lord has been so faithful to them as they have walk through a very difficult year. Praise the Lord for He is Good!!!!!!!!!!!
A couple of Prayer request
Linsey is leaving WMF Peru to pursue a new life in the states, please pray that she will have a peaceful transition.
Amy is preparing to come on staff, but she needs to sell her house in Atlanta. She would like to come down in August, so she needs to sell this house and fast, if you know anyone that needs a house in the Atlanta area, let me know I will connect you with her.
For us as a staff as we move through this transition of change.
Also I will be home in early July for a couple of weeks before I head to Omaha, NE for our Staff Gathering.
I almost forgot, Jose and I went to Brasil for 10 days in April, it was amazing. I have many stories, I will write more about this in my next prayer letter. Once again thank you so much for walking with me over the past five years and I ask that you would continue as I start another three years.
Love,
David Smith
Parque San Martin 374 F
Pueblo Libre Lima, Peru
david.smith@wordmadeflesh.com