Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
- 1 Chronicles 16:24
Charles Ellis
Back in 2008, I was invited to participate in a vision trip to Peru. Our church was considering a partnership to minister there and we were going to first visit the Amazon River – camping in villages with no plumbing or electricity. We would then move on to the Andes Mountains. Before leaving, I had already made up my mind that heat, humidity, and snakes were going to edge my vote towards the Andes. But the Lord had other plans. After getting lost on the river after dark, staying in a village that did not really want us there, and sweating more than I ever had in my life, I knew without a doubt that the Lord was moving along the Amazon and Napo Rivers. He had plans. My job was to be obedient and join Him there.
We took a couple of days in the Andes Mountains. It was amazing to experience but it wasn’t where the Lord wanted me. The four guys on that vision trip did not really discuss it until we were back in Lima. I thought at least one person would vote mountains….but it was unanimous. We decided to begin serving in the Amazon jungle.
Its been 15 years. I’ve led many teams through the jungle. I have seen God move. I have seen people accept Jesus and dedicate their lives to them. I have forged friendships with people who I never would have met. And God is still showing me new things and still calling myself and others to join Him as works. Will you join Him there?
Rick Stallings
I started working with the people in Peru in 2007. I tried numerous times to run away from the calling, but God had other plans. What began as a one-time mission trip, has turned into a lifelong engagement. The needs of the people in the Amazon region are unlimited. God has provided a jungle canvas where we can show his love to people in another part of the world. In doing so, I am able to use the gifts and talents that God has given to me. It is thru the sharing of these blessings, that I am blessed.