Love Extreme 1 - June 12, 2010 in Puerto Maldonado Posted: 06/22/10

Sixteen students from Trevecca Nazarene University (Nashville, Tennessee, USA) flew for 29 hours and finally arrived in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, where they met four other short-term missionaries.  The entire team was excited to hear about the number of service-oriented events planned for the week.  Team members spent several hours in training, rest and welcome from the locals and then prepared for Day 1 of impact:  A Nazarene soccer/futball competition for the city of Puerto Maldonado.

Nineteen teams competed throughout the day for the grand prize of 1,000 S/.  (over $300 US)  Soccer games were held throughout the day and the final three games were held at the Coliseum of Education after the main event.  Columbian Pastor Felix Vargas shared his testimony.  Felix was a former hit man in the Cali drug cartel.  He gave an inspired message and over 50 people came to the front to accept Jesus as their savior.

Short-term missionaries worked side by side with the 40/40s (long-term missionaries) from 8 am-11 pm.  They ran soccer tournaments, set up and tore down at the main event and created a soccer film of videos and pictures throughout the day.  Short term missionaries encountered all types of neighbors, food and fellowship around the city. 

Felix Vargas’ message was inspiring!  TNU (Trevecca Nazarene University) Student Yesenia Ruiz translated some of Rev. Vargas’ message for the other Americans.  She was impressed by Felix’s testimony and his wife, Liliana’s mountain of faith and prayer. The evening encouraged everyone, as these events were just the beginning of what the Lord had in mind for the people of Puerto Maldonado.