Volunteer Profile

"Just have a little Faith!"
July 12th “Streams in the Desert”
“He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

Faith grows during storms. These are just four little words, but what significance they have to someone who has endured life-threatening storms!

The path of faith is one of sorrow and joy, suffering and healing comfort, tears and smiles, trials and victories, conflicts and triumphs and also hardships, dangers, beatings, persecutions, misunderstanding, trouble and distress. Yet “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).

Yes, “in all these”-even during storms, when the winds are the most intense-“we are more than conquerors.” You may be tempted to run from the ordeal of a fierce storm of testing, but head straight for it! God is there to meet you in the center of each trial. And He will whisper to you His secrets, which will bring you out with a radiant face and such an invincible faith that all the demons of hell will never be able to shake it. E.A. Kilbourne

Oh the storms I have faced thus far, some I have written about and others have stayed tucked away. I knew the life of a missionary was hard, but I had no idea it could shake you to the very point of breaking. Throughout the history of missionaries we have seen some have broken, and some have been steadfast. What we may not see or do; is give credit to those that do break, the fact of the matter is they came and they followed God, while others said “No” and choose not to follow.

I think we often forget that His “thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways” (Isa. 55:8). We don’t know what He has planned for those around us, we can only trust and follow Him in what He has shown or asked us. The words of the very talented writer of “Streams in the Desert” bring me immense comfort. When she says “God is there to meet you in the center of each trial. And He will whisper to you His secrets, which will bring you out with a radiant face and such an invincible faith that all the demons of hell will never be able to shake it.”
Maybe one day I will write a book and tell you all about the storms I myself and my team have experienced, for now just know that we are standing in the midst of some of the fiercest storms of our lives. And the only way we are standing is because there is someone who is holding us upright.

So wherever you are right now, whether you are overseas or stateside, whatever trial you are facing know that God is meeting you in the center and He will lead and guide you through this storm. Just have a little faith!

Love Extreme Arequipa 2010
As we say here in Peru (except in Spanish) “Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!”

Well, the projects are over and Esther and I have started back to work, just today in fact. Love Extreme in Arequipa and Love Extreme to Iquitos were both incredible. It was VERY evident that both cities were and are still bathed in prayer, this is something that never ceases to amaze me; the power of prayer.

*As I attempt to re-tell all that has happened in this last month, please remember that I may have forgotten or confused a few things…..such as exact numbers. So with that I ask that you NOT quote me on any of this ;). THANKS!*

How I wish each and every one of you could have been in Arequipa Saturday June, 19th to hear Nick Vujicic. We had something like 10,000 people there just to hear his testimony, and the first time he did an altar call EVERYONE stood up. Nick was sure that didn’t understand what he meant so he had them all sit down, and again he asked them “Do you want to know this Jesus Christ, the one and only person who can give you REAL life, a full life?” And this time 80% of the crowd stood. Again Nick had everyone sit and for the third time he asked if they understood his question; now you need to know that Nick had a translator (who was AMAZING, but still sometimes things are lost in translation or just translated different).

And for the third and final time 60%-70% of the crowd stood and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Praise the LORD!!! Most of them came back to one of the conference rooms with us and we were able to get there contact information, pray with them and most importantly welcome them into their new family. I had the honor and privilege of helping with this part.

Sunday Morning we had a celebration service with recording artist, Tammy Trent and special speaker, Woody Stevens. Once the service was over we had a quick break and then Extreme announced were they are going to next. At this point in the service ALL the Extreme staff was up on stage, all dressed in black pants or a skirt with a white top. I felt an overwhelming since of pride as I stood on that stage, knowing that God had called to be a part of the work He is doing in and with Extreme. And of course who wouldn’t feel a tiny bit prideful (in a good way of course) looking out into hundreds of faces and seeing your Mom, sister and members of your home church and most of them looking at you with tear-filled eyes.

I managed not to cry until Felix Vargas stood before all, with tears rolling down his eyes and with a GREAT and MIGHTY passion he cast a vision and claimed victory for the country of Paraguay. As I was listening to the words of this remarkable man, I couldn’t help but think of how GREAT and MIGHTY our God is! I mean He took a man who was so enslaved to sin and in my opinion probably one of the toughest men to walk this earth and God called Felix by name “out of the power of Darkness and into the power of Light”. And that is exactly what Extreme is doing, Carrying the Light to a dark and hurting world!

To be continued! More on Love Extreme to Iquitos to come!

In His continued Service, Brittany

Scared of going home...
This week I had some very random stomach issues and as I was lying in my bed I started thinking, “Oh my gosh, what kind of stomach problems am I going to have when I’m home in Dec/Jan?”

When we first got here I remember being sick like every other week, but I mean come on I’ve been here for 9 months now. And I eat the same thing every week, chicken and rice with different sauces. One day in class (when I was supposed to be taking notes) I made a list of all the food I want when I get home and as I looked it over later I realized there was only one chicken item that made the list. This is funny to me because I love or should I say loved chicken, no it would be more accurate to say that I love American chicken. It’s clean and you know that people have washed their hands after touching it, and you can get it boneless and ready to cook in minutes.

The other reason I’m scared about going home is because this week it dropped 15-20 degrees (which means it was about 70 degrees) and I was wearing jeans, and a long-sleeved shirt. Oh and I drank two cups of hot tea that day too. I know, you don’t need to say it I can say it myself. “I am the biggest wimp now!” But you have to remember its 85-90 degrees just about EVERYDAY here so when it all of the sudden drops to 70 that’s cold to us jungle people. My sister like to give me a hard time that she is going to skip all the long underwear and just give me some ski pants.
So in 6 months be looking for a blog about how I froze to death in Kansas : ).


Hope you enjoyed being in the mind of Brittany when she was sick in Peru. I promise a more serious and spiritual blog will be coming ;).
With all my love, Brittany

Growth in the Darkness
I’ve said before that my time here in Peru has by far been the most difficult time in my life. But, I think I’ve grown more spiritually here in Peru than ever before. I was joking with Heather (my cluster support Mom) the other day saying “You know people have told me for years that I have an old soul and have wisdom beyond my years (both a blessing and a curse in my life). But, at the rate God is growing me I feel like I’m going to leave Peru feeling like I’m a 102 years old or people will be telling me, “My, my Brittany how you’ve aged.” I laugh at this yes, but more than I laugh I praise God for the work He has done in my life.

My devotional explains it perfectly, it says: “It is indeed extremely doubtful that a person’s soul can really know the love of God in its richness and in its comforting, satisfying completeness until the skies are dark and threatening. Light emerges from darkness, and morning is born from the womb of night.”

“And it is also a real and unquestionable fact of human life and culture that a person’s character is strengthened most during the darkest days.” ~Malcolm J. McLeod~

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) says: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.”

Growing and loving Him more each and every day!
In His service,
Brittany

Our First Week
Esther and I have been working in 9 de Octubre for about a week now, and so far so good. For the next month our week will look something like this…..

Monday: FREE DAY!!!

Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am-11am Discipleship class with Jenny
11am-12:30pm Evangelize
12:30-2pm Lunch (out)
2-4pm Evangelize
*Dinner on the compound at 6pm*

Thursday & Friday: 2:30pm-3:30pm Discipleship class with Rosa
4-5pm Discipleship class with Blanca and Demetrio
5pm-6pm Dinner (out)
*Lunch on the compound at 12:00pm*

Saturday: Discipleship classes and maybe some outreach projects
12:30-2pm Lunch (out)
*Dinner on the compound at 6pm*

Sunday: Church at Colinas (Our mother church)

This is just to get an idea of what we will be doing, more than likely it will change a little from week to week. But it gives you an idea at least.

God has been so good to us, we already have 4 people who are or will be starting discipleship class. There is also a Nazarene family in the area who are willing to help in any way possible. We are hoping to eventually have some classes/church services in their home.

Esther and I are doing wonderful, we are working as one. We have had some really good laughs and some good discussions. One day I even spoke up and told her I didn’t like something she’d done; this was a big step for me. We see things VERY differently, but we have a mutual respect for one another.

Blanca (who will be starting her first discipleship class on Thursday) owns a little store; she sells snacks, soda and other various items. One day this week we stopped by to talk to her and get a cold drink. After we finished talking she asked us what we’d like to drink. Esther asked for a couple waters before she realized I had my own. But it was too late, Blanca’s son (Demetrio) was already bringing two glass bottled waters……..with gas. Esther had forgotten to say without gas, but I was fine with it. Little did I know that this was Esther first time to drink water with gas. She was really struggling to drink it and finally when Blanca got up to tend to something Esther turned to me and said “I don’t think I can finish this.” And me being the nice partner I am, I said “But, you have to or you will be a bad missionary.” She laughed and said “okay but it may be next year.” When Blanca came back we asked her how much we owned her and she said “Nothing, this one’s on me” my partner turned to me and said” in that case I will finish mine.” I decided I should be nice so I finally I asked her if she was done (knowing she wasn’t but because Blanca was right there I had to ask) I said I will finish yours.

We had a good laugh at this in the taxi on the way home. I was feeling pretty proud of myself for being able to do something my Peruvian partner couldn’t; even if it was only drinking a bottle of water.

More stories to come as we continue in our ministry!
With Love, Brittany

Devotions
From: ~Streams in the Deseret~ By: L.B. Cowman

“Dear friend, God may send you some valuable gifts wrapped in unattractive paper. But don’t worry about the wrappings, for you can be sure that inside He has hidden treasures of love, kindness, and wisdom. If we will simply take what He sends and trust Him for the blessing inside, we will learn the meaning of the secrets of His providence, even in times of darkness.

Remember, diamonds are found in the rough, and their true value cannot be seen.”

Although I don’t understand all that God is doing right now, I’m choosing DAILY to trust Him. It’s not easy or without its sacrifices, but I have hope that it will be worth it in the end. Little by little my heart is being healed.


Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 was Esther and I’s first day as missionaries. We were very blessed to already have some contacts in our location, so Tuesday morning we went to visit our first family. A grandmother and her three grandchildren, the mother died a few years ago and the father ran off. Jenny, the 15 year old granddaughter is 5months pregnant with her 20 year old boyfriend’s child. This is not uncommon here, by the time girls are 20 they have 2 or 3 kids.

Yesterday we had our first discipleship class with Jenny and through that lesson; Jenny made a decision to accept Christ into her heart. I know what you’re thinking, hmmm discipleship class first and then a decision, interesting. I thought the same thing. It’s no surprise that this was my devotional this morning.

From: ~Voices of the Faithful~ By: Beth Moore and Friends
New life?

“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14-15a (NIV)

After evangelism training in rural areas of Mozambique, we split into teams to share from home to home (or casa por casa here). I was on a team with an American volunteer and two Mozambican believers. We were in the middle of nowhere with 10 to 15 minutes of walking between houses.

At the last house, we were invited to sit with an elderly couple and some teenagers. I asked the old man if he had ever discovered new life. He said, “There is no such thing as new life. There is only suffering and pain.”

With his permission, I began to share about Jesus, an unfamiliar name to them. One of the teenagers, named Carlos, was especially attentive. I asked how he could have eternal life, and Carlos answered, “I’m not sure why, but I think it’s through this Jesus.” We continued talking about the gospel, and the couple and several teenagers wanted to give their lives to Christ.
After we prayed, Carlos looked at me and said, “I’ve had this thing in my heart for a long time. You told me today the answer I was looking for.”

That “thing in his heart” was the Holy Spirit seeking him. However, there was no way for Carlos to know what to do unless someone came and shared the truth with him.”
-Katie, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

At first I was so against going “door to door”, I just felt so uncomfortable. But then the more we did it and I saw how hungry people were to hear about how they could have a different life, an eternal life, I realized if Esther and I aren’t going to do it, who will?

This devotional really helped me to see that better and gave me encouragement that the Holy Spirit is working. I have a very strong feeling that there are people in 9 de Octubre who have “this thing in their heats” and they are waiting for someone to tell them what to do.

With Love and blessings, Brittany

Heart Broken
It’s only been a few weeks since my last blog, but there is so much to tell. So I’m just going to jump right in, starting with my time in Arequipa.

When Melissa and I arrived in Arequipa (5 weeks ago) we received news that our best friend Laura was being flown to the states for medical treatment. We were devastated upon hearing this, but were reassured she would be able to return. I received an email from her yesterday and she is doing GREAT, and hoping to return very soon. Please keep her and her family in your prayers, for personal reasons I cannot share specifics.

Melissa and I both had meetings with our boss while we were in AQP. Because of many different things our boss and Melissa came to the decision that it would be best for Melissa to return to the states. Melissa had been thinking and praying about this for a long time, and so had our boss. Melissa left AQP April 13th and then left for the states on the 16th.

As most of you know Melissa and Laura were who I got closest too. The two weeks that all this went down was by far the hardest two weeks of my time here in Peru. I’m going to try and paint a mental picture for you. For those of you that are married, think back to your first year together. Everything was great, you had moved in to your house or apartment, you were CRAZY in love and wanted to spend every minute together. And then 8 months later something happens, maybe a tragedy, or your first big fight and one of you decides to leave. You come home to find their dresser cleaned out, their side of the bed is made and all their pictures are gone. The house is empty, but every time you turn around you are reminded of them because you had spent the last 8 months together building memories in that house.

Your heart would be broken, right? Well, mine was/is. When I came back to Iquitos and saw Melissa and Laura’s beds empty, and their dressers cleaned out I thought I was going to get sick. I climbed into my bed to cry, but there was no room for me because my bed had been filled with gifts. But the greatest gift of all was under my pillow, a book Melissa had written for me. As I read it I cried and cried, the pain was too overwhelming, there was nothing I could do but cry. And that’s what I did everyday for the next week. I’m still in touch with both of them, but it’s just not the same as having them here.

As if this wasn’t enough, this week our group was split apart. When we came there were 12 of us, 6 going to Pucallpa and 6 staying in Iquitos. Now we have 4 going to Pucallpa, and 5 staying in Iquitos. On Friday 3 of our North Americans and their partners left on a boat for Pucallpa and the last pair will leave in the morning by plane. We had all gotten closer than we ever dreamed. Our group has been through some REALLY BIG storms and we have had to rely on each other, we are each other’s family!

All of this put together has been weighing very heavy on my heart, but I have done my best to be strong and not show how truly hurt and broken I am. But, yesterday I had a break down after going to the internet and reading emails from Melissa and Laura and receiving two phone calls from our friends on the boat. When I got back I went up stares to our cluster support family’s house and had a good cry. I can’t even express to you how broken I feel right now, my world here has been turned upside down.

I don’t know how to close this but to ask for your prayers for not just me, but for my whole group. Below is a list of all the pair’s and their location.

Iquitos:
Katie B and Priscila
Juliana, Delila (Melissa’s old partner) and Laura
Drew and Victorino
Bran and Britaldo
Esther and I
Cluster support family: Kevin, Heather, Anna, Micah, and Sophia

Pucallpa:
Kristy and Nancy
Katie A and Emperatriz
Tim and Daniel
Kevin and Samuel
Cluster support family: Ryan, Sarah, Isaiah, and Landon

With Love and Thanks, Brittany

News:
On April 29th we graduated from our bible classes. At the end of the ceremony the whole church laid hands on us and sent us out to be missionaries.

This Tuesday Esther and I will go to our first location (9 de Octubre, 9th of October). We already have a few names of people who are eager to hear more about Christ and are willing to have us disciple them. We are praying God continues to lead and bless us in our work.

When I Saw the Cross, I was home! From “Voices of the Faithful” by: Beth Moore and Friends.
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32 (KJV)

“God has been so gracious to us by giving us a beautiful place to live in a 77-acre coffee plantation.

One day, Caleb, our 8-year-old son, and three of his friends went exploring through the coffee plants. When they were ready to come home, they were not sure which way to go. They decided to go up one of the hills, but they still could not see the house. Then Caleb had the idea of climbing trees in order to see farther. After climbing several trees along the way, he yelled out to his friends, “I see the cross!”

In hopes of having a good harvest each year, our landlord had constructed a large white cross on one of the hills near our house because he believes that Mary, Jesus, and God would bless his efforts. So when Caleb saw the cross, he knew which direction to head. When he retold the story, he commented that when he was up in the tree and saw the cross, he knew that he was home.

What is the compass you use to guide you and your loved ones? What is your home? Are you sure that the path you are on today will lead you to the eternal home with God?

Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Caleb saw the cross, and it represented home, safety, and the right to say, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.”
-Jeff and Karen, Middle America and the Caribbean

Father, I praise you that you sent your Son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you that He rose again. Thank you that as a result, anyone who believes in Him can have eternal life! May I never stray from the cross. May I abide in you. Amen.

Someone once asked me “What would you say to the 40/40’s who are preparing to come?” I thought long and hard, I came up with some encouraging things to tell them, I thought of a LOT of things I would tell them to bring, but, there was something weighing very heavy on my heart. It was as if God Himself was telling me to tell them the truth! So this is what I would tell them and anyone who is preparing to become a missionary.

This will be the hardest thing you have ever done in your life. You will question your call and God more times than you would care to count. You will experience things in your own life that you NEVER dreamed of experiencing. Some of those things will be GREAT and will change your life forever….in a good way. And then other things will be horrible and change your life, but maybe not in such a good way. I cling to the promise that God will use EVERYTHING for HIS good, because without this promise my life is a lost cause.

You will make friends that will last a lifetime. It’s a “Live together or die alone” kind of thing. Your cluster support family, partner and fellow 40/40’s are your family. Learn to trust and love them because they are all you’ve got in the hard times! This is what I would tell you, if you asked me about my life as a missionary. This is the truth of my life, and I’m committed to it!

My sister Angela sent me a song that touched my heart and has since been an anchor in my life. It’s called “The Words I Would Say”. These words have kept me going when I was ready to give up: “Be strong in the Lord, And NEVER give up hope, you’re gonna do GREAT things, I already know. God’s got His hand on you, So, don’t live life in fear, Forgive and Forget, BUT DON’T FORGET WHY YOU’RE HERE, take your time and Pray, these are the words I would say.”

“What is the compass you use to guide you and your loved ones?” mine is the cross. I will walk in the shadow of the cross that way people will see Jesus first, and then me!

With all my love, Brittany

Funnies!
Something that started early on with our group was the saying “You know you’re in Peru when…..” well, once we moved to the jungle we changed it to “You know you’re in the jungle when……” I decided that my blogs have been really serious lately so it’s time for some funnies!

“You know you’re in the Jungle when…..

You don’t leave the house without putting bug spray and deodorant on.

You have completely forgotten what a “hot” shower feels like.

You don’t remember a time when you weren’t sweating.

It’s the end of January/beginning of February and you are getting hit with water balloons.

More often than not your shower partner is a green tree frog.

You gladly welcome the company of the geckos’ on the ceiling because they will eat the spiders living in the corners.

You think it’s strange to ride in a car (There are about 38,000 motorcycles and motto-taxies here; and not too many cars).

Your iPod becomes your best friend because at night it drounds out the sound of the rat running in the attic.

You NEVER throw away your receipts because you might need some toilet paper later.

It’s not strange to see a monkey sitting in the waiting room at the Dentist office. And no the monkey was not waiting to see the Dentist, he was just a pet.

You are happy to be sleeping on the top bunk because you know that the mice and rats can’t get in your bed. True story, one girl woke up to find a mouse in her bed with her. Also one of our guys moved his mattress to the floor because the bed frame is too short for him. Well, one night he woke up because a rat had crawled into his mouth. He has since moved his mattress up on benches.

Your skin is poke a dotted with mosquito bites.

Your clothes are wet…………and it’s not from water.

Your diet is chicken, rice and potatoes.

That itch on your leg might be an ant, mosquito or sweat….and the funny thing is you don’t care anymore.

WARNING Food sealed in packages is not safe from the rats!

A gourmet meal is Kraft Mac and Cheese….Mmmmm it’s never tasted so good!

When you can NEVER throw your toilet paper in the toilet!
Your 16 month olds’ (NOT mine, our cluster support families) favorite pet is not the puppy but a HUGE ugly beetle!

When it rains you don’t want you use a rain coat or umbrella because the rain feels so good!

Seeing little boys peeing in the street is just a part of your everyday scenery.

You know it’s a "cold" day when you only take one shower and notice that the water is cold!

You can relate to a pregnant woman because you have cravings ALL THE TIME!!!

I hope you have gotten a good laugh and maybe a little insight about our lives here in the jungle. Feel free to live a commit or ask questions, I would be happy to answer you!

Mom asked me the other day how I’m doing considering my last blog. She also said many of you had also inquired about how I’m doing these days. I will say what I’ve said many times, we have our days, sometimes good and other times not so good. We have had lots of……for lack of a better word I will call it drama; these last 2 weeks. I’m sorry but I can’t tell you all that’s going on, all I can say is that we continue to need your prayers. I want to thank each of you for caring and loving me! It means the world to me.

Love always, Brittany

An Answer to Prayer!
I have wonderful news; a couple weeks ago Katie went to Lima to get a second opinion. The Doctor said that it is not t tumor; it is a cyst that has filled with liquid. She will more than likely not have to have surgery. Praise the Lord, for He has indeed answered our prayers! Thank you so much for all your prayers for Katie and her family!