First Day in Chincha

Wow...what a day this has been! God was really at work in our lives today during our first day in Chincha.

We saw about 240 people in the medical clinic and about another 100-150 people in the eye clinic. I don't know how many people the dentist saw, but there was always a line as his station too.

Everyone who did door to door evangelism talked about how well received they were everywhere they went.

Tonight, I got to give my testimony at a church located on the ourtskirts of Chincha. The pastor, Carlos de la Cruz (Charles of the Cross) led a most enthusiastic crowd in singing songs of praise for half an hour before I gave my testimony. Afterwards the pastor graciously acknowledged those of us from the U.S. and as we left, the singing and dancing started again. We were told that the service could continue as late as 10:30pm. Their enthusiasm was so energizing. I will go back there on Wednesday to do door to door evangelism.

In the cab ride back to the hotel, I spoke with the taxi driver who told me he lost his house in the earthquake and a year later, there was just a shell of his house rebuilt with plastic for a roof. He said the worst thing about the earthquake was that his two year old daughter is now so fearful that the earth will move again in such a destructive way.

We have another day of clinic in our present location which is not too far from downtown. We will be moving to a location further out of town where they are erecting a new town for people who lost their house in the earthquake. They are using prefabricated housing donated by the Red Cross.

As always, it is the children that really touch your heart. Today, thank you, Lord, we did not have any seriously ill children. Instead, we had dozens of preschoolers having their faces painted, making crafts, singing songs and learning about Jesus. How delightful!

I can't wait to see what amazing things God has in store for us tomorrow!