Mission Peru

by Rebecca Blackwell, West London Alliance Church

Hola, my name is Rebecca Blackwell and I am from West London Alliance Church.  It is the last full day in our trip to Peru and this morning we climbed up a mountain.  Although we did many great things on the mountain (singing, sand boarding, praying, etc.) one of the most significant parts for me was the climb.  On the way up the mountain there were people who were faster than others at climbing but instead of going right to the top we worked as a team so that everyone could arrive quickly and safely there.  Everyone was very encouraging and there was a positive vibe in the air and after a lot of climbing we made it to the very top. 

Up there the air was so fresh and clear and the view was amazing, it was well worth the hike even though there were many obstacles: cactuses, loose rocks, and sandy summits, and no one turned back as they were all looking towards the end.  Some people went through a rough patch and almost gave up but with encouragement they pushed through the pain and made it. 

This reminds me of our walk with God, although there are many obstacles in our way we need to overcome them and continue on the path God shows us, although it is hard those who truly know God and serve Him will make it to the top.  It is hard and you may want to turn back but as brothers and sisters we need to help one another, encouraging others to overcome obstacles just as we need encouragement throughout the rough patches of our walks.  And when we reach the top, the view is amazing and God is waiting there for you with open arms. 

Jeff read from Psalm 84 about the idea of life being a pilgrimage; it is hard down in the low places, and we may hear God in the high places but we do not often hear Him in the low places but just because we don’t hear Him, it doesn’t mean that He’s not there.  God loves us with all His heart and He would never let us fall so far that we can’t get back up.  We may slip and slide on the mountain trail but there is always a way to the top.  Proverbs 3:21-27 says: “My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.  Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.  If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.  Do not be afraid of sudden terror or the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.  Do not withhold good from those to who it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” 

The Lord was speaking to me as I turned randomly to this passage and it perfectly matched the climbing that we have experienced today.  I am forever grateful to Him for all the indescribable experiences I have had on this trip and for the way that He has strengthened me throughout the entire journey.  Thank you for reading my humble mountaintop blog.