Shultzes
on Furlough
Thanks be to God for His mercies which are new every day. It has
been a wonderful blessing to be able to spend time with friends and family since
our return on May 29th from language study in Costa Rica. The first
two weeks we were here in Powhatan, enjoying time on the farm with family,
unpacking from the last nine months (creating chaotic piles all over the
basement floor at Dave and Nancy’s), and having the opportunity to share with
our church family at PMC.
On June 13 we traveled to PA where Regina and I spent three weeks of
training with EMM (Eastern Mennonite Missions), while the children had lots of
fun with their Shultz grandparents and cousins. Referred to as the
World Missions Institute, this was a very enriching time of hearing from many of
the EMM staff and former missionaries. One highlight of this time was
listening to the spiritual journeys of others who have been called to long-term
missions. It was encouraging to us as they shared openly about the
joys and struggles of their experience and yet testified to God’s faithfulness
through it all. Several themes that were a part of the teaching times
were missions and the early church, the Reformation and the present; world
religions; entering a culture with the Gospel; spiritual
warfare; and church planting cross-culturally. During this
time we also had some books for required reading, and we kept a daily journal to
help process our thoughts. Another benefit was being able to connect
with others who are being sent by EMM, including a single gal (Dawn Weaver) from
the Lancaster area who will also be going to Cusco. Among many other
things, God has been impressing on our hearts the importance of entering a
community in a new culture as a learner – developing relationships,
understanding their world view, and then sharing Jesus’ love in a context
which will be most meaningful to them. We have also been challenged
to spend more time in prayerful conversation with the Father, listening to the
voice of the Holy Spirit and then being willing to step forward in obedience
according to His leading. May God be glorified!
Since returning to Powhatan on July 7, we have been working on
gathering necessary documents, repacking, and trying to connect once more with
family and friends around the state. On Sunday, July 11,
we shared with the congregation at Warwick River Mennonite Church in
Denbigh. We also had a good time of visiting with Steve and Beth
Gibbs, the pastoral couple there, who were EMM missionaries to Cusco for 12
years.
We are scheduled to fly from Dulles Airport on Tuesday, August 3, at
9:00 A.M. Following a layover in Atlanta, we will fly to Lima –
arriving at 10:18 P.M. (9:18 P.M. Eastern
Time). We will spend the next two days
in the capital city, taking care of the necessary official documentation
for entering the country with a religious visa. We plan to fly from
Lima up to Cusco on Thursday evening, August 5. Please join us in
prayer that we will have efficiency in packing, safety in traveling, smooth
adjustment to the change in altitude at 11,000 ft. in Cusco, and for God’s
grace and strength as we settle into our new home and begin the ministry that
God has called us to. We can’t thank you all enough for your
constant love and support for our family and for your very important part in
helping to share the love of Jesus with the people of Peru.
By Ron Shultz