Jesús nos ama...

Hello friends, supporters, family...at long last, the song lyrics you´ve been patiently waiting for:

JESÚS NOS AMA

Jesús nos ama a cada uno,

A cada uno, a cada uno

Jesús nos ama, a cada uno

Jesús nos ama a todos

Ama mamá, ama papá,

Hermano mayor, hermana menor

Te ama a ti, me ama a mi

JESÚS NOS AMA A TODOS

Sing it with joy and remember the actions!!!!
 
Peace in our praying, singing, crying, and laughing,
 
Pastora Fran

Mile Zero!

Grace and peace to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ: friends, family, supporters and followers!

Although my home leave did not begin at MILE ZERO, this seemed an appropriate way to begin my blog and to share my experiences over the last two and a half months, while in Canada for the first time in two years.

It's exhausting to think of all the miles that have been travelled already, all the way from Lima to Toronto then an immediate connector to Vancouver! Some thirteen flying hours and three times zones later, home leave officially began with a week's participation in a Continuing Education event at Vancouver School of Theology. 

Pictured here with fellow participant Rob, and one of our leaders, Jane:

The following week was vacation and a road-trip  to Saskatchewan. Travelling through Jasper was amazing and it was wonderful to re-connect with friends and colleagues.

Pictured here with Pastor Courtenay Reedman on our road-trip!

August marked the beginning of speaking and presenting which started at All Saints Lutheran in Kelowa and Hills of Peace in Kamloops. Meetings, presentations, preaching, children's chats and even a friend's Ordination....

Presenting at Hills of Peace Lutheran, Kamloops

It was onto Vancouver, for more presentations a meeting with Bishop Greg Mohr. A fun day at the children's day-camp at SUMS (Surrey Urban Mission), where we made bracelets from beads from Peru, cooked a delicious Peruvian desert (arroz con leche or rice with milk), and shared pictures, stories and some songs!



Here, just checking if the children know where Peru is!???



Later with almost all of the participants of the Day Camp, some of whom are immigrants born in China, Malyasia, Peru, Ethiopia, Rwanda and various countries from around the world.

Also at SUMS, an evening presentation which included pariticpants from churches in and around Surrey, including:  Maple Ridge, Emmanuel Chinese Lutheran, and Christ. Then it was to Our Savior in Richmond a few days later. Again, many particpants from many churches in and around the Vancouver Conference were in attendance...Always, there were interesting and insightful questions, some about women's rights, about education and health care. Interest in and support of our ministry in Peru was overwhelming, in a very good way!

With Director of SUMS, Jonquil Hallgate

Participants at presentations gather, some helping to untwist the strings of the crosses....

After the presentations and meetings on the "mainland" it was off to Vancouver Island, and a visit with Grace Lutheran Church, companion congregation with San Juan Camino de Esperanza. Via BC Ferries, this was my first time to the Island and first time on a ferry! I have to admit it WAS much easier, and a little more comfortable, than the hand-crafted canoe-like boat that traversed the Amazon!

The weekend together at Grace helped to strengthen our relationship as we were able to discuss concrete ways of getting to know each other and grow together, to deepen connections despite the miles. There were meetings with members from the Missions Committee as well as preaching, sharing a message with the children, followed my presentation. First, though, was a tour of the Inner Harbour, while visiting with Marnie and Barb...

  

 Parlaiment Buildings...



A walk by the Royal British Columbia Museum to see some very old Totem Poles (those pictures unfortunately didn't turn out as well as this one!)...



The youth gather in the Nursery at Grace prior to the Worship Service Sunday morning...



Singing along to "Tu has venido a la orilla"
OR
"You have come down to the lakeshore"



After Worship and my Presentation, pictured with Chivonne, we were both in Ottawa as youth (about 24 years ago...or so) for a Global Hunger and Economic Development Seminar....amazing where God leads us!

Pictured here with Barb from Grace's Missions Committee...

It was soon back to the Mainland and the long flight from Vancouver to Toronto, then a car's ride to London (thanks Carmen!!!) for CLAY, the Canadian Anglican Lutheran Youth Gathering. Visiting with youth and leaders, along with presenting at a Forum on Vocation, and a meeting with Rev. Carla (new Assistant to the Bishop for Global Missions), then preaching and a presentation at St. Ansgar made for a busy, full but wonderful week. Plus, it my first downpour of rain in two years!!

Assistant to National Bishop, Rev. Paul Gehrs, in the middle of us two missionaries, Rev. Brian Rude and myself...

Youth from Southwest Parish in Saskatchewan help untangle strings of crosses from Peru...THANKS Emily!!!!


About 400 youth and leaders descend on Fanshawe Pioneer Village, what a beautiful day!



At the Forum on Church Vocation. Speaking about my choice to be a missionary with ELCIC. Also pictured Sister Val, from the Deaconess Community; Steve, a Waterloo Lutheran Seminary student on Internship; and Lutheran Theological Seminary President Rev. Kevin Ogilvie.

With Sister Val of the Deaconess Community

Pictured below, three presentations following the youth gathering...in London (St. Ansgar), Strattford (Zion) and Waterloo (St. John's), before heading back to Toronto...

A very early start to my last day in Southern Ontario (maybe it was 6:30 am?...thanks Brian!) for the drive to Toronto and St. Ansgar's VBS then later on at Agricola Lutheran for an evening presentation.

Pictured here with one of the rotations of children, playing Peruvian indigenous instruments.

Thunder Bay followed Toronto...and home country!
 

The large cross which hangs above the altar at Hilldale Lutheran Church in Thunder Bay, ON






















There was preaching for a joint worship service which included all of the Thunder Bay congregations. Then an area presentation and the largest turn-out which was a very inspiring way to end the speaking part of my home leave!

With Pastor Arleen giving an introduction and opening prayer...

With a rough count of 85 particpants, the fellowship hall was FULL!



Here, learning "Jesus nos ama" with actions, too!!


After a couple of weeks of vacation visiting family and friends, and it was off to the MNO Pastor's Study Conference at Luther Village (and a peer presentation about my ministry in Peru) then a final week of vacation, before returning.

The beauty of nature at Luther Village and the changing fall colours...

Now back in Peru, it is impossible to count the miles travelled, by plane, by ferry, by bus, and by car. Many miles which were significant for developing connections and relationships between ELCIC and ILEP (Lutheran Church in Peru), and those with our companion synod of British Columbia. Many conversations and meetings about mission, about the differences between our two countries and our two ways of being church helped enrich this time in Canada. For all this time and grace, I am incredibly grateful...grateful to have met and stayed with so many wonderful people, and especially to meet those with whom I had been emailing for many months (even years)....grateful to feel grounded in those who are interested and supporting missions in the world and particularly that of my ministry in Peru.....grateful for the grace given to me by congregational members, friends and family during this time in Canada!!

Of course, many more reflections are to follow about the experience back home in relation to returning to Peru once again...but for now, my heart is full, I feel very supported as do those with whom I serve, and we remain contented and grateful to know that so many people care about us and what happens in our part of the world!

"We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3

Thank you, oh Canada, oh ELCIC members, friends, family and supporters, for all of the ways you have gifted us with grace, compassion, conversation, and companionship along the journey!


With grace, peace, and love,

Pastora Fran

¡El justo por la fe, vivirá!

Greetings friends, supporters, family....and other interested persons!!!!

Greetings in our time of transition and change at San Juan Camino de Esperanza!

 The "logo" on our church door reads in Spanish: "El justo por la fe, vivirá". It is an appropriate Lutheran doctrine as it translates to English: "Justified by faith, (we) live".

With so many things seeming unsure and unstable with our little congregation right now, this doctrine takes on special significance. We live, work, serve, and persevere because we are justified (or saved) by God's grace. Because of our faith, there is hope in the midst of whatever hardships, instabilities or troubles lie in our path. This is such an amazing grace!!!

 In terms of our construction, there have been some issues with building permits and licensing from the municipality, so much so that we have been left in a kind of "limbo" for the last six months. We know it's temporary. We know that God is working with us even still. We know that things will change, but limbo is tough sometimes. In this transition, we are worshipping in people's homes and our children's program and bible studies are continuing, too, in Ana Maria's home. But with limited space, the numbers are down a bit, which is of course, a bit disheartening. And so it is with transitions and periods of instability.

Picture above: the church grounds have been ready for several months...

We continue to meet and have bible studies, such as the one pictured here a few weeks ago. Pastor Erik Bjoran and his wife, Marla, were visitors to Peru and participated in our study group.

Below: I am explaining which rooms will be built in which spaces. We hope to complete Phase One, which includes two levels of classrooms, a meeting space and the pastor's office.

And so, in the midst of the transition and changes, in the midst of our "limbo's", we continue to have faith that the God who has brought us to this place and time, will continue to provide that which we need to be sustained in the desert, in the "limbo's" in which we sometimes find ourselves.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..."

These verses from Isaiah 43 are so true and so needed: a call and reminder of whose we are, that we have the strength to carry on, and that we need not fear or be entirely overwhelmed with the changes and transitions that happen in our lives OR in the life of the church!!

And so, may the grace & peace of God be with us all in these often unstable times and throughout our life's journey!! Speaking of journeys, I look forward to visiting many of our ELCIC congregtions, with friends and family, to share stories of my life and work, and of OUR ministry in Peru, while I journey back to Canada this summer on home-leave!!!!!!

In God's service,

Pastora Fran.

La Tierra Nueva....New Ground!

Greetings family, friends, supporters and interested others, in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!!

Well, we are definitely on new ground, holy ground, at San Juan Camino de Esperanza as we literally are preparing to construct our new church...It is a challening and exciting time! It's amazing to be here, to be a witness and participant in the process!!

Signs that things are changing....workers demolish the existing structure in three days. It will take approximately two months to build the new facility. Phase One will include two floors with three classrooms, the pastor's office, and bathrooms.

Pictured below with some of the neighbourhood children who came to see

 the progress of the work being done...we all looked on with disbelief!

Below: the white brick walls in the corner used to be a small Sunday School room,

and now we're preparing for something new...

So we are currently in transition, waiting for the building construction to begin. And in these transitional months, we have been worshipping, meeting, and having our bible study in members' homes. Our numbers are fewer sometimes, but worship and most of the activities of the church are continuing. 

For example, pictured below with me are Luz Aurora (centre), our newest confirmed member of San Juan, 

with her sponsor, Ana Maria.

These are exciting and interesting times. Not only do we have one more new member, we are excited to have a full church council for the first time in a number of years, AND we have a new companion congregation, Grace Lutheran in Victoria!!  The church ground, and WE, are getting ready for what is to come...the countless possibilities that exist. We are working with new ground, holy ground, literally! Besides the architectural plans, what are we going to build? What kind of a community of faith will we be? Since nothing is there yet, what will we build?? And, how will the Holy Spirit continue to work, to inspire and to breathe new life, new visions, and new possiblities into our church, our community and each one of us? What visions will be realized out of all that is being created and that are only possiblities today??? 

Interesting questions!! In the midst of what is happened, I continue to be humbled and energized ministering with this mission congregation. And I look forward to all of the possibilities that God in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will create with this new and holy ground!

May we, too, continue to be inspired and open to whatever possiblities God is planting, inspiring, growing, developing, and creating within us, in whichever part of the world we happen to live!

With gratitude and hope!

Pastora Fran.

Video Perspectives.......

Greetings all~Family, Friends, Supporters....

Thanks to Rosine Gerhardt and her production company in Saskatoon, Live to Tape Productions, the following videos were shown at Zion Lutheran Church as a brief overview of the ministry and work that ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) is doing with ILEP (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru) through me, your long-term missionary! I share these videos with you, with much joy, gratitude and hope that the work can continue to grow and flourish, so that we will all be blessed both in the giving of our time, energy, and resources to further the ministry here...as well in what we receive in knowing, accompanying and supporting the people of ILEP in this ministry!

Part One:





Part Two:



Part Three:



 
Con mucho afecto, y que la gracia, el perdon, y el amor de Dios sean siempre con Ustedes!
With much affection,
may the grace, forgiveness, and love of God be with you always,
Pastora Fran

The Gift of Accompaniment

Greetings, peace and blessings to family, friends, supporters and interested persons!!

Well, this first month of our New Year has been filled with much activity, travels, laughter and visitors from Canada!!! And it has been with great joy, that I've welcomed for the first time, visitors who were a part of my "former" life back home; to share my experiences, the Peruvian culture, food, sights, and especially the mission that ELCIC has sent me here to do on their behalf.

Heather Bepple with members of our Thursday night Bible Study,

she brought some "Maple Leaf" cookies to share...yummy!!!

Heather, with Dave and Carol Eaton, visiting Sara's Circle. This women's group makes various stoles, sweaters, vests, shawls, mitts, gloves, and bags to sell around the world.

Pictured to the left is one of their stoles...

And pictured to the right, are Maura (left) and Flora tallying the orders...so grateful for orders and support! Although not an "official" role, I have continued to accompany and work on their behalf to help them receive orders from Canada and other countries.

It has been a rich time and an opportunity to reflect on and re-experience, through their eyes, what life is like in Lima, Peru, as well as explore once again what is mission and ministry in this time and place. One guest asked me "Why do we have a Canadian, ELCIC, missionary here in Peru?" What a simple, yet profound, question in a time when church budgets are being cut, church memberships are on the decline and "misson" seems like something we ought to do in our own country to help grow, develop, and share the Gospel. So, exactly, why continue to send missionaries?

Pastora Ofelia (left), Pastora Dana (ELCA), and myself working at a Pastor's Conference...another way of accompaniment.









After thinking for a moment, my simple answer was: "to accompany the church and its members in Peru." And in this definition, to accompany is to walk alongside those with whom we are in ministry. To accompany does not only mean giving donations of food, clothing, or other necesities. Nor does it only mean trying to answer difficult questions with money. To be in relationship with another church body means to accompany them in the day to day changes, challenges, and joys! This is my definition of accompaniment, anyway, because in my musical experience, the one who "accompanies" plays an integral role whether in rehearsal, concert, performance or recital. The role of the accompanist is a key, important, necessary and interdependent role/relationship!

These are some of the young musicians at Filadelfia, in the district of Lurin, with whom I've been working/accompanying. They wish to learn how to better lead their congregation in its worship services, so we've been focusing on presentation and confidence. They're a very vital group of young, committed musicians!!

As a singer/soloist for most of my life, I have known that a performance can only be as good as the accompanist with whom one is working. The role of the accompanist, generally a pianist, is to compliment the soloist; they listen attentively, adjust their playing, give attention to the dynamic subleties, and watch for the interpretation of the piece. The good ones recognize that they are not the soloist, the main performer,and that their role is to support and compliment the work of the soloist. The irony of now teaching piano/accompaniment have been a soloist has not escaped me and at the same time speaks volumes to how a mutual sense of appreciation and musicality can develop even in the most fervent of "soloists".

Pictured here in Iquitos at the congregation of Fiel es Dios, teaching Jazmin and Diana which fingers correspond with which notes on the keyboard...they were an enthusiastic group!!

It is this model of healthy accompaniment to which I have tried to adhere in our (ELCIC) partnership with ILEP (Evangelical Lutheran Peruvian Church). We missionaries are, in fact, the accompanists. We are not the soloist, nor is the ELCIC. We are in partnership, we are those who accompany the pastors, the congregations, the church leaders, the National Councils and the President, along with other organizations with whom the church collaborates. We accompany. We walk alongside, journey with, reflect upon, and listen to those with whom we are called to minister. Most importantly, our role is to support and compliment the work of our partner church.

It is not an easy task to accompany. As recent ELCIC visitors learned, my schedule is hectic and varied. There is alot of managing, meeting, talking, debating, interrupting, delaying, celebrating, traveling (we were up to Iquitos for teaching music), leading, guiding, writing (emails/newsletters/blog/reports!), driving, and especially waiting as all things in Peru eventually are realized in their own time. I am grateful to those who were here to visit and accompany me, to learn about the ministry and about the culture here in Peru!!

As we continue to move forward in new directions with greater challenges, I ask for your continued prayers and financial support:  for ILEP, the National Council, President Armando, the Conference of Pastors, the leaders and members, as well as for our ELCIC in our challening times. Please pray that we can each accompany one another in the love and grace of God, faithfully and effectively, so that God's redeeming grace may continue to be proclaimed to all parts and all peoples!!

Con el amor y la gracia de Nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo,
In the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
Pastora Fran.

Christmas Greetings!!!!

Christmas Greetings to supporters, friends, and family!

The signs of Christmas are all around us! Even in South America, and even though it still seems out of place (for this Canadian Snowbird anyways!), the signs of Cristmas are here...the trees...the decorations...the lights...in the Scriptures each Sunday of Advent... in the parties and plans we are making to help us celebrate this sacred season...we can see that Christmas is almost upon us! 

These greetings are sent with my love and best wishes for a beautiful and memorable Christmas Season and a Happy New Year! As well, I bring greetings from ILEP, the Lutheran Church in Peru, and from the congregation of San Juan Camino de Esperanza!

It seems to be a season for preparation....

Here, Carmen and Haydee are preparing a simple lunch for the children at our Saturday School program.

The children are preparing gifts to give to their parents for Christmas..






The worship space has been prepared....

And we at San Juan Camino de Esperanza have been actively preparing with faithful and hopeful expectation in these days of Advent not only for the birth of the Christ-child this Christmas, but literally for us, it has been a time of great expectation as we have been preparing for the construction to begin on part of our new church!

We start to have a sense of the hopeful expectation of Mary and Joseph, of the apostles, and of generations of Christians with each step we take in the process to secure a building license. With each fee or tax that is paid, with each document that is ready, and with each step that is completed in this very long process, we are brought closer to that long-awaited time! We will soon begin to build and we will soon have a new structure in which to worship and teach the children of our community! As you can imagine, we are getting very excited!! These are signs and preparations of a different sort, but are filled with much  joy and hopeful expectation, too!

And as for me, in addition to teaching music with the children at Cristo Salvador, I have been focusing some effort on preparing, too: for Navidad/Christmas worship, for the Canadian visitors who will be here in January, making a calendar/rotation to involve two seminaries of the congregation, and developing a work plan for 2010 .

Whatever our preparing for Christmas, may God continue to guide, lead, support and uplift us by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be ready for the Christ-child who is to come!

With love, joy, and hopeful expectation this Christmas Season!
Pastora Fran.