We finished our last day of outreach last night. It was a very long day – not finishing till around 7pm.
We had more than one “family” group, where multiple members of a family were present to receive chairs.
We are all grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. It was a wonderful week!
A busy, busy day, but it was great! We saw over 50 patients today – with three seating stations (and another one half-day). Here are a few highlights to help you see how things progress. This young man wanted to know what we were doing to his new chair!
We saw a few children today – including one that was only two years old. Finding a chair that fits, but can still grow with the child can be challenging, but the smiles are worth it!
But, not all our recipients are children. This “young man”, when asked if he was okay with his photo being taken, immediately responded, “Facebook?”Well, close.
Today was our day of rest between the two outreaches. We went to El Nuno, the Galapagos of Peru. The beach was gorgeous.
We took a boat ride and swam with the turtles.
We bonded some more as a team, enjoyed the beauty and nature of Peru, and are refreshed to start another day of hard work tomorrow at the second outreach.
Another busy, productive, and exciting day. Many more people accepted Christ. The volunteers did a wonderful job of organizing, loving on people, and explaining the gospel. 
While the chair is the vehicle, the goal is to bring the hope and love of Jesus.
The mechanics worked hard today; as the week goes on, the chairs dwindle and creativity is needed.
By the end of the day, the room was cleared. Tomorrow we head out for some sightseeing before setting up at the second church.
What a lovely spirit of community we all felt as we all worked together – volunteers from the U.S., Peru, and other countries of Latin America.
The fellowship we all share as believers and the unity of working together for a common cause is amazing! We are so grateful for everyone who labored so diligently for this outreach.
What a fabulous day! We started out with lots of chairs – neatly organized:
One of the “scary” parts of each day is looking at those chairs and wondering what you will need. Will you be able to find the right chair for each person?
God always has a plan! Between the mechanics
and the people in support, somehow the “not so perfect” chair becomes the “almost perfect” chair.
Everyone worked hard today and many people came to the Lord. That is the real reason behind what we do – to show the love of Jesus.
Together with the many volunteers from the church, the team was able to give the gift of mobility, the love of Christ, and the gospel story to many today.
Today, we attended church at the Alliance church (the location of our first outreach). After lunch, we unwrapped chairs. Here are a few “before” pictures
We hope that we are ready for tomorrow. It’s good to know that God provides our needs.
“After” pictures to follow…
After some long hours of travel, we made it to Piura. The hotel is very comfortable and accommodating. The church has gone out of their way for us – already having fed us two lovely meals.
This morning we head to church, unpack the chairs and set up, then head 
to the other church for their service.
We appreciate all the prayers on our behalf. We know we will face unanticipated challenges, but that God has a way planned.
It’s time! From various places in the US, our team is arriving at airports for the flight(s) to Peru. Tomorrow morning we converge and meet up in Lima – and then on to Piura. Please pray for God to bless our time in Piura as we seek to bless people there. As my shirt says, “It’s not about the wheels”; it’s about introducing people to God’s love, using wheelchairs and other ambulation aids as a vehicle.
So, we get on a plane, our luggage containing things like gospel bracelets and gorilla tape. We use LOTS of gorilla tape to help adapt the seating, and the gospel bracelets are a visual way to present the message of salvation.
Looking forward to seeing how God works in Piura this week! We appreciate prayers for health, creativity, and receptive hearts to accept the gospel.
Internet has been spotty at the hotel (only in the lobby) and the day went long on Friday. Today will be a travel day – a very LONG travel day – with most people returning home sometime tomorrow! A few of the team are staying to do some touring, so the group splits today. What a blessing it has been to work together this week.
We are constantly awed by the love the Peruvians demonstrate toward their family with disabilities! This is especially apparent as we meet some of the parents who are caring for their children.
It takes a team to adapt the chair to fit the individual. Therapists, mechanics, support, and translators all work together to find the best seating for each individual.
The day ended with another celebration. Thank you for all your prayers. God has been at work in Peru this week!
We began the outreach at the second church today. The people who were sick were all able to join us. We look okay, I think:
Just a few highlights.
The church volunteers had a great time with the people waiting to be seen.
The mechanics managed to make all the necessary adjustments to chairs, even though their space was spread out in three different parts of the facility.
We especially enjoy seeing the joy on the faces of the children who are receiving the gift of mobility.
When that also results in a soul being saved, it is especially rewarding. Many people made decisions for Jesus during today’s outreach. Praise God through whom all blessings flow!
wftwlima 