The year 2009 has winded down; I am now 41-years old, and according to Psalm 90, I have crossed over into the second half of the game! “The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). This verse should chasten us if we haven´t been doing the will of God; but for those faithful in the King´s work, Moses prays at the end of the Psalm: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us-yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

That is my desire. Whatever would be done in Peru and beyond, may it be done in God´s will, timing, and for His glory alone; if so, He will establish the work of our hands. He will bear eternal fruit through temporal instruments! We must live the adventure for the Lord, and resist the rotting humanism of a self-centered life. It´s never too late to start the adventure; the writer of this Psalm began his journey in the desert of Midian at the age of forty, and was called by God at the age of eighty…

On the financial end, some of you may not know our status. Many may think that all is well with a missionary if they are not asking for support, etc. Our situation for years has been faith-building, as we have only two churches and a handful of friends that support us. At the present, we receive approximately $750 a month for support. Some of my missionary friends have asked me how we survive on this! I will briefly explain…

Five years ago, I realized a “financial stimulus package” plan was needed, one very different from Obama´s!!! So I emptied out my retirement and savings account, coupled with some gifts, and bought an apartment here for $27,000. Praise God for Peruvian prices! It was all we had, and they accepted; which of course, cleared us from paying rent. I also formed Archegos to administrate the finances, cut any international insurance, cut retirement, limited travel, worked in the seminary, and worked in a High School to complement the need (Melissa also sold paints); after leaving the high school, the church where I pastor is now helping at approximately $350 a month. God is good with His promise and supplied all our needs. The majority of the second masters is also on scholarship. In addition, we are trying to rent out a small room in our apartment. Our financial reality has caused us to streamline in significant ways, yet, we have never assumed a debt, or paid a penny of interest on anything; this is a rigid principle in our home. The long and short of it is that we are covered with the necessities, but very limited with travel, schooling, emergencies, etc. As partners in this ministry, both in financial support and prayer, it is important to keep you abreast of our ongoing circumstances. I maintain a sacred trust in my heart with those who financially support us to be frugal and diligent in the ministry. Thank you once again for all that you do, please pray for us as we continue to launch out into deeper waters…