Hello from....NY?!
Yes, I am back in the states. I left Piura on Thursday, May 1st in the evening and arrived in Rochester, NY around 3pm on Friday. Thank you all for praying for safe travels - I had no problems (other than getting a little confused in the very large JFK airport). It is a very bittersweet feeling to be back, intensified by a bit of culture shock. A big piece of my heart and mind are still in Piura, so I feel sort of like I am a boat drifting in the harbor, not quite ready to let down my anchor. But I must.
April went faster than any of the other months I spent in Peru, as it was chock full of teaching, spending time with family and enjoying my last weeks as much as possible. My last post anticipated an unforgettable birthday, and boy was I right!! On the morning of the 12th, I went to the church and taught the kids about Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and how he showed that he was the King for all people, humble yet majestic. For the craft, we made palm branches out of poster-board and wrote the different names of Jesus on the leaves. The kids really enjoyed that. After the lesson, all the kids sang to me and Jon Edwards brought out a birthday cake for me! We all ate it and had a good time :) That evening, I returned to Christian Life Community School (where I was living with Rosy and Hugo Silva) and was given a surprise birthday party, complete with guests, a meal and a mariachi band! What a huge, humbling blessing!! Jesus loves to shower us with His love, often using other people :)
The week of the 7th was testing week at CLC. The results were disappointing so I had to review (again) and give a second-chance test, because I knew my students could do better. There are a few who really care about learning the language, and others who barely try. Just like here in the states. Although I often got frustrated in the classroom, I learned to keep calm One day I got to be on the outside and be firm. One day I got to be "that teacher" who gave the whole class extra work, which they had to do in silence before the were allowed to leave. Full circle.
My last Sunday at the church was nice - I got to lead worship and say goodbye to the church members, followed by a time of fellowship with cake for Jon Edwards' birthday! After the service a bunch of the children I taught on Saturdays came by and gave me a gift. We sat on the floor together for some time, and I got as many hugs as I could :) I miss them.
Even though I am no longer there, I am receiving updates on Pastor Julio's health situation. If you remember, he had an accident about a year ago and thanks to God, recovered. However now he is experiencing new health problems, likely side effects of the accident. Before I left, he went to Lima to have surgery done and there is a possibility that he will be having another surgery in the next couple of months. Please keep Pastor Julio, his wife Janet, their daughters and the rest of the family in your prayers! The problems seem huge to us but I know that God sees the big picture and is more than able and willing to help us :) So let's claim victory over all sickness in Jesus' name!
Well, my friends, this may be the last letter you receive for a couple of months...until God sends me out again! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for EVERYTHING you have done - the prayers, the financial support, the encouraging messages and phone calls - this journey would have been impossible and quite lonely without you! If you want to get together and talk, I would love to tell you stories and hear about what God is doing in your life!
***Because I am home, I will no longer be needing the monthly financial support. Thank you!
Con mucho amor,
Laura Beth
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
A Birthday to Remember
Today is my birthday. My first birthday spent outside of NY, or outside of the USA for that matter. And you know what? I feel so blessed.
The earliest birthday party of mine that I can remember is when I turned 6 years old. I had my two best friends over and we did girly things and I got Barbie outfits as a gift. If you had told me then that in 18 years I would be a missionary in Peru, I would not have known what you were talking about. I did not even know what Peru was. But here I am, and I think that this will be a birthday that I remember for a long time.
Thank you God for this day. Thank you for loving me and bringing me here. You are wonderful beyond description!
The earliest birthday party of mine that I can remember is when I turned 6 years old. I had my two best friends over and we did girly things and I got Barbie outfits as a gift. If you had told me then that in 18 years I would be a missionary in Peru, I would not have known what you were talking about. I did not even know what Peru was. But here I am, and I think that this will be a birthday that I remember for a long time.
Thank you God for this day. Thank you for loving me and bringing me here. You are wonderful beyond description!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Como fue, Marzo?
Este mes se fue rapidamente, y han pasado muchas cosas...
Yes, it's finally happened! I have started to think in Spanish :) For those of you who do not speak or understand the language, that says “This month went quickly and many things happened.” Some things have remained constant, ie the weather (high 80's to high 90's and humid), the bugs, my bottom of my feet becoming black from the dirt by the end of the day. But other things, bigger things, have changed!
First, there was the VBS that we held at the church (it was actually held the last week of February but I'm including it in March). The theme was the Armour of God, which the kids really enjoyed. We started classes on Monday the 24th in the morning and finished the week off on Friday the 28th. Each day we started with this song, had a brief lesson on each part of the armor, and then separated into three age groups. I worked with the group of 7 to 9 year olds, doing crafts and playing games. The main craft we did was a mobile with all six parts of the Armor of God, using coat hangers! It was a lot fun :) By the end of the week, all of the kids knew the Armor song by heart (and still remember it now). To those of you who prayed for us, thank you! God heard you and acted on it.
Due to my early departure from Peru, Jon Edwards and I decided that it would be good for me to spend some time with my other family who lives here in Peru. Hugo and Rosy Silva are the principle and coordinator of Christian Life Community School – some of you will remember that I lived with them back in 2011. I moved on the 5th, the day before school classes started, and have been teaching English here five days a week! Rosy and I teach 1st through 4th grade, taking turns in leading the lessons. The first thing we taught was the Five Little Monkies song :) Those kids love to sing! Of course, some days are fun, some days are down right tiring. Every time that I teach in a classroom, I gain more and more respect for the teachers I had when I was in elementary, middle and high school. They seriously have one of the most demanding jobs I know of. With that said, I am learning day by day to find my strength in God. He has blessed me abundantly where I am at. Rosy, Hugo and their son Paulo consider me part of the family and I feel truly loved, even by the relatives!
For those of you thinking, “Hey, what happened to working and living at the church?” , have no fear! I am still working with the children's ministry at the church. I spend Monday through Friday at the school, then go the church on Saturday and spend the night so I can attend the service on Sunday morning. I will continue to live at the school and work on this schedule until I leave the country on May 1st. Currently I am choreographing a dance (here's a link for the song) for some of the girls at the church. I hope to have them ready to perform it on Easter Sunday, which does not give us much time! But we're going to try it.
Prayer Requests:
Pastor Julio woke up with pain in his
side last Sunday and had to go the doctor. They gave him some
medicine to help with the pain and he was able to return in time to
attend the worship service (praise the Lord!). The latest news is that he went today (Monday) and saw his oncologist who gave him stronger medicine for the pain. He feels it is not kidney stone since he has stomach pain as well. He is thinking his gall bladder or pancreas, so tomorrow he will have tests done and an x-ray. Please pray for good results!
I need God's grace on a daily basis. To teach my students, not just words and facts but that my behavior and and character would show Jesus to them. Just because they attend a Christian school doesn't mean that they live in Christ-centered homes. I am here, in Peru, to be a testimony of God's love to these kids.
I have just one month until I come back to New York. Five weeks to soak up as much of this lovely place as I can and give as much love as I can. My hearts is still in it, by grace I am not anxious about leaving early. Please pray that I continue to keep my eyes on the work I am doing here and now. God has put this passion for His children in my heart. My life as a missionary is not ending when I get on that plane.
Thank you, dear friends. Your love and
prayers give me strength each day. I love you!
God bless you,
Laura Beth
The Red Team!! My group during VBS in February.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Who Knew?! God did.
Dear friends,
I know that I say this every time I write, but I am so grateful to you for the support and prayers that you have given for me. There are days when I feel hopeless, dry or stressed, and then peace comes over me just when I need it most. When I receive a note of encouragement it lifts my spirits. Due to God's faithfulness and your love, my time here has been blessed and fruitful. I have learned more about life and God in the last three months than I could have imagined. The people that I have met and ministered to have ministered to me, even more than I to them I think!
As you should know, I came to Peru planning to live here for one full year. Before I left, I checked all the visa requirements for a US citizen traveling to Peru, and had the understanding that after 6 months I would have to renew my visa for the second 6 months. However, to live in Peru is to experience changes :) The government recently changed the laws and now they do not allow more than a 6 month tourist visa per year (In my case, 2014). This means that I cannot stay in Peru any later than May. I must return to my country of citizenship and return to Peru no earlier than January 2015.
Upon receiving this news, I contacted Tom Brazell, the International Ministires Director at Elim Fellowship. After much prayer and consideration with Tom and my leaders here on the field, I have concluded that my only option at this point is to return to NY in May, thus ending my one-year appointment. Needless to say, this is not what I had in mind. But I am secure in this - that God knew that this would happen, and He sent me anyway. He never sends without a purpose! If He allows it, I would like to return to Peru someday in the not-too far future. I promise that I will let you know if He does :)
I have purchased a plane ticket back to NY on May 1, and God willing I will arrive in Rochester on May 2 in the afternoon. I will be staying with my parents in their new home in Mt Morris- another new experience! I trust that God has great things in store for me even there, because He loves to show off His sovereignty!
However, I am still here in Piura for another two months, and my work is not finished yet! As long as I am still here, until the end of April , I ask that you would continue to stand behind me financially. As of May 2014, I will no longer need your monthly financial support.
Again I say THANK YOU for being so great :) for standing with me while I am on this journey, trusting that He who calls, knows all. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at blurph412@yahoo.com or message me on facebook.
Much love,
Laura
I know that I say this every time I write, but I am so grateful to you for the support and prayers that you have given for me. There are days when I feel hopeless, dry or stressed, and then peace comes over me just when I need it most. When I receive a note of encouragement it lifts my spirits. Due to God's faithfulness and your love, my time here has been blessed and fruitful. I have learned more about life and God in the last three months than I could have imagined. The people that I have met and ministered to have ministered to me, even more than I to them I think!
As you should know, I came to Peru planning to live here for one full year. Before I left, I checked all the visa requirements for a US citizen traveling to Peru, and had the understanding that after 6 months I would have to renew my visa for the second 6 months. However, to live in Peru is to experience changes :) The government recently changed the laws and now they do not allow more than a 6 month tourist visa per year (In my case, 2014). This means that I cannot stay in Peru any later than May. I must return to my country of citizenship and return to Peru no earlier than January 2015.
Upon receiving this news, I contacted Tom Brazell, the International Ministires Director at Elim Fellowship. After much prayer and consideration with Tom and my leaders here on the field, I have concluded that my only option at this point is to return to NY in May, thus ending my one-year appointment. Needless to say, this is not what I had in mind. But I am secure in this - that God knew that this would happen, and He sent me anyway. He never sends without a purpose! If He allows it, I would like to return to Peru someday in the not-too far future. I promise that I will let you know if He does :)
I have purchased a plane ticket back to NY on May 1, and God willing I will arrive in Rochester on May 2 in the afternoon. I will be staying with my parents in their new home in Mt Morris- another new experience! I trust that God has great things in store for me even there, because He loves to show off His sovereignty!
However, I am still here in Piura for another two months, and my work is not finished yet! As long as I am still here, until the end of April , I ask that you would continue to stand behind me financially. As of May 2014, I will no longer need your monthly financial support.
Again I say THANK YOU for being so great :) for standing with me while I am on this journey, trusting that He who calls, knows all. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at blurph412@yahoo.com or message me on facebook.
Much love,
Laura
Monday, February 3, 2014
New Year, New Growth
It's been another month already?! That's how I feel whenever I look at the calendar. I'm caught up in the business of each week and before I know it....WHOOP there it is! The end of the month.
Thanks to God's mercy and grace, this month has been one of growth for me personally. How so? I've had to lay aside my perfectionism, take a serious look at my life in regards to what it means to be a Christian (Read Romans for more information :) and be honest about my inner thoughts and fears. That last one is especially hard, and still in progress. I'd like to share with you a passage that particularly spoke to me this past week. Romans 6:21-22 reads:
"What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, eternal life."
Wow. What fruit (behavior, ways of thinking, effected relationships) do I have to show from my past? Some good, some not so good, some down right nasty. But I have been SET FREE from those things because I have chosen to serve God. I can hand all my bad fruit over to Him, and in return He shows me how to grow excellent fruit, the kind described in Galatians 5 : ) This tells me loud clear that I have a great testimony. Just in case you had any doubts, YOU have the same testimony! If you don't have it yet, you can!
Speaking of fruit, your prayers have been bringing it! This month I spiced things up a bit and wrote an extra blog entry about being vulnerable (see below). I asked for prayer in regards to my relationships with the people here, and not long after that I began to feel more connected to the family. The children are still children :) but I have been experiencing extra peace when working with them that allows me to see them in a different light. They are needy, just like me. They are special and if God loves them, I can love them too. And I do, more and more each day.
The next big thing in my schedule is the VBS that Iglesia Betesda is putting on February 24th - 29th. The theme of the week is the Armour of God, and I will be teaching one of three age groups. Last year, about 90 children attended, but we are expecting a smaller group this year. I am asking you to pray that God would influence every word we say and decision we make regarding that week. Also pray that the children who come would be blessed, challenged and that they would grow in their faith!! We are excited!!
In closing...I appreciate you all so very very much, I can't tell you enough! Knowing that you are there, thinking of me and praying for me, gives me strength to "not grow weary in doing good."
Bless you!
Laura Beth
Contact Information:
1703 Dalton Road
Thanks to God's mercy and grace, this month has been one of growth for me personally. How so? I've had to lay aside my perfectionism, take a serious look at my life in regards to what it means to be a Christian (Read Romans for more information :) and be honest about my inner thoughts and fears. That last one is especially hard, and still in progress. I'd like to share with you a passage that particularly spoke to me this past week. Romans 6:21-22 reads:
"What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, eternal life."
Wow. What fruit (behavior, ways of thinking, effected relationships) do I have to show from my past? Some good, some not so good, some down right nasty. But I have been SET FREE from those things because I have chosen to serve God. I can hand all my bad fruit over to Him, and in return He shows me how to grow excellent fruit, the kind described in Galatians 5 : ) This tells me loud clear that I have a great testimony. Just in case you had any doubts, YOU have the same testimony! If you don't have it yet, you can!
Speaking of fruit, your prayers have been bringing it! This month I spiced things up a bit and wrote an extra blog entry about being vulnerable (see below). I asked for prayer in regards to my relationships with the people here, and not long after that I began to feel more connected to the family. The children are still children :) but I have been experiencing extra peace when working with them that allows me to see them in a different light. They are needy, just like me. They are special and if God loves them, I can love them too. And I do, more and more each day.
The next big thing in my schedule is the VBS that Iglesia Betesda is putting on February 24th - 29th. The theme of the week is the Armour of God, and I will be teaching one of three age groups. Last year, about 90 children attended, but we are expecting a smaller group this year. I am asking you to pray that God would influence every word we say and decision we make regarding that week. Also pray that the children who come would be blessed, challenged and that they would grow in their faith!! We are excited!!
In closing...I appreciate you all so very very much, I can't tell you enough! Knowing that you are there, thinking of me and praying for me, gives me strength to "not grow weary in doing good."
Bless you!
Laura Beth
Contact Information:
Laura Murphree
Casilla 814
Piura, Peru SA
1703 Dalton Road
Lima, NY 14485-9516
Tax-deductible contributions: Checks to Elim Fellowship
"Preferred for Laura Murphree's support"
OR Online Giving at www.elimfellowship.org
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Vulnerability
I've come to the realization (through observative friends and God) that I am not as good at being vulnerable as I once thought. Being vulnerable, putting your feelings thoughts and weaknesses out in open for all to see, is a big deal if you think about it. Asking for help has never been my habit. I like to have control and appear to have things together. Why? Because I do not want to worry anyone. Why would what I have to say make anyone worried? It wouldn't. But you see, I have been a worrier for a while, so I assume that anything I worry about will also make others worry. It's really a messy state of mind.
You know the funny thing? So many people I know have told me how "solid, unwavering and calm" I am. Yes, I'll admit, God helps me to keep pretty calm and many times I don't freak out about things that other people go berserk over. But solid?? From my perspective I am anything but!
Today I am choosing to take a step in the right direction, towards vulnerability. It may seem simple to you, but this is what God is challenging me in. He did not save me to be afraid of anything!! He made me to be in community.
With that said, I will be vulnerable and ask for your prayers :)
1. I am finding it difficult to connect with anyone my own age. Many days I feel quite lonely, even when surrounded by loving people. I would really like to find a female friend in whom I can confide and feel comfortable.
2. My Spanish is getting better but there is still a lot I need to learn in order to understand conversations going on around me.
3. Grace and patience when teaching children. I love kids, in fact I feel more comfortable around kids than I do around adults. However there are always those days when it feels like no matter what I do, I can't get through to the kids that I teach.
4. Due to some uncertainties with my visa, I am not able to travel outside of Piura while I am here. This is not a huge deal, but it does limit what I can do. Please pray that all concerning my visa would go well without further complications.
I apologize for not letting you in on this earlier. I have been aware for some time that it is a necessity for missionaries to have support (not just in finances), but until now I was too shy to ASK for it in a specific way. If you read this, thank you :) If you are now praying, thank you :) You are so important to me and I cherish you!
Laura Murphree
You know the funny thing? So many people I know have told me how "solid, unwavering and calm" I am. Yes, I'll admit, God helps me to keep pretty calm and many times I don't freak out about things that other people go berserk over. But solid?? From my perspective I am anything but!
Today I am choosing to take a step in the right direction, towards vulnerability. It may seem simple to you, but this is what God is challenging me in. He did not save me to be afraid of anything!! He made me to be in community.
With that said, I will be vulnerable and ask for your prayers :)
1. I am finding it difficult to connect with anyone my own age. Many days I feel quite lonely, even when surrounded by loving people. I would really like to find a female friend in whom I can confide and feel comfortable.
2. My Spanish is getting better but there is still a lot I need to learn in order to understand conversations going on around me.
3. Grace and patience when teaching children. I love kids, in fact I feel more comfortable around kids than I do around adults. However there are always those days when it feels like no matter what I do, I can't get through to the kids that I teach.
4. Due to some uncertainties with my visa, I am not able to travel outside of Piura while I am here. This is not a huge deal, but it does limit what I can do. Please pray that all concerning my visa would go well without further complications.
I apologize for not letting you in on this earlier. I have been aware for some time that it is a necessity for missionaries to have support (not just in finances), but until now I was too shy to ASK for it in a specific way. If you read this, thank you :) If you are now praying, thank you :) You are so important to me and I cherish you!
Laura Murphree
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Adios, December!
Let me start off by saying, Merry Christmas!! Happy New Year!! I am feeling so joyful and hopeful about what's coming, though I don't know exactly what that is. I hope that this letter finds you experiencing something similar.
One and a half months down, ten and a half to go! It's amazing how quickly time passes. December was full of new experiences for me, one being the lack of snow, or any coldness at all for that matter! Christmas is a big deal here in Peru, so there was no lack of holiday spirit. On the 19th I attended my first Chocolatada at PEPE's school, which is basically a party for the students involving games, hot chocolate, pannettone (the traditional Christmas treat) and presents. It was nice to see the students and teachers let loose and have fun together :) The next day was the Clasura, which is like a graduation ceremony. The students with the highest grades in their class are given their diplomas up front, and the rest of them go to their classrooms to receive their report cards. At the beginning of the event, the students presented a dramatization of the Nativity story, along with a chorus of Christmas songs. I led two age groups in the presentation of the songs/dances I taught them in English, and let's just say that their cuteness made up for any lack of accuracy. I am looking forward to teaching regular English classes at the school when the new school year starts in March.
On the 22nd, we had a Christmas service at the church. We were expecting about 70 people to come at the most, but more than 100 people came! The children sang the songs we had been practicing for the past few Saturdays, and the older children recited a Christmas poem. There were baby dedications, gifts, prizes and of course pannettone!! It was a great time of fellowship and joy.
Jon Edwards and I also traveled to the city of Chiclayo to meet Bob and Karin McClure, a missionary couple who have a semi-new ministry to orphans and widows, called El Padre de Esperanza. While Jon and Bob talked about the ministry, Karin and I got to know each other and we got along quite well. She is native to Peru so we spoke in Castellano (a dialect of Spanish that the people in this region speak). Jon hopes to connect with them more in the future to see if our ministries can work together.
For anyone wondering how Pastor Julio is doing, he still needs your prayers. He has had a few appointments at a medical clinic to take care of some pain in his leg, and is on medication and a diet. Please pray for complete healing and peace for his family.
In January, we at the church are participating in a fast and study of the book of Romans. Each week has different guidelines, finishing with 1 1/2 hours of prayer each day. Please pray for me in regards to this as fasting is not one of my stronger points :) Above all, I desire to be a blessing and grow more intimate in my relationship with God.
Blessings to you and your families, may you keep God at the center of your everyday living.
Much love, Laura Beth
One and a half months down, ten and a half to go! It's amazing how quickly time passes. December was full of new experiences for me, one being the lack of snow, or any coldness at all for that matter! Christmas is a big deal here in Peru, so there was no lack of holiday spirit. On the 19th I attended my first Chocolatada at PEPE's school, which is basically a party for the students involving games, hot chocolate, pannettone (the traditional Christmas treat) and presents. It was nice to see the students and teachers let loose and have fun together :) The next day was the Clasura, which is like a graduation ceremony. The students with the highest grades in their class are given their diplomas up front, and the rest of them go to their classrooms to receive their report cards. At the beginning of the event, the students presented a dramatization of the Nativity story, along with a chorus of Christmas songs. I led two age groups in the presentation of the songs/dances I taught them in English, and let's just say that their cuteness made up for any lack of accuracy. I am looking forward to teaching regular English classes at the school when the new school year starts in March.
On the 22nd, we had a Christmas service at the church. We were expecting about 70 people to come at the most, but more than 100 people came! The children sang the songs we had been practicing for the past few Saturdays, and the older children recited a Christmas poem. There were baby dedications, gifts, prizes and of course pannettone!! It was a great time of fellowship and joy.
Jon Edwards and I also traveled to the city of Chiclayo to meet Bob and Karin McClure, a missionary couple who have a semi-new ministry to orphans and widows, called El Padre de Esperanza. While Jon and Bob talked about the ministry, Karin and I got to know each other and we got along quite well. She is native to Peru so we spoke in Castellano (a dialect of Spanish that the people in this region speak). Jon hopes to connect with them more in the future to see if our ministries can work together.
For anyone wondering how Pastor Julio is doing, he still needs your prayers. He has had a few appointments at a medical clinic to take care of some pain in his leg, and is on medication and a diet. Please pray for complete healing and peace for his family.
In January, we at the church are participating in a fast and study of the book of Romans. Each week has different guidelines, finishing with 1 1/2 hours of prayer each day. Please pray for me in regards to this as fasting is not one of my stronger points :) Above all, I desire to be a blessing and grow more intimate in my relationship with God.
Blessings to you and your families, may you keep God at the center of your everyday living.
Much love, Laura Beth
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