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
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Saludos de Peru!!
Hello friends! I am excited to be writing my first newsletter from Peru!! I arrived here on November 13 and it has been a whirlwind of activity since then. A small team from Jacksonville, Florida was already there when I arrived, so I went to a night service with them my second night here. It was a great feeling to worship with my fellow Peruvian Jesus lovers. On the 15th we celebrated Pastor Julio and Janet's 25th wedding anniversary with a ceremony in which they renewed their vows. It was a special time with family and I was privileged to be part of it. The following week was spent getting my room put together and spending time with the pastors' relatives.
This past week I started volunteering as the English teacher at a nearby school called PEPE's, teaching Christmas songs to the students. The students and the teachers are all fun to work with and it is a Christian school so it is nice to hear lessons being taught from the Bible! The school year ends in mid December, but I will be returning to teach when classes begin again in March.
Here at the church (Betesda) we have Sunday morning services, Wednesday evening services and the children's class on Saturdays. Jon Edwards, Deborah (Ps Julio's daughter) and I are putting together a Christmas presentation with the children so they can perform it when we have the Christmas service on December 22. My favorite part being here, I am not ashamed to say, is getting to know the kids! They are so eager to love :)
I am impressed with the faithfulness and honesty of the leadership here. Every message I've heard has been life-giving and challenging, but it's not just the way they talk - they live it as well. I look forward to learning from them and finding what God has in store for me here!
Lastly my wonderful friends, I want to thank you for being the best support family a girl could ask for. I have received many words of encouragement, which strengthen me each day. Never forget that you are a part of this work, too! Love you!
Laura Beth Murphree
Friday, November 8, 2013
Leaving the Known
In five days, I leave for Peru.
Today is the last full day I will spend in NY before I leave the country. Today is also the last full day I will spend in this house - ever. It is a strange feeling, knowing that your life is about to change pretty drastically and not only by one factor. My parents and I have lived here for almost 15 years and my father has turned what he bought as quite frankly, a mess, into a charming and welcoming home. Now, we are selling it and moving to a new town. Some people I know have lived in the same house their whole lives and feel no real attachment to it. Not so with me. I have purposely explored every inch of this property, getting to know it like a friend. I have specific memories attached to certain parts of the house and yard, landmarks of how I have grown as a person. Yes, I am very sentimental.
Some might say that I am too attached to passing things, especially in the light of a missionary calling. They are right. Probably the biggest lesson I have been learning in all of this preparation is that you can't hold on to anything except for God. I have been reminded of that phrase, "You can't take it with you," every time I feel like holding tightly onto what I have. It's not just because it won't fit in my suitcase (you can't fit an acre of land in, trust me) but because GOD HAS BETTER THINGS IN STORE FOR ME THAN MY PAST. All of my experiences, whether pleasant or painful, have been overseen and orchestrated by my loving heavenly Father. No object or piece of land has taught me anything, but rather has been a tool that He used to show Himself to me. That is what I long for, to see Him more clearly. To love like Him. To be more like Him. Holding on to what I know makes me comfortable is the best way to stall that kind of growth.
So, as I finish packing my suitcase and prepare to have my life changed (which is something you cannot really ever prepare for, it's always a surprise), my eyes must be locked on my Savior. There's no denying the pain of leaving behind what I love, but with Him at the helm there is no need for fear. As I write this I can't help but smile, my heart beating in anticipation of what we will do together in the coming days! A new chapter, a new adventure!
Today is the last full day I will spend in NY before I leave the country. Today is also the last full day I will spend in this house - ever. It is a strange feeling, knowing that your life is about to change pretty drastically and not only by one factor. My parents and I have lived here for almost 15 years and my father has turned what he bought as quite frankly, a mess, into a charming and welcoming home. Now, we are selling it and moving to a new town. Some people I know have lived in the same house their whole lives and feel no real attachment to it. Not so with me. I have purposely explored every inch of this property, getting to know it like a friend. I have specific memories attached to certain parts of the house and yard, landmarks of how I have grown as a person. Yes, I am very sentimental.
Some might say that I am too attached to passing things, especially in the light of a missionary calling. They are right. Probably the biggest lesson I have been learning in all of this preparation is that you can't hold on to anything except for God. I have been reminded of that phrase, "You can't take it with you," every time I feel like holding tightly onto what I have. It's not just because it won't fit in my suitcase (you can't fit an acre of land in, trust me) but because GOD HAS BETTER THINGS IN STORE FOR ME THAN MY PAST. All of my experiences, whether pleasant or painful, have been overseen and orchestrated by my loving heavenly Father. No object or piece of land has taught me anything, but rather has been a tool that He used to show Himself to me. That is what I long for, to see Him more clearly. To love like Him. To be more like Him. Holding on to what I know makes me comfortable is the best way to stall that kind of growth.
So, as I finish packing my suitcase and prepare to have my life changed (which is something you cannot really ever prepare for, it's always a surprise), my eyes must be locked on my Savior. There's no denying the pain of leaving behind what I love, but with Him at the helm there is no need for fear. As I write this I can't help but smile, my heart beating in anticipation of what we will do together in the coming days! A new chapter, a new adventure!
Monday, September 30, 2013
YES
Wonderful news!
God has provided all of the funds I need to go to Peru!!!! I want to thank every one of you who has given financially, prayed, hoped for me etc, it means so much to me. I am so excited that the time has finally come, and I know that the biggest part of the adventure is yet to come.
My parents and I will be flying out to Colorado on November 9th to visit my sister and brother-in-law and their new baby girl. On November 12th, I will leave for Peru from the airport in Denver, arriving in Peru the following day. Jon Edwards tells me that a missions team from Florida will be arriving the same day, so I will not be the only new arrival ;) Some of the people coming I met in 2011 when I was doing my internship there, so it will be nice to see them again. On the 14th, Pastor Julio and his wife Janet will be celebrating their anniversary by renewing their vows. I am very happy that I will be there for that, as I consider them my family.
I will continue these updates while I am in Peru, so don't forget to look for them! If you have any questions, feel free to email or message me. Again, thank you so very much for all your support and love!
Laura
God has provided all of the funds I need to go to Peru!!!! I want to thank every one of you who has given financially, prayed, hoped for me etc, it means so much to me. I am so excited that the time has finally come, and I know that the biggest part of the adventure is yet to come.
My parents and I will be flying out to Colorado on November 9th to visit my sister and brother-in-law and their new baby girl. On November 12th, I will leave for Peru from the airport in Denver, arriving in Peru the following day. Jon Edwards tells me that a missions team from Florida will be arriving the same day, so I will not be the only new arrival ;) Some of the people coming I met in 2011 when I was doing my internship there, so it will be nice to see them again. On the 14th, Pastor Julio and his wife Janet will be celebrating their anniversary by renewing their vows. I am very happy that I will be there for that, as I consider them my family.
I will continue these updates while I am in Peru, so don't forget to look for them! If you have any questions, feel free to email or message me. Again, thank you so very much for all your support and love!
Laura
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