Christmas in July?

I'm not a big fan of Christmas. And the idea of celebrating it in July has always struck me as stupid.

But this week, we have been with the Quechua people in the Andes Mountains of Peru. We have set out to teach over 4 days the Life of Christ. That started yesterday when we shared the birth story of Jesus. I couldn't help but think of the irony later. We are, in essence, celebrating Christmas in July. We are celebrating the Word-become-flesh (John 1:14), who came to live our obedience, die our punishment, and redeem some from every tribe (Revelation 5:9), including the Quechua.

I have taught the adults the past two days, and have covered significant events of Christ's birth and life on earth. Tomorrow, we will be explaining the crucifixion and resurrection and what that means. And my heart aches for these people. I pray that God will give them eyes to see and ears to hear. I pray that I will be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus. I pray that they would believe on Christ and be saved.

I celebrate the "Christmas in July" with a heavy heart and a burden for people to turn to Jesus. Pray with me that God will save these people. That he will take the blinders off so that they can see Christ as glorious (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Pray that they will see, know, and believe the Gospel. Pray that by the Holy Spirit they will come to God. Let's make in this July a Christmas worth celebrating!

Going Back to Peru

Last year, I went with my church to Hauraz, Peru, for a weeklong trip to work with the Quechua people of the Andes mountains. The Quechua people are "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). Our mission was to share the Good News of the Good Shepherd with them. God moved me deeply for these people. I felt gut-wrenching sorrow for these people and found myself wanting to scream out "Believe in Christ!" I hated to leave, but I rejoice that God is giving me the opportunity to go back.

We are returning to Peru on July 15-24 of this year. Our team will be doing some VBS activities with children in a village, as well as some teaching with the adults as well. Also, we are going to be helping our host family, the Rockwells, with some repairs and work needed around the Center (where they live and work from). We are also planning a conference for pastors, to help them better learn how to shepherd.

God has been incredibly good in providing this opportunity for me again. I look forward to all he will do in and through our team this year. I hope that you will join us on your knees for this trip. Here's how you can pray for us:

UNITY - There will be 12 people going on this trip, from teenagers to senior saints. There will be planning issues, personality differences, and various other trials that will test our strength. Pray that God would cause us to love one another so that we will demonstrate Christ well to the Quechua people (see John 13:34-35)

SALVATION - The Quechua need to believe in Jesus, and so be saved. Pray that the Quechua will be thirsty and look to Christ for drink (John 7:37). Pray that the Holy Spirit would cause many of them to be born again (John 3:3-8).

PROVISION - The cost of this trip will be about $2100 for each person. This money is coming entirely from donations. Pray that God will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).

If God is leading you to give, you can make checks payable to WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. For the memo line, write Peru: Charles R. Higham. Checks can be mailed to 230 Alice Dr., Sumter, SC 29150. No gift is too small to give.

Thank you in advance or your partnership with us as we seek to take the gospel to the Quechua!