Manchay

This past weekend I spent some time in Manchay. Manchay is a part of Lima that begins only about 10 minutes down the road from where I live, and yet it is a whole different world. The people of Manchay are very poor; they have no running water and most don't have electricity. They live in "houses" with plywood type walls, dirt floors, and tin roofs. Scores of dogs roam freely through the streets of dirt, and many children do the same. The air is thick with dust and foul smells.

I went to church services at El Manantial (the spring: as in a spring of living water) Baptist Church on Thursday and Sunday with Jim and Becky Carlton (missionaries in Lima since 1983). Mr. Carlton has been pastoring this church for four years now. It was eye-opening for me to spend time with the people there. The people are very friendly and well-taught from God's Word. On Saturday I helped with a children's Bible club. I was surprised when 2 girls came without any shoes. My feet were hurting just from walking on the rocks, and I had sandals on.

God is doing many things through the Carltons in Manchay. Though the people are needy physically, their greatest need is Christ! The Catholics have several churches there and the Mormons have built a very nice temple not far from El Manantial. As we were having our Bible club on Saturday, two Mormon missionaries walked by in their dress clothes carrying their Books of Mormon. As in all places the devil's influence is there, but it is amazing to see power of God's Word! Many of the people in the church raised their hands during the invitation to indicate they wanted prayer for their spiritual needs. (I only know that because of what the pastor said. ;) Their problems are not unlike ours, but their way of life gives them a completely different mentality. I for one am more thankful for all the Lord has given me after visiting Manchay. It is interesting to me that they seem to be thankful already.