May Update

Dear Family and Friends,

It is hard to believe the first quarter of classes is already over. So much has happened in such a short amount of time! The weather is starting to cool off here in Lima, and I have started to use my “winter wardrobe.” This quarter was unlike any I’ve had at LMCS so far. Being the homeroom teacher and using a new and different Science curriculum has given me challenges and opportunities I didn’t have before. I have had a lot of contact with parents of students so far this year. There have been some difficult circumstances, but some closed doors may be opening. I ask that you pray earnestly for my students and their families, that I would have an open door of ministry with the mothers and children. Every one of my students has specific needs. It is such a joy to be involved in the lives of these people! I love teaching Bible class, and it is amazing to see how the examples of the Old Testament fit into everyday life. The stories and memory verses are perfect to use to disciple my students in everyday situations. Usually the greatest opportunities come on the back of the greatest difficulties, and I could tell you many such stories from just this quarter! Also, I remain in contact and continue in prayer for the graduated student from last year who has not yet received the Lord.

I am thankful for the time that the Lord has allowed me to spend with my church so far this year. We are looking forward to the construction of a new church building that will start in July, Lord willing. However, what we need more than anything is spiritual growth and maturity in Christ; please pray to that end. Please keep Joana in your prayers; she has often fallen out of our discipleship meetings in order to study. She is struggling greatly in her courses and in her spiritual life. All of the teens in our church need our constant prayer. Pray for the salvation of Andrea and for the spiritual revival of Grace, Karina, Bridget, and Julian. At the end of last year the Lord brought two Peruvian girls about my age to our church. These two girls Celia and Vicky are studying in a seminary here in Lima, are living in Manchay, and are being an incredible encouragement to our congregation and to me personally. Pray they would continue to be strong in the Lord. In addition to working with the young people, the Lord has allowed me to start a church library with books, CDs, and cassettes in Spanish from a donor in the States. The people are very excited about it, and some regularly check out materials. Another opportunity I have is being the teacher’s assistant in the 7-12 year old Sunday school class. Many unsaved children from the streets and children of regular attenders come to listen and participate, and I have had the opportunity to talk one on one with several of these children.

God is so good. I appreciate your prayers more than you know. It is truly a privilege to serve our great God! I am so thankful He has allowed me to be here, and I invite you to pray with me that the Lord would bring in the remaining support that I need in order to continue here next year.

One is worth more than all!

In Christ, who is our life,

Emily Snodgrass