First off, thank you so much to all who have prayed and reached out to us since my brain surgery. We are so blessed with good friends and churches all over the world that are praying for us. Here is the most recent update from our doctor. We are so grateful that the latest scan reveals no more bleeding on the brain. The doctor’s diagnosis as to the root cause of the bleeding is a combination of different things, including a high level of lead in my body, germs in my system, and evidence of a parasite called babesia. These things worked together to weaken the vascular structures in my brain and caused the bleeding. Since there is still evidence of these problems, I will go on different treatments for the next few weeks to eradicate them. We believe that this should prevent another hematoma. As of now, that pushes our return to Peru to the end of this year, but we are grateful to have found a cause. Now we will be able to move forward with a plan of attack.

We have been grateful to have done some things both before my surgery and a little during the recovery process. Just before we found the brain bleed, during my original 10-day stay here in the States, I was able to preach at one of our supporting churches, Grace Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It was exciting to see such good friends and be encouraged by their church. Several weeks after surgery, I was able to speak for our high school chapel here at Hammond Baptist Schools. I’m very grateful to Bro. Woosley and Bro. Judeh for the opportunity. I am doing more and more, although recovery has been slow.

Many have also heard about the passing of my grandpa, Ken Rahn, just over a month ago. He and I were close, and I’m so glad I was blessed with him for a grandpa. One of the blessings of being back for this surgery was being able to spend extra time with him in the weeks prior to his passing. Thank you to those who have prayed for my mom and our family.

Back in Peru, our church has been moving forward! We had a big outreach day on November 1, when Peru and many Latin American countries celebrate the Day of the Dead. Families will spend the day visiting the graves of their loved ones, and priests will often walk by and pray with folks for a small fee. It’s a great opportunity to share the Gospel. This year, over 40 people went out from our church and saw over 130 people make a profession of faith in Christ. A new convert named Fabian, whom I had been discipling before returning to the States, led his first 2 souls to Christ that day.

Next, our church celebrated Thanksgiving with a big turkey dinner. The ladies of our church made great American-style dishes, and extended family was invited. We had about 15 visitors and 9 people accept Christ. Preparations are now underway for our Christmas Cantata, which will be Sunday, December 8. We will be holding the service outside this year under a large tent. A lot of work has gone into this project, and although we are sad to miss it, we’re praying for many visitors and for many to be saved.

Thank you all once again for your prayers for us and for Peru! We hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Zach and Cassandra Foust