Abraham Avila Prayer Letter: What Would Have Happened?

Hey! Can you imagine what would have happened if we hadn’t come today?
My family and I had the opportunity to participate in a large soul-winning event with our churches on the “Day of the Dead.” During this Peruvian holiday, many visit their loved ones’ tombs to pay their respects and to “remember” them. They bring their favorite food, drink, music, etc. Our entire family was able to witness to many families. One family in particular sticks out. I had finally made it up what seemed to be a steep mountainside. I may need to add that there was an elderly lady who passed me up while I stood there and contemplated the seemingly impossible path before me. She had smiled and said, “Animo chibolo.” which translates to “C’mon youngin’; you can do it.” I followed her and saw her final destination. It was a family-sized tomb, which meant there were more than three plots combined. It had pillars, a roof, and no walls. There were a lot of people sitting and talking. I walked over to the group and introduced myself. I asked for a little information about their loved ones. After a few minutes, I asked them if they would permit me to tell them what the Bible has to say about eternal security. They smiled and said, “Yes.” I was able to witness to more than 15 family members at that moment. They bowed their heads and prayed. The grandma was smiling and said, “Thank you” as I said my goodbyes. Fast forward an hour later. We found ourselves walking back to the main entrance. I felt a pain shoot up my aging back, and I paused. I turned around and saw our children walking up to us, wincing against the kicked-up dust. I apologized for the excessive heat and for not having bought them a drink sooner. Their eyes get bigger as they saw that even more people were making their way up the mountain. They walked past me, and without skipping a beat, the two boys said, “This was fun!” To which Lani replied, “There sure were a lot of people we got to witness to.” Almost instantly Joaquin turned around and asked, “Hey! Can you imagine what would have happened if we hadn’t come today?” So true, Joaquin. I pray Joaquin’s question will follow my children for the rest of their lives.

What a privilege!
My oldest son Marco is developing into a young man now. I had mentioned to a family in our church that I wanted to give Marco more responsibilities, primarily in the manual-labor arena. One of the men approached me later in the week and stated that his elderly parents needed some work done on their house. “Sign us up!” I said. My boys and I were at their house the bright and early following day. The elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Alfaro, were very enthused to have our boys there working on their house. I watched as my boys followed my instructions. I saw the work quickly get accomplished. I took a break as I supervised my boys, and it brought back many memories of when my dad would take my brothers and me to work with him. It seemed just like yesterday that we were unknowingly trying our dad’s patience as he bestowed his wisdom upon us. Here I was repeating the same scenario with his grandkids. What a privilege!

To be continued . . .
I am thankful for praying and giving friends such as you. If it weren’t for you, my family and I would not be able to be here in Lima, Peru. We love you and pray for you often. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you and your family.

Prayer Requests

• Safety for our family, our team leader Bro. Zach Foust, and the other families of Team Peru
• Additional monthly financial support
• Health for the families of Team Peru
• Celebrating our five-year anniversary at San Gabriel

Blessings

• We saw 81 souls saved.
• Our Sunday school class children are soul winning and bringing visitors to church.
• New Testament Baptist Church of Northfield, Ohio, and Pastor Mille sent my family a large box full of Christmas presents. What a blessing!
• I get to watch my children grow and develop into fine young individuals.

Thank you once again for your prayers and support.

Your co-laborers to Peru,

Abraham, Fabiola, Marco, Leilani, and Joaquin Avila