Abraham Avila Prayer Letter: Thankful for My Kids Getting to Grow Up on the Mission Field

My life’s ambitions would not have been the same.

My wife and I were out soul winning with our Sunday school class. I noticed my youngest son Joaquin and his friend Renato had stopped by an elderly couple and were talking to them. The couple had tracts in their hands. I could tell Joaquin was having a hard time following them, as they had a little accent and were speaking softly. I walked over to them and began talking to them. The man, Mr. Alcibiades Castillo, and his wife, Mrs. Aurelia Castillo, had just arrived in Lima that morning for a medical checkup. They were heading back to their hometown of Piscobamba. They only come to Lima once a year for their medical checkup, and they rarely find themselves in our area. Mr. Alcibiades decided to take today’s route because he wanted to see “what was up here.” I spoke to both of them for over half an hour and got very immersed in their life story. We had such a great conversation that he invited me back to his hacienda and told me that I could eat as many local fruits as I wanted from his family orchard—he had me at “mangos and cactus fruit.” In our conversation, he stated that he was 90 years old, and his wife was a chibolita (Peruvian slang for “teens and young adults”). She was 88 years old. I praised them for being active and mobile. Our conversation led into past mistakes and how he wished he could change his past. Thereafter, I wove the plan of salvation into our conversation, and I could tell they were really interested. Mr. Alcibiades and Mrs. Aurelia asked the Lord to forgive their sins and trusted Christ as their Saviour. Praise the Lord! He stated how he wished someone would have given him the plan of salvation when he was much younger. While squeezing his wife’s hand, he stated, “Our life would have been much different. My life’s ambitions would not have been the same.”

Wonderful memories while on the mission field!

My children have grown up so much while on the mission filed, both physically and personally. We had the privilege of helping in various events within our sister churches. We celebrated our five-year anniversary at IBI San Gabriel and thoroughly enjoyed the preparation time and execution of our plans for that big day. What a great turnout we had! Many families and children arrived that Sunday morning. Souls were saved, and lives were changed. A few weeks later, my family and I had the privilege of helping in IBI Chorrillos’ Vacation Bible School. My family and I were in charge of the dramas. We had a good group of teens to help us. That was so much fun. My children thoroughly enjoyed “being someone else” for a few minutes as they acted out the daily stories. Many new families arrived to their VBS, and thereafter, many stayed in IBI Chorrillos. I was able to see so many kids from when I used to teach their Sunday school class back in 2013. They were now all grown up and not so little anymore. Our kids picked up on their past friendships like only kids can do. It was very sweet watching these kids reconnect. A few weeks later, my oldest children, Marco and Lani, attended camp alone for the first time. Pastor Mark Rader and the hosting church, EFATA, did a fantastic job. I am so glad my family is able to make many wonderful memories while on the mission field.

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
• Many team members who will be traveling in the next few months

Blessings

• We saw 76 souls saved.
• Our Sunday school class children are soul winning and bringing visitors to church.
• We celebrated our five-year anniversary at IBI San Gabriel.
• We get to watch our children grow and develop into fine young individuals.
• Joaquin celebrated his 10th birthday.

Thank you once again for your prayers and support.

Your co-laborers to Peru,

Abraham, Fabiola, Marco, Leilani, and Joaquin Avila