praise report from Cusco

Praise report from Cusco!

Giving God the glory for the awesome news coming from Cusco! Jorge and Janet along with some brothers from the original church plant in San Blas (previously known as San Marcos) have been doing outreach in Tambomachay (there is a village in the area of this ancient Incan archaeological site). Some of the locals have gifted Jorge and the church a meeting place! No matter what the enemy has tried to do, God's Word lasts forever!

Also it is encouraging to share that Jorge and his family have been able to grow special relationships with believers from different parts of the world. Some had gone for vacation and saw the need for Christ there and saw the work that Jorge and the church were doing. And the started taking teams and providing classes among other things. We, Ricky and I, are blessed beyond words because we cannot be there physically but God has raised up other people around them who LOVE them and the Cusco church and who have invested time and finances in their work.

It was always our goal as missionaries to plant a church at the grassroots level, to raise up local leadership and hand the church over to them in time. God's timing brought us out of Peru earlier than we had planned. We hadn't gotten to build the church building yet! And we were nervous.. like parents who see their kids go off to college and you just hope that you did your best and entrust the rest to the Holy Spirit. We are blessed that the Holy Spirit keeps moving, multiplying disciples and that the local church is taking the gospel to the nearby villages and who know where the Holy Spirit will lead after.

Jorge and the church need all our prayers and support. We don't know what God has planned with the land, but there is a team going in Sept/Oct with the plan of starting the first phase of building the retaining wall. The fact of the matter is that God doesn't need buildings to spread His kingdom! Of course it will be a huge blessing to have one, but just look what God is already doing. All the glory and honor go to the King!

Nov photos and brief update

I don't have time to write, but things are well! It's Spring in Chile. Our urban garden project is getting underway, but we need tools! Several of us are growing seeds in our homes and getting them ready to transplant in the garden. For some reason I have 16 squash plants growing. I'm not sure how it happened except all the seeds decided to germinate.
We are in week 7 of The Story and it's neat to see how people are responding by getting involved in Bible discipleship studies and are getting into the Word more! Old and new alike are reaping the benefits from this unifying study.
Isabella finished first grade and I can't believe our first official year of homeschool is "over". But it's never really over because kids' keep learning all through the summer! Milan broke his arm, did you know? but he's better now. AND he cut his beautiful long blond hair. I love the new cut and it's so fresh and not sweaty. Mateo is a love, simply put. He was/is the perfect addition to our family, and I can't imagine our busy life without him.
I'm loving our weekly women's study and Ricky is leading a wednesday co-ed study.

Christmas is coming soon and we want to hold an outreach event. That would be spectacular.

We're trusting God through a really rough time financially. After living on our minimum operating budget for several months, now we're down into the red big time. Negative numbers. But the Lord our God is amazing and has wonderful plans when we trust him with everything. If we have to get "jobs" in addition to working in the church we will. But we also just need some new partnerships! We shall see. Pray for us. Thanks! By the way, Cusco is going through some difficult situations. Pretty serious. If you want to know more so you can pray more specifically, let me know.

That is all for now! May our gracious Lord bless you beyond your hearts imagination and may His grace be on you always. And on us as well!

Sunday school class, going through The Story!

Eduardo with Flabio

We started The Story and it's been really great so far! 

I love watching and praying for Ricky while he gives the Word. I rarely get a picture, and this one is full of wires and other things that don't make it the best photo, but I think it captures well his heart, which is what I love so much about him. 

a story of transformation

Last Sunday, we had the privilege of watching four dear people take the step of faith to get baptized.

Each of the four of them have a special story of how God has been working in their lives.

Today, I want to share about Ian and his father Eduardo. I remember the first time they visited our church. Eduardo and Betsebe's littlest son, two years old Flabio, ran right up the aisle to the front of the church and stood there. He was a tiny, brown-haired, bright-eyed little guy. Soon someone came to get him. It was his father, Eduardo. He smiled, with a little wince of embarrassment for having to walk up to the front of the church to get his son. It never fails that each week either Eduardo or his eldest son, Ian, are running after Flabio.

It was hard to get to know Betsebe because she always stayed in her place, didn't talk to anyone and generally seemed sad. Week after week, we would say hi and give her a hug and wait for her to open up a bit. With patience we learned that she has a hearing problem. Her difficulties had never been properly treated by a doctor and it was causing a great deal of strain and anger in her life, marriage and family. She didn't seem to want help. So we prayed for her.

We watched as Eduardo and Ian both began serving in the church. Ian seemed the opposite of his mother, always showing a smile and having an available word of conversation with those around him. God was working. One day we had a special visitor at our church, someone who works with hearing impaired people. She was able to help Betsebe with some hearing aids. From that time Betsebe started opening up a little more. She started to smile a little more. And then something special happened. She gave her life to the Lord. We are still praying that she finds the healing and peace that come through Christ. Praise God. And last week Eduardo and Ian got baptized!

Libertad church

I found some random pics from April and wanted to share. I love our church family!

Magdaly and Elena. Please keep Elena in your prayers as she lost her husband, Sergio, to cancer last December and has been a difficult year for her.

The Hidalgo family.. missing a few more

I rarely take my camera to church, so when I do I like to try and get Ricky preaching but it turned out blurry! Maybe next time I can get a better shot.

Every last Sunday of the month we share breakfast together before church starts. It's a good time to fellowship together!

After breakfast worship time.

Some of the worship team

Cusco update

Cutting trees in Cusco

The "legal issue" is resolved, the determination was that the claim was unprecedented, which we already knew. So, we have begun clearing the land and cutting the eucalyptus trees. I wish I could be there to see it, but these are the photos that Jorge shared with us!

thoughts about burden and my heavy heart

Having a heavy heart or a burden does not mean my trust in God falters. Just because I share my heart about my journey does not make me weak. It does not mean I am discouraged or down. When the world is going through times as these... when my fellow brothers are being persecuted... when my friends are hurting... when other missionaries are suffering... when my own life experiences pain or frustration... it does not mean that my hope is gone. It is in times as these that my hope is fanned into a flame of trust and faith in our GOD who can save us. Our Lord who already saved us. We do not despair during difficult times! Yes, we face them. I face them. Our world is not perfect and I cannot pretend things are perfect in our lives as servants of God. And times like these should not be kept quiet. We share in the burdens of our friends and fellow servants. Their pain becomes ours, we weep with those who weep. But we also rejoice with those who rejoice. And we rejoice also because of the sunshine that comes after the rain!

During times as these, is when our eyes are looking upon our Creator, when we can be SURE that He is capable of answering the tough questions. I will not be intimidated or silenced into superficiality. Life is hard. Yes. But life is LIFE and it is GOOD! God is good, all the time. And our hope is always in Him. Jesus is our hope and with Him we are able to carry the burdens of this world, and are able to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.

Amen for that. And blessed be those who are persecuted for His names' sake. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied!

our family, August 2014

It's still winter, but the trees are beginning to flower. It's as if they have been just anxiously awaiting the time to appear again that they can't contain themselves. Spring won't be here for several more weeks, but please don't tell the trees.

In July, Ricky got to go to Cusco to receive a mission team from Washington. They planned to do the ground breaking on the church's land there; with tree cutting, digging and constructing a retaining wall. But we've discovered over the years that some things just don't go as planned, and the enemy likes to mess things up as much as he can. In the days before the team arrived, the trees were about to be cut and the hired workers were on site, when some men showed up and started throwing rocks at them, and soon physically pushed them off the land. These men are family of the previous land owner. While they have no legal rights over the land, they have gotten the previous owner and the land itself entangled in a little legal mess where it may take some time to get fixed. It's all somewhat frustrating but God is in control, and for that we are patient and waiting to see how this will get resolved.

So the team couldn't do construction, but they did a lot of other things and their trip was a blessing to the locals and the church there. Please keep praying for Jorge. The enemy has tried to get Jorge in a place of isolation and discouragement. We know the brothers and sisters in the church are growing, but there is a lack of service among the brethren, which leaves Jorge alone doing most of the work. Ricky and I know how hard that is because we spent many years alone in the work in Cusco as well. We prayed for help. We still pray. Please pray for a missionary couple to commit to serving in Cusco alongside of Jorge and Janet. They need it, really. And even more than we did because we were already experienced and both of us had more than a decade walking with God before leaving for the missions field. With physical, emotional and spiritual support on a daily basis, Jorge and Janet could grow and accomplish so much in their service. The church could get back to a place where it is flourishing. They could have all the tools they need to pastor and encourage growth in the church. Please pray for them and with us. And besides, who wouldn't want to serve God in an amazing place like Cusco? Why is it that it's so easy for others to abandon our brothers there?

While Ricky was in Peru, I was at home here in Chile with the three lil ones, wishing time would go by fast because we miss him when he's gone! We filled our days with school and keeping indoors during the cold, rainy days and even managed to spend a few days at the beach. I drove there for the first time alone with the kids and managed to not get lost or pulled over. I did have to take a detour because my exit was blocked by road construction. But with only 15 minutes out of my way, we got back in the right direction. It was a beautiful few days we could spend with my parents in law and sister in law and her two boys. 

Now that August is here, the 2nd semester of school has started. I can't believe Isabella is half way through first grade and I am fighting against feeling the pressure of completing certain things. I know learning in children is constant and that her schooling doesn't magically stop when the school year is over. She is doing really fantastic though. A few areas are harder than others for her, but I have to remember that she is learning everything in two languages. Reading has been the hardest. She is doing consistently better, reading in both English and Spanish. We are proud of her! Milan and Mateo are having fun in "school" too. Milan is starting to read and says it's his favorite part of school. 

I've been fighting loneliness and pressure (self-induced perhaps) of being "pastor's wife". It's different than it was in Cusco, where we brought Christ to people and led them spiritually. We were like parents to them. Whereas here, we are leading a church that is already founded and with believers who, many of which, have walked with God for decades already. Also, I'm learning about Chilean culture first hand. It may be hard to believe since Ricky is Chilean and we've visited numerous times before our move, but I am experiencing culture shock!

Thankfully Jesus is constant in His love and grace. He is still Lord whether in Peru or Chile, or whether in wealth or want. We can put our trust in him because He is trustworthy! 

When the devil hits you with a car

Isn't it ironic how when a believer in Jesus finally makes that decision to follow and serve Him that same time an attack of the enemy comes along, tries to plants seeds of doubt, cause pain and ultimately a scarred or severed relationship with Him?

Jasna, a woman who has been in our church for a long time and has participated with the women's group finally made the commitment to lead one of the nights of the women's Bible study. She mentioned she was nervous; not ready to speak in front of the group and even less lead it. But God gave her the power to say she'd give it a shot. She has a heart for the Lord and is ready to take a step of faith and get past the nervousness to share with the other women. Amazing, right?What a big step toward maturity in the faith!

But then the devil came along and tried to mess things up. Jasna and her two kids got hit by car today! I know, crazy. Her kids got little bumps, and Jasna may have a fractured wrist, but all in all, the Lord kept them safe.

Why does that always happen? When we are comfortable, not making much of a difference for the kingdom, he just leaves us alone. But when we start acting on our faith, making progress in our walk with God and start serving Him, the devil comes to wreak havoc. I'm not sure if Jasna will teach the class tomorrow. We'll have to wait and see. Pray she does! And that she doesn't get disheartened.

first day of school

Today was our first official day of homeschool! The kids were so excited! Even though Milan is only in preschool and isn't required to do anything except play, he joined us for the majority of our activities.I didn't do quite all I had expected and time went by way faster than what I thought it would, but overall I'm happy with our first day. We all woke up a little late and didn't get breakfast til 9am and school started til 9:30. My goal is to get us started at 8:30 or 9 so we can get in the 3 hours before lunch and be finished for the day.

3 hours a day doesn't seem like a lot but when lessons range from 20-30 minutes each, it's surprising how much materials you can cover. My homeschooling style is still developing, but as I read and research and gather lessons plans, books, online materials, worksheets, etc. I realize that my style is eclectic. I have Montessori hands on materials and love child-led learning. I am always attentive to what they talk about, what questions they ask and then I guide them into discovering more about those things. When one starts asking questions about animals that live in holes, we get a chance to read books about rabbits, foxes, moles, etc, watch documentaries and educational videos from national geographic, we talk about them, draw pictures or sing songs about them. All these kinds of things help cement learning. and it's fun. We've gotten to learn so much about science this way, and just this summer they have learned about nocturnal animals, herbivores, carnivors, hibernation, colonies of ants and so many other things.

They also love math. I think most kids learn a distaste for math by seeing their parents or peers dislike it. But when they can see that math is interesting, they just want to learn it all on their own. I have a list of numbers on the wall and every time Milan (when he was still only 3 year old) walked past, he would count. Now I hear him counting everything and sorting things into groups and patterns by number or color, biggest smallest.  Isabella loves numbers too and is already able to figure out word problems with addition and division. She is a problem solver and really is growing in her critical thinking skills.

But I'm not all Montessori either... I don't let them lead the way all the time. I plan to give them a routine, which I think give kids security in knowing what comes next. I also will challenge them to do the things they may not want to do that day. It is not child-led in those moments, but some day in the future when they are at a job where they just dont feel like going to work or don't want to do something their boss tells them to do, they will have the skills to submit in the correct moments to challenge themselves and do their best even when they don't like it.

There are some pieces of Charlotte Mason that I really like, too. The writing and literature. Other parts of my homeschooling style are classical, using workbooks and worksheets with quizes and tests. But on the opposite of this scale is the unschooling part of me. I know Isa will learn through the daily activities of life. Homemaking, cooking, cleaning, learning to take care of our garden or pets, visiting elderly, learning to talk to different people, at the store or a restaurant, or feeling confident to talk to a police officer or talk on the telephone. These types of social skills are not taught in schools. Children who sit all day with 40 other children their own age do not get as many opportunities to interact with older and younger people. In fact, the older kids are "too cool", it's not okay for interacction. And the younger kids are "babies", and also not cool to interact with them. Adults are "boring" and elderly are "scary and wrinkly". I'm glad my children have the opportunity to make relationships with all types of people. I would even say they are MORE socialized that schooled children.

Homeschooling gives me the chance to let my kids experience what they are learning. We learn about shapes by encountering shapes in our every day lives, we learn about nature by going out and touching it. Learn about number by counting how many tomatoes are on the bush.We learn geography when we get out a map to see the places we've been and will be going this year. We talk about history when we learn what the Bible says about the beginning of man, or when we want to know why some cultures dress, talk or do the things they do. When we talk about why they eat different foods than we do, instead of just talking about it, we get to visit places, museums, and cook and eat those foods to make it an entire experience.

More than anything, I think the importance of early education lies in character formation, developing a sense of the world around them, and encountering a love to learn. As they grow they will be able to teach themselves because they will know how to learn. And above all else is to teach an awareness of God who is all around us, that they will discover His interaction in their lives, and recognize His love for them and their own need for Him.

It is a lofty goal to homeschool but just as lofty to be a mom. I want to join in my children's learning. I hope to model the way, by showing them patience, love and respect and expect the same in return. The goal is not for them to be little adults, but rather to have an amazing childhood that lasts as long as possible. While growing up will happen naturally, so will all the other developmental aspects of learning. Having fun, loving live. Loving each other. That's what I want this year to be.

the real me: the truth about frienship

It's been really hard to make friends here. Honestly, it's been hard for me to make friends at all the last 10 years. Since I left the US, it's been a time of highs and lows, times when I've really felt the need for friendship and other times where I didn't feel that need. I've mourned the loss of friendships. Before I left the US I had some really "close" friends. At least that's what I thought. My heart has been heavy so many times, just wishing my friendships with those people could go back to what they once were. But then I realize 10 years have passed and I just may never regain them as friends. There are a small handful of people who have stuck with me through thick and thin, who have loved me despite all the things that are wrong, selfish, or misguided about me. Others have judged. Some stuck it though. I love those ones. But I can't just sit down with them over coffee and chat. I'm still thousands of miles away. My kids take up most of my time (which I wouldn't change), but it doesn't give me a quiet space condusive of having a meaningful Skype conversation either.

And although I love my husband for being so amazingly understanding, he's still a man and I still need a friend that is not him. We've been in Chile for almost a year and a half and it's been soooo hard to make friends. People don't just open their lives to a new person every day. They have lived their entire lives here in Chile without me and frankly don't need to add another person into their circle. ouch. But it's true. I understand people. And sometimes I feel the same way. I dont need to add more people into my circle. But that's just it, i DO need to add.. maybe for my kids sake, my sanity's sake, my marriage's sake. I need conversation with someone who is not on the other side of the computer screen and who I can share life's trial and struggles with.

But what I don't want are handouts. I don't want pity, nor superficial junk. I want real conversation about real topics that affect our lives. And in English would be preferred. Ok, I'll give up the English. Any language that I can understand is ok.

merry Christmas

Dear friends and loved ones,

It has been quite a year for us! From getting settled into our new home in Chile, Isabella turned 5 in January, she started (and finished) kindergarten; Milan turned 3 in January and is growing into an amazing little person who lights up our lives each day; to the birth of Mateo in February, and dealing with several months of bronchitis and pneumonia, from which we are very thankful that God has healed him of and now he is very healthy! To celebrating 8 years of marriage, and to us searching the ways God wants to use us in ministry here in Chile. We had a rough start with dealing with the illness in my (Tracie's) eyes and the sadness of having to leave our home in Peru, but with happiness in our hearts we see the church in Cusco grow and see how God's hand has been present in our lives throughout. 

A new chapter begins as we have been selected by the elders of our local church to take over as the new pastors. What came as an unexpected turn of events, we accept this new role with utmost gratitude and humility, knowing that God has wonderful things in store for our church, "Libertad" (which is the name of the community where it is located and also means "freedom" in Spanish). We are blessed to serve among some of the most amazing people and followers of Jesus. This new role is not a paid position and will begin in January of 2014. It Ricky will continue serving with Ambassadors in Sport. We ask that you pray for us continually. We thank God for you each time we remember you in our conversations and prayers. We hope to see you face to face in 2014.  

With joy in celebrating the birth of our Savior and King, Merry Christmas!

midnight musings

I can't believe we've been in our new house for a year already! Yesterday I posted photos of our street and I'd like to get some better pics so you can see our home and where we are living here in Chile! This year has been crazy in so many ways.

I feel like questions for God keep getting raised and some answers seem to come slowly. But God is not slack and His timing is perfect. That said, I am still waiting diligently for answers. Why this, why that. I feel like a three year old, like Milan, who asks me why questions all day long. Since we left Cusco due to the corneal erosions, cornea hypoxy and the discomfort, the pain... it was such a relief physically to leave. But emotionally it's been hard. I do love Chile though and I'm getting used to being here. I still feel like I need to find my niche, my place, as a person, a believer, a missionary.

So the questions I have for God. If He allowed my illness to happen and we left Cusco, then why are we losing financial support left and right? Churches are dropping our support, individuals are going through financial hardships themselves, others drop without notifying. I feel like in our newsletters I dont have anything to say except, we need support!!! I really dislike fundraising. Ironically, we've been told that we're pretty darn good at it. I don't feel like that now. God prepared us and given us exactly what we needed during that last season in our lives, in Cusco. And now, I feel another chapter is opening. The pages are being written, but I don't know the end of the chapter, and I wish I did.

For me, it's hard to let go while at the same time I yearn for the future.  I trust God with our foster children, the church in Cusco. I know that He loves them and is caring for them spiritually. I can let go. And as for the future, I want to see our ministry flourish but I know it's not going to be the same ministry as in Peru. I also yearn for a simpler way of life. I love simplicity and the joy of family and the love that we share.

I want to be a peacemaker. To live my life humbly and simply. To enjoy what God has blessed us with. To support and minister to Ricky, my kids, and others who I call friends.

We don't need the support of others to continue doing God's will. Regardless of what monetary means we have, our life and calling are sure. Whether we are in a ministry spotlight or serving day by day in the quietness of our lives, I know we desire to be pleasing to the One who matters.

With open hands I hold our ministry, life, marriage, children, and all that we love. The beauty of life is that it is so fragile and the essence of ministry is that is is an outpouring of life. What a sweet fragrance God's creation is to the Creator when creation completes it purpose of being what it was created for, nothing more and nothing less. The tree glorifies God as it sways in the wind, the lizard as it warms itself on a rock, and mankind as it cares for all that it was given charge of, with humility, love and peace. If it is so simple as that, what is the ultimate purpose of man? And if it is to glorify God, then why does man's mind complicates things so much, to an intense web of lies, desires, goals, stress... and ultimately captivity. I do not want to be captive of anything other that the heart of my Maker and of my husband and children.

....the end

around our neighborhood

This is our street... 

On a walk with my boy

at the park!

Here's the park just down the street from our home

weirdness with social media

I admit it. I've been neglecting my blog. First off, I doubt the number of people who actually read it, thus see it as futile and maybe a waste of my precious time. Secondly, I have been feeling strange about social media lately, and feeling myself wanting to withdraw from it. I still post on fb things about our daily life, family or other random things, but it's just a social tool, a way to keep in touch. I don't use it for ministry or ministry updates usually. It's maybe an outlet that is a way to have some sort of normalcy in my life, something that isn't ministry... for once.

There was a time, before I left for the "missions" field, when I read Christian living books day and night. I had everything from experiencing God devotionals to Dietrich Bonhoeffer and books from the mystics. But as I actually went out, left home and "became" a missionary, my life was inundated with the problems and struggles of this broken world, I'd meet with women who were abused physically, sexually, emotionally. I'd talk with people about real life problems and as a result, I would pray for them non-stop, think about them day and night. I started dreaming about them and their issues. As I poured out spiritually, I felt myself getting dry. I yearned for someone to pour into me. My relationship with God was so beautiful because as I hung on by a thread sometimes, I'd realize daily that He was lifting me up and who poured into me so that I had something to pour out. I stopped reading Christian living books. Books that were someone else's experience with God on paper and started living my own experience with Him. I started needing a place to go to get my mind off of things as my heart would get too heavy to hold. Books with a simple story, a drama, mystery or love-story were so much more fitting for that time in my life. I read through things like the chronicles of narnia, the lord of the rings and anything else I could get my hands on in English.

I also enjoyed using social media as an outlet to talk of the superficial things of life. Not that I think photos of my kids are superficial, on the contrary, they are the ones who light up my life with joy! They are the ones in this moment that God is using to teach me, mold me and make me into the person, mother, friend, sister I was always meant to be.

Now that we live in Chile, my ministry looks different. My family is my main ministry. They are the ones I need to pour into and honestly, its just as hard as the ministry I had in Cusco. But I started reading deeper books again. and I kindof miss dealing with super hard issues of life and poverty face to face like I did in Cusco. There is a different sort of spiritual poverty here. I'm still learning what that looks like. When we arrived to Chile a year ago ( I can't believe it's already been a year!) I started feeling a heavy burden. My heart feels heavy for the Christians or so-called believers. I think Chile has seen spiritual renewal over the years and is at a point of apathy. This is something I am praying about and discovering how we can be used in ministry. A new chapter has begun and I'm feeling renewed. I might start writing again.

November update

Olivares family update

Oct/Nov 2012

Friends,

We’ve been in transition for what feels like ages, but we finally got a house this week! Unfortunately it wasn’t well taken care of, so we are working hard to fix it up, cleaning and painting, etc. We hope to move in before Thanksgiving.

Isabella and Milan continue to bring us lots of joy and laughter. They both are very excited for the arrival of their baby brother, who is expected in mid-February. I have been well during my pregnancy, except for getting hypothyroidism, which is quite common. We had a small pause in regular life last week as Ricky’s wallet was stolen and he had to go through the hassle of cancelling and renewing everything. And we watched the damage of Sandy and the drama of the presidential elections and pray always for the very best for our friends and family in the States.

Ricky is a busy man, with the house and traveling to and from Cusco each month. But these visits have been such an essential part of our transition as he has had important meetings with the leadership over the land purchase, has attended baptisms and has encouraged the congregation. We are seeing now how the church is reaching out and starting a new work of its own!

LIVING WATER in Tambomachay

There is a little old town just outside of Cusco, called Tambomachay. It is a place where there are Incan ruins with a natural spring of water that comes out of the rocks. The water is clear, naturally filtered and never runs dry. Long ago, it was the bathing place of the great Inca. One of the leaders of our church works by selling handicrafts to the tourists who visit these ruins. Day after day, he would see the small town just down the road and saw there was a desire for Jesus. So a few months ago, he and the other leaders of the church gathered together to bring a songs, dance and a Bible lesson to the children of the town.

The story gets even better! A long time ago, the townspeople built a beautiful little adobe chapel, with the intention of holding Catholic mass there. The problem is, the priest never showed up. Now, aside from the occasional burial service, the building goes completely unused. When the people saw the church holding children’s activities, they made the decision to loan the building to them to use, free of charge. Services and activities are held on Sunday afternoons. Many people from the congregation in San Marcos go to help out. And now, we are seeing Living Water, the water that truly never runs dry, come to Tambomachay.

LAND/BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE

The land/building project is still going full speed, with our first phase almost completed! This month, November, we need to reach the 80% mark for the purchase of the land, according to the contract of sale. In October we had only reached the 50% marker… but thanks to a last minute donation from Christ’s Church of the Valley, we are now at 77.5%. Please pray about helping us this month to reach the 80% goal! If you read this newsletter and aren’t already a faithful supporter, we ask that you’d consider sending a one time donation of just $20 this month to help us reach our goal.

IT’S TIME TO PARTY

Lastly but not least, Christmas time is quickly approaching! We are blessed to hold our annual Christmas party in Cusco for more than 150 children. This year there will be two parties, one in San Marcos and the other in Tambomachay. As you know, celebrating the birth and love of Jesus through gift giving and celebrations is a wonderful tool to show God’s love to these kids who receive very little this time of year.

Every year, as the party approaches we ask in faith that God will provide for a party, and He has, usually only days before the party but never late. His timing is perfect. We know this year will be no different. If you have served with us in Peru before or just love children, or simply love God, we ask you to help make the party a reality this year!

It is such a blessing for us to continue serving in Cusco from a distance and we love the people there with all our hearts. We thank God for you, for your love and support and words of encouragement that we’ve received during these last few months.

With peace and love,

Tracie, Ricardo, Isabella, Milan and baby

http://rickyandtracie.blogspot.com

IberoAmerican Ministries. PO Box 1493. Monroe, WA 98272

Make donations payable to Iberoamerican Ministries and attach a note specifying it for the: Olivares Land Project or the Olivares Cusco Christmas project

our trip to the States

After a whirlwind trip to the US we have finally arrived back to Santiago, Chile, our new home! 

In these last four weeks, we had many meetings and lunches with great people who have loved and cared for us during our journey to and from Peru. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, from random surprises like running into a friend from a recent mission trip at the beach to driving hours in the blazing desert to see loved ones, to watching my dear brother as he received his bride.

Isabella and Milan are the best kids ever and even through the stresses of travel and disruptions, and having to share Ricky and I with other people, they took everything with a great deal of patience and childlike amusement. They had a blast seeing friends and team members who have visited us in Peru. They didn't object entirely to the changes in diet and they didn't have any major stomach issues this visit. And it was fun for us to see them enjoy the little things. When I asked Isa the usual, "what was your favorite part of the day", after coming home from a bonfire at the beach, she said "i liked watching the sun change colors [at sunset]”.

It was also exciting to share what God has done and continues to do in Cusco and to share our vision for the future in Chile. When others capture our vision and get excited about what we are going to do, it confirms how much God is with us every step of the way. We have so much to do before this year ends, just to get established in Chile. Ricky also will be traveling back to Cusco to oversee the purchase of the land as things are progressing in our absence.

Pray for us, as we need to find a house and basically are starting over from zero, since we couldn't bring anything with us from Cusco. Also, besides needing a vehicle, I have 90 days to apply for residency and we are looking for a doctor for my prenatal care. Yes, I'm pregnant! I don't think we mentioned it in the last newsletter, so not everyone may know. We are thrilled and our little ones are happy about having a brother or sister.

Thanks for your love and friendship! And for understanding such an informal update. 

Blessings and peace, 

Tracie, Ricky, Isabella and Milan

Aug 2012

June update- Cusco construction project, our move to Chile and ....

Greetings! Here we are in Cusco for two final weeks before our official move to Santiago, Chile. We are eager to share with you a few updates, especially about the land!

LAND - The paperwork is almost done and we should be able to sign this Saturday, June 23rd!

We have separated the project into 3 phases, which helps us see our progress a little clearer.  Phase 1 includes the land purchase and all fees associated.  We have reached 78% of this goal! We only need approx $8000 to complete phase 1. Phase 2 is from breaking ground until the completion of the initial building with two floors. This will allow us to move the church permanently to the new location and leave the old one. Our goal is to have this phase completed by the end of 2012. Phase 3 is for additional 1-2 floors with classrooms, room for mission teams, the terrace and an apartment for the temple guards (those who live on site to take care of the property, something necessary and common in S. America). Pray for God’s protection and wisdom through this process. Also pray about how you can help us reach our goals for the construction project!

TEAMS- We recently received a mission team from Crossroads Church in California. Almost every person on the team was on their first ever cross-cultural outreach trip. We were blessed to see them embrace the culture and the people as well as all the activities we had them involved in. It was a beautiful thing.  Next week, we receive another team from Christ’s Church of the Valley in California. We are looking forward to receiving them and introducing them to this wonderful place. A few of the team members came last year; it encourages us that Peru would be in their hearts to cause them to return yet again this year!

OUR MOVE- We have been In Cusco since mid-May, living in a temporary apartment, since we left our house and got rid of all our belongings at the beginning of May. The reality of our move is setting in and it brings us sadness as well as relief. In just this last month, Tracie has had some pretty rough days; with several episodes of corneal erosion, infection and pain. But in spite of it all, we are sad to be leaving this beautiful place that we have called home for nearly seven years, for our entire marriage so far.  We will miss the kind people of Cusco, who have placed seeds of love and compassion deep within our hearts. God gives us peace because part of our hearts will remain behind and will never leave. Thank you so much for praying for us!

But we are thankful that we aren’t leaving and never coming back.  Ricky will be back often to continue strengthening leadership, ministries and oversee the construction. Cusco will remain a main focus of our ministry indefinitely. I will come with the kids when we are able, most likely at the end of November for a short trip, for the medical clinic and Christmas celebrations with the church.

TRIP TO THE STATES -Within days of our leaving Cusco, we will be heading to the United States for about 4 weeks (from July 12^th to Aug 10^th). It will be such a short trip, but a good one!  We have many things to share with you about what God has been doing in Cusco and to share our future ministry goals in Chile and continued support ministry in Cusco. We are also thrilled to be going because my little brother is getting married!

Please write to us and let us know if you like to get together. We would love to see you! With God’s grace and peace, we pray the same for each of you,

Ricardo, Tracie, Isabella and Milan

Http://Rickyandtracie.blogspot.com

IberoAmerican Minsitries. PO Box 1493, Monroe, WA 98272 Please send donations for Iberoamerican Ministries and direct the donation toward the “Olivares Ministry” or                “Olivares Cusco Land/Construction project”

Blessed Changes

After nearly a year of meetings and waiting, and after finally being approved to receive the land, God closed the door. Can you believe it? Well, what could have been a discouraging situation, has turned into a huge blessing, because God opened another door that very same week. And a much better one at that! 

But first, we’ll share what happened: The latest association meeting didn’t go the way we expected and although we aren’t invited to attend those meetings, a sister from the church does. And she told us what the new proposition would have been. The “free” land originally consisted of us receiving half the land that belongs to them based on the idea that we build (on their half) a community center. According to the current land value, it was a good deal for us and even with construction costs, would have been less expensive in the end. But in this latest association meeting, the idea was proposed and accepted by many to “give” us the land for eight years, we still build on their part as well as our own, but after the eight years, the land would be taken back and we would have to start paying rent. Does that even make sense? It’s total nonsense. 

Earlier that same week we were approached with the notice that the neighboring association also has a piece of land, which is for sale. After negotiation, the land will cost $33,000 USD. It is nearly double the size of the other. Aside from that, the association has all their paperwork in order to make the deal totally legal (whereas the other still does not have things in order) and we aren’t expected to build anything except 

our own. And if that wasn’t good enough, this land has vehicle access (huge bonus!) because it’s right on the road, which reduces the building costs and the amount/time of labor. There is a restaurant in the area that is also interested in buying this land (because of the incredible view), but the president wants it to belong to the church, as he knows the church will bring blessing to the people. However, we have had to move quickly. God has given us a great peace about the change and all the leaders of the church in Cusco are in accord.

The purchase will be finalized this month. We need the minimum of $16,500 to make the down payment and soon after we need to pay the other $16,500. From that point we can start building immediately. Our building costs will be roughly $40-50,000. Please pray about how you help us purchase the land and start building. In faith we move ahead, knowing that God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him.

In grace and peace,
Ricky, Tracie and the lil’ ones
http://rickyandtracie.blogspot.com

IberoAmerican Ministries PO Box 1493 Monroe, WA 98272
For online donations, email us at rtolivares@gmail.com for more information

Make donations payable to IberoAmerican Ministries and attach a note directing 

it toward the “Olivares Cusco Building Project

School supplies project & Saturday kids ministry

March update

Olivares Family                             March 2012

                                                    

The Land

            It is not news that our church has outgrown its current location. It is a wonderful problem to have, and yet, it is still a problem.

It joys us to share that we have (finally) been approved by the community to receive a piece of land for free. This land is right next to the park and soccer court in San Blas, on a main stairway that reaches up from the center of Cusco. It is right at the heart of the communities where we serve and will be a light on a hill for all to see. If all goes as planned- the legal work finalized and the money needed for building is raised- we plan to break ground in August. The community association here in Peru is donating the land, and they also have placed some expectations on us as a church. We only have 5 months before we are expected to start building, which means we have 5 months, April thru August, to raise the money to build.

Building costs

The estimate for the construction is a little more than $80,000 US Dollars. It seems like so much money to us, but we know that “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than all we ask or think according to His power works within us.” (Eph 3:20). We ask you to pray and consider how God would have you be involved in raising the money needed to build.

All donations toward the building project should be directed as follows: checks make out to IberoAmerican Ministries, with a note attached specifying it for the “Cusco Building Project”. Mail it to IberoAmerican Minsitries, PO Box 1493, Monroe, WA 98272.

When you mail a donation, please follow up by sending us a quick email (rtolivares@gmail.com). That way we can keep track of our progress. Maybe your church or small group would like to adopt our project or you would like to be a point person to share our need with others, please write to us and we’ll give you further instructions on how to make it happen. We appreciate it!

In other news

     Our back to school project was a success! In March we helped provide a number of school supplies to more than 120 children.

      The children’s feeding program is beginning in April. This program is designed to provide a main meal at least once a week to children in need, those in poverty and those who live with a single mother and/or several brothers/sisters. We all know that good nutrition is a foundation for success in their studies and schoolwork. This program still needs to be adopted as it has monthly expenses that need to be met. If you or your small group would is interested, please send us an email!

Church anniversary

This Sunday, April 1^st, we celebrate six years together as a church fellowship in Cusco, Peru. Everyone is waiting with anticipation for our celebration. It will be a day of joy for all of us as a church family to praise God for magnificent change that the Love of Christ has made in their lives.  

A new chapter in life

For everyone who doesn’t already know, April is our last month living in Cusco. Through much prayer we have made the decision that for the health of Tracie’s eyes we can no longer live in the high altitude. Her illness continues as long as we are here and we don’t know at this point if the damage done is irreversible. We praise God for protecting her eyesight in general but she continues to have worsening complications when she is at altitude. God has opened a door for us to continue ministry in Cusco, but from a distance. 

From our new home in Chile we will be able to travel to Peru as well as serve in new and existing ministries with IAM in the church there. Ricky will come to Cusco monthly to oversee the building project and other ministries, as well as encourage the church and her leadership. We also pray for long-term person(s) to come to Cusco to live, to support and develop ministry here.

We are looking forward to this new chapter, though any type of change can be difficult. God has a way of blessing through hardship, bringing joy through pain, and hope through despair. We have hope, joy and peace that come only through Him.

Your prayers are appreciated during this time of transition for our family. Please remember the building project, pray, get involved. We can’t wait to see how God will use the new building to expand His kingdom in Cusco!

We love you and thank God for you!

Ricky, Tracie, Isabella and Milan

http://rickyandtracie.blogspot.com

For donations: please make checks out to IberoAmerican Ministries

Attach a note specifying it for the “Olivares Ministry” or “Cusco Building Project”. Mail it to IAM (IberoAmerican Minsitries), PO Box 1493, Monroe, WA 98272.

For making donations online, please email us at rtolivares@gmail.com