Harvester Login

            Login reminder    Register

Location & Times


Sunday Service Times
1st Service: 8:30 - 10am
Connect Time: 10am - 10:30
2nd Service: 10:30 - Noon

13301 Eastfield Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-948-3910
Click here for map
 

Peru Trip 2009

Last day

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 01 August 2009

 




Read or Write comment (1 Comment)
Share

Thursday Travels

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 30 July 2009

The outreach festival saw many community residents come onto the La Roca campus for a fun-filled day...soccer, volleyball, basketball, playground activities, and our favorite, the guinea pig game.  Cardboard boxes were placed on the ground in a circle with a stuffed animal on top...parents would buy tickets for the kids...they would stand behind their designated number of box, and cheer for the guinea pig to run into their opening. If so, they won the stuffed animal!  Once again, the Peruvians showed us how much fun they could with simplicity and creativity.  We will bring back a picture of a playhouse made of cardboard, with bottle caps for rainbow decor, and toilet paper rolls cut in half for the "roof tiles."  Much like I saw in Mexico in 2001, impoverished people don't need our American electronic "gadgets" for entertainment.  The absence of electronic games would probably lead American children to boredom. They are always looking for the latest and greatest in gadgetry.  But believe me, and old-fashioned "Pong" game, a Commodore 64 computer, and a rotary telephone would be looked upon as technological advancements for many in the lower echelon of Peruvian economics. In the late afternoon, I spoke to the festival gathering, sharing the Gospel and biblical insights on "Parenting Wisdom." We had invested 2 1/2 days with the Men of La Roca, giving out Spanish editions of "The Man In The Mirror," and leading discussions during our 10 session overview of the book. We had spoken to the women of La Coca on a "Call To Biblical Womanhood" (Proverbs 31).  The festival gathering provided an audience of parents and childen filled with La Roca church attendees and community residents.  God was gracious in communicating His Word in a practical, relevant way.  I once again sensed the "Prayer Covering" greatly during  this time.  After the festival, we wanted to give our La Roca cooks a break, because they had been preparing food for the festival attendees all day (numerous samples of Peruvian delicacies!).  A stirring time for our team was when the La Roca congregation and residents had our team come forward at the end of our session, and they sang a song of gratitude for our coming and impacting their community.  Our team was speechless afterwards.  You will hear much about this when we return, I am sure.  About an hour afterwards, Pastor Juan decided to take us into Lima for a cultural experience on the upper end of the economic ladder.  We went to a oceanside mall, filled with restaurants and shops. It was a Birkdale Village-type atmosphere.  To drive one hour from poverty, then be placed in upper class Peruvian life was a "culture shock" on the other end of the spectrum.  The view of the Pacific Ocean was beautiful.  We dined in a restaurant known for "el pollo," and consumed a tasty meal of boneless chicken and Peruvian vegetables.  For Dean Seidel's birthday, the restaurant staff brought a delicious chocolate cake and sang to him (as did the La Roca church earlier in the day).  For a grand finale, Pastor Juan drove us through downtown Lima for a tour of some of the historic places...it is now Thursday morning, and we are heading to Carapongo for some ministry efforts today...be in prayer for our "people touches," especially the invitations we will be making for their children's ministry.  We will look forward to seeing and hearing more about this church plant that HCC is partnering with.  It has been rewarding to get to know Bryan and Evelyng better, and today will be crucial in giving us a better perspective on their ministry.  We will check-in with you later tonight, once we return from this excursion.  The team continues to serve admirably...bonding has occurred greatly...Gloria de Dios!   









  
  El Presidente Casa

  



 
Read or Write comment (1 Comment)
Share

Wednesday Writings

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 29 July 2009

It is a Wednesday morning, and the La Roca campus is starting to fill up with people...Worship music is being played on outdoor speakers as people arrive.  Our team will be involved in a number of "people touches" throughout the day with this community outreach on a Festival Day. I wlll have a few of them share some comments with you this morning in between service opportunities:

From Mark Cargo:

Well here it is Wednesday already and as a first time overseas mission trip this has been a very eye opening trip. The warmth of the Peruvian people has been humbling and impressive. Their dedication to to God and their Iglesia (church) is equally impressive with some members traveling one hour each way to church----4-5 days a week. They really have a strong sense of community and their worship reflects this. I have had plenty of business experience internationally, but that certainly skewed my understanding/appreciation of the people behind business curtain. I am sure like others have experienced in trips to other countries, the value system here seems to be much closer in line with how we are/were to live our lives. So, it has been eye opening and humbling to see people have so much vida (life)with what many would consider so little materially. We are all learning that lesson here. Estes personas tienes Corazone aqui.

On another dimension, the food (always a possible concern) has been fantastic although we haven"t had the guinea pig yet. We played futbol with the men/boys and were adequately schooled at that---thank goodness Maria brought the Ibuprofen! The Peruvians have such a calm demeanor, until you play futbol, ping pong, or Foosball. He bedding is, um---soft, but I have never slept better in my life with no back pain!

Finally, what amazed me most was the men and the challenges they have. Here we are in major league poverty, and the issues (personally and financially) are almost exactly the same as ours---never would have believed it. This has really solidified for me that men's issues/concerns/challeneges transcend language and boundaries. Jeff has done an excellent job on working with the men. I was very interested to see (somewhat skeptically) what the reaction would be. Frankly, they were hanging on every work and returning session after session.  They were taking lots of notes in their heavily outlined/highlighted bibles. I think it was a huge success and has permanently changed the male landscape here. Also, everyone here has stronger shoulders with all the prayer huddles!

So, enough for today---I think we could go on and on, but we have to get to work. By the way, the weather is consistent---neutral to fair with no chance of change. Adios! 


From Mike Moss - 

Buenos Dias mi Amigos,
First of all I want to thank All at Harvest Community Church for including me in their prayer covering for this trip, and for the everyone on this trip for accepting and including me as one of "the team"even though I live 600 miles from Harvest, I feel like a part of this church family. It is a blessing for me to be a part of this camaraderie. Thank God for Divine Appointments!! For my life has been forever changed.
Upon arrival at the airport in Lima and the ride to our destination, what I saw was a typical big city with a lot of poverty, crazy driving with no speed limits and "he who has the loudest horn wins". My first thoughts were that the Peruvians must be a hardened and rough society, and while that may be true in some places, I have found that the people of Christ in "La Rocha" are a strong family of believers
and are a warm and caring people all willing to do whatever is necessary to help one another and to take the Gospel to Jose Galvez and surrounding areas.The Lord is definitely present and very much alive in La Rocha. I have been blessed by a number of people here, from Pastor Juan's enthusiasm from cooking his world famous pancakes to playing futbol(soccer) but especially his passion to serve the Lord. His wife Ava, who is truly a Proverbs 31 woman. Tim Prewitt's inspiration, encouragement and contagious personality and many many more who serve endlessly everyday.
Pastor Jeff has been reaching the men deeply in the Men's Conference, the first here at La Rocha, but certainly not the last. Our work projects are typical of mission work projects that I have seen, you get 3 days work done in 5.. but so be it, the people touches have been significant, as I believe all of our lives have been impacted greatly. This mission of World Reach at La Rocha is one that will keep a part of my heart for many years to come.
Adios
P.S. The food is excellent.
From Emily Calder-

Hey everyone!

Thank you all so much for praying for us!  God is really moving down here. 
The beds are so comfortable, the food is delicious, and apparently the coffee is amazing.  These days have been going by so slowly--so there is so much to tell!  We went to a little village to invite children to the picnic on Saturday; the poverty there is something that pictures or words simply cannot describe--you have to see it.  But what was even more shocking was the smiles on these kids' faces, and the joy they had in eachother.  
I've really had a chance to connect with the kids here in La Roca--we play cards every day, take crazy pictures, and Maria and I also get a chance to test out our spanish!  It's so much fun.
I was able to share (along with Mr. Johanson) my first impressions of Peru with La Roca church last night I think it was.  I was sort of nervous, but it was fine. 
Anyway, things are going well--please keep praying that people would open up to us, and be able to understand more about God this week. 

Miss you guys!!  
--
Emily :)



From Maria Cargo-


Hola!
I hope all is well back in the states.  I absolutely love it here.  Today, we are having a garage sale and festival/picnic at La Roca.  People are flooding in like crazy.  The kids are adorable and full of energy.  This Friday, a group of us from the team are going with some of the youth from the community and the church to hike up a mountain all day, and have lunch at the top.  It's like a mountain outreach trip.  I am so excited for this.  I was a little disappointed that the pre-natal center was closed this week, however, this morning I was holding a baby and was told that the baby I was holding was born as a result of the pre-natal center.  The mother of the baby was considering an abortion, and because of God and the counseling she received, she had her little girl, Jamila (who was about four months old).  Thank you all so much for your prayers because they are felt and much needed.

-Maria


From Tracey Roberts-


Hola Como estas mis amigos y amigas.  
Our time here has been so good.  The people here at La Roca are so gracious to us.  We felt very welcomed when we arrived.
I have experieced such a covering as far as my health.  Thank you for your prayers.  Especially to the ladies who I asked to pray for me.
It has been very damp and cold here.  Much colder than any of us thought it would be.  So in our pictures we are always wearing the same jackets.  
I have had great talks with Eva(Pastor Juan's wife).  She has been a great encouragement to me.  She speaks English pretty well so that has made things much easier.  Sarah and I helped her pick out decorative tiles for some of the apartments they are completing for the teachers.  The trip in to town took a while and we waited a long time at the hardware store.  That was a divine appointment.  It gave us lots of time to visit with her.  
Sarah and also helped prepare for the garage sale (pricing and sorting clothes) that is going on today.  They are having a garage sale and selling food to the community to raise money for their prenatal center.  They have games going on as well.  One game involves a guinea pig.  I'll have to tell you about it when I get back.  Yesterday, Sarah and I went to the super market with Eva to shop for supplies for the picnic.  It was very similar to a grocery store in the U.S. but also many differences.  I can't explain the poverty we saw on the way there.  I personally have never seen anything like it.  There was so much garbage along the side of the road and many little kids running around playing near the traffic.  It breaks your heart to see the kids run into the traffic with a bucket to beg for money.  I don't know how they don't get hit by the cars.  The traffic is heavy and there are no rules.  There is no speed limit either. But I wanted to tell you that God is doing so much work here.  He is working in the school to bring familes to the church.  He is working in the prenatal center to bring young women to know Him as Savior and then get discipled from women in the church.  He is working in the hearts of the youth.  They have such a passion for God.  All the people have such a humility for God in everything they do.  I am enjoying being with them and know it will be sad when it is time to leave.

-Tracey
















Read or Write comment (0 Comments)
Share

Tuesday Thoughts

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 28 July 2009

 We have enjoyed another day of effective ministry.  The "prayer covering" continues to sustain us!  We had significant interactions during the men's conference, with many follow-up conversations in a 1-1 setting.  Dean was very instrumental in translating during these informal chats.  We had a major breakthrough in the life of a 25-year old man (Emerson) who had experienced broken relationships throughout much of his life.  

Our work projects continued, with the "Amish Brothers" (Eric & Travis, who grew up in Ohio among these unique people) doing some valuable woodworking.  Emily, Grant and Jackson joined Mark Cargo's paint crew, and additional progess was made.  Karl Seger, the project manager for the missionary apartment, had some great 1-1 time with Mike Moss, our Floridian teammate.  Tracey and Sarah went to the grocery story with Eva Barrientos, which proved to be quite an adventure.  Brooks and Maria continued with children's ministry, making some special bonds!

Prayer Requests:

1. Outreach Festival - there is a holiday in Peru on Wednesday, and La Roca will be hosting a large group on the campus.  They are expecting 300+ to come for games, activities, food, etc.  During this time, our team will assist the World Reach staff with evangelism, distributing literature and having informal conversations.  I will be speaking to a Family Gathering, sharing the gospel, and some insights on the topic of "Parenting Wisdom."

2. Team Endurance - Latino culture includes many activities during the day. They certainly maximize every chance for "hang time."  While we are often task-driven in America, they are very relational-driven in Peru.  Our Raleigh, NC counterparts passed along this advice last Saturday..."pace yourselves!"  We are finding that to very true.

3. Tim Prewitt - he left this evening for the Lima airport to resume his directorship with World Reach.  We gave him an A. W. Tozer book as an encouragment gift for his "send-off."  We enjoyed spending an hour with him today after lunch as he told us the history of the La Roca campus, a former chicken farm that God provided for Kingdom advancement.

Testimony - here are some thoughts from Tracey Roberts to share with you...

Hey all,

I just wanted to share an update with you concerning my specific prayer request. I have felt so good while on our trip. My wrists have very little pain. Praise God! I have also experienced an extra measure of energy. I am also sleeping very well. Thank you so much and keep them coming!

-Tracey

Pictures - here is a few action shots of our team today....what a great group to lead!


  







 

Read or Write comment (1 Comment)
Share

Monday Memo

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 27 July 2009

Monday morning started with a tasty breakfast prepared by Juan Barrientos...this local pastor is quite a versatile one!  On Sunday, he played the keyboard with the worship team, translated for our messages, gave oversight to our work project, acted as emcee for the men's conference,  then played soccer after church.  After such a full day, there he was in the kitchen fixing some great omlettes!  Tim Prewitt assisted him by serving toast and jelly, helping to launch our day in a full-spirited way.

Our men's conference lasted from 9:00 AM until 12:30 AM.  The men are greatly benefitting from the discussion group times.  We are giving an overview of "The Man In The Mirror," using Spanish editions as gifts for each man.  These men struggle with many of the same challenges as Men of Harvest...just in a different form. We discussed Identity Problems and Relationship Problems this morning. Dean was helpful in translating for me during some 1-1 times of interaction with the men, fielding questions during our breaks.

Brooks, Maria, Emily, Jackson and Grant joined Evenlyng for some Children's Outreach in the neighborhood.  They caught a local bus and were transported to a local community...here is a report from Maria:

We left around 11am and hopped on a public bus for a three minute bus ride to the village.  We arrived at the village and walked through it stopping at kids' houses asking them "Vengan el Sabado?" (are you coming Saturday).  We did not get to speak with any of the kids because they spoke no english, and we do not speak much spanish.  We did, however, play a pick up volley ball game with some kids while Evenlyng spoke with a family for a while.  It was a great experience and a lot of fun, too.  I cannot wait to go out and do more!

-Maria

 The men continued on their work project this morning...here is a report from Eric ("Cueball") Johansen....

As we started our Monday morning we were finally able to start on "Construction Projects". There are 5 guys who have jumped in to help finish two apartments and start another for the less temporary missionaries that devote 8 months or more here at La Roca teaching the children. Travis and I are working on some shelving for a make shift closet. Micheal is working on finishing some drywall in the new apartment while Mark cargo paints another. Karlos is redoing some drywall that was installed prior to us arriving but due to lack of construction help, has fallen or it was just installed poorly.  

Aside from construction, my experience here in Peru has been enlightening. I thought that I was coming to La Roca and Peru to help the Peruvian people but I think that they have had a bigger impact on me than me on them. We have had a great time so far and we have felt a great peace of prayer covering. If I had anything in the world to relay to you in the "States" it would be that you should do anything that you can to jump on the next mission trip out of Huntersville, Carolina Del Norte.  

There have been a lot of things about Peru that have touched us all but I think that the greatest impact on me personally is that I realized that no matter where you are in the world, we worship ONE God. God doesn't only speak English. There is a God in Heaven that is ruler over all the Earth and it doesn't matter where you are, you can feel the presence of the one, true, and mighty God. We have had numerous Chrch sessions so far and when they are talking in spanish I can't understand too much of what they are saying. However, when they start to sing it doesn't matter how good your spanish is, God understands what you are singing. I look forward to the rest of this week to see what God has in store for us. We started out as fifteen individuals but I think we have grown intoa powerful team for Christ.

a few side notes: 
Jackson did absolutely awesome scoring three goals as we played soccer for three hours last night with 21 Peruvians.
Markos Cargo was a great defensive player.
Karlos and Grant played exceptionally well.
I had a blast letting them score a few goals.
I send my love to my family.

-Eric  AKA "Pelota Blanco"








  


Read or Write comment (3 Comments)
Share

Ministry to Men, Women and Children

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 26 July 2009

 On Sunday afternoon, we had some fun interactions with some of the La Roca children...Maria, Emily and Brooks were well received by a few of the locals.  Dean Seidel challenged several students to a game of ping pong.  A team of HCC men began a work project on an unfinished apartment for LRCS (La Roca Christian School) Staff.  Our ladies did an inventory of all the supply containers we brought for distribution purposes.  We had our first session of the Men's Conference, with the men being fully engaged.  Tonight's evening service saw a large crowd in attendance.  Both Sarah and Tracey gave inspirational testimonies as part of my sermon on Proverbs 31, "The Case for Biblical Womanhood."  After the service, several of our guys participated in a soccer match with the skillful Peruvians.  "Cueball" Johansen got a couple of "looks" from the World Cup scouts as a goalkeeper.  Jackson Roberts "held his own" with the locals, with Karl Seger, Mark Cargo and Grant Seger also participating.


Here are some prayer requests for Monday:

1. Men's Conference - we will have 3 morning sessions and 2 evening sessions
2. Women's Outreach - Evelyng Huyhua will take our ladies on visitation with recent converts
3. Work Project - our men will be involved in the apartment project once again
4. Miscellaneous Ministry - as always, thinks happen spontaneously here!



 






Read or Write comment (0 Comments)
Share

Update from Tracey & Sarah

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 26 July 2009

Thank you for your prayers for our testimonies, we both felt God helping us share our stories. We were both so encouraged by so many members of the congregation, and we hope and pray that we were able to minister to them in return. It is so obvious that God is here with us, it seems every corner we turn we find God at work. 
 Today we were able to go to the home improvement store with Ava (Juan's wife) to pick out tiles for the apartment the guys are renovating. Its amazing how God used our drive time and our waiting time to share our God stories. We are learning even though we have so many differences in our cultures, we are so much the same. 

Thanks so much again for all the prayers! Keep them coming!!

-Sarah & Tracey



Read or Write comment (0 Comments)
Share

La Roca Ministry

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 25 July 2009

 Upon arriving at the La Roca campus in the afternoon, we met some of the 250 kids who had attended the "Precious Jewels" weekly outreach.  We enjoyed our rendezvous with a group from Raleigh. We "exchanged notes" about their Peruvian experience before their departure to the airport.  After supper, we had an evening ministry with young adults. Jackson and Maria Cargo effectively shared personal testimonies, and I gave a devotional from Proverbs 1:1-7. Over 60 were in attendance, including some non-believers. It is now 10:30 PM, and the campus is winding down from a full day of outreach.  Thanks again for your prayers on our behalf...the team has performed admirably on Day #1 in Peru, and I believe that God is already revealing new insights to us.

Click here to see a panoramic from tonight!
Read or Write comment (2 Comments)
Share

Perspectives from Peru

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 25 July 2009

Alright, so tonight is soccer night. And their is a lot of expectation for us to be good players after some considerable smack talk. :)
So all of you can pray that we do good and that we destroy them. }:) JK But we all just want to have fun and make some new friends. 

-Jackson




Tonight we are sharing our testimonies in church and we are a little nervous. Especially trying to accomplish what we want to say with a translator. Pray for us that God's spirit will talk for us.
 
-Tracey & Sarah



 
Read or Write comment (1 Comment)
Share

July 24-25, 2009

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 24 July 2009

 We appreciated the send-off provided to our team as a number of Harvesters met us at the church for our departure to the Charlotte airport....a "prayer covering" is how you can make this YOUR trip, and not just OUR trip...
 
Our flight from Charlotte to Miami revealed Psalm 19 in its truest form..."the heavens declare the glory of God!"  The view from 30,000 feet was breathtaking, reminding us of the Awesomeness of God...
 
Upon landing in Lima, Peru this morning, we were met by Tim Prewitt, Juan Barrientos and Bryan Huyhua.  All of the World Reach welcomed us warmly, and we enjoyed a nice bus ride through the city of Lima (population - 11 million).  
 
It was determined by the WR staff that we have a partial day at a hotel in a Lima suburb.  Our team was able to get some needed rest after flying through the night.  While here, we were served a tasty breakfast of Peruvian bread and rich coffee.  Mike Moss had a missionary friend drop by to visit with us.  This was truly a "divine appointment"  with Craig Tippie.  He shared important insights on the Peruvian culture, which will benefit us during our week of ministry.
 
Tim Prewitt and Juan Barrientos are due to arrive in the early afternoon to transport us on to Jose Galvez.  Our luggage has already made it there, and we look forward to some afternoon ministry with children and evening ministry with the youth.
 
God is good...we sense your prayers...the need is great!
Pastor Jeff (on behalf of our entire team)

Click here for a panoramic of Lima.











 
Read or Write comment (1 Comment)
Share

Prayer Requests

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 23 July 2009

  
Here are some ways you can be remembering our group... 
 
Requests
Team Chemistry (to portray flexibility and cooperation)
Traveling Safety (international flights/ground transport)
Men’s Conference (our strategic focus during this trip)
Divine Appointments (during our time in S. America)
Kingdom Partnerships (w/HCC missionaries & friends)
Church Planters (first-hand observations from the field) 
Global Awareness (sensing God’s heart for Peruvians)
Ripple Effects (impact upon our return home to the States)
 
Peruvian Cities 
Lima (Capital city of this South American country)
Jose Galvez (World Reach Office: Juan & Eva Barrientos)
Carapongo (Church Planters: Bryan & Evelyng Huyhua)
Read or Write comment (0 Comments)
Share

Travel Itinerary

Print

Written by Brooks Kisiah | 23 July 2009

 Friday July, 24th
6:00 PM - depart Charlotte for Miami, FL  (AA Flight #3941) 
8:30 PM - rendezvous with Mike Moss from Merritt Island, FL
11:30 PM - depart Miami for Lima, Peru (AA Flight #2211) 

Saturday July, 25th
4:15am - Arrive in Lima, Peru
6:00am - Arrive in Jose Galvez, La Roca Campus

Read or Write comment (0 Comments)
Share