AMAZONIAN SURVIVAL TRIP

“Unto Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling....Jude 1:24

I never claimed a verse more fervently than in our recent jungle trip to Mt Olivos, Peru.

You could never imagine a trail filled with more obstacles, roots, rocks, mud and creeks, and steep inclines, it was an unforgettable journey, and by God’s Grace no one “stumbled” and hurt themselves.

Mt Olivos founded ten years ago by Wilkinson Grandez is an Amazonian community of homesteaders. Families that have landed here are given parcels of land to farm and build their homes.

Nestled in the jungle it is a long way from civilization, nearly sixteen miles to be exact. But here we find a people humbled by their circumstances but joyous in their love for God.

Ramon and his family of nine children helped pioneer this village ten years ago. Today he is harvesting a healthy coffee crop and grows his own vegetables for his family. Regular trips to Sapasoa and Nueva Vida allow him to buy the necessary essentials.

You have an emergency here there is no where to go, no medical doctors or clinics just a nine hour walk to the nearest village. It is a hard life and for many their faith in God is what sustains them.

Our team held a medical clinic, eye glasses clinic and conducted VBS for the children. We were so blessed by the reception and the hospitality of everyone. We held evening services and were joyful to conclude one evening a reconciliation service. God moved us all in a special way.

On our return trip to Nueva Vida we rafted several hours in lashed together bolsa wood rafts. It was a blast and great to not have to walk another three hours!

We returned to Sapasoa for a three day youth conference. I was so pleased that the Peruvian youth led the entire conference and our young adults did such an outstanding job of sharing the Word and their testimonies. We are grateful once again for God moving among us.

Thanks for praying for us. You do not go on a trip like this to change Olivos. Olivos changes you.

“My heart was humbled by this experience, I had to learn that God is in control, not me” stated Sammie White.

We all returned with a renewed sense of awe of God’s beautiful creation, and a new respect for people who truly live on the edge everyday of their lives.

Their testimonies and lifestyles were a challenge and reminder that God truly is in control of our destinies.

Most Recent Report from Larry Cochran - Past President of GO InterNational