The Hubbard's Missions Trip to Peru - some thoughts from Rachel Hubbard. - Sacrifice.

Sacrifice.

One of the first work sites that we went to was the Church of the Nazarene in Tu’cume. The Pastor was an older gentleman, who had felt strongly that he was being called to plant a church. Finally, the day came and they said you have been selected to Pastor the church in Tu’cume. This meant a significant move for him and his family. His children were older and had established ministries in their hometowns, so they told their father that they were going to stay behind. While this was disheartening, he and his wife knew that they were called to go and establish this new church. However, it wasn’t to long into the process that the Pastor became ill and had to begin dialysis twice a week to stay alive. Even when faced with such adversity the Pastor was sure of his calling and remained obedient before the Lord. Shortly after moving to Tu’cume, his children felt the urging to follow and began a vibrant music ministry in their new town. They identified a building site within the town that was currently being used as a dump and determined to clean it up and turn the space into a House of Worship. Sacrificially pooling their funds, the small congregation began to build a skeletal structure that would become Tu’cume Church of the Nazarene.

What a joy it was for our team to partner alongside the congregation to mix and pour 90 yards of five-inch concrete for their church floor. Their sacrifice and effort was rewarded with over eighty children, each day, attending their first two-day VBS, that we were able to assist with. I have no doubt with their determination and sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading they will continue to redeem and restore the lost in Tu’cume. Poverty was evident as we travelled throughout Chiclayo and the surrounding towns. We were blessed to pour concrete floors and sidewalks for two churches. Each day the women from the congregations would make breakfast and lunch for the team and local workers. Talk about sacrifice! These ladies gave their very best, making huge homemade meals of rice and beans with goat or chicken, or lamb. Giving each of us portions that overflowed the plate and frequently serving us freshly squeezed juices. Even though they arrived at the site before daylight to prep, and stayed much after we left to clean up, they always had a smile on their faces and were constantly thanking us. Their sacrifice and humility humbled me to my core.

What is it that I actually give that is sacrificial? We pay our tithes, and serve in the church, but is any of it an inconvenience or a sacrifice? What if it were…What if we as Denton Church of the Nazarene reevaluated how and why we give of our time and resources. Would we see unbelievable change in our communities and families? Sacrificing the funds to take a family of five to Peru was tough, but if you ever get the chance to go the investment has lifelong dividends for you and your family. Oh, by the way…..The District will have another trip to Peru December 2026 into January 2027 into the Jungle of the Peruvian Amazon, any takers? I hear that they serve juicy grubs on banana leaves!