It’s about 8:30 PM, and I just got an email from Boots and Katie Holder (our missionary leaders). They told us we need to get back to Lima by sunday afternoon because of a nationwide strike going on. We were not planning on leaving until Tuesday, so we will be cutting our time in Panao a couple of days short.
Tomorrow was supposed to be VBS for us, and it was my night to talk … it was the opening night. But we are going to Huanuco instead. Everything is sort of bit crazy right now, but we know God is still in control. My original plan for this post was to tell all of the readers, “Happy 4th of July!” I wish I could have been with my friends and family. But I have considered my time here in Panao. I have developed friendships here with so many people. Every person I have come in contact with has affected my life or changed it for the better. And they worship God with all their hearts, even though others who live here may think they are wrong, and some are even pursecuted for believing in God … but they still believe. Christians of Peru have helped grow me into a better Christian.
I now pray that I Might even be made fun of, or beat up, or something difficult like that for being a Christian. Why? Because when we suffer we become closer to God and we become more like Jesus, who died for you and me … even though we didn’t deserve his grace. Grace is defined as something given to us that we did not deserve. If you don’t think God’s love is all about grace, you need to think again (seriously).
Well, my time in Panao is finished for now, but I know God will bring me back. He has already opened a door for me when Bro. Geoff was here. In the future, God willing, our church will travel to places NO gringo has ever been and show the Jesus film in a language that most Americans don’t even know is in existence. I’m excited for what God has done, is doing , and will do here in Pachitea Province. Leaving tomorrow is going to be sad. As you read this please pray for this town (and for me … because we have a long ride ahead of us back to Lima.)
Next week begins our Jungle adventure. We have a 12-hour ride in a truck or bus, then spend the night in a hotel. The next morning get up early drive 2 more hours, then we get on a jungle riverboat and ride of approximately8 hours. We will spend a week in the depths of the Amazon Jungle. On the way back the journey is even longer because we will be traveling upstream (against the current) on the way back. Once I’m back from the jungle, I’ll be heading for home.
Again, I want to take this opportunity to say that I am very grateful to have a church like Crossroads to support me spiritually, prayerfully, and financially during my time on mission here. Let me assure you. You definitely got your money’s worth and your prayers’ worth. 
God has done things to me and through me. I know I couldn’t have done all of this by myself.
Happy 4th of July! Thanks again to everyone. God bless.
Kegan
