Hello West Side. My name is Chris Keene. I was able to attend last year’s trip to Peru and wanted to share some details about this year’s Trip. First, I want to say that any of you who talked to me last year would know I was absolutely terrified to go at first. I am a homebody and I don't like being in places I don't know, around people I don't know, eating food that I don't know. But, God gave me peace before we left and I was encouraged by the team along the way. So, if any of you are interested in going but have that same fear I did, know you will be given peace.

The first day we arrived, I believe I had the wrong attitude. After traveling all morning, we arrived at Ayacucho with the sun rising over the mountain peaks. We made our way to the hotel and met for breakfast. Fast-forward to the evening: about 19 or 20 hours into our day, we helped with the Kids club event. I was not that excited or energetic but was nonetheless happy to help where needed. But as I watched the parents and kids I felt a softening in my heart to really understand why I was there. I saw the culture and love these people had for one another, and the great lengths they went to in order to share the gospel. At that point I realized that I was a vessel for Christ to do whatever He needed of me while I was there, instead of trying to get something out of this experience for myself.

Ayacucho is a beautiful city with mountains that surround it. It has an overlook that allows you to see the whole city, and last year we went there for the sunset and to pray over that city on the final night. It was one of my favorite moments to see the heart of Pastor Cesar as he prayed for his city, which by extension is our city. I cannot stress enough how much the barrier of 4,000 miles melted away in that moment. God has a desire for those people to know him just as much as our neighbors.

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining this year’s ministry team to Ayacucho. If you are unable to go physically, you can still be involved by supporting interested members individually through financial sponsorship and with your prayers.