Advent Ring

In Shalom we have begun making our Advent rings with candles - all paper and recycled goods!

Diego helping Julio with the gluing!

The purple candles signifying penitence.

Naim finding another use for the candles!

Julio arranging the leaves which symbolise our hope and life in Christ.

Andres with his finished ring. The red bow represents God's love for us.

Confirmations Sunday 22nd November

Celebrating the festival of Christ the King the churches in the southern part of Lima joined in a united service of confirmation with our Bishop William Godfrey in the church of Santisima Trinidad (Holy Trinity). There were almost 40 people being confirmed and it was a lovely celebration - even if a bit long! I presented 6 candidates from Jesus El Nazareno church and 2 from Shalom. Family and friends joined the candidates at this time of renovation of their baptisimal vows and Holy Comunion together.

The Bishop leading part of the service

Some of the people from Nazareno with the Bishop after the service

Wheelchair Event


Once again @Wheels for the World@ came to Peru to donate wheelchairs to many children, young people and elderly, who are unable to get about due to disabilities, accidents and medical conditions. I was helping out during the week translating and with the medical team.

The wheelchairs waiting for their new owners

With Walter one our group from Villa Maria who has made great progress despite his disability. He regulary attends church and goes out and about in his neighbourhood.

Maria who is blind and unable to walk very much accompanied by her husband. They are also from the group in Villa Maria.

Please conitue to pray for all those who recieved their wheelchairs and walking frames, that they will make a difference to their lives. I give thanks for the opportunity to pray with all those who came, some struggling in their situations others with a strong faith which enables them to have hope for the future. Pray for those with limited resources who are unable to keep up with medication, especially those with epilepsy or diabetis. Pray for improved health care in Peru so that these conditions are covered and catered for within the healthcare system.

DANCE FESTIVAL

As part of the activities for the day of those living with disabilities the local disabilities network organised a dance event - Dancing for the Diversity.

We had a fun morning watching dances from different special schools and institutions with their amazing costumes and enthusiasm. Shalom didn't participate, but we were there in number to support the other groups and meet friends and colleagues from the area.

We also had a stall to sell some things the young people had made.

Two people from the Christian fraternity group dancing - it was incredible - the energy and the movement they really threw their 'all' into it! and won a trophy!

Medical Campaign in Ventanilla

Monday 2nd November saw a group of Drs., nurses and helpers from HealthBridges (health NGO from Portland, USA) work alongside the Diocesan team to provide health care and education to almost 100 people in the Parish of San Patricio. It was a busy day, from the early start to get team and equipment the 2 hours north of Lima, setting up the cllinic with sheets, tables and chairs and tents.

Dr.Wayne Centrone, who heads up HealthBridges, attending a patient.

I was translating and helping out

The intregrated health tent with nurse Fany and Rev. Gonzales talking to patients and giving advice and support.

HealthBridges also support individual patients who need specialsed care and attention. In Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) is Ines, mine and Wayne's God daughter who has a debilitating skin condition. Ines is improving greatly and has been attending school this year for the first time and she is really coming out of herself. We were able to visit her and her mother with Dr.Wayne and see her progress for ourselves.

Ines with mother Victoria

Day of those living with disabilities

Here in Peru on 16th October we celebrate the Day of those living with disabilities. In Shalom we had a street parade, stopping the traffic, and a party. We all had a lot of fun together to celebrate this special day.

Out on the streets with banners and placards

The younger children acting out parable of the Lost Sheep - conplete with furry ears!

Birthday Celebrations

Not quite the half century but almost there for the next one!

Had a busy week with several celebrations with the different church groups and friends.

Floral Arrangements

In October AMA, Association of Anglican women, participated in a weekend of floral displays in our Anglican Cathedral, The Good Shepherd. Each church group was given an "I am " title to interpret. Jesus El Nazareno had John 8: 12, "I am the light of the word". I couldn't go and do the arranging but several went and I went on the Sunday to see the displays.

I am the Light of the World

The Good Shepherd