We arrived in Lima, Peru, late on October 2 and went straight to our Airbnb for the night. The next day, I had the joy of preaching at Pastor Rubén Effio’s church in Callao during its 22nd anniversary services. I preached Friday and Saturday evenings and again on Sunday morning. The church was packed for every service, and it was a joy to see such faith, energy, and love for the Lord. The people sang with all their hearts, and God’s presence filled the place. It was a weekend I’ll never forget.
After the anniversary services, we traveled to Arequipa to spend time with our son, David, and his family. Their home is situated approximately 8,300 feet above sea level. The views are breathtaking, but so is the altitude. My doctor had warned me not to come here or to stop taking Belzutifan, the medicine that helps fight my tumors. He said it would likely affect my oxygen levels, and it has. My O₂ saturation has dropped at times into the high 60s and low 70s, so I’ve been using supplemental oxygen.
Even so, I don’t want to stop the medicine, not even for a day. If it’s slowing or stopping the tumors’ growth, I want to keep fighting.
On Monday, October 6, I had the privilege of speaking to pastors, Bible college students, and leaders at the church pastored by Pablo Villegas. It was a wonderful time of teaching and fellowship. Although I preached while sitting down and using oxygen, God blessed me especially. There were well over a hundred people present, and I felt humbled to be among such faithful servants of the Lord.
David also preached at that pastor’s meeting yesterday, and I have to say it was one of the best messages I have ever heard. I sat there so proud of him, not just for how he preached, but for the way he leads the ministry here with such grace, humility, and love. God has truly blessed the work in Arequipa through his leadership.
I wish you could see the joy in Katie’s face at being home again, and how happy the grandkids are to be in their house, surrounded by their friends, and back in the land they love. This is a beautiful example of a family that has so adapted to the mission field that they actually prefer it. I couldn’t be prouder of them.
That night, I went home and slept with my oxygen mask, just like during my COVID days. But my heart was full. Today I plan to preach again using the same setup, and I will also have a time of questions and answers with the group beforehand. I am so excited to be here and to see what God continues to do.
These are some of the most wonderful people in the world, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to serve alongside them again. I am also thankful beyond words for my wife and our family. Chris, Andria, and their son Joshua are on their way down. David and his family are already here, and Joy and her family just arrived. All but one of our children will be with us in Peru for a wonderful family reunion. We will undoubtedly miss Stephanie and her crew, but our hearts are full.
Thank you for praying for me and for all your kind messages, texts, and words of encouragement. You will never know how much they mean. I will keep you updated and ask for your continued prayers, for strength, for steady breath, and for God to be glorified in every moment.
God is so good, and His grace really is enough, even at 8,300 feet.
With love and gratitude,
Austin and Betty