Update August 16th

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

Thank you so much to all of you who were praying for safety on my trip down to Peru. I arrived safely in Lima at about 4:10am last Friday. God showed His goodness in so many ways on the trip down and I am so thankful for the blessings and provision He gives. One of the biggest surprises was when I arrived at the Miami airport, found my departing gate, and discovered my roommate Becky waiting there to get on a standby flight! God worked it out for her to get on my flight, and we completed the trip to Lima together!

The past week has been busy and full of setting up our apartment, teacher meetings, getting classrooms ready, lesson planning, and the first days of school. The first few days of class have gone well and we are thankful. I am teaching one class, a combined Grammar, Literature, and Vocabulary class for the 7th and 8th graders. Beyond that, I am working with various classes in the library and fulfilling different duties as school secretary. It looks like there will also be some opportunities to teach a few private music lessons on the side. I am filled with joy to be back and serving in this country, and as the year begins I can only pray and anticipate the great things God will do.


Please continue to pray for my decision about which church to attend here in Lima. Last week I had the opportunity to visit Jim and Becky Carlton's church in Manchay, and was even asked to play for a wedding there on Saturday night! It was a blessing to meet the people there and see the work that God is doing in this very needy part of Lima. Wednesday night I went with several of the other Fetzer teachers to a church about 10 minutes from here in Musa. Saturday night and Sunday night I went back to a church I attended while in Peru as an ARRIBA student, Gethsemane Baptist Church. It was wonderful to see those brothers and sisters in Christ for the first time in several years.

Thanks again to each one of you for your faithful prayers and encouragement. You are a vital part of this ministry!

August Update

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings from hot and humid Illinois! The last few days have been a blur of packing, last minute shopping trips, and special goodbyes. I wanted to send out a quick update before I leave tomorrow so that you all could be informed of the ways in which God has been working and be in prayer for my trip down to Peru and the start of ministry there!

As many of you know, my goal at the start of this process was to raise $8,000.00 necessary for support throughout the coming eleven months. I am humbled and thankful to report that God has provided $10,200 due to the prayers and generous giving of many of you. Thank you again for your sacrifice; I am so grateful.

This past Sunday evening my church had a special "send-off" service for me. (Complete with a special cupcake and dessert fellowship afterwards! :-) It was such a special time of worship, challenge, and fellowship. My pastor (and dad) gave a specific challenge from the Word to "be a servant" (Mark 9:35) He encouraged me to be a Humble Servant, a Joyful Servant, an Enthusiastic Servant, and a Faithful Servant. I am blessed to have such a loving home church behind me.

I appreciate your prayers as I fly out tomorrow (Thursday the 5th). My flight leaves from St. Louis, MO at 5:30pm. From there I fly to Miami, FL and leave Miami at 11:50pm. Lord willing, I will arrive in Lima at 4:35am on Friday. Please be in prayer that the flights go smoothly, that I make the connection, and have no loss of luggage.

I am looking forward to arriving and getting settled in to my apartment at Fetzer Memorial Christian Academy. Beki Wishart, a former ARRIBA teammate of mine, short-term teacher at Fetzer, and good friend, will be sharing the apartment with me. Just yesterday I received an e-mail from one of my missionary friends in Peru, asking if I would be willing to play the keyboard at a wedding at their church on Saturday night! I can't wait to get busy right away with ministry!

Monday we will begin orientation meetings at Fetzer and classes will begin on Wednesday! Please be in prayer for the teachers and students as we prepare for the new school year.

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and prayers! I look forward to keeping you updated on the ministry throughout this year! God bless!

Serving the Savior,
Heidi Robbins

Prayer Request:

1. Safety in travel on Thursday, no loss of baggage, opportunities to witness.
2. Preparation for classes to begin on August 11th.
3. Re-adjustment to Peruvian culture, speaking Spanish, etc.
4. Faithful time in God's Word, and and an attitude of service.


__
"As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." Psalm 18:30