November: Faith and Service in Times of Uncertainty

 This month, 🇵🇪 Peru has witnessed turbulent and challenging times. The streets have been filled with protests and marches, reflecting a deep longing for justice ⚖️ and safety 🛡️. In the midst of this uncertainty, I have felt the need to reflect on our trust in the Lord ✝️ and our role as His servants in a broken world 🌍. It is in these moments, when human fragility becomes evident, that we must remember that our God is sovereign 👑, even over the nations (salm 46:10).

I confess that the reality of insecurity 🚨 and crime 🕵️‍♂️ in our country has deeply affected me. There were moments when fear 😟 touched my heart, especially while traveling through certain areas or at late hours 🌃. However, the Lord has used these challenges to remind me of His constant care 💕 and to strengthen my faith ✨. By His grace, I have also had the support of companions 🤝 and a team that reflects the prudence and wisdom that come from God, always seeking to ensure our safety 🛡️ as we fulfill our calling 📖.

One of the greatest blessings 🙌 this month was participating in a workshop organized by AETE as part of the Diplomado Nuevos Modelos de Pastoral Juvenil and Pastoral Militante en Contexto de Violencia. This workshop was AETE’s initiative, and as YAV program volunteers, we had the privilege of collaborating and supporting this effort at the Church of God of Peru ⛪, located in Pamplona Alta, San Juan de Miraflores. It was my first time visiting a church of this denomination, and it was a joy 😊 to experience how other brothers and sisters worship the same God in different ways. I was moved by their warmth 💛 and their genuine desire to serve the Lord with excellence 🌟.

The workshop aimed to encourage young people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 to develop a habit of reading 📚 that enriches their understanding and better equips them for ministry 🙏. While Scripture 📖 is and will always be our ultimate authority and sufficiency, we know that God uses other tools 🛠️ to shape our minds and hearts 💡. As Paul says, "Examine everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). It was a privilege to share with them how well-guided reading can help us fulfill our calling, reflecting the wisdom God has given us 💎.

This space not only strengthened the young people’s commitment but also allowed me to reflect on the value of serving in community 👫. The reality in Pamplona Alta is challenging, but seeing young people filled with a passion 🔥 to learn and serve is a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel ✝️.

Despite the difficulties and challenges this month has brought, I have seen God’s hand ✋ at work in my life and in the lives of those around me. I pray 🙏 that as we continue on this journey, we may be lights 💡 in the midst of darkness, fully trusting that the Lord is working for His glory 🌟 and our good 💕. May December bring even more opportunities to serve and glorify His name! 🎉