A Heartwarming Story from Peru

Kara, one of the team leaders at the International Family Retreat in Peru last week, e-mailed, “I am coming home with my arms aching from holding, rocking, swimming and playing with the special needs children and families. God did amazing, incredible things!” Holding the camera at arm’s length, she snapped this photo – the boy in the middle has Down syndrome and severe autism (his father came to camp resenting his son, unable to understand why God gave him an unruly boy who wasn’t “normal”). Sixteen-year-old Daniel – the boy’s volunteer on the right – found it difficult at first to bond with him. But Daniel prayed, especially as our team talked with the father, explaining the Gospel, the nature of God and his grace. Slowly, the resentful heart of this Peruvian dad opened up to Jesus’ love. As father and son were about to get on the bus to go home, Kara happened to be there. “At the last second as I took this photo,” she said, “the boy turned his face up to Daniel and kissed him on the cheek! The name of the son? Angel. God did a great work in Angel’s heart, and his dad, too. God did a great work in ALL our hearts! Thank you once again, Joni for this amazing ministry that we are so privileged to be a part of!” And Kara? I thank you, Daniel, and all the rest who gave the life-changing love of Christ last week in Peru. Want to follow their suit? Come and serve at a International Family Retreat!