Meg and I are excited to say that after years of preparation we are finally planning to move to Peru and work with Peru Mission’s Parish Woodshop Project. We are now beginning the support-raising process by seeking partners in prayer, emotional, and financial support.
When I was first asked to bring my family to Peru and work in a woodshop, I admit that I was a little hesitant. I could not see how this fit in with my calling to missions. However, over the last couple of years while doing woodwork the Lord has taught me the value of building relationships and bearing witness of the gospel’s impact on our lives. One of the most effective ways for bearing witness of the reality of the gospel is to work with someone on a daily basis. As we share our lives with co-workers, they cannot help but see the change in us that the Spirit is working. This happens when they see our brokenness and the healing that takes place through resting in Christ. I am confident this is one of the most powerful ways God grows his Kingdom. When Christians walk with Jesus in the workplace, others will see Him and hear His message.
This is the goal of Peru Mission’s Parish Furniture Project. We aim to work with Peruvian carpenters to build good furniture and export it to the States (www.parishfurniture.com). While we do this we hope to build relationships, bear witness of Christ and teach His Word. We pray that the result will be that they walk with Jesus and bear witness to the world around them in their communities. We also aim to teach them how to do good and just business. Our prayer is that this will not only help them spiritually by the transforming work of the gospel but it will also help the economy in Peru.
My role will be to work in the shop along with these men and build relationships. I will also teach Bible studies before and/or after work and spend time investing in their lives in discipleship and mentoring. Meg will be taking care of our daughter Satomi and pursuing ways to serve using her Microbiology background either in tutoring, lab work, or research.
Meg and I only need to raise $50,532 per year for the first two years. This can either be in monthly commitments or in one-time gifts that total to the $101,064 we will need for both years. We are praying to have all our support raised and move to Trujillo by June of 2009. So far, the Lord has already provided about 20%.
Please consider and seek if God is calling you to partner with us in this ministry through prayer, correspondence, or financial support. As Paul asked the Colossians, “…pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…” Colossians 4:3, we need your prayers. I do not ask you to sacrifice for this ministry or for us, but I do ask you to pray and ask God whether He would lead you to give of yourself to advance His Kingdom through this ministry or in some other way.
In the joy of resting in Christ,
Stuart Mills and family
