Things have been going well in Peru! This year I was a bit overwhelmed with my classes at our Christian school but loving it! What a privilege to teach the Bible to young people. And our church continues to grow. Exciting!
Some BIG changes to announce! First, I can’t imagine not being in Peru! But after 25 years focused on Peru, I will be changing my focus from serving in Peru to serving other missionaries all around the world. Next year I will move from Peru to the World Mission Center of our mission board BIMI, Baptist International Missions Inc. I will take the position of Missionary Services where I will focus on helping other missionaries as they serve.
BIMI has been such a huge help and blessing to our family over the last 25 years. I am excited to be able to now help others like they helped us. I am still focused on missions! And I will still be supported as a missionary! I will not be receiving a salary from BIMI, so I am asking you to continue supporting me as you always have.
How did this happen? After Kathy’s death in October 2020, I was not sure if I would return to Peru or not. Mainly because I couldn’t imagine returning without Kathy. But I decided to return and it has been wonderful. I have definitely felt God’s leading, protection, provision, and blessing. It has been some wonderful years, though sometimes difficult. I encourage you to go back and read through our prayer letters: https://andersonstoperu.com/prayer-letters/ .
In my last prayer letter, I mentioned I was going through some “burn out” and may have taken on too many extra classes this year. That was true and led to a decision to not teach at the school next year. Or to only teach one or two classes if needed. That would allow me to focus more on our church. But after merging our two churches together at the beginning of the year we now have 4 missionaries pastoring our church. I thought it would be a good time to step out of that church plant and start a new church.
But I am coming to the realization that the ministry options available to me have changed not having Kathy here beside me. She was obviously a big part of our ministries here. We did so much together. I now find myself turning down or doubting ministry opportunities that I have. For example, counseling when ladies or girls may be involved. Hosting people or groups when it may result in being alone with only ladies. Etc. Even the thought of starting/joining mixed groups. I was not sure about starting a new church plant without a wife by my side.
As I started brainstorming other ministry opportunities in Peru and in the States, I reached out to BIMI to see if there were any needs that I may be able to fill at the home office. It turns out that there were many needs. Leading to this decision. (More details soon!)
Please pray for Risha and I during this transition. Risha will be moving and living with me for now.
Pray also for my financial support level, that I can maintain the support I need.
I thank the Lord for all of you, your faithful support and for faithfully praying for me and my family! I am blessed!
We thank the Lord for all of you and your faithfulness in praying for us!Rick Anderson
