Today, we had a marvelous Monday as our team headed to Colegio San Andrés for a full day of ESL ministry. We had the privilege of working with San Andrés last week during our evangelistic concert, so it was a joy to return, see familiar faces, and spend more time investing in the students.
Sandra, the head of the English department, prepared a full schedule for our team. After arriving, our team members divided into groups and went to different areas of the school. Some visited primary classrooms, where they worked with younger children through English activities, subject-based practice, games, and conversation. Others assisted with practice English-speaking exams for secondary students who are preparing for their official exams.
For many students in Peru, English exams are an important part of finishing high school and preparing for university applications. These exams can be stressful, so having the opportunity to practice with native English speakers who can offer feedback, encouragement, and support was very helpful. Our team was grateful for the opportunity to spend concentrated time with these students.
Several students in leadership positions at the school helped guide our team members to their various classrooms throughout the day. We were especially glad to see several familiar faces from Friday night’s concert. It was a reminder that ministry often happens through connecting one conversation, one smile, and one word of encouragement at a time. We are praying that the relationships built through the concert and today’s ESL ministry will continue to bear fruit long after our team leaves Peru.
As the school day concluded, the senior class presented our team with handwritten notes and small crafts to express their appreciation. Their kindness was a meaningful encouragement to our team. Today was a long day, but it was a good day – full of opportunities to serve, connect, encourage, and reflect the love of Christ in both word and action.
Throughout the day, our team members had many opportunities to connect personally with students, whether through classroom activities, English exam practice, informal conversations, or simply spending time encouraging them. We are thankful for the way God uses even brief interactions to open doors for meaningful connection and spiritual influence.
Hailey Barker, a junior Missions major at PCC, shared how God used her time with the students to open doors for ministry:
Today we had the opportunity to return to Colegio San Andrés. Not only did I get to participate in amazing classes, but I also got to build some great relationships with the secondary students. I met several of these students during our concert on Friday, including Gaby and Micaela, and they were so excited to meet again today. I had amazing conversations about life, school and their hopes for the future. These simple conversations opened the door to share Christ’s love with them, and to be an encouragement to them. Seeing how God is working through students here in Peru, has been both eye opening, and a huge encouragement to me also. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve, learn, and watch God work in powerful ways through the lives of the many people that we’ve ministered to here in Lima. I can’t wait to see what else He has planned as we travel to Cuzco.
Abby Coomes, a senior Literary Studies major at PCC, also reflected on the joys of investing in students through this ministry:
We spent the majority of our day at Colegio San Andrés where we had the opportunity of engaging in English conversations with every grade level. Upon our arrival we were immediately greeted with enthusiasm, a common theme throughout this trip. Their seniors were tasked with escorting us to different classrooms during the day, and I got to bond with Valentina and Micaela, the two girls showing us around. I was paired with a couple other girls on our team, and together we conversed with 6th graders, 4th graders, and 10th graders. Regardless of the age group, we were always welcomed with warmth and excitement. The younger kids wanted our autographs, and the older kids wanted to talk about American music and culture. It was such a blessing to witness the eagerness of these kids, despite the language barrier. When it was time for us to leave the school, we received handmade notes and countless hugs.
Even though our team has been worn down throughout this past week, it’s such an encouragement to see just how much influence we have with these kids.
After leaving the school and eating dinner together, our team returned home to pack for tomorrow’s travel. Early in the morning, we will fly to Cuzco, where we will work with several different ministries. Because of the early flight and the significant change in altitude, tomorrow will be a rest and adjustment day after we arrive so our team can acclimate.
Please continue to pray for our team as we travel and begin this next portion of ministry. Pray for safety, health, strength, and good adjustment to the altitude. Most importantly, pray that God will go before us, prepare the hearts of the people we will meet, and use our team to clearly reflect the hope of the Gospel wherever He places us.
We are thankful for the many ways God has guided and sustained us so far, and we are trusting Him for the days ahead.