Stephen and Evelyn Stilwell serving in Peru
September 2024
July tuned out to be another busy month, but with God’s blessings. July 4-7 was the seminary retreat. Classes and exams were done for the semester. The students enjoyed a time of competition and relaxation. We enjoyed watching their energy. Most of them traveled home and worked in their home churches. We always enjoy being with the students.
Stephen spent several Thursdays at camp trying to get the windmill fixed for pumping water.
July 3 it was finally fixed, but there was no wind until the next day to keep it pumping water.
July 19, we went to Sullana with a couple to teach creationism and “True Love Waits” to about 500 11th and 12th graders from several high schools. Stephen taught on establishing a family legacy and gave the plan of salvation. That Sunday we were able to visit two national churches, whose pastors graduated from our Bible college. Both churches have grown considerably. It was a joy to see graduates serving the serving the Lord so faithfully.
On the way home Stephen’s cell phone rang. A Pastor from Trujillo was calling to remind him that he had committed himself to a three-day conference for a church anniversary to be held at camp. He would preach 8 times from Saturday morning to Monday noon on the home. Thankfully he was not on the role for preaching that Sunday at Maranatha. Friday, July 26, we drove to camp before dark to set up for the retreat. The families came later that night. Many parents expressed their appreciation for what they learned and where they needed to make come changes. They were so thankful for our time with them. Thank you for your prayers for Stephen. God gave him strength for each message.
Since Monday afternoon started our winter retreat for campers over 18 years of age, we just stayed at camp to receive the campers. The themes continued from summer camp. Many campers made decisions to be more faithful in helping family members to put Christ first and to help their friends to hear about the gospel. The messages were excellent. We had four college age youth from Maranatha, one for the very first time to to go to camp. We were so pleased with them and their decisions. Thank you for your prayers for Marantha Baptist Church. We are all growing spiritually, and physically the church building is going up.
Stephen is teaching Revelation again this semester at the Bible College. Construction and responsibilities continue at Maranta. Thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support again this month. May God bless you as you serve the Lord with us here in Peru, as well as where you live.
Stephen and Evelyn