Or translated into English means, “Without Mothers.” Although I do have a mom I was unable to be with her on this Mother’s Day, not physically anyway. Via email and Skype and Facetime (all the conveniences of modern technology) I was able to reach out to her on Sunday. That’s a beautiful thing.

And I was able to share Mother’s Day with my friends here in Pucallpa. Not much commercialism for this holiday, a few small card displays and “gift type” areas in local shops but you were really hard pressed to find  displays as we are accustomed to. Seeing things for MOM at every turn. HOWEVER, it is an important day to them as they celebrate it family style. The day is spent with Mom. No fancy gifts, no expensive dinners, but time.

Mothers brought their children to church at 7.30 am for breakfast. Felt like all of “our children” coming to eat with us! We watched throughout the day as mothers and their children walked together along the streets. Moto-taxis loaded with families carrying food on their way to a family member’s home. Celebrations and meals prepared in honor of moms, most served in run-down homes, nonetheless with love and affection, and they were “home.”

The men of Luz Divina hosted a lunch for Mother’s Day which they prepared and served. There were simple decorations, balloons hung on the wooden posts and tables adorned with crocheted table covers that have seen their fair share of many a celebratory occasion. To see the expressions on their faces as they served their mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, and sisters in Christ was an amazing site. The atmosphere was lively, fun and precious. They played games and the men had prizes for the winners. It reminded me of going to a six year old birthday party back in “the day.” I mean that with all affection and love. It was a sweet, simple party and the laughter and smiles told it all. Everyone was having FUN. There was pure JOY.

There were groups of women talking together in front of neighbors homes, sitting in chairs on their version of a “porch” throughout the evening. El Salvador had a dinner for the mothers at their church hosted by the younger women.

Women were being celebrated – not hurredly – but lovingly.

But through it all I just missed my mom, and my sons as we spent the day “sin madres.”

My mom – Nadine 

In His Mighty “motherly and loving” Grip,

Stephanie

www.trinitysangels.org

We all make up the body of Christ and I can recall many sermons beckoning us to be used for His purposes. Each of us are called to be the “Hands and Feet” serving, ministering and living in His Kingdom.

Words never seem to describe what a picture can say visually. Often the impact is greater. You have encouraged us, walk alongside of us in this journey, prayed over and for us and we want you to see where these Hands and Feet have been!

Enjoy …

Talking with a mom and her daughter in a local village near Pucallpa, Peru

On the bus, our feet resting before we hit another town to serve in a kid’s ministry program.

Hanging out with some pretty special kids…

After serving on the women’s weekend of Peru Tres Dias 9…

Interacting with kids at Luz Divina church

Walking alongside some fun and inquisitive children near Luz Divina

Takin’ a break !

Walking within His footsteps – In His Mighty Grip,

Stephanie 

www.trinitysangels.org

And the children keep coming! How awesome is this??? Because of YOUR support children are being fed!  The numbers keep rising at both churches. At Luz Divina they told us that more and more children are coming to Sunday school and excited to also get a meal afterwards. Okay – maybe their intent is to get food but still they are coming to church where they hear God’s message and that is where it begins.

Trinity’s Angels has the opportunity to incorporate another small satellite church of El Salvador’s this month into the food program. We will take sandwiches, fruit and drinks to them every other Sunday!  The satellite is small but strong with about 50 people. We are going to feed them ALL!!!! Please pray for the pastor of this church. He is taking a 3 month sabbatical and one of the main pastors at El Salvador and his family will be stepping up to step in and cover the church while the pastor is temporarily away. 

GOD is definitely in control and feeding His children. Thank you all for being so gracious with your donations and making a difference.  Thought we would send along some pictures of the kids for you to see – check out their smiles!!

Thanking you from deep within His Mighty Grip,

Stephanie

www.trinitysangels.org

So we saved the best for today’s post from the church celebration. Much anticipation built over the week as word spread that one of the cows from the Luz Divina’s farm was going to be the star attraction of the 3 day anniversary celebration. When the time arrived, we all poured into the street to watch the event! We leave you with this pictorial history.

Every single part of this cow was used in some form or the other. I am not sure what they did with the tail though???

At the end, as the butcher helped take the meat to the church to be cut into smaller sections, we noticed his handprints on the back of his shirt! This picture is worth 1,000 words.

Bon Appetite – In His Mighty Grip,

Stephanie

www.TrinitysAngels.org

Luz Divina church celebrated their anniversary last week and it came complete with a food extravaganza for over 500 people for 3 days. It was a buzz of activity up to the minute preparing for the fiesta.

From sharpening knives the old fashioned way with a grinder…

To hauling bananas and mangoes…

600 fish were brought in – sliced in half – and then laid flat out on wood planks in the blazing hot sun to dry. Turning them every so often to evenly “bake” bake them. Can you just imagine the aroma!!!

Then a native drink was prepared called “Masato.” It is made from boiling yucca (similar to a flavorless potato which is found in abundance here), then mashing it into a sticky substance. From there part of it is chewed and then put back, yes you read right, spit back into the mixture to  be worked into the drink. Sugar is added, it is boiled and then fermented for a couple of days. As adventureous as we are – no Masato for us!

Chickens were brought in by the parishioners to help feed the those coming from the many satellite churches. After this pose…well…it was time to wring the chickens necks. No – Cindy didn’t do it…but she could have!

And then we could have plucked the chickens but we opted for the professionals to take charge!

The highlight came when a cow was brought from the church farm to be slaughtered. It took the butcher about 2 hours to finish that job and when he was done the only thing not being used to cook with was the skin and jaw. Even the ear was used after it dried a little on the fence!! See for yourself …

All in all, the 3 days of celebrating the church anniversary was a tremendous success.

Experiencing Gastronomical Delights in His Mighty Grip,

Stephanie and Cindy

www.TrinitysAngels.org