July 19, 2018
The East Texas Baptist University Music Department traveled to Peru as a part of the Global Study and Serve Program on Monday, July 2 through Monday, July 9. Led by ETBU Board of Trustees Chair and Wiseman Ministries Development Director Cary Hilliard, Dean of the School of Performing Arts and Communication Tom Webster, and First Baptist Church-Longview Children's Minister Angela Webster, the University Singers performed and ministered at public schools, community centers, and medical facilities.
"The Holy Spirit continuously caused wondrous events to occur and prayers to be answered throughout our trip," Dr. Webster said. "We witnessed the people around us, in such a dry and poor place, come to know the spring of living water that is Jesus Christ."
The ETBU team partnered with Camino de Vida (Way of Life), a multi-site church that has actively served in the capital city of Lima, Peru for the past 29 years. Students joined the church in its active outreach efforts to deliver more than 2,000 bread rolls and 55 gallons of coffee to guards, patients, and their family members at a local hospital. The group also distributed Spanish Bibles and assembled wheelchairs for 40 disabled individuals in need.
"I was moved by the opportunity to serve a man as we fitted him for a wheelchair," Dr. Hilliard commented. "His gratitude was evident as he smiled from ear to ear and continually said, 'Gracias, gloria a Dios!' As I lifted him into his new wheelchair, I could not help but think of the many times God has lifted us as we walk with Him by faith." Dr. Hilliard continued, "During my 28 years of ministry, I have been to Peru many times and have led over 20 mission trips around the world. However, I can tell you that this team made an immediate impact and supported the ongoing leadership better than I have witnessed before. Our ETBU students are rising leaders."
Casa Gracia (Grace House), also a ministry of Camino De Vida, is a shelter for young women, who have been physically and emotionally abused. The ETBU team handed out necklaces with crosses for each of the women as a reminder of Jesus' unconditional and transformational love. ETBU sophomore Haley Harmening shared about the life that Christ provides with the group.
"My joy was renewed during our time in Peru. The Lord knocked down any barriers in the way of His people accepting the message He had for them," Harmening expressed. "It was clear that God was moving, and it was humbling to be a part of. God exceeded my expectations."
ETBU students also volunteered at public elementary schools, an orphanage for special needs children, and a nursing home. At each site, the team shared their testimonies, led worship songs, and taught stories on creation, God's love, and salvation through Christ.
"It was a blessing to see God work both in the lives of children and the elderly alike," ETBU sophomore Hannah Rosser said. "The people of Peru have been receptive of God's presence and have wanted to learn about Him and praise Him. I pray that the memory of this experience continues to remind them and our team of God's faithfulness."