March 29, 2003

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Andes Mountains of Peru. Anita and I pray that this letter finds each of you aware of God's goodness and grace in your lives. Like you, we are praying for safety for our soldiers, wisdom for our leaders and that the war can be over soon. Our son Joshua is a Lieutenant in the Air Force, but has not been assigned overseas yet. Anita and I appreciate your prayers for him.

Here in Peru, the month of March was business as usual, busy! Many of you have been praying for Danitza the young girl from our church here in Huanuco that had open heart surgery on the 20th of February. Danitza, her family and Anita and I thank you for your prayers and donations that made the operation possible. The operation was a success, yet more complicated than expected. After three weeks of recuperation in Lima, I was able to bring Danitza home on the 11th of March. We had to return by plane because the bus trip over the mountains takes you up to over 15,000 feet above sea level. It was the first time Dany had ever been in an airplane. It was quite an experience for her. Her recovery has been remarkable and the twelve inch incision is not near as noticeable as she feared it would be. She is regaining some of the weight she lost and has had no complications. Thank you all so much for your love and concern manifested in your help for Danitza. 

Our mission works are all reporting good services, souls being saved and several baptisms. I baptized eleven this month for our church here in Huanuco. The Central Baptist church of Huanuco celebrated 31 years this month. We had three days of special services. 

Last week I held another Institute class here in Huanuco for the Peruvian Baptist pastors. It was the best attended class I've had here, with 54 preachers and pastors present. The course I taught was "Christian Apologetics." We had good participation and a great spirit among these great men of God. I will be traveling out to the North Jungle town of Iquitos the first week of April to teach the same class the Baptist preachers in that region. I usually have around 80 to 100 in that class.

Anita and I are anticipating a wonderful time with the "BFM Missions Adventure Team" that will be coming down in July to help in the construction of a meeting house for our mission work in Huariaca. This town is about 9500 feet above sea level and about 1.5 hours drive from Huanuco. The work is a few years old and has matured and now has a full time missionary from our church here in Huanuco. It is time to invest in property and construction. Thanks to all of you who have given to the Stanton Building Fund. This is the fund that makes all these building projects a reality. Please remember the General Fund of BFM also. This is the fund that pays the insurance, work expenses, travel expenses and the standard monthly support. Anita and I are very grateful to the Lord for all the churches, pastors, directors, and men and women that help make it possible for us to serve the Lord here in Peru. Thank you and may our heavenly Father continue to bless each of you as you remain faithful to HIM.

Serving Jesus in Peru,

Sheridan and Anita Stanton

Pastors attending Evangelism class of Baptist Insitute in Huanuco, Peru. Here they are in small groups writing their own tracts.