April 2, 2005

Dear Friends,

But the most significant happening for Anita and me is that we are now taking care of two precious little seven-month-old twin girls, Katy and Carol.  We are old enough to be their grandparents, and we admit they are very tiring, but we love having the opportunity to love them and take care of them until our heavenly Father directs otherwise.  Needless to say that after many years of not having any children in the house, our lives and home have been turned upside down, Praise the Lord!  I recommend all of you buy stock in "Huggies" because two little girls here in Peru are sure to give the company a record year this year!  We are in the process of obtaining legal custody, and then we will see about finding them a Godly Christian home (adoption).  In last month's letter I wrote about their mother, Tanya, who has two other kids and just can't take care of the twins.  She also has had some psychological problems in bonding with the infants due to their being the result of her being raped.  God is on the throne and always knows what is best, and He has given Anita and me the joy of taking care of them and loving them for awhile.  Please remember us, Tanya, and the babies in your prayers.

I will be leaving Anita alone for one week while I travel into Lima to meet Pastor Darrell Messer and Douglas Brooks and their families.  Brother Messer is the pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Bellbrook, Ohio.  They are coming down to visit the mission field and we are excited about their coming.  We will be visiting works in Lima, Iquitos, and Huanuco.  I'll write more about it next month.

I have had a lot of trials this month in our church here in Huanuco, but God is always gracious and gives us the strength and wisdom to cope and win the victories.  Our youth group is strong, our attendance is up, and a good spirit pervades the church body.  Thank you for your prayers.

I ask you to remember Roosevelt Hermitano, a national missionary that we love and support.  He is one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  Roosevelt and his family have three mission works going at this time, but because drug trafficking is once again taking over many parts of the jungles of Peru, it is making his work and travel much more dangerous.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.  Thanks.  Until next month.

Serving Jesus in Peru,

Sheridan and Anita Stanton