August 7, 2008

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Peru once again by the mercies of our Lord! I've been in Peru for two weeks now taking care of Mission business and getting our bills paid up. Anita was not able to make this short trip with me because she needed to recuperate a few weeks after her last chemotherapy treatment. I am returning to the States on the 12th of August in order to be there for her operation on the 18th of August. After her operation they will let her recover for about a month and then begin radiation therapy five days a week for six weeks. God continues to be very gracious to her during this "cancer experience". We thank each of you for your constant prayers and support. We believe the worst part (chemotherapy) is behind us, but she still has a long way to go, so please continue to remember her in your prayers. You can still reach us at the numbers listed.

It has been a real blessing to be back in Peru after six months in the States. I have been able to help two churches get their new building programs started. Jordan Baptist in Lima will soon be tearing down the old structure they've been in for the past twelve years. They outgrew the building years ago and have been putting up extension tents in the street for a few years now. At last they have enough to get the new building started, which will quadruple their seating capacity. Praise the Lord with us for this. Also the Grace Baptist Church here in Huánuco has received sufficient funds from the Statesville Bible Institute to build their new meeting house on the property we purchased for them last year.

I also had the joy of purchasing the new motorcycle for Peruvian missionary Miguel Gargate this past week. Motorcycles are cheaper in the mountain town of Huánuco than in the jungle town of Tingo Maria where he lives. He came to Huánuco, we purchased the motorcycle, and then he headed back home on the new bike with his brother-in-law as a passenger. The trip normally takes about three hours but it took him six! It rained hard and the fog was thick. But praise the Lord, they arrived home safely! This motorcycle will help Miguel enormously in his mission travels. He has three major works he attends to and also a few occasional preaching points in the jungle. Thanks to our dear "anonymous" friend who donated the money for this motorcycle.

Pastors, a few weeks after Anita's operation I hope to begin rescheduling appointments to come and share with your church the Lord's work here in Peru. Anita will not be able to travel with me on the long trips but she hopes to be able to accompany me on some of the shorter trips. Please feel free to contact me and I will be contacting those of you with whom I had to cancel earlier in the year. Looking forward to seeing all of you. May our heavenly Father continue to bless you all for your prayers and support!

In Him and by His grace,

Sheridan and Anita Stanton