Set the Believers an Example

With a new year came a new focus for me and a team of five volunteers from Trinity in Henrico, VA: youth. Contrary to what the gushing words of praise and thanksgiving on my Facebook wall might indicate, though, we had very little to do with organizing an overnight retreat for preteens through twenty-somethings; rather, we came alongside the Rev. Rafael Milagres, a handful of new deaconess grads, and a few key members of the youth group itself. 

As soon as most businesses returned to regular operating hours on January 2, we, too, returned to work mode. A morning shopping trip yielded the raw materials for LOTS of prep: posters (Nicole), plastic wrap balls (Andrea and Isaiah, pictured), and marshmallow cereal treats (Jessica). 

So that the team could get the lay of the land and do any necessary onsite setup, we made the hourlong drive to Cieneguilla ahead of the Peruvian contingent, on Friday afternoon. With the sun starting to set behind the mountains, it was too cold for the pool, but not for a good book with a view. 

It's Saturday morning, and we're ready for ya!

What a gift to see these faithful women stepping up to lead devotions throughout the weekend. They don't just wear the uniform; rather, they put their training into action. 

Pastor Rafael got some air during the first "Games" slot. 

Remember Jessica's marshmallow cereal treats? They were delicious ;)

Everyone claimed they were worn out from Ultimate Frisbee...but no one seemed too tired for some raucous pool time during a free block before dinner. Remember Nicole's posters? They were out for everyone to sign at their leisure, too. My handprint had a certain...ring to it. 

Remember Andrea & Isaiah's plastic wrap balls? They were a hit (and a good way to draw everyone to the meeting room more or less on time for Vespers)! I'd heard of this activity in the context of a white elephant Christmas party but never seen it in action. As one person furiously unwrapped layer after layer, the person to his or her left would roll a pair of dice until doubles turned up, signaling it was time to pass. Whoever had the ball when it revealed candy or small prizes got to keep them. 

Between the aforementioned snack and a uniquely American treat that's become a Peru retreat tradition, we literally bought plazavea out of marshmallows. Nicole became a one-woman s'more ingredient passer-outer!

Moments later...I learned what the mysterious Actividad especial on the agenda I'd received from the local planning committee was: a sort of bachelorette party, complete with dancing bears (?!?), a recording of congratulations from several missionary coworkers - and Josh! - and a piñata. The youth had clearly put significant effort into planning everything down to the minute - yet one more in a series of moments on this trip during which I was humbled to the point of speechlessness by an outpouring of love of my Peruvian brothers and sisters. Josh's & my first wedding gift will forever be a crocheted afghan from one of the deaconesses. 

Sunday morning's order of service was a beautiful illustration of Himnario Luterano's application for home use, alone or with family, with or without a pastor present. Yepci, leading, even included an interactive object lesson. 

We busted out a Bible scavenger hunt a different group and I had used in 2024 for Games, part II.  

Much to the kids' delight, there was plenty of time for more swimming before lunch and a closing Divine Service on what turned out to be a warm, sunny day. 

Shenanigans, I tell you, SHENANIGANS! 

And the winning team is...Team 1! Everyone got a bag of sour gummy candy...and a photo with us :)

After a flurry of final pictures, our bus pulled out just after 5 pm. We ordered Peruvian Chinese food for dinner and then dispersed to pack and basically take a nap; I, for one, don't call getting up at 2:XX a full night's sleep. 

There were twenty-six youth in attendance, a far cry from the 26,000 you might find an at an LCMS Youth Gathering, but the vibe was the same. No one in attendance is going to forget the weekend anytime soon. Our prayer is that the youth continue meeting together, continue learning from the adults in their midst, and continue living out the retreat theme, 1 Timothy 4:12:

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Indeed, may the Lutheran youth of Peru be an example for each other, for their Peruvian Lutheran brothers and sisters, and for each of you, my dear readers, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (the Spanish adds "spirit," and for all of you theologian types, I'd love to know more about where that comes from!). 

Until next time, blessings in Christ!