At our Ladies' Fellowship today, we had a speaker from the Peru Children's Trust. Jill Abell, a sprightly pensioner, who lives in a nearby village, goes out twice a year to work with this group. She was really interesting, and much of what she told us resonated with other issues our group is interested in [ministry in Latin America, Child Sponsorship, Aid to Developing Countries etc]
She brought a huge selection of items made by the children and their families, which she sells in the UK to help fund the trust.
A tiny glazed earthenware nativity scene
Boxes, wooden spoons, jugs, coasters...
Leather purses, brightly coloured woven fabrics
Bible texts painted on black velvet
Purses, pens and keyrings. The little keyring people are formed round eucalyptus buds, and they smell gorgeous.
Among other hymns, we sang "Through all the Changing Scenes of Life" in a further nod to Nahum Tate the Laureate!
Jill's pictures were wonderful and very moving. it was great to learn of the difference that education and vocational training makes to the lives of these young people in such a poverty stricken part of the world.
She finished with some pictures of Andean Condors soaring in the mountains
I said her pictures reminded me of the words of Isaiah - and we prayed for Jill, that God would strengthen her in all she does for him
those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
What a wonderful lady she sounds, and must have been very interesting to listen to. I remember seeing a film about Condors some years ago, what incredible birds they are.
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