Lima, Peru (Part 3)

Posted by Ramona Toth
Ministry Time in Lima/Future endeavors in Lima

My first month in Lima I focused more on teaching at Victory International. The second month there my ministry extended to preaching and teaching at different churches in Lima. I was scheduled to teach at a youth service in Lima. I really looked forward to this ministry time and was happy that I could speak to young people about the Lord. Upon arrival I found out that I wasn’t going to teach the youth, but that three churches had gathered together to hear me preach. I was a little nervous and at the same time honored. That evening the Lord let me experience a lesson I will never forget—He gave me a picture of humility worth more than a million words. One of my best friends in Lima is a Praise & Worship and Youth Leader. His name is Israel and that man can praise God! Anyway, I spent some time with him and was able both to see and to hear his passion for the Lord. He is currently in training in Lima. I was blessed to teach twice in the church he attends. The Lord is doing a mighty work in this church. I love to see “the light come on” peoples faces when they truly understand what is being taught.Youth Convention—two weeks before my return to the US I was invited to be one of the speakers at the convention. The theme was “Soaring like Eagles.” The entire convention was a blessing from God above; He opened a door for us (the organizers) to go to a radio station in Lima called Radio Luz (Light) to speak about what was to take place during this convention. I was a bit nervous, but with God's help everything went really well. Recently, I met with Pastor Julio and it seems that there is already a plan for me when I return. As of now, I will be teaching at Victory International and will be involved in the church. I am sure that there are many other ministry opportunities arising!

Challenge

As you all know, it takes finances to do anything, even in ministry! Isn’t it great that when we give we become involved in what the Lord is doing?! Please keep in mind that when you give you give to the Lord! I think we make a great mistake to think "I'm not giving him/her money! If the Lord told him/her to go then He will help them."

Here is a challenge - think about “If I were to give up one bottle of soda a day at $1.50 each, how much could I give to missions in a month?”

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. (NLT, 2 Corinthians 9)

We must plant in good soil! Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your giving!
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Lima, Peru (Part 2)

Posted by Ramona Toth
Victory International (extension of Victory Bible Institute, Tulsa, OK)

Long before my trip to Lima I met Pastor Julio Romero, the Pastor I worked with while in Lima, and talked en large about what I planned to do once I arrived there. I was really happy to find out that Pastor Julio wanted me to teach at Victory International.


My class started with nine students. The first two weeks into the semester there were no questions from the students about what I was teaching—Divine Prosperity. That gave me a feeling of uneasiness. Since I taught in Castellan (Spanish dialect spoken in South America), either I thought my students did not understand what I was saying, or I did not communicate correctly in their language. I prayed hard and asked the Lord to tell me what was happening because I did not want to lead anyone in error concerning the Word of God.


Miraculously, the day came when my students showed enormous interest in the subject by asking questions, exchanging notes, and showing enthusiasm. In addition, the class multiplied to 15. Breakthrough!


The following weeks were filled with laughter, testimonies, and fellowship.


I did face certain barriers in communicating the principles of Divine Prosperity. Every time I needed to convey to them the principles of Divine Prosperity, the Holy Spirit would give a specific picture that helped me to teach and helped students to understand those principles.


I was very pleased and content to see this change happening before my eyes. Though I was not able to be with my students until the end of the semester because I had to return to the US on the day of their final exam, I know they have learned a lot and have renewed their mind concerning this subject.


Personally, I learned that just because there was no expression or interaction at the beginning of the class, that did not mean it would have to end the same way or that what I taught was “off.” I knew God trusted me to teach this subject. Looking back...I can say that I have gained more confidence in my abilities and in what God tells me to do or say.


There were other classes I only had the experience of teaching once. They were both challenging and fun. Here is one example of a fun experience that “made my day” :


Marriage & Family. The Pastors that taught this class were scheduled to speak at a Pastoral Conference somewhere in Peru. A few days before their departure they told me I was going to teach their classes. I had no problems teaching two of their three classes. The third one was definitely different: Marriage & Family. I tried to get myself out of teaching this particular class, but it did not work. I reasoned “How could I possibly teach this class since I am not married?” All the students in this class, except one, are married and have children. (God does have a sense of humor!!!) :-) Well...I taught it and it was great! Praise the Lord! I did take Marriage & Family in my sophomore year in college and that helped a lot. Studying is great! It helped me for sure.



If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

C. S. Lewis

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Lima, Peru (Part 1)

Posted by Ramona Toth
Back to the year of 2005

I was a sophomore at Ecclesia College in Springdale, AR. I had the opportunity to hear many speakers during our chapel services at the College, but there was this Pastor from Lima, Peru that spoke about his ministry and how it all started for him.

The seed was planted.

It is a funny story really. I used to wake-up at 5:30 or 6:00 AM to prepare for the day ahead of me. One morning was different: as soon as I woke-up I heard myself say “I am going to Lima.” To start with, I need about 2 cups of coffee to wake up; I knew something was astir. I remember telling Jesus that unless He gives me a promise to stand on I will not move a finger. A few mornings later and the promise came:
Romans 4:19-21 ”He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb.
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.”(AMP)
I knew I was going to Lima. The test of time started and it was really challenging. I started confessing my departure to Lima, but that summer nothing happened. Almost a school year passed by and a lot of students were talking about going on a mission trip whether with their Church or with the College. I remember being asked “What are you going to do this summer?” Once again I started confessing “I am going to Lima.” It was really hard. I had to focus on what the Lord said and nothing else. If there is one thing I’ve learned during this time it was simply to ask the right questions and confess the Word! Three weeks later I was in Lima and how blessed that time was! It was the Summer of 2006.

What about Visa?

Well...the favor of the Lord was with me. I called the Peruvian Consulate in Houston, TX, to ask about the documents I needed for a tourist visa; since I am Romanian I must have a visa in my passport in order to enter Peru. I had all the documents they requested for a tourist visa in order. I did want to know how many business days they would take before they would release the visa, and the response was: 3. At that point the officer I talked to ask me “when did I plan to go to Lima?” My answer was July 3rd. All this happened no more than ten days before my departure. This was Wednesday. I bought the plane ticket and now I just needed the visa. Upon hearing my response, the officer panicked and yelled through the phone “You need to send your documents in today!” I assured him that I will and that was the end of the conversation. I did send my documents that day and to my surprise the visa was in my mailbox by Friday of the same week. I was wondering if this officer was eagerly awaiting for the mail to arrive the following day to see if I did send my documents in or not.
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