Peru was a familiar place though I’d never been there, because I learned about it through videos and fragrances of Zion. In 2019, I decided to go on a short-term mission trip to Peru as I thought that I would be able to learn many things there. While preparing for it, I was so excited.
Our preaching area for three weeks was Huancayo, the city located 3,200 meters [10,500 ft] above the sea level in the central part of Peru. While traveling from Lima, the capital city, to Huancayo with the bus for eight hours, our breathing became faster at a high altitude. It was altitude sickness. Though we were tired, we were thrilled that we came to the place where prophets went before us to sow the seed of the gospel and established Zion. I went for the short-term mission to two other countries before coming to Peru. Since the result wasn’t good, I thought I would be thankful if I could bear at least one good fruit though undergoing any kinds of trials.
After getting used to the mountain climate, we went out for preaching with the members from the office church nearby Huancayo. As I met souls one by one, I became anxious. I remembered the words of Heavenly Mother that we should not pass by dying souls like the Good Samaritan. Though we were exhausted as we kept walking, we couldn’t stop because we felt God’s earnest heart to save even one more soul.
When we were on the way back to Zion because it was late, we saw two people walking towards us on the other side. Thinking that it was our last chance, we preached to them. Their eyes were shining while listening. When we told them about the blessing of salvation, they said they would receive it right away and asked us to take them to the church. I was so moved that I cannot describe my feelings at that moment with words.
“I was surprised at the new name in the age of the Holy Spirit. I thank God for sending you.”
Both of them came to the church at a late hour, received a new life, and gave thanks to God. Seeing those two souls coming to Zion, I realized that when we act like the Good Samaritan according to God’s will, we will surely find our heavenly family members.
In the middle of the mission trip, we learned the power of unity. While preaching with local members, I sometimes felt frustrated because they didn’t do as I wished. But then, I remembered Mother’s words emphasizing the unity among the members, and something clicked in my mind. I reflected whether I had hurt the members by insisting on my opinions.
The next day, I held a sister’s hand tight, feeling sorry to her, and said, “Thanks to Father and Mother. Sister, I love you,” and went out for preaching. Then, we met a family in the street. When we asked a male adult if he believed in God, he said, “Mucho” (very much). Realizing Heavenly Mother right away, he took all his family to Zion and all five of them became children of God. After that, Brother Cesar’s family is studying the Bible regularly and keeping worship service holy.
The short-term mission to Peru made me fully repent of myself and learn God’s will; I hadn’t got rid of my sinful nature and foolish desires while being confident that I was a gospel worker. I will never forget the moments when I learned unity, patience, and the will of God. Engraving what I’ve learned and God’s grace through the short-term mission, I will strive to seek and take care of my lost brothers and sisters.