Jeyachandran Family

Big Launch for our Web Project - Uconecta

22 May 2016
We were really excited to launch Uconecta, our web project, at an event with 120 students and lecturers. Uconecta is an online platform for University students in Latin America to share notes, resources, files etc. We now have a pilot group with a hundred students from the main university where I work - Universidad Nacional de San Agustin (UNSA).
 
Our aim is to build a platform that will be really useful for students and also will provide a way for them to connect with our Christian group if they choose to. Read more here.
 
 
Morgan Powell, our SIM Director, opening the event in prayer. Great that we have the freedom to prayer even in official events.
 
The Rector of our University (Vice Chancellor in Australia) spoke about Innovation.
 
Christine did an amazing job organising the catering for the 120 people.
 
 

Arequipa English starts with a bang

23 Mar 2016
We started Arequipa English with a bang! Literally! An electrical transformer on the street burst into flames and our street lost electricity. Our evening  suddenly became a candlelight affair (plus phones with torches/ flashlights). Tonight was our “Welcome to Peru” night for two new missionaries, Anna and Laura, who will work here in Arequipa - Anna for a year and Laura for two. We enjoyed dancing, local customs and food and traditional music, all by students of Arequipa English. Some of these were a challenge in the dark, especially our cleanup, but we had a team that worked together, despite adversity. What a special night it was! I really wanted to make it special because I remember how special a welcome we had when we came to Peru.
 
Our English classes have now commenced with an hour of conversation and an hour of Bible study. We had planned to continue studying the book of Acts, but we’ve had an influx of new students. We realised that students can’t understand Acts without an understanding of the Gospel. We had one new student say “I have never read the Bible before” and it was clear he was not alone.  Praise God for the opportunity to share the gospel with these students.
 
Please thank God for Anna who will take over running Arequipa English when we leave with the help of Laura and Jason. Please pray that people will make decisions for Christ and especially for our “regulars" who often know the right answers, but many who haven’t yet committed their life to Jesus. Our aim is that students improve in their English and also that, through reading the Bible, they will clearly understand the Good news of Jesus.
 

158 countries, 1200 University students and staff

08 Aug 2015
 
Together in Christ

"Together in Christ" - people from all around the world at the IFES World Assembly. #WA2015

Posted by David Jeyachandran on Saturday, 1 August 2015

What happens when you get together students and Christian staff workers from universities all around the world, from places like Australia, Ghana, Palestine and Peru? I’m really grateful to have to have been part of this amazing event called the IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students) World Assembly.

One student from El Salvador shared how students live with the fear of bandits who take advantage of the instability in the country. She’s once had to dive to the ground when gunfire opened in the streets. Other students shared how they operate in countries where it is illegal to share their faith. It was also sad to hear that in countries in Europe that we’d consider peaceful and open to the gospel, the University administration treats evangelical groups with suspicion while being open to other religions. One administrator told a Christian group that he believed they were only growing because they used manipulation and coercion. For me this was encouragement to fully take advantage of the openness to the gospel we currently have in Peru.

Working in Peru has it’s own challenges so it was helpful to talk to others in a similar situation. I’m the only full-time staff worker in a University with over 20,000 students. There are two other universities within walking distance with over 10,000 students each. Clearly to reach such an enormous number of students we need processes to disciple and empower Christian students to reach their friends. It was great to connect with Peter Sholl, an Aussie missionary, who has a programme for providing theological education for University student while they continue in their studies. Daniela from Mexico (video in Spanish) spoke about how syncretism where Catholicism mixed with other beliefs results in a world view that is distant from what the Bible teaches. She shared some ideas of how their group engages with students in this context.

The conference was also a good opportunity to speak with the leaders of the University ministry from several different Latin American countries about our Uconecta project. The students from Mexico were particularly interested. I learnt a lot from a student from Chile who showed me a system that his University used to share information.

Here’s an article in Christianity Today that features a photo of someone you know. When the photo was taken I was just asking a question about the financial statement - not making one of the five world changing ideas. :) I did however get the opportunity to share about the Uconecta project at the Latin American gathering.

 

Immersed in English - searching for Truth!

22 Jul 2015

About 24 Peruvian students spent a weekend immersed in English. Apart from practicing speaking English, we also learnt about where we should look for truth. Jesus said “I am the way, the TRUTH and the life”. A team of 4 from Tyndale University in Canada helped by leading sessions about the Bible and running workshops. We played also played games, sang and got to know each other. David really enjoyed the camp because having more time to talk meant deeper conversations. One student shared how he had earlier made a commitment to Jesus but struggled to stay committed. Other students opened up about different challenges that they faced. Several Christian students were encouraged in their walk with the Lord.

The evaluation forms were overwhelmingly positive and everyone wanted another camp. Someone even wrote in the what could be improved section “Less free time” which makes us laugh as Pervians do love organised activities.

What was the best thing about camp? The bonfire, making friends, playing games, playing card games, talking with campers, the preaching, the talent show, the food, new friendships, sharing knowledge about God, conversation in English.

Marisol:- “the best thing was the preaching of the gospel and the talking about Jesus as the truth, because that's the most important thing in our lives”.

What did you learn about God or the Bible? About Jesus and the faith, The differences between Catholics and Evangelicals, proof that the bible is true, I learned that being with God we can have or I’ve live in the truth, the meanings of biblical words are more clear than in Spanish (now).

Elizabeth – I learnt that God is the truth, his words are the truth, I will obey God's word. I will walk by the voice of God.

We thank God for the help of the Canadian team. It was a blessing to many and helped build stronger friendships with our students. The team are safely home for which we also grateful to God as we had two day of protests and strikes during their visit. Once we narrowly escaped injury when soccer fans got unfriendly in the main square. One person from the team named Adam has stayed. He was on the team last year and will and will stay for 3 months working with the English ministry and more. Please pray for Adam that he will connect with students and inspire them in their spiritual walk. Please pray for the students in Arequipa English and especially the ones that we are following up.

Our friend Paulo

02 Apr 2015

On Tuesday 1st of April last year our friend Paulo went to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It was a shock to everyone as he was only 34 years old.

 

He was faithful in serving the Lord each week, playing the piano while his brother played guitar and sisters sang. About two years ago, he received the honour of being invited to be part of the Orchestra of Arequipa in a town where there are very few paid music jobs. He played the double bass and his colleagues described him as extremely talented.

I felt a connection with him because he encouraged us in our desire to get our girls learning the piano and appreciating music. The kids (and us too) loved to go to see Paulo play in concert often in beautiful old cathedrals. Thankfully, being a double bass player, he was standing so we could see him :-).

We had hoped he could teach them piano but because of his commitments with the orchestra (and his health issues which his Mum had told me briefly about) he recommended a music school right near our place where he studied himself. We knew of the place and had met him nearby accidentally many times as we played in the parks close to the school. He would spot us or the kids would spot him as he walked to his classes. It seemed he was ever keen on improving his skills even though he was already so good. So through these meetings, music events and the church I got to know him well. He was a gentle person, kind, faithful and interested in others.

He died of a heart attack in the waiting room of the hospital. He had some prior blood pressure issues and health concerns and was awaiting a heart operation, though few knew the gravity of his problems which he did not mention. It saddens me greatly to think his death could have been prevented. He had gone to the hospital the day before (Sunday night) with pain in the heart but they just asked him to come back the next day. We trust that he is in a better place. I am grateful that about a month before his death his parents had returned to live with him and this gave them some precious time with him.

His death was a shock. We got a phone call from a friend and then an SMS from his brother-in-law. There was a “wake" that very night in the funeral home with the funeral the following day. Thankfully our pastor (brother-in-law) was able to, despite his grief, point people towards God. Both events were well attended by friends and family and orchestra members too paid their respects with music.

His brother was devastated after Paulo died but we were happy to see that late last year God gave him a lovely wife, no doubt a comfort in this time of distress. They make a beautiful couple and it was a joy to attend their wedding in November and see his joy. The brother returned to leading church after a break mourning Paulo's loss.

Paulo did not run the race in vain but served God and others in his short life – may we be encouraged to do likewise. It seemed fitting to post this a year on in memory of Paulo – I miss him and sometimes feel myself choking up when I think of him. It took me a little longer to make friends here in Peru so when someone makes an effort, with some English thrown in, it touched my heart. We miss you Paulo but know you served God with enthusiasm with the talents he gave you.

 

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...

 

By Christine

Coming a long way to help us

15 Sep 2014

We recently had two teams come to help us with our ministry in Arequipa. We were able to speak to hundreds of people we normally wouldn’t have been able to. We visited schools, English Institutes, the University as well as running various programmes. The first team came from Canada and the second from much closer to our home in Australia - from the Wycliffe Christian School in the Blue Mountains in Australia.

These are my highlights from the Wycliffe team…

1. Singing My Jesus

The team was requested to perform a song called "Mi Jesus” (My Jesus) at an English Institute in Arequipa to more than 100 students. This was after we were strictly instructed not do anything religious. Visiting the institute helped connect us with many new students.

2. Reconnecting

There was a student who had been through some tough times and who had stopped coming to our Christian group. She happened to come to one of the small groups led by the Australian team and shared her moving testimony.

3. Visiting a kids club in a poor community

It’s always moving visiting kids clubs. Here a local church is reaching out to a community where young kids are often home alone while their parents work. This was extra special because the Wycliffe team brought a donation to help this programme.

4. Special Times

We also had special times with the team sharing in our struggles, sorrows and joys.

Thanks also to the team for bringing donations for several other ministries here in Arequipa too - for the Breakfast Programme, a kids programme we mentioned and funds to assist with a roof for a new church plant. So thank you Daniel, Sandy, Emma, Rachel, Caitlyn and Tom.

Our next post will be the highlights from the Canadian team who came from Tyndale Bible College and University.

Please pray for the many connections we have made and that some of these students will continue to study the Bible with us. Pray for students who have reconnected with us - that our group will make them feel welcomed and loved.

 

Earthquakes and Tremors

18 Apr 2014

The cupboard behind me began to shake and then the windows. I waited to see if I was going to need to evacuate the building. I had a quick look around the room to see where would be a safe spot. Soon enough the tremor was over.

In the last couple of weeks we've had several fairly strong tremors. Last week we experiences our strongest tremor so far that came right after a major quake in northern Chile with a magnitude of 8.2. We were at a funeral and we all had to head outside and the swaying continued for what felt like several minutes. Cars stopped and the street lights shook and I could feel the earth moving from side to side. What I find scariest is the noise of windows rattling and the deep rumble of the walls shaking. Soon after, many tried to contact their families but the mobile phone network was saturated.

Geologists in the newspaper warn that the next earthquake could be "the big one". For us life continues as normal. We know that the tremors will continue. We've been more diligent to have our emergency bag ready. Recommended supplies include:

  • water
  • non-perishable food
  • whistle
  • torches
  • radio
  • spare batteries
  • sleeping bags
  • warm clothing


Emergency SuppliesSome supplies from our emergency bag

Our job is to be prepared and at the same time continue to do what we feel God has brought us here to do. We have so many opportunities to share the good news of Jesus in this city and make a difference in people's lives. We are really enjoying being here. Every tremor is a good reminder to pray for safety and to trust our Lord. We also appreciate all our friends who pray for us and emailed after the quake.

You may also want to read:

Preparing for Earthquakes

Christine's Health

04 Apr 2014

It will come as quite a shock to most of you that I (Christine) have recently been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's Disease. I wish we could talk in person but this will have to do for now. Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system usually affecting older folk.


On the last day of our holidays we received the diagnosis from a neurologist in Lima. After some tests he could immediately see that my left side had a tremor, stiffness and a general weakness in the fingers (the reasons for the visit). By the grace of God I am generally healthy and strong. Most people do not notice the trembling.

We got a second opinion when we got home to Arequipa, this time loaded with lots of questions and also accompanied by our Doctor (who happens to be our Mission Director here). The conclusion was the same. Recently we have connected by Skype and email with an Australian specialist which is very helpful to us as well. I am taking medicine to help but there is no cure for the disease. To help maintain movement in my body and encourage general strength all over the body it is important to exercise. This can slow progress the disease. So now exercising is an important priority of my time.

We would value your prayers at this time as David and I adjust to the prognosis. The Doctors don't think it will advance too quickly (only God knows) so at this point we will not change our focus here in Peru. We love it here and since we can get the medicines, health-care and physiotherapy we will continue in what we feel God has called us to. I even taught my first Bible study in our English conversation class this week (written in early Feb) which was exciting as it involved teaching people who don't know Christ. What a privilege! We pray they will come to know God's forgiveness and love.

The main impact on me is slight clumsiness on my left side and slowness in typing, both of which I can live with. I do not feel sick though I do get tired. Part of me doesn't even want to tell people because I don't want to be seen as a victim or different when I feel so normal but I know that your prayers can do so much. Thank you!

We don't understand why this has come to us and maybe we don't fully understand the repercussions just yet as they seem a bit distant but we know we have a God who is faithful and we are trusting him.
"You (the LORD) will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal". Isaiah 26:3-4

Thank you kindly for your prayers and generosity.

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