A Testimony – Jason Reiswig, 23 years old
Spending 3 months in Peru this past summer…
I experienced a completely different world than that which has surrounded me the past 23 years of my life. Along with my wife and six other missionaries, we sacrificed our time and traveled down to Peru seeking to satisfy our desires to serve others. When we first arrived we had no idea what to expect, but Jorge soon made us all feel comfortable as he explained how he treasured each and every one of us for coming down and would take care of us as if we were one of his own. We hopped on a barge the next day, arrived in Nuevo San Juan late that night, and began our adventure. The entire summer we helped to prepare for the Congreso through various construction projects, traveled to six different villages in which we painted churches and spent time in fellowship, and finally, were leaders in the Congreso. It is extremely hard to sum up my experience in a mere paragraph, so I will get down to what really matters. My time in the Peruvian Amazon spent with Jorge and his ministry has changed my life forever. Beyond spending time in a world full of adventure and excitement, I was able to touch lives and in return had them touch mine. I was a medical helper at the clinic in the Congreso (where we saw over 400 villagers in four days), started IVs for dehydrated villagers throughout the summer, and helped with burn victims and machete wounds that occurred around me. With being a medical school student, this opportunity was both eye-opening and a blessing. The most important thing that I feel touched my life, however, was how the Peruvian people let us integrate into their lives and showed me what really matters in this world. I was able to see people who had such a genuine faith (a faith that I have never experienced before), as well as a mentality rooted in relationships and contentment. Even though the Peruvian nation is one of the poorest in South America, they were satisfied with putting their lives in God’s hands and spending time in fellowship together. This was the first out-of-the-country mission trip I have been a part of, and I know that I will return the first chance I get. I always had a stereotype in my mind of what it meant to be a “missionary,” but after this experience I know that all it takes is a compassionate and servant heart. All of my fellow missionaries were just like me, not necessary “holier-than-thou” Christians, just everyday people trying to follow God’s plan for their life and putting trust in their faith. Through this experience, I now have a place in my heart for the Peruvian people and I know that anyone willing to give up just a little of their time will be blessed beyond comprehension. I believe so strongly in Jorge’s ministry, which is why I have agreed to do this website and become the United States liaison for him. I strongly encourage any of you who are reading this to consider going down to Peru and I know your life will be changed forever! Feel free to give us your contact information and I’ll be more than happy to speak with you about my experience! God Bless you and your walk with Him!