September Newsletter

Praying for the marginalized.

There are a fair number of marginalized people in Lima, and some of them are poor. The marginalized people are the people who (for one reason or another) do not fit in. You may know people like that.

We see it all the time, here. And the photograph in this month´s newsletter shows a really tough section of Lima. Out of about 38 or so Districts in Lima, this has a reputation of being the worst. I would call people, here, marginalized. (Note: the photograph does not appear in the blog version.)

Why were we driving through here? Well, our taxi driver needed to get us home as quickly as possible and took the short route. But he only told us about this section of the city when we were passing through, with the added remark: "no one in Lima will believe it if you tell them you were here." So, I took a photo. I asked him if his taxi was in good shape.

Why is it so rough? Drugs. Bad stuff. So, here is an idea: pick a building in the photo and pray for the safety of the people living in it, and that the neighborhood would be converted, materially and spiritually.

We live in a district in the city of Lima that is constantly changing, and there is an apartment building going up, next door. Their outer wall may be a few inches from our laundry room window. I figure we have about 3 or 4 weeks left of a decent view from our kitchen window before progress reaches us. And I like our view.

On the other hand, watching the men at work is fascinating. It is just amazing to watch them do what they do, and I pray for them, for their safety, for the building construction.

I learn a lot about a culture by watching what people do. I am learning to withhold my comments, until I learn why they do it. 15 months ago, I used to catch myself thinking about local customs for transporting goods or erecting buildings, "but what will they do when it rains or snows?" (Momentarily forgetting, that we do not have either rain or snow.) People, here, may do things differently, and if they do, it is often for a good reason.

Prayer Requests:

• For the end of the current seminary cycle (exams begin the last full week in September), and the beginning of the next seminary cycle (begins the second week in October).
• For seminary and diocesan administrative matters.
• For our relationships, priorities, ministries, and finances.

Soon Spring will be here, for us, and a lot of people reading this will be heading into Autumn. So, for you all: "have a great autumn!"

God bless you, and thank you for your continuing support! I pray for you, every day.

– Shaw, and on behalf of Julie and Lydia