Walking by faith

We praise God for His faithfulness every day. He gives us more blessings than we can count and His peace and strength guides us each day. Thank you for your sacrifice of financial resources and time spent in prayer on our behalf. We thank God each day for your part in our ministry.
These have been full months since our last update. During the month of July we focused a bit more on family. The month of August was the start to the new semester and brought with it some incredible challenges and opportunities. We are halfway through September now, and rejoice in God's provision and strength each day.

During the first week of July Pastor Leonard Saunders and his wife, Norma, visited us. He is the former pastor of one of our supporting churches and he came to teach a module class on Discipleship. It was a tremendous blessing to have them in our home for a few days and to work together in the seminary class.

Right after they left, we got on the bus and rode 17 hours to Huancayo. We enjoyed 10 days of family vacation time there. We got to know our new puppy, Packer; we went to the zoo; we visited several parks and learned how to carve gourds; we road boats, 4-wheelers, and roller coasters (a scary experience in a 3rd world country); we tried new foods; we enjoyed the cold weather of the mountains; and we fellowshipped with the missionary families there. To see some photos of our trip, click here.
The rest of the month was busy with preparations for the new seminary semester, the new school year for our children, time spent with several visiting groups, and several work projects in the seminary.

We started the new semester at the beginning of August. We are thankful that all of our students returned for this semester. Financial difficulties and family problems are the 2 main reasons that many of them are unable to continue at the mid-year point. But God is working in them and teaching them to trust Him in spite of the challenges. We are thankful for that. And please continue to pray for their financial needs.

Though the semester started well, we quickly encountered our first challenges. On the first Friday, one of our students had to be dismissed because of long-term sin in his life. He was a leader in the 3rd year class, and his absence is felt in many aspects of our seminary life. We pray that God will work in his life to restore him to useful service.
Monday morning, August 15, is a morning that will be etched into the memories of our seminary family for many years to come. At about 4 am, Santos Ibáñez, another 3rd year student, passed from this life and into the arms of our Savior. He died of natural causes. This was a shock to our students and professors. Just hours earlier we were talking and he was doing well. It is a powerful reminder for all of us of just how quickly our lives can change. Please pray for continued healing and grace in our lives as we walk ahead by faith.
We finished the month with another visitor from the States and a student retreat. James Hettinga came to play his cello and see about future ministry opportunities in Peru. His musical presentation was used by God to bring healing and remind us of God's goodness (you can see a short video here). During the student retreat we were able to get away from the seminary for a few days and focus on some biblical teaching about difficulties and lots of game/fun time with the students. God graciously provides us what we need at each stage of the journey. And we are very grateful for that.

September has been the month of illnesses. Most of our students have had several nasty viruses in these past few weeks. Our family has not been untouched by these challenges. Being sick doesn't make studying and working very easy. Please pray for these illnesses to pass soon so that we can focus on our studies and service for Christ.

This weekend is the second ministry trip for the year. Our students and professors will be leaving for a week of ministry throughout the country. Please pray for safety and good ministry opportunities. Caleb will not be traveling this time so that we can try to take care of some family matters.

We will be coming home in just a few weeks (less than 100 days!) for some needed time rest, time with family, and a few visits with some supporting churches. We are in need of a larger vehicle during these weeks. Do you know of any way we could find a reliable, inexpensive vehicle for these weeks? If so, please contact us to let us know. Thanks!

We are in the midst of a spiritual battle. Satan wants to stop God's work in Peru through political, economic, social, meteorological, or any number of other circumstances. This situations discourage; disarm; distract; and, at times, diminish the forward motion of God's work. Continue to pray that God helps us to be faithful, that His work will continue to move forward for His glory, and that His name will be known in the houses, neighborhoods, towns, and countryside of Peru.
Until all have heard,

Caleb, Ecko, Joe, Jack, Isabel, and Isaac Stein

WALKING BY FAITH

Trusting God through the good and the difficult times

July

August

The photo above says: Even though we cry for your early and unexpected passing, we are comforted knowing that now you are rejoicing in heaven with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We don't understand why God allowed this to happen, but we are comforted by His grace each day.

I (Caleb) am so proud of our students, especially our 3rd year class. Here they are at the funeral singing a song to recognize Santos' influence in their lives. This was undoubtedly one of the most difficult moments of their lives, but they handled it with grace and dignity.

September

Short furlough -- December 14, 2016 to February 5, 2017