New Life In Arequipa

By Norma Gill (Aimee Stiles' mother)

On October 11,1999, ABWE missionaries John and Aimee Stiles, and Steve and Debi Douglas saw faith become sight in Arequipa, Peru's second-largest city. This day marked the culmination of six years of prayer for a building to house the growing group of believers. The historic convention center known as La Casona de Boulevard became the new home of Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva. New Life Baptist Church now has a permanent location from which to witness to the city's 300,000 professional people previously unreached with the Gospel.

In a night dedicated to the praise and honor of God, over 40 regular attendees joined 180 invited guests who included missionaries from ABWE's Coastal Peru Field Council; Dave Southwell, South American administrator; and ABWE President, Wendell Kempton. Purchase of the three-story building was made possible through an anonymous gift, an answer to prayer, providing "exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think."

Arequipan believers testified of their new life in Christ by singing, "There Is a Redeemer." Greta, a 13-year-old girl, brings many visitors to church. Her father accepted Christ and actively testifies of his new faith. Hans, a 35-year-old executive with the Coca-Cola Company, said, "Steve Douglas came to visit me the night I was ready to give up my job, my wife, my life. It was then God got my attention." Now a maturing believer Hans' marriage is restored, and his parents and two other families attend church after seeing what God has done in his life.

After John and Aimee Stiles sang "To God be the Glory," Dr. Kempton said, "We are here to give honor, glory, and praise to God. This place is dedicated to promote joy and peace, and to proclaim the greatest person who ever lived, Jesus Christ." He challenged the listeners to study the WORD of God, to know the WILL of God, and follow the WAY to God.

As the evening drew to a close, Stephen Douglas said, "God has done something so great that everyone who sees this building and hears this story will recognize the hand of God upon us." Others commented, "Thank God for all the people who gave to meet our need." "Prayer and faith gave us this church."

With gratefulness and awe, John Stiles reflected, "It seems strange to have this big building. Before when the church met in our home, we were so crowded with Sunday school classes in the bedroom, nursery, and kitchen. Now we seem like a drop of water in the ocean. We've got a big place to fill, but every week visitors come and we are reaching people who can enter into the joy of NEW LIFE in Christ."