The Quiring family in Arequipa, Peru

Would you just grow up!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:06:00 +0000

We just came out of a leadership team meeting at El Camino. At the beginning of the meeting the team leader asked us a question. We all had to come up with our own personal answer and then not take it back when we shared our answers to the question, "What is the greatest need in El Camino and why?"

Every last one of us said the same thing: Lack of maturity.

What do we mean by that? People think and act in a manner which shows a lack of development and progress in their personal lives. Here are some examples.

* College girl goes out with a non-Christian guy who gets drunk, argues with her and leaves her feeling miserable. But, will she break up with him?

* College guy is failing 4 of his 6 classes this semester. "They are boring" is his only answer. By the way, he doesn't pay for any of his classes. Are we surprised?

* Married couple with some heavy problems in their relationship. But it is always his/her fault.

* Salesman constantly yells at and insults his co-workers. Then he can't figure out why no one respects his opinion.

* Lady in the church notices that one of the pastors has been busy (which he is) and a little distracted (because of many, many needy people at his door). So she tells him that she is offended that he has not been more friendly and enthusiastic when he greets her.

I could give you a lot more, but I think you get the point.

These attitudes and actions result in broken relationships, depression, lack of service and a failure to attain leadership and good influence in the church. It also results in a constant series of counselling sessions where we end up repeating the same thing to the same people. Then they get upset with us for saying the same thing every time and not solving their problem.

At times we want to take these people over our knee and "fix 'em up good!" Of course, that wouldn't solve a thing. You also see that we as missionaries and pastors can get discouraged and frustrated.

Ephesians 4:15 & 16 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work"

This means that there is a process and a goal to reach. The goal is to be like Christ. The process is speaking the truth (teaching the Bible) in love (with the attitude of Christ) and having all contribute. The center of this whole passage is Christ. He Himself is our goal. We are to be like HIM, not a cheap, "Made in China" imitation that we ourselves make up. Everything we say, do and think must be centered on the person and work of Jesus. Our attitudes and actions must reflect Christ. As we mature in these attitudes and actions we will become more and more like Jesus.

To expect to break bad habits and destructive patterns by following our own prescriptions is to invite more trouble into our fragile lives. To expect ourselves or anyone else to grow from baby to adult in one day is absolutely ridiculous. Biologically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually it is impossible. But growth will occur as we aim for and depend on Jesus Christ. If we base our lives and growth on THE TRUTH (found in the Bible) the growth will occur.

Pray with us that we as leaders in El Camino would "grow up" to be like Christ and that we would lead others into this same maturity.

God bless.

Partnership in the Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:13:00 +0000

3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3 - 6 NIV)

Arequipa, Peru is a long way from North America. Of course, by plane you can travel from Toronto, New York, LA, Houston, Miami, Houston or Atlanta to Lima within 8 hours. Another hour and some in a plane and you are in Arequipa. But the long way has to do with language for many. Cultural differences for others. Time constraints for some. It's a long way.

Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Philippi to encourage them in their faith and ensure they were following God's will. The distances and times of that epoch were very great, yet Paul still opened his epistle saying how grateful he was for the partnership he and the Philippians enjoyed.

The same goes for us in Arequipa, Peru with El Camino. During the last half of August we enjoyed the blessing of a team from Winnipeg, Manitoba. They came down south to participate with us in the work of El Camino. They were up to their eyeballs sometimes in many activities: puppets, music, children's ministry, painting, Bible studies, marriage group and youth group activities.

In between there was tourism and shopping. They did everything with a smile and a lot of enthusiasm. They threw themselves into not only the tasks at hand, but more importantly, into the lives of the people in El Camino.

They didn't come to be the "great white saviours" by any means. They came to share. They came to serve. And, they came to learn from those in El Camino who could teach them.

This is partnering in the gospel. Paul and the Philippians shared this. We experience the same with many others.

If you want to share in this partnership, begin by praying with us. Contact us and see where and how you can fit in.

God bless and we, too, thank God for your partnership with us in the gospel.

Brad Quiring

¡MI PATRIA! - Translated!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:49:00 +0000

I ran out of time to translate the latest post. I had posted it on my hi5 blog for our church members here in Peru, but I wanted everyone to have a chance to see it. Now: here is MI PATRIA in English:

MY COUNTRY

I am a Canadian. I was born in Canada and lived there for 29 of my _______ years of life ;-)

I love my country. In my opinion, it is the best country to have ever existed. In spite of the brutal winter cold and the hot, moquito infested summers, my country is the best...in my humble opinion, of course.

Canada is perfect, just like Heaven. HAHAHA!! LOL!! No way! Frankly, I think the leadership and citizens of Canada have committed so many foolish errors that I'm not sure the nation will recover. Especially in the area of ethics and morals. The general conscience of right and wrong has diminised to the point that I fear for the wellbeing of my country and fellow Canadians. I am saddened by this while at the same time celebrating my citizenship.

If I feel this way about Canada, why did I leave it to live in Peru? Many Peruvians have asked me this question. I honestly answer them: because of my love for God and the mission he has given me to share His love with others. In spite of this great mission, several Peruvians look at me as if I had lost a few neurons in the high altitude of Arequipa, Peru.

It seems like many Peruvians see their own nation like a dead end street. They don't see a future, possiblities or hope. This is particularly strong among young people. The Hollywood image as well as certain North American immigration promoters is that Canada and the USA are just one step below God's Heaven. They only show the best and most attractive of the northern countries. They never reveal the whole truth. Yes, Canada and the USA are beautiful places and good countries, but I doubt they are the solution to people's problems.

Why do I say this? Because almost every person that wants to leave Peru to live in Canada or the USA is because they want more money. The problem is they arrive in Canada and realize all their experience and education in Peru amounts to very little. The cost of living in Canada is very high and one has to put up with a lot to simply live there.

The focus is money. 1 Timothy 6.10 says: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Amen!

God has given us our countries for a reason. The reason for our lives is to honour God in EVERYTHING (Colossians 3:17). God also wants us to trust in Him in everything. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

If we remember that we have a Great God who can supply all our needs and give us a life full of satisfaction, we won't be looking for something "more" from another country.

God is the creator of the entire world. God made this country of Peru as well. He has placed in Peru one beautiful thing after another. There are untapped resources and opportunities everywhere. Unfortunately, there are many problems in Peru. Corruption, crime, inefficiency and other factors diminish opportunities to grow. But, the solution isn't to escape from the frying pan into the fire. The USA or Canada do not offer a better life.

You have the chance to make Peru a better country. Your education, energy and ability will give all Peruvians chances they've never had before. Above all, your relationship with the God of the universe, through faith in Jesus Christ, will result in a blessing for your own nation.

Your salvation and the salvation of your Peru doesn't come in the form of money nor government. It comes through the work of Jesus Christ. Imagine if you and your friends lived according to the new life and power of God.

You don't need to be ashamed of being Peruvian or living in Peru. During the national celebration of independence (July 28 and 29), show your pride in Peru and pray for your country.

I'm Canadian and I love my home and native land, the true north strong and free. I live in Peru and I love the country that has adopted me.

¡¡¡¡¡QUE VIVA EL PERÚ!!!!!

P.S. for all my friends in Canada and the USA. Your prayers for your own country and for Peru will really make the difference.

I know that there are people from other countries that would love to make their new home in North America. Most of these people have talent and education that will be of tremendous benefit to their own country and their exit further deepens the damage in their home. On top of that, if they are true believers in Christ, their Christian influence is desperately needed.

Of course, there are situations where the terror of persecution and danger raises its head and God chooses to remove those faithful from their nations. But in the case of Latin countries, that doesn't exist or at least not with the severity of the past.

When someone wants your help to leave their native country to live in North America and find a "better life", pray for them and encourage them to pray for a decision like that. Pray for the leadership and opportunities of their nations so that the way will be opened for these valuable people to step forward and bless their countries. Pray for encouragement in the many discouraging situations they face. Please be careful with your good intentions to not leave the impression that things will be better if they leave or that you will help them.

One of our youth, who went to the USA on a special work experience program came back saying, "I like America, but now I love Peru even more and I want to stay in my country and with the help of God make it a great nation."

¡MI PATRIA!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Soy Canadiense. nací en Canadá y viví allá por 29 de mis ______ años ;-)

Amo mucho a mi país. En mi opinión es el mejor país que ha existido. A pesar del frío brutal de invierno y el calor infernal con zancudos en verano, mi país es mejor...en mi opinión, no más.

Canadá es perfecto, como el cielo. JAJAJAJAJAJA!!!! Para nada. De ninguna manera. Francamente, pienso que están cometiendo tantos errores necios que mi país probablemente nunca va a recuperarse. Particularmente errores de ética y moralidad. La consciencia de bueno y malo se está disminuendo de tal manera que temo mucho por el bienestar de mi patria y compatriotas. Lamento de eso mientras gozo de mi ciudadanía.

¿Por qué dejé, entonces, mi Canadá para vivir en el Perú? Muchos peruanos me preguntan esto. Yo les contesto, honestamente, que por amor de Dios y la misión que Él me ha dado de compartir Su amor a todos. A pesar de mi gran misión, muchos Peruanos me ven como si me hubiera perdido unos neurones al llegar a la altura de Arequipa.

Es que muchos Peruanos ven su propio país como una calle sin salida. No ven futuro. No ven posibilidades. No ven esperanza. La imagen de Hollywood y ciertos promotores de turismo es que Canadá y los Estados Unidos es solamente un escalón menos que el cielo de Dios. Sólo muestran lo más atractivo y bonito de esos países norteñas. La cosa es, nunca revelan la verdad. Sí, son bonitos lugares y buenos países, pero yo dudo mucho que son la solución a los problemas.

¿Por qué digo esto? Porque cada persona que quiere irse del Perú a Canadá solamente quiere irse por dinero. La gran mayoría de Peruanos en Canadá ya se dieron cuenta de que toda su educación y capacitación no vale nada. El costo de vivir de Canadá es muy elevado y tienen que soportar MUCHAS cosas para simplemente vivir.

Su enfoque es dinero. 1 Timoteo 6:10 dice: "Porque el amor al dinero es la raíz de toda clase de males. Por codiciarlo, algunos se han desviado de la fe y se han causado muchísimos sinsabores." Amén.

Dios nos ha dado nuestros patrias con propósito. El propóstio de nuestras vidas es honrar a Dios en TODO (Colosenses 3:17). También, Dios quiere que confiemos en Él en todo. Filipenses 4:19 dice, "Así que mi Dios les proveerá de todo lo que necesiten, conforme a las gloriosas riquezas que tiene en Cristo Jesús."

Si tomamos en cuenta que tenemos un Dios grande que puede suplir todas las necesidades nuestras y darnos una vida de satisfacción, no vamos a buscar algo "más" de otro país.

Dios es creador de todo el mundo. Creó este país del Perú, también. Ha colocado en el Perú belleza tras belleza. Hay riquezas y oportunidades que todavía no hemos descubierto.
Lamentablemente, hay muchos problemas en el Perú. Corrupción, delincuencia, ineficiencia fiscal y otros factores disminuyen las oportunidades de crecer. Pero, la solución no es huirse de la olla al sartén. Los EEUU o Canadá no te ofrecen mejor vida.

Tú tienes la oportunidad de hacer que el Perú sea el mejor país del mundo. Tu educación, tu energía y tus habilidades van a darles a todos los Peruanos oportunidades que nunca han habido. Sobre todo, tu relación con el Dios del universo, por medio de fe en Jesús, va a resultar en bendición para tu patria.

La salvación de ti y del Perú viene no en forma de dinero ni del gobierno, viene por medio de la obra de Jesucristo. Imagínate si tú y tus compañeros vivieran según la nueva vida y el poder de Dios.

No hay nada porque avergonzarse de ser Peruano ni de vivir en el Perú. En la semana de fiestas patrias, anuncia al mundo de que eres del Perú.

Soy Canadiense y amo a mi patria. Vivo en el Perú, y amo a mi patria que me ha adoptado.

¡¡¡¡¡QUE VIVA EL PERÚ!!!!!

Something works!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:06:00 +0000

"Is this really working?"

Each one of us has had this come out of our mouths after putting hours, no...days, no...months into an important project. It has almost become a member of the family. All our intelligence and energy has gone into completing a set of tasks that we'd like to see result in something very beneficial.

Get into the business of establishing a church and you think and say this often. Not only regarding the project as a whole, but in the different activities and programs you throw yourself into in order to reach the goal of an established church work.

Contrary to the uninformed popular view of Christian workers, we do not spend hours and hours per day kneeling in prayer, mumbling away in a cloister. Nor do we spend the rest of the hours surrounded by Greek and Hebrew texts as well as libraries of works by ancient and modern theologians. We'd like to, but it doesn't work out that way. We do pour a lot of time into just visiting people, buying things, on the phone, and on the 'Net.

Sometimes we're literally in the mud and mess of a building project.

We sit in meetings planning and strategizing, trying to come up with creative ideas that will be attractive, relevant and meaningful.

In the end, we wonder if it works. People start into a new study with gusto, and in the end lose interest after about 3 or 4 weeks. The sermons feel good to preach, and several people in the congregation sleep. The counselling sessions are intense and the couple wants to work things through. In the end they fight more furiously than before and you get blamed for it. Is something working at all?

Well, when we as leaders leave the pity party and actually evaluate things realistically, we see that, yes, things are working. But not according to our standards of success.

We see the most "unlikely" of characters stepping up as the most mature and capable members and leaders of the congregation. We see the "impossible" type come around and change completely as a person. We see the "totally lost little one" understand deep, complex themes. We notice that eventually the wall gets painted, the door gets fixed and the burned-out light bulbs get changed.

This is when we realize our standards are low: we want one thousand people in the congregation, 80 pastors and missionaries, an unending stream of people at our counselling door that walk in with problems and walk out an hour later with solutions. We want a big building with a huge, lit sign. But that's pretty shallow and weak.

What God wants is to touch us deeply through His powerful Bible and Holy Spirit. And through us, wants to touch others deeply. That's it. If we get a thousand people and a hundred missionaries and a one-block square campus, that's just some minor stuff that tags itself onto the work we do.

How are you doing? Is everything working? Like Larry Norman sang: "Why don't you look into Jesus? He's got the answer!" Looking to Him will help you see what really "works".

You can count on God!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:31:00 +0000

The week-end of June 21 and 22, 2008 has been an awesome, inspiring time for us as a family.

Lori and I have had the great privilege and blessing of being able to be in Winnipeg for my dad's last official Sunday not only of Waverley Baptist Church, but also the closing of full time ministry after 43 years as a pastor.

Attending the Saturday night banquet and Sunday morning service at Waverley were a host of people who represented each one of the churches dad has served in. For me it was an awesome experience because home is in each one.

But it was more than that: God was honoured and shown to be the Lord of our lives, churches and ministry.

My dad's last sermon on June 22 was titled "You can count on God!"

The main points were:
God is Great
God is Good
You can Trust God's Word

These powerful statements were acted out time and time again in our life as a family and in the churches where dad served. Obviously, God will continue to act this way in the future for my parents and for each one of us.

What a great time it was to celebrate God this week-end. What a great time to celebrate with family and friends. There were tears and a lot of laughter. The memories came flooding back to us and it was so special.

Thank you for your prayers and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to show His power, love and goodness to us and others.

Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth Quiring

Great View: not of the city, though

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:24:00 +0000

I just returned from a couple of days in Lima, the capital of Peru. My teammate, Craig, and I had a couple of tickets for a conference we were to attend. Well, the conference was cancelled and Craig and I were looking at losing the tickets, so we decided to use them and take advantage of the time to get away from Arequipa to get certain things done.

Note: we have nothing against Arequipa, but if you are close to a phone, someone will find you and you'll never get anything done!

Contrary to many people's thinking, South American coastal cities are not all beautiful, colonial style, palm-trees-by-the-white-beach paradises. Lima is a massive city with a high degree of poverty. As you fly into Lima-Callao airport the sight that greets you are dirty factories, warehouses and partially finished brick buildings. To add to the "charm", at this time of year (June through September) the clouds close in and hang close to the ground. There is no sun until October and there is a constant, cold damp feeling in the air. Really, the view isn't great at all. Our view wasn't that great.

The view that was fantastic was the view we got of church. Craig and I were able to sit down and truly evaluate how El Camino is doing. We sat most of Monday at a street café in Miraflores drinking great coffee and working through an evaluation of each ministry. In between we walked around the historic district and enjoyed some sights worth seeing in Lima.

There is much to praise God about in El Camino. People's lives are changing. More are coming to church and to the different programs. Leaders are stepping up. On the other side, there is still much immaturity. Immaturity in that people are very slow to move to service on their own, slow to trust God in everything. They continue to make huge issues out of small problems and communication is a tremendous challenge for many.

Then, on Tuesday we were able to sit in the pastors' meeting at the Christian Bible Church of La Molina and hear how God has been working there. We encouraged the pastors and prayed with them in their many challenges.

The view was great: the view of God's work in people's lives. We were hoping God would have given us a better view of the city :-)

Brad

Urgent!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:57:00 +0000

Sometimes we just get sick and tired of hearing, "right now," or, "hurry up," or "faster!" If it isn't our parents saying it, it is our teacher, our boss, a client or someone else. Everyone is in a hurry and wants us to meet their needs.

There is a saying, "the tyranny of the urgent." This refers to our responding to all the demands on us as if each one were priority. The problem is that we can never respond to all the demands or satisfy everyone. We're left with two options: run around until we collapse and get nothing done or establish priorities and action plans in order to actually get things done in good time according to the true importance of each demand.

In the Bible there is an urgency that requires that every true believer in God place as a priority: the message of Jesus Christ.

Jesus has compassion for everyone and does not desire that anyone perish or suffer for their sins. That is the reason he came to the earth, died and rose again from the dead.

Jesus' mission did not end there. In Matthew 9:35 - 37 we see that Jesus transmitted an urgent priority to his followers. He saw the multitudes who were harassed and tired, without any direction or purpose to their lives. Deeply moved, Jesus commanded his followers to see the situation as he saw it and pray that God would send people to meet the desperate needs of the people of the world.

Jesus said that everyone was ripe and ready to receive the message of love and salvation from God, but there were few workers who were out there proclaiming it. Therefore millions and millions of people stayed, and stay today, far away from a new life and hope in Jesus.

It is the obligation of every true believer in Jesus to continue the work that he started nearly 2000 years ago. There is a urgency to this command for two reasons.

1) Life is short. Few people in this world today live past 80 years. In most underdeveloped countries many do not even reach 45 years of age. The book of Hebrews says that it is appointed to man that he dies once and then there is the judgement. How terrible to live a short life and then arrive at God's judgement seat carrying with yourself all of your sin and guilt.

2) The second coming of Jesus is imminent. Jesus could come at any time. Very few are ready to meet him.

Therefore, it is the priority and obligation of every true Christian to share the message of salvation, forgiveness and hope through faith in Jesus to every person.

Don't wait until you are "ready". You already have everything you need to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ.

Don't wait for someone else to do it. God has called YOU to do His work in the world.

Don't wait until the "time is right." Today is the day of salvation. I'm not saying you should run into the middle of the street and scream out the message of Christ, but you can live a life now that is completely different from the rest that it will call the attention of others.

Finally, we must have a passion to see the world saved through faith in Jesus. If we have no conviction, we'll never start, and, of course, no one will see that we have something special to offer: eternal life in Christ.

El Camino's Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:40:00 +0000

We work with a christian congregation called El Camino in Arequipa, Peru. It is very important in a work like this to be clear on what we want to accomplish. To get to that point, we need to be very clear in why we are here. Over the last year we have worked hard on developing a vision statement that applies not only to us as the team that established El Camino, but also for the church itself.

The vision of El Camino is this: "Impact the families of Arequipa and their circle with the truth of God through our testimony, service, multiplication and leadership.

Impact: that there would be a deep change in life in the people.

Families of Arequipa and their circle: To reach all members of the family of all ages and then touch those who are in the circle of influence of a person.

Truth of God: There is absolute truth that reflects reality: this is only found in a relationship with God based on our faith in Him.

How do we accomplish this:
Testimony: Our lifestyle and message that we present.

Service: How we serve others in the church and in the community. Not only with our deeds, but the attitude of the heart behind those deeds.

Multiplication: Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 that we are to "Go and make disciples". We are to reproduce the new life of Christ in other people. Also, El Camino isn't to be the only congregation: it is to be the first of several.

Leadership: through effective leadership a church grows and stays healthy.

Pray with us as we now work through this vision and make it real: a part of our life that changes other lives.

Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth Quiring

P.S. If you want to see photos: just head to http://picasaweb.google.ca/qsinperu

Tired is in the air. And it means something BIG and GREAT!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:20:00 +0000

The title of this post is a quote from my teammate, Bob. We had our team meeting this morning and we all said we felt quite tired.

We weren't saying this because we felt sorry for ourselves or because we wanted someone to pity us, it's reflecting the reality in which we live and work. We're tired because there is so much happening. And, it is exciting.

This last weekend, actually beginning May 1st, we went full blast. That afternoon we opened up our youth café. 46 kids showed up, with a host of parents, too. It was a lot of fun. A lot of noise, too. The next day, Friday, we had 32 show up and stay until closing time at 11PM when we finally kicked them out. Then Saturday rolls around and there is music practice, youth group meetings and then the café again, with 36 kids wanting to hang around, visit and play.

Then there was Sunday, May 4. The first Sunday of May is our church's anniversary Sunday. El Camino is now 7 years old. 21 people came up to the front of the church and by placing a candle in the cake up front indicated that during the last 12 months they had made a decision to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Looking at the group I saw more than faces, I saw changed lives, saved marriages and restored relationships.

Sunday evening was our monthly prayer meeting. It was so much fun to share our experiences as a church over the last 7 years. Some people in the meeting had been with us since the beginning. Others had only started attending a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, one got the feeling that we were part of something much bigger than ourselves and much better than anything this world has to offer us.

After a week-end like that were we tired? You bet! But what a way to get "worn down." Celebrating God's power and goodness and being with people you love deeply.

You don't have to be a pastor or missionary to experience this: you can do it within your own circle of friends, contacts and your church. But it begins with your relationship with God. Is God big enough to meet your needs, or do you think you can do it. Trust me, we can't. Also, do you think life is "fun" and "adventure-filled" with your own ideas of entertainment. Try stepping out and doing what God wants for your life. It'll blow your mind and change you forever.

If you want to see the pictures just head to this address: http://picasaweb.google.ca/qsinperu

God bless,
Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth Quiring

What a week-end

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:58:00 +0000

The title of this post is what we say every week-end. This last one (April 26 & 27) was no exception.

Saturday evening was an incredible time with the youth. About 40 were out for a combined meeting of the high school and college groups. Jorge Leaplaza from La Paz, Bolivia was our guest and had a powerful and moving story.

Jorge lost his leg due to cancer when he was a teen-ager. He also had cancer in both lungs and his liver. He was given months to live. But God intervened in his life and through the prayers of hundreds of people, his life was given back to him. It was like he never had cancer.

Through his whole experience, Jorge explained that God had a plan for his life and that this plan meant trusting God completely and living one's life for God, not for onesself.

We could tell many were touched, and 2 people raised their hands to make a decision to follow Christ.

On Sunday we had a wild and wooly time pulling all kinds of details together for our baptism celebration. 5 people were baptised and each one gave a powerful and moving testimony of how God has been working in their lives.

You can see their photos here: http://picasaweb.google.ca/qsinperu/Baptism

200 people were with us Sunday morning to celebrate together. It is awesome to see God work.

Do you believe in God? One of the proofs for us is how God radically changes lives. No psycologist or medicines can do what God has done in and through so many people that we know.

Like we said, Wow, what a week-end!

Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth

Our Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:26:00 +0000

One of our greatest struggles as we've worked in El Camino has to do with our "obsession." What is this obession? Character.

Character can be defined in many ways. One of those definitions has to do with what the person bases their decisions and actions upon. This describes the essence of the being of a person.

When one goes through the list of characteristics of a leader in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, you realize that all of them have to do with the character of a person. Their essence and what they base their decisions on.

Paul told his partners to choose leaders based on character above all else. Of course, one's experience, training and interests all fit in, but character sets one apart. Without good, Godly character, one cannot lead in a ministry. In fact, without a Godly character, one cannot be a leader in the family, classroom, business or society.

In El Camino we realize that our ministries live and die based on the character of the leaders we have. We have been questioned many times why we wait so long to name leaders in our various ministries. The answer is simple: lack of character. When a person does not show maturity in Christ, knowledge of the Bible and a disciplined life, they cannot lead in the ministries of El Camino. They just are not ready.

Another question we get has to do with our heavy emphasis on our "Growth" discipleship series. The entire series deals with one's character from a Biblical perspective. Because of the huge need for Godly character we must emphasize the courses and what they offer.

We will obsess with character issues in our own lives and in the lives of the members of El Camino because the life and growth of this congregation depends on Godly people living out Godly lives in the church.

Be obessed with us. Check your own character in light of the Bible. Let 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 along with Galations 5 be your starting point.

God bless and pray with us for Character in El Camino.

Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth

P.S. Check out the website at www.thequirings.com for our latest photos.

How does it feel to minister?

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:57:00 +0000

Many people ask us, "How does it feel to do what you do in El Camino?"

It's hard to describe, but please read these quotes and you'll have some idea of how we feel. First, how one feels good:

> "Now that I understand how deep my sin was and how much God has forgiven me, I can now forgive others."

> "I felt a huge, painful vacuum until I finally heard the gospel and believed. Now what used to be an empty place is full and overflowing with God's love and power."

> "I'd like to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour."

> "I've done a lot of stupid things in the past, but God has forgiven me and given me a new life that I want to dedicate to Him."

> "I've made a decision to obey what the Bible says and give a portion of my business' earnings as an offering to the church. I'm also going to pay the corresponding taxes, just as Jesus told us to."

> "Sorry, I didn't hear you come up behind me. I was reading my Bible."

Then, there are things that sadden us:
> "I can't handle my husband and his mother anymore. I'm going to leave him."

> "If I can't serve in the church in the areas I want to serve or teach the way I want to teach, I'm leaving."

> "I know that I'm a Christian and my boyfriend isn't. I know that I shouldn't date him, but he is so cute and nice and you never know, he might get saved through this relationship."

> "I don't want to speak to you anymore about this, I don't care what the Bible says."

> "Do you know where my daughter is? She ran away again."

> "I think my son is addicted to drugs. I don't know what to do."

Pray with us as you think about what you have just read. This is our life here.

Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth

Yes, Brad´s older. But getting better!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:50:00 +0000

This week-end was a great time of celebrating Brad's birthday. The youth groups let him have it on Saturday, Brad's co-workers made fun of him from the pulpit on Sunday AM, and then on Sunday PM we hosted several neighbours for a special party.

All in all it was a great week-end and Brad says, "THANKS" to everyone.

This month the sermon series in El Camino has to do with the barriers to our spiritual growth. After a birthday one sometimes thinks of growing..especially when everyone keeps using the terms, "old" and "older".

We all know what gets in the way of physical growth, but what is jumps in the way of our spiritual growth. Our reactions to emotional hurt, broken relationships, our pride and our selfishness. If we are to grow into the image of Christ, we need to be into our Bibles, prayer and following through with what God wants for our lives, not what we want.

These are the lessons we are learning.

We finally settled down with regards to our own worries and, of course, God came through for us this last week: we now have renters for our house and someone bought our van. Why worry? All we can say is..DUH! Now we say, God is good.

Thanks for your prayers and your love,
Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth

We're up...we're down...we're sideways!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:13:00 +0000

Back to work, all our business is getting in the way of our work.

We asked you to pray about our house: well, we're still waiting for renters. There are a few "nibbles" but nothing too serious, yet.

We asked you to pray with us about Easter Week, and it went GREAT! Thanks so much for your prayers.

We asked you to pray for our health: Elizabeth was sick all last week with a viral infection, she's finally better.

We ask you to pray with us for our youth groups: high school and college. Keep praying. There is a saying, "Why watch soap operas when you can watch real life. It is much more entertaining." That is our challenge as youth group leadership. Some of "our kids" are doing great, they have their battles, but they are facing them with Goid's power. Other kids are just battling, and losing as they go along. Sometimes we feel like we are firefighters rather than pastors, putting out one fire after another.

Keep praying! We love you and thank you for your love and care.

Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth

We're in...but not really.

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:58:00 +0000

What do I mean by that???

Well, we've taken posession of our house in Winnipeg. But, of course, we're not in Winnipeg, so we don't even get our own house!!

On the other hand we're very thankful for the place God has given us and we are praying that God will provide tenants.

The house is located at 213 Lake Village, just south of Bishop Grandin Blvd, turn on Chancellor from Pembina Hwy at the Appleby's restaurant. Over the tracks and there you are.

Make an appointment to see the house with Mike or Heather at 269-0972.

IN OTHER NEWS

We're getting ready for another big Easter week. A team from a sister church in Lima is arriving on Thursday with a trunkload of activities for kids, youth and adults. Pray with us for that time.

On Monday we'll be buying Bibles from all the donations we've received. Thanks to everyone for their generosity!

God bless,
Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth

What is up with the Quirings?

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Hi all,
It's been awhile since the last post, but as you saw from the previous message we've been busy. Not a good excuse, but a reason nonetheless.

We've been in important meetings planning what is going on at El Camino and with TEAM Peru. Keep us in your prayers as there have been many changes and will be many more in '08. We're very excited about how things are going.

Another thing: our main sending church, Cornerstone Bible Church in Steinbach has a new pastor. Jared Hiebert has been working for a few months as an interim pastor and was just confirmed as the new senior pastor. Looking forward to working with you, Jared!

We've officially launched our high school and college youth groups on Saturday. The whole ministry is called "Generación Cristiana", which is Spanish for Christian Generation. We have over 30 active members, although some are in the U.S. on an exchange program and will be back in a couple of weeks. Pray for this important part of El Camino.

Along with the start of Christian Generation, we also announced the launching of the El Camino Youth Cafe, which many of you are involved through your gifts. Lord-willing the first week-end of May we'll launch the Cafe. El Camino's leadership has really taken to the idea and we look forward to see how God will touch people's lives through it.

Bibles: Prices have risen sharply for Bibles, so we decided instead of buying them in Canada and shipping them to Peru, we'd simply buy them in Peru. Good plan! The Bibles here are finally cheaper, so we're able to buy a good number and will be distributing them this week. Thanks to all who have been a part of our Bible distribution project.

School: Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth are back in classes. Fun times getting up at 6:15Am. Pray with them as they get back into the routine.

Thanks for everything and we look forward to hearing from you.

Hitting the ground running

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:52:00 +0000

Things have been very, very busy for all of us since arriving in Arequipa. The kids have started school, Lori is catching up on TEAM bookkeeping and I have been in a series of pastor meetings trying to catch up and plan ahead. All in all...we're busy!

On the other side, we're not busy just being busy, there is alot going on already and we're excited.

1) Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth are all doing well with the startup of school.
2) Lori got all the numbers to add up!
3) We're excited about new ministry opportunities that are coming up.
4) We're going to buy some Bibles soon with the generous donations received (and if you want to keep giving, go for it)
5) The Youth Café will probably start up in May. April will have us purchasing what is needed and preparing the room.

God bless and thanks for praying

Made it!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:18:00 +0000

We're here in Arequipa! We left Winnipeg at 8:30AM on the 27th and arrived in Arequipa at 6:30AM on the 28th. Very little sleep!

All our luggage made it safely and there were no problems at all.

Thanks for the prayers!

On the road, actually, in the air

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:12:00 +0000

We leave Winnipeg Airport at 8:30AM on February 27 and arrive in Arequipa on Feb. 28 at around 6AM. It's a loooong time of travel, but we are counting on God's strength and grace like He has always done.

Just to let you know we have a house now. We were able to purchase a house in South Winnipeg. We'd like renters now, so if you are interested or know someone who is call Mike or Heather at (204) 269-0972.

Our car is up for sale as well, call Ken at (204) 275-3572. It's a 1997 Dodge Caravan, high mileage but in great shape.

HUGE THANKS to Mike and Heather for taking care of us during the last week of our time in Canada. HUGE THANKS!

Thanks to Ken Reimer for being a great mechanic and for taking care of our car sale. If you don't need the van but need a good mech in Winnipeg, call Ken. Tell him we sent you there.

PRAY with us and thanks for your prayers already.

Brad, Lori and family

What to do on a cold day: update stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:31:00 +0000

The temperature today (19th)hit a balmy 31 degrees centigrade...that´s MINUS 31. With the wind it felt like -44. More of the same tomorrow (20th).

With the cold and Lori off with "the girls" (my sister, daughter and a friend) in Grand Forks, ND, I had to do something. So I updated lots of stuff:
1) HI5 and Facebook.
2) WEB PAGE!!! www.thequirings.com looks different. I'm going to try to make it even better in a few days. Just getting some ideas.

Take care and stay warm all. Of course, if you are in a place that is warm, I really like you and would like to be where you are.

Retreat from the Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:28:00 +0000

We just arrived home from a week-end retreat near St. John, North Dakota, with our church family, Cornerstone Bible Church from Steinbach.

It was a great time and we all made it out with few minor injuries: Eli ended up with a scratched and bruised up face from a bad tumble on the tubing hill, Brandon was all bruised up from the same thing.

Blayne Banting was the special speaker and it was a GREAT time of blessing. The weather was perfect and we had a blast hanging out with everyone.

Kudos to Jannell and Doug for planning a super time.

Duh...More info, please!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:23:00 +0000

We made one little goof up on the last post when we presented our latest project, we never told you how or where to donate.

If you are in one of our supporting churches, then you may donate through your church with a designation to, "The Quirings, Bible Fund" or "The Quirings, Youth Cafe".

Or, if you would prefer, you can donate directly through our mission, TEAM:

In Canada:
TEAM of Canada
2635 - 32nd Street S.W.
Calgary, AB T3E 2R8
Phone: 800.295.4160
Phone: 403.248.2344
Fax: 403.207.6025
Email: team@teamcanada.org
Website: www.teamcanada.org

In the USA
TEAM
PO Box 969
Wheaton, Illinois 60189-0969
Phone: 800.343.3144
Phone: 630.653.5300
Fax: 630.653.1826
Email: info@teamworld.org

Hope that helps and thanks!!

How you can pray

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:33:00 +0000

Part of the reason we have set up this blog is to help you know what is going on with our lives so you can pray better.

Time is moving along quickly and we are very close to our February 27 return date. So here is how you can pray right now:

1) For good health. We've enjoyed pretty good health all our time here in Canada and we pray for continued health, especially for the travelling day.

2) Pray for El Camino. Our Peruvian pastor, Wilder, and his wife, Silvia, have resigned due to health reasons. This was completely unexpected for all of us. In one sense this is a setback, but on the other hand, God is in control, so we will trust Him to continue to work in us and our church. Please pray for the Diaz' health concerns as well as the transition El Camino is facing.

3) Pray for our final presentation at Cornerstone Bible Church in Steinbach on February 24. If you would like to come, you are welcome.

4) Pray about the opportunity to give to our special projects:
- BIBLES - we are raising funds to bring a large number of Spanish Bibles into Peru. We are working with Life Light Ministries to bring lower cost Bibles to El Camino. Bibles are still more expensive to buy there. Costs of the Bibles here in Canada have gone up, so we are still looking for another $300.00. Thanks to all who have given so far.
- YOUTH CAFE - we would like to furnish a youth cafe in El Camino, giving our high school and college kids a safe place to come on the week-ends as well as bring their non-Christian friends. We are looking to raise $1000.00 and are half-way there.

God bless and thank you for your prayers and care.

Give a High 5 to Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Lori Quiring) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:25:00 +0000

Well, we've taken a bit of a step closer to the 21st century, both Lori and Brad are on Facebook while Brad has set up an account on www.hi5.com in Spanish. Check things out.

Right now, Lori is in Chicago at our mission's headquarters while Brad and the kids play PS2 in Steinbach...and do some other work, too!!

Remember, we're doing a presentation in Cornerstone Bible Church in Steinbach on http://www.cornerstonebiblechurch.ca/