Short-term missions can make a long-term impact. Just ask Amy, a 2007-2008 team member on BMM’s ¡Arriba! missionary internship in Peru. Her life intersected with numerous people during her 11 months in Peru, but one girl became special. Thirteen-year-old Johanna came to youth meeting on Saturday nights fairly regularly with her friends. She was a quiet, timid, and sweet girl. Amy soon found out that, of the nearly 10 girls that came regularly, 7 of them were unsaved. Johanna was one of the unsaved. So Amy and her ¡Arriba! team members began praying for the girls' salvation and for opportunities to minister to them, despite the Spanish-English language barrier. The Lord answered their prayers, and Johanna was saved in Amy’s second month in Peru.
Little by little, Amy’s relationship with Johanna grew, providing more avenues of discipleship. And little by little, Johanna grew. They spent a week of teen camp together and began talking more during youth meetings. Amy and her ¡Arriba! teammate, Nikki, eventually began spending several mornings a week at Johanna’s house. They prayed together and led a Bible study on prayer.
Wanting to help Johanna grow further, Amy took her shopping for a notebook to use as a prayer and devotional journal. Amy was thrilled to see Johanna writing down prayer requests and specific verses and how they spoke to her. She also became burdened for her unsaved family members. Johanna asked questions about the Bible, about seminary, and about how to prepare for becoming a Sunday School teacher, showing her interest in spiritual things.
Johanna, although younger than many in the youth group, is now a leader in spiritual maturity. Amy is excited to think how the Lord will continue to mold her and the ways He will use her in His service in the future.
To learn more about the ¡Arriba! program, click this link.