“I used to do a lot of drugs when I was younger,” José said. “I lived on the streets of Lima for years.” At twenty-three, José was dressed in faded jeans, a t-shirt, and a polar pullover and slouched in the plastic chair. To see him it would be impossible to predict his story as he would blend in with many of the youth here in Cusco.

“But I have not done any drugs for a number of years now,” he continued. He had come to the clinic because he was confused by some medications a health post had given to him. We were able to solve his medication problem easily; but as I took his history he began to tell me about his teenage years in Lima. It was not easy to listen to his story about his drug addiction and about living on the streets.

“We should test you for HIV and hepatitis,” I suggested to him. He began to get a little nervous but agreed to be tested. After my nurses drew his blood our conversation shifted to God.

“I used to go to church, but I am not good enough right now to go back,” he told me. I told him that he did not need to change his life to come to church. He seemed surprised and tried to change the subject.

I continued, “It is only through faith in Jesus that we can see our lives change for good.” He was really listening at this point. I went on to explain how Jesus died for our sins and how we can have a relationship with him.

“Have you ever read the whole Bible?” he asked changing the subject.

“Do you have a Bible?” I asked instead. When he said “no”, I gave him a New Testament. He was a little confused at first and thought that he was going to have to pay for it. “The Bible is yours,” I said and pointed him to the book of John as a place to begin.

José sat there for a minute and finally said, “I don’t know how to say thank you.” He had a few tears in his eyes. He asked how he could repay me for my kindness.

I told him, “You can’t repay me. I am able to love you because Jesus has loved me first.”

He got up to go. On his way out he told me, “I would like to come to your church. I would like to know more.”

José didn’t come to church this Sunday like he said he wanted to do. He may circle the Truth for a while longer changing the subject every time it gets a little close. I pray that he reads the Bible I gave him and that I have more opportunities to talk with him.

This kind of visit has been a very typical one for me these days. We have had many opportunities to share with folks, spend time with them, and learn about their many struggles and pains. It is a wonderful opportunity to share with them the love of Christ.

Please remember us in your prayers. We have a lot going on in both our ministry as well as our family, and at times we feel overwhelmed.

Praise for:

- the continued growth of our health ministry. Many of our patients are chronic patients which gives us many opportunities to see them in the clinic as well as their homes.

- Bill’s opportunity to participate in the Gorgas course. This is a tropical medicine course held in Lima every year during February and March.

- Greg and Amy Sanderson who were recently approved by MTW to join us. They will be assisting us with evangelism and discipleship through our home visitation program. They are scheduled to arrive in Cusco in July 2008. If you are interested in supporting them, they may be contacted at: Gregory.Sanderson@TexSAnHeart.com

Pray for:

- the construction of a new Medical Clinic. We have about 50% of the necessary funds.

- additional physicians and nurses to join us here in Cusco.

- more opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.

- Bill as he participates in MTW’s Global Missions Conference in November. He will be speaking on Mercy Ministry in the Hinterland Area. Please let us know if you are planning on being there. He would love to see you. If you have not signed up for the conference, there is still time. Please see the MTW website for more details. (http://www.mtw.org)

- Jeanine as she home schools Noelle and Sarah. She is teaching with another missionary mom. Together there are five girls in our one-room school house.

- Kate as we reinitiate the legal process for her adoption. She is seventeen months old now and understands both English and Spanish. Her first word was “Uh-oh” which she frequently said after throwing food onto the floor.

Thank you for the part you play on our team whether it is by encouraging, praying or contributing financially. God has brought us together and is using each of us in a special way to bring hope to the Quechua people.

Bill and Jeanine

Financial Contributions may be sent to MTW, P.O. Box 116284, Atlanta, GA 30368-6284, or contact them directly at 678-823-0004 for electronic donations.

-for contributions to Bill and Jeanine Allen’s personal support account, please write “Bill Allen Account #010155” on the memo line

-for contributions to the Hinterland Health Ministry (includes clinic construction project, staff salaries, and health projects), please write “Hinterland Health Account # 094777” on memo line