San Camilo might be my favorite place in Arequipa. Its a busy area with stores lining the streets with anything you could imagine. There are so many people on the streets and sidewalks, that its hard to get around. San Camilo is also known for prostitution and many other illegal things. But I feel God is at work in San Camilo, and even if it is just starting with our small cell group. To enter into the house of Ana, we have to walk down the main road, then through a small door that is impossible for me to walk through unless I duck and basically crawl. This leads to an alley way that houses many families that cook, clean, live and eat all together. I feel like this is the perfect place to hold our cell group, and gives us an opportunity to reach many people at one time. When you walk through the mini-door you are greeted by 8 puppies, leaking water, smells that I cannot name, and many kids playing on the roofs. (Make sure you also watch your step) This has been the home of our cell group for the last 5 almost 6 months, and I can feel God there every time. Every time I walk through Ana's doorway I am greeted by Johan, Ana's son who always gives me hugs. I see Christ in this young boy who is always the first to volunteer to pray, sing, clean off the table we study on and is always so excited to have Nohemy and I in his home. If the example of Christ is going to start with little Johan--than so be it. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Please continue to pray for Johan's mother Ana as she struggles with her faith. And pray that our numbers increase. This will be the start of our church in San Camilo.