On the GO with John Poe

SPECIAL REPORT FROM PERU

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:04:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since we left Peru. We will always have a special place in our hearts for the people and culture of that land. One of our greatest joys is to hear good news from "back home" in Lima. We've been blessed with lots of good news lately!

Pastor Daniel Aguilar (our dear friend and long time co-worker) reports that the church in Ate/Vitarte is doing well and continues to grow. He recently wrote to tell us that the building is now full at each service. Pastor Daniel, with his usual sense of humor, shared that, "The people stay around so long after the services that I tell them to turn off the lights and lock the door when they leave." It isn't unusual for the folks to stay around for hours after each service. (That's a sign of a healthy church!) Pastor Daniel feels blessed by the warm spirit and loving fellowship between the church families. The church has started a Bible institute and is actively reaching their community. They've even started their own sister church plant in another community. The church has also developed a strong discipleship ministry and is expanding into counseling ministries.

Several of our former teens from the Vina Alta church have grown up, started their own families, and are now serving the Lord. It is always a joy to see them bringing up their own children in ministry and how God is using them to reach their own neighborhoods. One young man is prayerfully considering full time ministry. Jonathan, a young man that attended our church for years is now back in the high jungle of Peru and pastors a small work with the people of his home village.

God did a great work in Peru, and we are still seeing the fruit of that labor, even many years later!

7 Reasons EBI is strategically poised to ADVANCE THE GOSPEL

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 18:19:00 +0000

- HELPING MATURE CHURCHES

For decades missionaries have labored to plant churches all across Latin America. God blessed and today, thousands of churches exist. Some estimates show as many as 60 million believers in Latin America. Church planting is vitally important, but we must strengthen the thousands of churches that already exist. EBI does this by offering the training and materials these churches need.

- TRAINING LEADERS

EBI promotes theological training by providing "University Level" courses for seminaries and Bible institutes and producing a full Theological Education by Extension series allowing pastors to study where they are when they can. EBI also partners with STEP (Strategic Theological Education Partnership) to promote quality training around the globe.

- ENCOURAGING NATIONAL AUTHORS

Most of EBI's staff are fluent in Spanish. However, who could be more effective in ministering to Hispanics than a native-born speaker. EBI works to train and encourage writers. Until now almost all ministry books in Spanish have been translated from English. We are promoting the importance of National authors to advance the Gospel.

- OFFERING EXTENSIVE COUNSELING RESOURCES

EBI is considered a leader in providing Christ-centered, Biblically-based counseling materials to the Spanish world. Our materials cover a variety of current and relevant topics. By providing a Biblical approach to many of today's problems churches are able to effectively meet people where they are and bring hope to the many who are coping with crisis in their lives.

- PROMOTING SUNDAY SCHOOL

There is perhaps no better place to teach new believers and to promote spiritual growth than in Sunday School. EBI is one of only a few publishers that offers an extensive series of Sunday School curriculum for all ages. Our children's materials are Christ-centered and offer all a teacher needs to effectively communicate truth.

-PROMOTING DISCIPLESHIP

EBI produces an in-depth discipleship program that helps both new believers and maturing Christians to grow in their faith and become more like Christ. We are passionate in our goal to see others grow in their spiritual lives and become leaders in their local churches

-USING THE LATEST TOOLS

Thanks to new technologies we can work face-to-face with pastors, seminary students, church leaders and everyday Christians in their pursuit of godliness. Even closed countries are accessible through online tools and meeting resources. We are growing in our pursuit of effective media tools to promote the Great Commission.

For more than 60 years EBI has been working to point people to Christ through publishing.

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 19:43:00 +0000

You've reached the internet home of the Poe family. Since 1997 we have served as faith missionaries with Baptist Mid-Missions. We spent the first 14 years of our ministry as church-planters to the city of Lima, Peru. During that time we gained experience as we worked with veteran missionaries and helped start two churches.

In 2014 a health crisis in our family caused us to be medically evacuated from Peru. This began a series of changes in our lives that led us to our current ministry serving with Editorial Bautista Independiente. EBI has been serving the Hispanic churches of Latin America for more than 60 years. Our ministry allows us to help with the development, production and distribution of ministry materials and books. We are also involved in theological training through leadership conferences, seminar consultation, and in-person and virtual training.

Please take a few moments and review our site. Along the top of the page you'll find links to a quick overview of our ministry, our personal testimonies, our social media and latest prayer letter updates.

Thanks for visiting!

Here are some past news articles we hope you will enjoy:

We're so Thankful!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 17:41:00 +0000

As believers, everyday should be thanksgiving day as we reflect on all the things the Lord has done for us! This year will go down in the history books as a very special and memorable day for our family. For several years we have been sharing prayer requests with you. Today, we would like to share with you some special praises and answers to your prayers:

We are thankful for faithful prayer warriors. Just a few moments ago we received word that our apartment in Peru is now sold. The paperwork is completed and the check is on hand with our representative in Peru. There were several complicated issues that came up in the last few days and we could see that God was truly in control of the situation or the process would never have been completed. This has been a burden on our family for many months. We are thankful to close out this chapter in our lives. We felt it was amazing that it actually sold on Thanksgiving Day
We are thankful for our faithful supporters. When we joined the mission as young people we were warned by veteran missionaries that many churches and supporters are not faithful for the long term. The majority of our supporters have been with us for many years. Most of our supporting churches have supported us financially for more than 20 years! We thank God for their faithfulness. God always provides our every need.
We are thankful for good medical treatment. When Debbie first fell ill back in 2014 the doctors told us that she might live less than a year. Debbie still has major medical problems but with good medical treatment and with the Lord's blessings she has been stable. She is getting very close to being put on the liver transplant list and we are thankful that God has lead us to a great team of doctors to walk us through this process.
We are thankful for open doors of ministry opportunity. The ministry at EBI is not without obstacles, but we are amazed at the new ministries God opens up to us each month. I believe that we are now poised for the most successful years in EBI's history. One example happened just last week, at a counseling conference in Mexico. Our materials were made available there for the first time and everything was greatly received and gone within minutes. People are hungry for truth and God has placed us in a place where we can lead people to truth.

We hope you are encouraged, as we are as we reflect on the blessings of our Lord.

You're REAL missionaries!?!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 12:44:00 +0000

“I’ve never heard of such a thing! You mean, all of you are missionaries?” I heard these words during a conversation with a local man who had stopped in for a visit to EBI. He was amazed that we were missionaries. We didn’t seem to fit the typical model of what he, and many others consider a “real missionary.” It wasn’t the first time we’ve been questioned about our title.

Back in 2001 my young family boarded a plane to move to Peru as missionaries. We were blessed with nearly 15 years of exciting and fruitful ministry in Peru. We did many of the things that traditional missionaries do: We shared the Gospel with people, we conducted Bible studies, we preached and taught in newly started churches. We worked hard to disciple new believers and guide them in their walk with the Lord. We saw souls saved, lives changed and churches started in a biblical model that could be considered very similar to what even the Apostle Paul promoted. Somewhere along the line however, in some people’s minds, we apparently stopped being “real missionaries.”

Things can change quickly. On Sunday, June 15, 2014, just two weeks after having been given a clean bill of health, my dear wife Debbie fell ill and in a matter of minutes nearly died. In the coming days she was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease and she was medically evacuated from Peru. We had plans to spend the rest of our lives in Peru. We were in the middle of forming a strategic plan to expand our ministry influence. We were searching for a location to begin our next church. We felt like we were just beginning to see real progress in our goal of reaching souls with the Gospel. For several months our lives were in chaos. Time flew by as we carried on in survival mode. Life was filled with hospital visits, doctor appointments, medical tests and new medications. When Debbie’s health was finally stable and the long-term prognosis was given we realized our lives had been changed forever. Returning to Peru was not a viable option. We began to ask, “What does God have planned for us?” Our hearts grieved over the loss of our future in Peru. Would God give us a new passion for ministry in a new area like we had in Peru? Were we still missionaries?

Our story has been repeated in similar ways in the lives of many of EBI’s staff members. Almost every EBI missionary has on-the-field experience in a foreign land. Several EBI missionaries were on the field when a health crisis brought them home. Others had their steps directed by the Lord in unique circumstances to bring them here. Only one couple began their journey in missions planning from the start to be EBI missionaries. As first glance, the ministries of EBI might not sound as exciting as some other mission fields. A pin on a mission’s map showing central Florida doesn’t look especially impressive. Yet, God is using EBI to impact lives in about three dozen Spanish speaking countries. EBI is special. Unlike any other training and publishing ministry, our entire staff is made up of missionaries sent out and supported by local churches. Yes! We really are missionaries.

What exactly is a missionary? Dictionary.com defines a missionary as, “a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism, a person strongly in favor of a program or set of principles, who attempts to persuade or convert others, a person who is sent on a mission.” After returning from Peru my family had to come to terms with our new position as stateside missionaries. Were we still missionaries? Was God done using us? We had to adapt from being considered missionary heroes to becoming missionary servants simply because our location changed. Over time, God gave us a real peace about EBI. We have seen the Lord working in incredible ways and opening doors of opportunity for this ministry like never before. Missions in Latin America is in a new, important phase. After decades of diligent missionary work, the foundation has been laid for great growth. Thousands of churches have been started and national pastors are now in place to help grow the work. EBI is strategically placed to come alongside these national workers and provide them with the tools they need to reach their land with the truth of God’s Word.

While we no longer spend our days in a foreign land we do have a clear belief that God wants us here. Each of us, before coming to EBI, gained valuable experience in a different culture, with a different language and with different circumstances. His plan is always perfect and He has brought together a team that is effectively serving together to expand the reach of the Gospel in the Latin world. Our ministries are training national workers and providing the materials that churches need to grow. While we may no longer fit the mold of what the world considers a “real missionary” I can confidently say I work with a great team of missionary servants that must certainly be pleasing the Lord with their lives. It’s a joy that God has shown each of us here that we can still be “real missionaries” right where He placed us. May we all be faithful in the opportunities God brings our way, no matter where we are!

Shocking Statistics

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 16:07:00 +0000

In this month's update we would like to share some shocking statistics that motivate us in missions. You'll also get the latest news on EBI publications and find out about our next ministry trip. Here's the link:

On the GO | Shocking Statistics

ON the GO...Costa Rica, Colombia and More...

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Tue, 15 May 2018 15:25:00 +0000

There has been a lot going on in our lives and ministry. Please take a few moments and read our newest prayer letter. Just click on the link to read more:

Current Newsletter-May 2018

Hurricane Updates:

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 21:00:00 +0000

In order to maintain communication with our family and friends we have been asked to keep a running report of what is going on. We will try to make updates as news happens and as long as we are able. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers! (Newest Reports are on top and age as they go down)

Wednesday, September 14, 201

We have been told that Highlands County was the second worst hit county in Florida. There are many damaged homes, downed trees and extensive damage to the power system. Schools will be out for at least a week in this area.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Please see our Facebook page for further updates. You can find it at: www.Facebook.com/poefolks

Monday, September 11, 2017

5:45 a.m. -Wow, what a night! I never want to experience any stronger winds I thought the roof was going to fly off. From what we can see with flashlights we have a lot of trees down in our yard we have a big cleanup but thankfully it looks like our house is ok. We are still having 45 mph sustained winds with higher gusts. Curfew in place until at least 11:00 a.m.
Lost track of when but right as power went out we got in laundry room. It is scary hearing the howl of the wind. It sounds like a jet roaring.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

9:10 p.m. -Cellphone service is out. The radar looks intimidating right now.
9:00 p.m. -114 mph wind just recorded in our county. Rain looks like a pressure washer.
8:40 p.m. -Radio says 100 mph winds getting close. Our cellphone service is going on and off.
8:20 p.m. -Sheriff's Office just texted that the leading edge of the eye-wall is entering the southern part of our county. So it's almost time for the worst part. Pray for an uneventful passing. Oh, and our power is still on!
7:50 p.m. -Wind gust of 81 mph just reported in Sebring.
7:30 p.m. -If this is only 70 mph gusts I don't want to experience anything more!
6:30 p.m. -Winds are extremely strong. The sound is unnerving. We have limbs down, neighbors mailbox blown out of the ground, lots and lots of rain. Power still on, but out all around us. Thankful that the storm is weakening.
5:00 p.m. -Hurricane Force winds have arrived in our county. The eye is still 120 miles from us and we will be on the strongest side of the storm. We still have power!
3:00 p.m. -Thanks for praying we are still doing great. We are having very minimal effects so far. We still have power!
11:30 a.m. -Perhaps the "calm before the storm" is deceiving us. it's raining pretty hard here, its breezy, and reports are coming in of tornadoes and some roads flooded. Yet, it seems pretty minor here so far. We pray for those along the coast. They now say our peak winds will be tonight about 10:00 p.m.
9:15 a.m. -Local news reporting a tornado 25 miles to our west. Our girls are hearing from friends nearby that they have lost power. It's too early for that! We'd usually be about ready to start Sunday school now. We sure will miss our church friends today!
8:45 a.m. -Now we have hard rain and its blowing sideways. Hard to believe the storm is so far away. Eating a hot breakfast while we still can!
7:45 a.m. -We are in good shape at our house. It's raining hard now. Local police report water flooding some streets but not in our neighborhood. We slept well!
5:15 a.m. -Its been raining all night but the heavier rains have started. It's raining hard enough now to wake us up. The storm continues to take a more western track so we may miss the worst of the winds.
12:15 a.m. -We are currently under a tornado watch. It is raining and the heavier rain bands seem to be getting close. The wind has picked up a bit. We're headed to bed now. We probably better sleep while we can! Thanks for your prayers!

Saturday, September 9, 2017

9:45 p.m. -If the forecast is correct we could see tropical storm force winds for more than 24 hours. They continue to send out text messages urging folks here in Highlands county to head to shelters if they do not have secure homes.
7:30 p.m. -It is surprisingly breezy already. We just watched a video online of white caps and crashing waves on Lake Jackson already and the winds haven't even picked up. More ice made, laundry is also all done.
5:00 p.m. -We just got word that students of our online Spanish Masters program begin their first day of classes in their newly founded Bible seminary today in the Dominican Republic. We are so thrilled to see this next phase of missions taking place. Now the nationals are qualified and excited about training their own people! What a blessing that they were spared the destruction of this hurricane at this important time. Some good news for us during the storm.
4:15 p.m. -We just heard that some local evacuation shelters are full and secondary locations are being opened. It is good to hear that people in vulnerable houses and low lying areas are heeding warnings. Elizabeth is taking advantage of the winds to do her afternoon running before the rains start.
4:00 p.m. -We have now filled our huge rolling recycle bin with water for emergency use. We've placed sand bags around a side door that is a little lower than the rest. We have also added extra bracing to our garage door just in case. Everything we own that is rechargeable is now full charged and ready to go. Water bottles are frozen to keep perishables cold. Those photos they suggest taking for insurance are all taken.
3:00 p.m. -We ventured out of our house for the last time. We needed to stop at an ATM to have some cash on hand for after the storm. Now almost everything is closed. Many homes and businesses are boarded up and secured. All of the billboards in town have been taken down as well as many store signs. The clouds have rolled in and the breeze is now constant and steady.

Hurricane Irma Update

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 15:51:00 +0000

Please visit the Current Newsletter link above to read the update regarding our preparations for Hurricane Irma. We would appreciate your prayers at this time! We will update everyone as much as possible in the coming days.

You can also visit our ministry Facebook page for updates: On the GO with the POES

We've Got Answers! | On the GO with the POES!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 14:41:00 +0000

Please take a few moments to read our latest prayer update. You can find it here:

On the GO with the POES-July 2017 Prayer Update

Remember! It's Time to Pray!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 15:42:00 +0000

Here is a link to our latest prayer letter. Please take a moment to read and than pray for our family and ministry: On the GO with the POES | Prayer Update

Sincere Answers to Some Blunt Questions

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 01:12:00 +0000

Perhaps you've wondered....

“Aren't you just going into a printing business?”

EBI is much more than a “printing business.” EBI exists to provide quality, doctrinally sound resources to help both missionaries and national workers in their Great Commission ministries. The majority of our partnerships are with national believers. Our goal is to provide the training and materials necessary to help national workers be as effective as possible in planting churches in their own culture. EBI conducts on the field teacher training classes, seminary modules and pastor's conferences all over Latin America. A very exciting aspect of the ministry is an online Spanish Masters in Biblical Studies program. This program allows trained pastors to gain valuable training and knowledge in an accredited course of study that prepares them to teach at seminaries, Bible institutes and colleges in their own countries. EBI provides materials needed for every facet of ministry from discipleship to professorship. While we will certainly be involved in translating, printing and administration this ministry is certainly much more than simply printing.

“Is this just something to fill time until you find another ministry?”

When Debbie fell ill in 2014 we found ourselves with many decisions to make. As it became clear that returning to Peru was not an option we were approached by a number of different ministries. We were offered positions in Hispanic churches, pastoral positions, and numerous Spanish mission opportunities all across the United States. We prayerfully considered every option. It was our desire from the beginning to remain as faith missionaries. In February 2015 we visited the offices of EBI. After several days working with the staff and discussing philosophy and goals we began to see how God was opening up doors of opportunity for our family. After much time in prayer we felt a real peace and excitement about EBI. When we accepted this missionary position at EBI we made a life time commitment. As long as God wants us serving with the ministries of EBI we plan to stay faithfully working there. EBI was a perfect fit because of our experience in Latin American culture, church-planting, Spanish language and teamwork with Baptist Mid-Missions.

“Are you really missionaries since you are living in the United States?”

Stepping on an airplane or crossing the sea on a boat certainly doesn't make one a missionary. We can all be missionaries right where God places us. While it may seem more exciting to fill a map with pictures of missionaries across the globe, missions that is based stateside is necessary and effective. It was our life long dream to serve the Lord on the foreign mission field. Yet, we had to surrender our desires to God's will and stay here in our own homeland. One of our co-workers shared with us that one of the hardest things we would face was stepping off the pedestal of being a foreign missionary hero and becoming a stateside missionary servant. God has helped us through this transition and we truly believe our ministry will be more effective now than ever.

“Why is this ministry necessary if there are missionaries in all these countries?”

EBI is currently involved with ministries in 29 countries around the world. Each of these countries has both missionaries and national workers yet the work is not finished. We believe that the key to successful Great Commission work is to train national workers and allow them to carry on the work started to by missionaries. 70 years ago dozens of missionaries headed to Latin America to begin working in the harvest field of souls. There ministries have been successful and today as many as 70 million believers in thousands of churches have been started in Central and South America. Today, missions has entered a new phase. It is time to strengthen the infrastructure for the national church. EBI is on the front lines providing the necessary training and materials to further the national churches.

“Why aren't you involved in church-planting?”

While we may have currently stepped out of a direct church-planting ministry role at this time, we are still actively working to strengthen church-planting efforts of countless workers in Latin America. We have personally been approached by laymen and national pastors looking for help with their own theological training. The Hispanic church is growing and asking for help! We want to fill that void. In the future we do hope to once again be involved with church-planting with the EBI team in the Sebring, Florida area.

So, What's Up?

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 19:51:00 +0000

In case you missed it, here is our latest prayer letter: ON the GO with the POES UPDATE

Free!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 15:10:00 +0000

I recall once hearing the story of some missionaries in Colombia. They had been working among a tribal group in the nation's jungle zone. A terrorist rebel group had taken control of the region and the environment had become very unstable and unsafe. The United States embassy had been in touch with the missionaries and had promised to send a military helicopter to evacuate them. A time was set for their evacuation and they were instructed to leave everything behind. Each person would be allowed a small carry-on bag that would be filled with only their most important belongings. The families began to gather their most important and prized possessions. They couldn't take much and if they could ever return it would certainly have all been destroyed or looted. The children picked a few favorite toys or special keep-sakes. Important documents were placed in the bags. They began hearing gun fire and then the roar of the helicopter approaching. They made their way to the preplanned meeting site and began to prepare to load the helicopter. It was a dangerous situation and time was of the essence. The rebel warriors were nearby and they would possibly resist their attempted flee. As the missionary families ran across an open field shots rang out. They were being directly attacked. In an effort to speed their escape they were forced to drop the only bags they had packed. They all made it to the helicopter and it quickly sped from the area. As they looked down and saw the rebel fighters gathering their belongings one of the military assistants asked them, “How does it make you feel seeing all of your life possessions left behind? All that you have worked for now abandoned?” One missionary stopped and thought and then answered “Free!”

You see our material possessions bring us no lasting comfort or hold no eternal value. A well known quote says “Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.” How true! Our experience in Peru is so very different than those brave missionaries in Colombia but I can't help but think of their example. As we sell off, and give away everything we had collected in Peru over the last 14 years it is easy to feel a bit sentimental. We are so very sad to think of the people and ministries we leave behind. We have to leave behind some favorite possessions as well. Dear missionary friends in Peru have done so much to help us with this transition. They've sold off and removed things from our apartment getting it ready to sell in our absence. Today they informed us that almost everything is now gone. We asked them to hold on to a few special things. But most of our worldly possessions in Peru are now gone. Perhaps if someone asked me today how I feel, I'd have to say “Free!”

We have already begun the process of purchasing a new home and furnishing it. Modern life requires us to accumulate a certain number of “things.” God has always blessed us and we have never lacked for anything. Yet, as we move forward God has once again taught us that these things don't really hold much value. We'll pick out new wall colors. We'll enjoy setting up our own home again. Yet, I think we have learned to hold lightly the things of this world and cling to the real important things that hold real eternal value. Scripture teaches the principle so very clearly “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” I hope none of us have to go through something like those faithful missionaries in Colombia. However, I do hope you've had the experience of learning to live “Free!”

Spring 2016 Prayer Letter

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 22:45:00 +0000

Here is our latest email update. Read about our life, ministries and plans. Please take a moment to read our prayer requests as well.

Pause & Pray | On the GO with the POES Update

Wait!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 16:26:00 +0000

Over the past 18 months we have had to learn to wait. It is not easy. As planners we like to know what is coming in the days ahead. We like to lay out strategies and fill in a calendar. When Debbie fell ill in Peru it started a difficult time of waiting for our family. It has been easy to be discouraged and feel directionless at times. Yet, God has used this time to teach us so much. We recently saw this beautiful poem that has been a real blessing to us. I hope it will be meaningful to you as well.

Wait by Russell Kelfer

"Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

Our Prayer Letter - Winter 2016

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 18:30:00 +0000

There really is POWER in PRAYER! Take a moment and read our latest Prayer Update. We hope it will be an encouragement to you as you see God answering prayers. (Click the LINK below:)

On the GO with the POES | Prayer Update

We Survived our Family Photoshoot!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 02:12:00 +0000

After more than five years we finally updated our website with new family pictures! We headed out this morning and actually took all of the pictures ourselves using a "selfie stick" or the camera's timer. We were happy with the results. We were thrilled to have it done! Does anybody like the stress of family pictures?

Hope you like the fresh look and updates on our website. Look for news updates and special ministry reports in the days ahead! This is the place to stay ON THE GO WITH THE POES!

Current Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 20:00:00 +0000

Here's a list of FAQ's you won't want to miss! Take a moment and read our latest prayer letter.
On the GO with the POES | Big News!

Union Grove Mission Team

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:41:00 +0000

We've just completed a wonderful 9 days of ministry with the team from Union Grove Baptist Church. They were able to help in so many ways during their visit. We rejoice that souls were saved and lives touched by their kindness. Take a moment and watch this video summary:

Mission Trip a Success!

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Here's a video summary of our recent mission team's visit to Peru. Take a few moments to watch and be blessed by what God has accomplished through them in Peru!

Help Me to be Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Yesterday Debbie and I stopped for an ice cream cone after running some errands around town. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the fresh breeze of a late summer day. We took a few minutes to "people watch" while we enjoyed our cool snack. All around us people were busy working and shopping. Some were browsing through books in a nearby bookstore while others worked out at a modern gym. Across the street ladies shopped for new clothes at a trendy boutique. Others shopped for art a tiny frame shop. At a nearby table a group of college students were chatting while eating a late lunch. Everyone seemed content. Then we saw him. An older man patiently sitting alone at a corner table. He had no food not even a drink. He sat there nervously watching all of the outdoor diners. He patiently sat there alone. Then when the group of college girls finished their lunch they left their half-eaten entrees behind on the table. He jumped to his feet and sat down. Quickly devouring every leftover bite. He searched the cups to see if even a sip remained of their soft drinks. He finished by eating the picked-over remains of a small side salad. The frantic speed at which he ate clearly showed the hunger pains he felt in his stomach. I was humbled as I finished up my unnecessary ice cream cone.

Living in a developing country we see our share of poverty. Even some of the children around our church are certainly malnourished. Not a day goes by when we don't see someone begging on a street corner. Yet, watching this man was especially eye-opening to me. I was left pondering how much we waste everyday. I realized once again that I need to be thankful for every blessing that I have in my life. Perhaps I have let my heart grow hard to those around me in need.

Should we help the poor? Is it our responsibility? Several verses come to mind: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." (Proverbs 19:17) "...It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." (Deuteronomy 15:11) Perhaps most importantly we should remember the words of Christ. "...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31)

Lord help me to be thankful for what I have. Help me to have wisdom in knowing how to help those in need all around me.

The Great Puzzle

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon I took Olivia on a little "daddy date." We went out for a special snack and then spent some time at the local library. We always enjoying picking out a half dozen books and sitting in the children's section reading together. Our favorite book yesterday was "T is for Tarheel" a book about good old North Carolina! After a good time of reading we decided to finish our time playing with some puzzles. Olivia has always enjoyed puzzles and the library has a nice collection to challenge young minds. We worked puzzles of every variety but one was especially challenging. Olivia finally looked to me for a little help. Her eyes lit up as I showed her where to place the first piece.

As I helped my little daughter with the puzzles I realized how much our life is like a puzzle. God, our loving heavenly Father, knows exactly what has and will take place in our lives. He knows every detail and He works out the details for His glory and our good. We just need to look to our Father for a little help to get started on this great puzzle of life. At this point in time our lives feel like a very challenging puzzle. It is nearly time to return to Peru but there are so many details yet to be determined. We have final medical appointments, new medications to try, airline tickets to purchase, and international documents to secure. We know all the pieces are on the table but it is sometimes hard to see how they'll all come together! Each day we're learning that we need to do our part to sort and analyze every piece of life's puzzle. More importantly, we're leaning that we need to stop more often and just look to our Father for a little help along the way.

1 Chronicles 16:11 reminds us, "Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually." Psalm 37:23 tells us, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Finally, Proverbs 3:5-6 is a favorite reminder, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Yesterday I was once again reminded that I need to constantly look to my heavenly Father for help in this great puzzle of life!

Safe and Secure

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:54:00 +0000

I love this humorous picture from Peru. It shows a typical store front door locked up after business hours. Apparently the owner feels safe knowing he has secured his property. A Peruvian friend once told me that locks, alarms and window bars only keep the "honest criminals" out. He assured me that burglars can get in any place they choose. The locks just slow them down and persuade them to move on to the next location because they're too lazy to do the hard work of breaking in.

Perhaps this picture could represent the lives of the majority of the people on earth today. They try to make plans, doing everything in their power to find peace and security in a troubling world. Yet, without God they are miserable and probably don't even know why. Psalm 27:4-5 speaks of security with God, "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." The only true security in this life is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ! May God bless us as we share this message of safety and security with the millions in Peru.

What do I miss the most?

noreply@blogger.com (John Poe) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:25:00 +0000

The other day a Bible college student stopped by our house to do an interview with us for his Introduction to Missions class. It was an interesting visit for us because this young man was actually a little boy in our first-ever "children's mission conference" that we directed years ago. It's exciting for us to see him now preparing to serve the Lord with his life. We enjoyed chatting about missions and life overseas. One of his questions was "When you are in Peru what do you miss most about the United States?" I actually had to pause and ponder his question for a moment. Nothing immediately jumped into my mind. Sure, we greatly miss family and friends. We also miss fellowship with our local church and hearing someone else preach in English. In the end I decided to give him a very spiritual answer: "I miss Lexington-style Barbecue the most!"

Last week marked the tenth anniversary of our arrival in Peru. We'll never forget that sunny fall day when we loaded up all of our possessions and headed to the airport for the start of a remarkable journey with the Lord. On that first trip we spent months carefully making lists, assembling, and packing our bags. We had to decide what was most important and what we "couldn't live without." We managed to board the plane with 8, 70 pound bags and 3 jam packed carry-on bags. It seemed we were leaving so much behind. Favorite books, photo albums, nick-knacks and more had to be left behind. In the early years each time a visitor would come for a visit we'd send a list of things we "just had to have." They'd bring cans of soup, special spices and even Little Debbie Cakes. We'd think of things that we missed so much. Then something interesting happened: We stopped missing things from the states.

You see, I believe that God gives us a love for the people, places and culture where He calls us to go. He helps us to adapt and feel at home even in a land far from where we grew up. We began to love the Peruvian people more and more each day. The longer we lived in Peru the more we appreciated the Peruvians and their way of life. We started to love their food, their language, even how they drive! When a visitor would come from the states we had a harder time thinking of things we wanted them to bring. Things left behind at home seemed just like a distant memory. God grew our love for Peru and her people! Now we realize we didn't have to leave anything behind but we gained so very much. We gave up a few worthless worldly possessions and God gave us something better.

Sure, we still miss things from the states. Don't worry-we are still proud, patriotic Americans. We still enjoy receiving a care-package with Little Debbie Cakes or some grits. You'll just have to understand that we love Peru too! Hudson Taylor, well known missionary statesmen in China once said, "If I had a thousand lives , I'd give them all for China!" Apparently a love for a new homeland is a gift that God gives all missionaries. I'm thankful for that.