In the Crosshairs

    

Grace and peace to each of you! I trust that the Easter Season has brought you hope and with its closing marked by Pentecost, that you may find comfort knowing that the Holy Spirit is among us. Jesus loved us so much that he sent his Spirit down upon us to guide us, console us, teach us and to dwell within our hearts, his love for us is so merciful and encouraging.

    I desire to share with all of you what it has been like here in Peru and the progress we are making on the Casa de Santa Maria Magdalena. My apologize for such a long letter to you, I can only pray that my words find you well and that they my reach your heart as I desire them to. 

    I must tell you, here on the mission field, the last month or so has been extremely challenging to say the least. As I mentioned prior when Gabriel and I came back from visiting the states we arrived at a new season in missions. We were confident that we were ready and up for the challenge. However, I must confess, to the fact I find myself most days during my personal prayer time confronting Jesus with the possibility that He must have forgotten what I signed up for. I mean, I knew our schedule would change, and I knew that ministries would change, I was almost confident that I could handle it with ease. Little did I know that my heart would suffer like it has been, but that is just half of my struggle. My big problem is that I am certain that I, in no way, signed up for the battles between Satan and his posse of evil spirits.  I simply agreed to and said yes to preparing a place where single women and their children who have suffered from domestic violence and abuse can encounter Jesus. There was no mention of spiritual attacks nor Satan waging war on me and those around me.

    However, since we started construction of Maria Magdalena’s home everyday we have been experiencing a heaping dose of Satan’s malice tricks and discouragement. It is so bad at times instead of crying the only thing I can do is laugh (and it is not because it is in any way funny). I have made my protest and request for review known to the Lord during my prayer time about my dissatisfaction of my current situations and have made known clearly the battles I have been facing, but the only thing I get back in return are the words of Saint Paul “And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) These words of Saint Paul clearly mark that he experienced attacks and interference from the Evil one and that I am not alone in this battle and more importantly the Lord’s power is made perfect in the times of my weakness. Paul even writes of another time he faced problems with the Devil’s interference when he wrote of his desire to visit the Thessalonians, but he was unable to because of the attacks of the Devil that was hindering him. He writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 “because we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.”

    There is no mistake that the same powerful adversary is very opposed to Santa Maria Magdalena’s home and its success. I, along with all the workers tools and equipment have had a bull’s eye placed on our backs, we have been spotted in the crosshairs of Satan and he is demanding us to stand down. He is an angel of interference, not an angel of light as God Created him. 

Attacking and ensuring he unleashes every possible obstacle against us, from attacks on our truck’s engine with various mechanical issues, including brake line issues when descending the mountain, the workers motorcycles, even making one catch on fire, shutting down roads with mudslides and forcing us to take longer and more dangerous roads, breaking power tools of all kinds and yet probably the most painful to digest is the fact that he used his trickery and sorcery to even make $5000.00 US dollars that was sent in a form of a bank transfer from the US to Peru disappear that was earmarked for the building project, and it has yet been found or received  here.  There is no doubt that he is throwing out everything he has in his war chest at us. Leaving our Peruvian labor force here ready to call it quits and the rest of the locals are left standing around scratching their heads in bewilderment of why I am so determined and why I am so willing to continue to take such forceful blows. 

    Maybe it is because I am a fool, a fool for Christ and I am not about to let the Devil “outwit” me. (2 Cor. 2:11) Nor will I let him separate me “from the Love of Christ.” (Romans 8:35) Just as Saint Paul was instructed when he pleaded with the Lord about the thorn that he had been given and in return he was instructed that he has not received anything he cannot handle and that the grace and power of the Lord is all that he needed to make it through his battles with the Evil one. So, I too must have confidence in the Lord's words. I should also have confidence that the Evil one has mistaken me as a fool and has underestimated some small things about me such as my hardheadedness, and my zeal to never give up. For most of my life I found these characteristics of mine a downfall and a negative trait, but in this season, I have come to learn that all these talents have been gifts given to me by the Lord and are meant to be used in battle.

    So instead of allowing the father of lies to have his way with me, I have all but spat in his face and have demanded Satan to leave our presence. As a missionary team we have made it a point to sing songs of praise on the land. I have drenched the building site with Holy Water, placed blessed medals of the Holy Family and of Saint Michael the Archangel in the footing of the foundation before they were filled with cement. I have sought out reconciliation in the sacrament of confession and have fasted in hopes to be a better warrior.  

    Though I really had no idea that when the Lord laid on my heart His desire for this home that I was being called to die and to be burned at the stake and pursued by the Evil one. To be shamed and to be spoken about, to be laughed at, and to be called a fool because I am willing to welcome these attacks for the Lord’s sake. Having confidence in the Lord and in his immense plan and desire for this home to be built, is reason enough for me to stand up to these attacks and it is reason enough to be tormented and toiled around with by the Devil, because I know that if this home means so much to the Lord to build,  than I should be ready “to be killed “all day long and to be accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Romans 8:36)

    The greatest thing I have come to know, is I know I am not alone during these attacks. I must tell you that I am in awe of the fact that the Lord even sent Saint Paul to become my friend during these times. I have never studied his Letters, but it just so happens that I am doing a 15-week study of Saint Paul’s writings during the same time I am under attack. There is absolutely no way I could have planned it better. Jesus knew that I was going to need Saint Paul by my side in these times. After all Saint Paul knows well the true meaning of suffering for Christ's sake and he knows what it means to go head-to-head with the Devil. It has been a very divine encounter and new friendship with such an awesome Saint to say the least. The letters Saint Paul wrote are a true witness to His love for the Lord and his gratefulness for being saved. He referred to himself as the “least of the apostles”, because of his past, but because of Jesus’s saving mercy and grace working in and through him he desires to withstand and subject himself to the struggles and persecutions that comes with being a missionary and preaching the Good News. (1 Corinthians 15)

    Reflecting on what a gift my new Saint friend is, there is no denying that Saint Paul, has moved me and calls me on to win this battle. It is amazing to know that four of his letters that we find in the New Testament were written when he was being held in captivity. He never once wavered in his faith, and he never once allowed the Devil to win. Instead, he was still proclaiming the Good News and sharing his testimony with everyone he could. He was faithful to his mission given to him by the Lord and so am I. Paul was shipwrecked, stoned, beaten, laughed at, put in prison, his body bore the branded marks of Jesus, and he still had strength in his weakness and showed grit under pressure. (Galatians 6:17)

    I feel half the battle is recognizing that Satan exists, knowing the tricks and traits of the Evil one, and preparing ourselves for his attacks. As Gabriel my 12-year-old son would say it is DEFCON 1 time, which he is referring to Saint Paul’s instruction about preparing for such attacks that he wrote to the Ephesians about the need to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”. (Ephesians 6:10-12) There is absolutely no way I can withstand these attacks and fulfill this mission without Jesus and all his Saints and Angels by my side. To cast out the Devil and his posse means I need to make sure I am faithful to my prayer time and to the sacraments. Because without this I will lose this battle.

    To close my correspondence with you I must share with you what My Best friend reminded me of just today that I found the timing of her sharing this with me to be divine and from the Lord. She shared that it is a known trait that Satan desires to isolate people in order to destroy them. She shared with me, out of the bible, the words written to the Galatians by Saint Paul as he calls out to them to share their burdens with each other. (Galatians 6:1-6)

    Saint Paul knew that there were strengths in numbers, he knew that “two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.  For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.  Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?  And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:10-12)

    With that said I share with you my toils with the Devil not to lift him up or to give him fame but quite the opposite. I share with you my battle because it is my desire to withstand his attacks and it is my hope to nudge you into battle with me. I beg you to pray for this project day and night, to pray for the young men working on this project and for their conversion, for all those who are watching and witnessing the battle we are experiencing with Satan, that they may become curious and ask about where our strength comes from,  for all those who have donated to this project and for their personal prayer intentions, for multiplication of donations so we can complete this project and lastly for the resilience  of our missionary team here as we stand our ground against the Evil one.

    I pray for the same kind of focus and the faith of the things unseen, just as Saint Paul did as he saw the attacks with eyes of faith. I also pray that I may remain steadfast in the Lord, confident that these attacks will strengthen me and all who are watching. May those that watch with bewilderment, awe and confusion come to know that I do not come to fight alone but with Christ by my side, all the angels and saints and with you my brothers and sisters.

And may one day we all can say

    “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

Amen 

May we share our burdens with one another and lift each other up in prayer! May we also rejoice when we see them answered! 

Karen and Gabriel Del Castillo 

Mission Post:  Cajaruro,Amazonas,Peru 

Please do not go just yet! Please stay until the end and enjoy the pictures! I must say it is always hard for me to remember to take pictures. It does not come as a natural desire to me. However I have, out of my love for each one of you, made an effort to take pictures so that you may experience some of the beauty of Peru, the blessings of missions and challenges of living and serving in a 3rd world county. 

Casa de Santa Maria Magdalena
The 1st phase of the project - The Community House

The bricks arrived to the building site and we were overjoyed that we had got to this point

These picture do not even tell the crazy challenges with the roads here. We are so thankful for 4 wheel drive! 

Well all I can say is that this was the 1st of the attacks the Devil had planned for the truck. 

Within minutes apart from one another parts were falling off in our hands. Than the drive shaft, brakes, fuel pump, 4 wheel drive and more. Each week a new attack on the truck! 

The repair shop! Not normal at all but it is our new normal! Our Mechanic Pablo has been such a saint and his whole team has been such great missionaries. Never mind the beer that's for the clients! And well in the boy it is Miguel the electricians son. He is taping the wires after repairing all the electrical system after we had no lights. 

Gabriel figured out how to do school online from the building site. So most mornings to 2 he is in school. After school he has been helping cut down the overgrowth. I am not sure how Peruvian's keep up with it. He is praying for a weed eater he informed me. 

The creek that borders the land is a perfect place for prayer and reflection and rest! Gab found the perfect spot! 

About 10 minutes from the land! God planned the perfect spot for Santa Maria Magdalena's home! 

The sunset from the soon to be Chapel looking across the valley as the moon lights up the sky! 

This stage was the hardest and the Devil really wanted to defeat us! Everyone of these footers have blessed medals in them!


 

Please Pray for these super wonderful men! This home would not be possible with out these men and their trust in the Lord! 

If ever you desire to experience mission life in person please feel free to reach out to us. We would love to host you and your family! 

If you feel called to visit or make a donation please follow the link below! 

Karen Del Castillo / Family Missions Company

Opportunities to become holy !

 

Greetings from Peru! My heart is on fire, and you all are in my prayers! I trust that the Lord has been with you in a special way during this Easter Season! It is hard to believe that we are celebrating the 4 Sunday of Easter today. My apologies for my lack of sharing with you all about what has been happening on the mission field here. I assure you it was not because of my lack of love for you.  My only explanation for my tardiness is that I have been so honored to be the Lord’s servant and He has  given me so many opportunities to strive for holiness as I serve His beloved poor here. You are all so close to my heart and I desire to share with you all the blessings that have taken place here.

 

A New Bishop

After 22 years of serving the diocese of Chachapoya Bishop Emilliano has now been given time to rest after his faithful leadership and sacrifices he has made while serving the Lord. As sad as it was to see this change and the leaving of such a Holy Man it also brought us a great blessing to be asked to represent Family Missions Company at the ordination of our new Bishop of Chachapoyas Perú Humberto Tapia Diaz. As simple as it sounds, we were able to bring up offerings that represent our call as Missionaries during the huge and extraordinary Holy Mass that took place on April 23. For me it was a surreal feeling to have been able to be in the company of so many faithful Catholics and to be with our two new missionaries Mallory and Sarah. The three of us ladies did not plan to dress alike (all in black) but it made us look like a team needless to say.

Though we looked like a team we did indeed stick out as all the other gifts were brought up by the locals in their traditional clothes and they were bringing offerings of Cocoa, fruits, bananas, rice, beans, and all types of local plants.

Our new Bishop Humberto seems to be a very humble man and a man that desires to lead with a servant’s heart which in return inflames my heart in so many ways. He asked for our prayers, and he asked for us to pray that he will continue to smell like a sheep and that his odor/smell never changes. He stressed that he wants to stay with his flock and not at the place of honor at the table. So please pray that he may never change although he has been called to a new way of serving the Lord.

 

Uniforms

Since our arrival to Peru, we have strived each year to help children here purchase school uniforms. Since Covid hit this is the 1^st year they are returning to school. Yelp, as crazy as that sounds, the children here have gone 2 years with no in person school. We were honored to help 7 children this year with uniforms. All 7 are dear friends of ours. We were able to purchase uniforms and school supplies and backpacks for Snyder, Alondra, and Alex, which are the children of Maritza. Also, two other single mothers Roxanna and Scarlet were so happy that their children Bryan, Kendra, and Pedro received uniforms and supplies. Our dear friend Camellia was not going to go to school this year because she could not afford a uniform but Praise God that no longer is an issue, she too has her uniform and supplies.

Saint Maria Magdalena's Home

I cannot help but be in awe of the fact that the beautiful Saint Maria Magdalena has become such a wonderful friend to me during my spiritual journey. And it is no wonder that Jesus desired her to be a part of the home in a big way. After all Maria Magdalena was a courageous and faithful woman — she was obviously an important presence in the life of Jesus — and she is certainly a key player in the events on that first Easter. Her encounter with Jesus and experience of His healing power transformed her life and not only did she become one of His devoted followers she bravely stood beneath the cross with Jesus. We mustn’t forget that according to the gospels of Mark and Luke, Jesus had “cleansed” her of “seven demons and against all odds, despite the rumors and talk among everyone she became the “Apostle to the Apostles” testifying of His resurrection, and of His love she experienced personally that changed her life forever.

With that said, as I sit here writing this blog on the land that our loving Lord picked for the future Home of Maria Magdalena, that will soon serve and house unwed abused and abandoned mothers and their children, I am in tears. And rightfully so, for many reasons. One is for the fact that I can relate to the life of Maria Magdalena, her need to feel loved and her errors in judgment as she looked for love. Secondly and perhaps one of the most important reasons that I am in tears as I write this is I am reflecting on how Jesus loved me and called me to himself in the same way that he did so many ages ago when he wooed and pursued Maria Magdalena. Also, because I have encountered so many women and children that are in need of this home of refuge, a place of healing and encountering our risen Lord. It has been a little over two weeks since we broke ground on the 1^st phase of the home, and it is incredible how the Lord has handpicked the workers for this project.

 Meet Jose and Joelle, both of these young men have been very moved by this project as they both grew up in broken homes and were left abandoned by their parents when they were young. This home is already giving hope to those who need it. I was so blessed to hear Joelle’s personal testimony of growing up in a broken home which he was prompted to share with me when he discovered why this home was being built.

I have shared with many of you how I feel that this mission that Jesus gave me is a witness of His love not only for me but for all mothers. I truly have suffered in my life, and I have fallen so many times, but here in Peru he is using me and the Home of Maria Magdalena to be the Hope so many are looking for. The First Letter of Peter reminds us to “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (3:15). This was Mary Magdalena’s mission. She journeyed with and supported Jesus in his ministry and she didn’t hesitate to share with the Eleven what she experienced in the garden that morning when she heard the Risen Lord call her name. Her relationship with Jesus changed her life and she didn’t hesitate to share her Good News. And that is just what I desire to do.

 

I ask and beg for your prayers!

Construction here in Peru is not easy. But add the fact that we are building on a mountain an hour or more away from civilization it makes it hard to bring materials up here. It is almost always raining or wet because of the low clouds and fog. Not to mention I am pretty positive that Satan is madder than a wet hen (that’s what my great grandmother would have said). He is for sure not happy that he has not succeeded in his mission to stop the goodness that is taking place. He has sabotaged roads with mud slides and has even worked his evil on our equipment. One would hope that he would become frustrated enough with our steadiness and trust in the Lord that he would give up soon. The evil one keeps me on my toes, and I often find myself telling him out loud to get away and ensuring him that he has no place on this land or anywhere within our thoughts and minds. So, your prayers are needed, and I can tell you with confidence that they are heard, and we feel them no matter the distance between us.

I must leave you with a quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta “What you are doing I cannot do, what I’m doing you cannot do, but together we are doing something beautiful for God, and this is the greatness of God’s love for us—to give us the opportunity to become holy through the works of love that we do because holiness is not the luxury of the few. It is a very simple duty for you, for me, you in your position, in your work and I and others, each one of us in the work, in the life that we have given our word of honor to God. . . . You must put your love for God in a living action. It is not just I have to do it but I love to do it. And you are sharing through you, through your hands what God is proving to the world: That he loves the world and through you he keeps on giving Jesus to the world.”

So together let’s keep bringing and giving Jesus to these beloved single mothers and their Children. Together let’s make sure Satan does not win and that this place of refuge, this home, becomes a reality, a place where these single mothers and their children can meet Christ, in the very same way that Saint Maria Magdalena did so many ages ago. Lets become Holy Saints together and serve in a radical way that will serve as a testimony of the Lords love for us and others! 

 

If you would like to donate to Saint Maria Magdalena’s home, please follow the link below:

https://www.familymissionscompany.com/project/karen-del-castillo/?msclkid=9f97af90cf1211ecbcbb04d64f8ce87a

I must also ask you to keep Gabriel in your prayers! His heart beats solely for the poor and to be a servant. He serves with all his heart, and I am so honored that he has a desire to serve as he does. Please pray for him to hear clearly His Vocation call what ever it may be! 

Good Friday 

These are the altar servers that Gabriel has trained. 

The procession walk  to mass 

May we honor Christ in all that we do! 

Karen and Gabriel Del Castillo 

Mission Post : Cajaruro Amazonas Peru  

 

 

A new season!

 

Blessings to you my friends and family.

Introducing Mallory and Sarah to the Bishop

I pray each of you are well. It is hard to believe that we are already in the 2nd week of Lent! I absolutely feel that I am experiencing a new season not just within our Church but as well in my spiritual and physical life.

Our time in the states was a blessed time. I was able to visit my first-born grandchild. Connected with friends, family, and many of you who support the mission here. I was also able to attend a silent Ignatius retreat as well as a leadership training that was packed full of helpful tips and training on how to lead with a servant’s heart in the mission field.

1st time meeting my grandson Parker, he is so loved!

With that said we returned back to our mission post on the 22^nd of February and praise God we did not come alone, we were blessed to have the presence of two wonderful women join us. Sarah and Mallory have just finished up their formation in Louisiana at our mission base and Thanks be to God they were sent out together, to serve with us at our mission post.

I cannot thank Jesus enough for his mercy and love for us. It is an honor to receive these two young women and I beg for your prayers that I may be a servant to them. That I may pass on what little wisdom I have to them so they can adjust to the different challenging environment and customs here in Peru as well as navigate the migration process in order to gain their religious visas.

Settling in

Mallory and Sarah became part our community here. After serving almost 3 years by ourselves in the northern part of Peru God answered our prayers for more missionaries.

Watching both Mallory and Sarah enter into life here reminds me of many of our own first-year trials and struggles. Learning how to take bucket baths and how to cook, learning to suffer like a saint when sick from parasites. Please know that without your prayers many of these difficulties of adjusting are made harder. Your continued prayer for them is most welcomed as they learn to live life over again here in Peru and as they follow Christ into the ministries, he has prepared for them here.

Upon our return to our mission post, Gabriel and I spent most of our 1st week cleaning our home and unpacking, visiting with friends we have missed, as well as helping the new women’s team set up their home. We even reflected on our time back in the states and gave thanks for all the ways Jesus showed us his love. Thank you to everyone who hosted us while we were back in the states. It is amazing to see how God provides for us, we gave up everything to follow him to Peru and he never once has let us down, he provided a roof over our heads each night, food, and even vehicles were loaned to us so we could get around during our stay in the US. Our time in the states proved His love for us over and over again. For all those who opened their homes and hearts to us I thank you and I pray for you each day that God will find favor on you and your generous hearts.

Medical Mission Trip

These cuties at the medical mission trip. I had the honor of children ministry, what a blessing

Last week we helped with the medical mission trip, which took place back at our old mission post in the San Martin Region of Peru. We were blessed to experience the zeal and love that all the nurses and doctors from the United States had for the poor. We served and brought medicine and healing prayers to 4 different pueblos. We were even blessed to do home visits in Shimbillo, our old town that we called home for our first two years.  I was able to visit with Magaly who many of you may remember. It broke my heart to find her on the ground as she is no longer able to walk. She had been spending her days crawling about the dirt and feces of animals in order to get around. Before we left, because of the love of a benefactor we were able to purchase a wheelchair for her that will help her get up off the ground, the chair seems deep enough that she will not fall out of it so that was comforting to see. Visiting Magaly is not always an easy thing to do, her living situation and her life is far from anything I could ever imagine having to endure.  Visiting her broke my heart this time and it made me reflect on my life as a missionary and perhaps what the disciples felt like as they were also making new friends and always advancing the Gospel Message, which comes with many hellos with just as many goodbyes. It is sometimes the hardest to love with all your heart, to become true friends with those we live with, because we are in fear of having to say goodbye. But I have faith that God will allow me to once again to return to my dear friend Magaly before He calls her home to be with Him.  Please continue to pray for her as she endures this incredible debilitating illness. Pray that she may hear and see Christ each and every day as she withdraws inward and loses her ability to communicate and speak.

My sweet friend in her new wheel chair

A New Season

With Lent upon us and after serving for 34 months in Peru prior to having our time of rest in the states I have been given a wonderful understanding of the new season Christ has called me to. Before we left Peru, we were able to purchase land in the mountains, as many of you may know God has placed on my heart to build a woman’s home. Though God has not revealed his whole plan to me, I have been reflecting on scripture and often find myself meditating on the incredibly bold Yes of the Virgin Mary. As I give my YES to Him, confident in His plan rather than my own I find myself in a new season which begs of me to have trust in His plan.

During my prayer time and during my retreat while back in the states, I was able to recall the different spiritual seasons that we as Christian’s experience. Which in return made me very grateful for these different seasons we can experience. There is a great need not to become discouraged because of the different season we have entered. We can find truth in that as we read that there is different season for everything Ecclesiastes 3:1 states that “for everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” We are all facing unique seasons in our life’s, and it is important for us to understand which season we are in because it has a huge impact on our souls. knowing which season, we are in is also important because it allows us to navigate and interact with others and with God accordingly.

I have recognized in my own life four major spiritual seasons. I have experienced a Growing season, a Pruning season, a Wilderness season, and a Harvest season.  

The Growing season: A season of change, a season to be stretched. He may be asking you to do something you have never done or go somewhere you have never been. It can be uncomfortable as we can experience growing pains as we are being stretched. It is a season of risk and uncharted waters, but we must trust in Him and step out of our comfort zone, out of our boats and into the waters. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37;23-24.

The Pruning Season:  We can experience trials and tests, sometimes one right after the other. God is preparing us for something greater. But before we can reach this, He knows there are somethings such as behavior, beliefs and even people that we must let go of before we can enter into the next season. He is desiring to reshape us in this season and to transform us into the person we are called to be.  “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested, as fire test and purifies gold- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7  

The Wilderness Season: This season is a time of waiting and suffering. This season can be very lonely, more so when God is choosing to be silent. As we wait for God, we must fight the desire to become angry and we must refuse and rebuke the lies of the devil during this season. We must cling to God’s truth, and even though it does not seem like it, God is closer to us during this season than any other season. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” Psalm 34: 18

The Harvest Season: This is a very busy season, and we are reaping the seeds that were planted in previous seasons. God trusts us and it is important for us in this season to cling to God as we may often lose focus during this season because things are going well in our life’s. It is important to remember how blessed we are, and it is important to not become complacent and remember we still need God, and we still need to seek him during this season.  “Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.” John 4:36

Unplanned and uncharted

I would have to say that most of my journey with the Lord has seemed to fall into the Pruning Season. As I needed a bit more molding, readjusting and reshaping in the last 15 years or so. But I truly feel that I have gently and ever so humbly moved into the Growing Season. This season has already begun with so many small little YESES! Saying yes without really knowing what even Jesus wants to do with them. I have said yes to receiving the new women’s team here, I have said Yes to building a home for unwed and abused mothers and their children without even knowing how to fund or make this possible. The immense need to Trust in the Lord and to seek answers from him has had me on my knees in prayer more than ever. I can not help but laugh at the things Jesus is asking of me. I often remind him who he is talking to (as if he needs a reminder). But I cannot help but place my confidence in Him Knowing that he has moved mountains and he holds the entire plan within his hands. That it is merely my humble chore to be obedient to Him, to seek him and follow His voice no matter what my own thoughts or the world may say. You see I have come to understand that when following Christ many things cannot be explained. Miracles upon Miracles happen every day and it is a blessing and honor to be so removed from the world while serving His beloved poor to see the Miracles he performs each day.  

As you can see, I am walking in unplanned and uncharted waters this year in this new season my trust in the Lord in every aspect of my life has grown. Even trusting the Lord with my daughter Julianna. Julianna has decided to step away from missions for the time being. Please pray for her as she navigates the next season in her life and as she seeks the will of the Lord. She has been discerning returning to the states to attend formation as a single missionary, but she also feels called to not leave Peru. She is young and steadfast in the Lord, and I must trust in the ways and the timing of the Lord in her life.  I beg you to continue to pray for her as she makes her adjustment of living apart from Gabriel and I in this new season.

An invitation

I challenge you to prayerfully pray about what season you may be in. Embrace the season and be confident that Jesus desires to meet you each and every day of this season. He desires to grow and to stretch you beyond your wildest imagination. The Journey with Jesus is the best you will ever experience and to my knowledge there has never been a person who has said I wish I never found or knew Jesus. So, I invite each of you to trust in Jesus, allow him to come close to you in prayer. Allow him to enter into the depths of your heart this Lenten season and trust that he desires to have all of you. Not just parts of you or just a few minutes of your day or an hour on Sundays. But allow him to have all of you. Your life will be so much sweeter when you do. Perhaps it may look foolish to some but most definitely it will be a life full of miracles and you will experience an insanely wonderful growth once you do. I am reminded of Saint Paul’s words during my own journey with Jesus as he says, “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

 During this Lenten season I encourage you to try something new, Try to just give all of you to the Lord and experience the sweetness he has to offer and savor it, I am certain you will find that your heart will be satisfied in so many ways.

Become a mission Partner with us!

With that said I also ask you to prayerful consider partnering with us. I Boldly ask you to give from your richness He has given you. Much as Saint Paul begged for help from believers, I too do the same. If you truly know the love of Jesus and the miracles, he has performed in your own life’s than I am confident that you desire others to know of His immense mercy and love. Saint Paul said “God who supplies seed for the Sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us.” 2 Corinthians 9: 10-11. God has used the cross I carry and my own testimony to serve the women here in Peru and he desires to do so much more, and he desires to invite you to be a part of this incredible calling. 

Our fundraising efforts have produced a great deal of miracles thus far. We are roughly $45, 000.00 US dollars from reaching our first goal for Saint Mary Magdalene home. This first goal of $100,00.00 will allow us to build housing for unwed and abused mothers, a small chapel and community home for community meals, prayers, and education for both mothers and children on the land that we have already purchased.

Land purchased in the mountains- soon it will be a home for unwed and abused mothers and their children

A second opportunity to partner with us would be to help support my family. We as a family live here by the generosity of others. We as full-time missionaries live on donations alone since we are not allowed to work here in Peru. We are currently in need of monthly support. It can be as little as $50 dollars a month, to help us purchase are basic materials and supplies, food and alms giving, (such as medicines, uniforms, bibles, medical expense for the poor). We are currently in need of at least 10 mission partners that would partner with us for $50.00 a month to be fully funded in this next season of missions.  

Please prayerfully consider if Jesus is asking you to be generous with the gifts he has bestowed and entrusted with you. Here is a link you can follow to partner with us. If you are unable to become a donor at this time please consider sharing our story and God mission here with a friend or family member. I am confident that Jesus has wonder plans for his beloved poor here and I am certain that we all will receive so many graces from loving the poor as Christ does. 

Karen Del Castillo | Family Missions CompanyFamily Missions Company

We love you all so much and pray for each of you by name. Please remember to send your prayer requests to us. Allow us the honor to pray for you and your intentions. You can send them via email to karendelcastillo@familymissionscompany.com or via whatsapp to 51-941-992-525.

May we love like Christ ! 

Karen and Gabriel Del Castillo

Awaken us from our Slumber oh Lord!

 

The bell towers of the church trembled so hard the bells clanged together that hang within them, as we woke to a 7.5 earthquake this morning. Waking from our slumber and running down the long hallway to the front door was a bit scary. As I was trying to open the door, Gabriel yelled out God will Save us. Trying to dodge the fragments of adobe, plaster and rocks falling from the walls and roofs above us it was a sight to see.

Though the quake seems to have destroyed many roads, homes, and churches, we must praise God there has been no reports of any deaths. It could have been much worse because the earthquake hit in the early morning with most of us preparing for the day to come.  

With today the first Sunday of Advent I find the Gospel very fitting for today. As we are reminded that Christian’s must not fear the 2^nd coming of the Lord but instead rejoice and hold our heads high, to remain vigilant and prayerful. We should be in perpetual search of His graces in which he offers us; that teaches us to look beyond this passing world and instead remain faithful in His imminent coming.

Today’s Gospel and perhaps the earthquake is an invitation for us all to “put aside thoughts of Christmas for now and soberly reflect on our final days.” The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ will come again at the end of time to preside over the Last Judgment. She also teaches that we must “await this second coming, or Advent of our King, with vigilance and confidence in his victory. If we live in love as God’s sons and daughters, we need not fear. We will be able to “stand erect and raise our heads because our redemption is at hand.”* This truth is what fills the liturgical season of Advent with joy.”

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.

But how can we be joyful Christians in times of despair, sadness, trials, pandemics, separation, death or when we are facing the unknown? Because as Christians we must believe, we must have faith in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ despite the murmurs of the World around us.  We are not alone in this world. We know that this world is not perfect, and that we live in a valley of tears. “The Church teaches that we are a pilgrim Church. But we do not wait alone. Our Lord accompanies us. CCC 671 states that “Until everything is subject to him, ‘until there be realized new heavens and a new earth in which justice dwells, the pilgrim Church, in her sacraments and institutions, which belong to this present age, carries the mark of this world which will pass, and she herself takes her place among the creatures which groan and travail yet and await the revelation of the sons of God.”*  We need to remember the gifts of the Holy Sacraments that often times we forget what they can do for our souls. We mustn’t forget the mercy, graces, and nourishment the sacraments provide for us during our mission here on earth. They are the fountain of life and where all Joy comes from. They are the key that helps prepare our immortal souls for eternal life with our Creator.

Here are a few pictures from one of the small pueblos we serve.

 

 

 

Each Sunday we have been blessed to bring communion to the faithful so as we do every Sunday, we made our way to the little community grateful to be alive and joyful for the opportunity to bring Jesus to those who would go without if it wasn’t for those of you who support the mission here. All most all the homes are bamboo huts and the Church and maybe one other home is made of adobe bricks and well they did not fare to well in the earthquake. We had to do a bit of clean up before we could celebrate the Liturgy, but we are so grateful and blessed to do so.

 

On our way home from the celebration, we were able to pick up an older man, if I had to guess he was in his 80’s, and he was walking in the heat.  He was very talkative and emotional about the morning’s events. He asked us if we could take him to a nearby town because he needed to go to Church and  that he had not been in 15 years since his wife died. Of course, we said yes, so along the way we made conversation. He kept saying to us to be careful that we all need to repent. He said the end was near, that covid was a sign and now the earthquake. I asked him what religion he was out of curiosity, and he said he belonged to the Pentecostal Church. I did not feel the need to explain who I was to him; I simply cherished the time we had with him and attempted to calm his worries and fears. As I explained that there was really no need to worry, that if we believe in Christ and we love him that he will have mercy on us. Before we dropped him off, we prayed with him asking the Lord to give us each the strength to hold our heads high and to remain Joyful in the good times and the bad.

 

I can’t make this stuff up, since following Christ into the mission field we have had so many divine appointments. Designed and planned by Christ himself, opportunities granted to us that allow us to love another, to preach the truth and to share of His immense love he has for everyone.

Last night I prepared for this morning’s celebration so unaware of the earthquake that would happen just hours before it was time to celebrate the Liturgy. Many times, I find that I struggle to relate the Gospel to those we serve but today there was no doubt that Jesus sent a clear meaning of the Gospel message in a very real way.  

We must hold are heads high and with Joy Proclaiming His goodness at all times, and pray

“Come, Lord Jesus; do not delay. Life without you is no life at all. We prepare our hearts for your coming at Christmas and your coming at the end of time. Accept our prayer today and send your Holy Spirit into our hearts to teach us to say “Maranatha!” Come Lord Come do not delay!

Awaken us from our Slumber oh Lord! 

Karen Del Castillo 

Mission Post : Cajaruro-Utcubamba-Amazonas-Peru

 * Deacon Erik Burckel, LC, Epriest.com