We use the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 to teach about the third way theory that we use to show that there are 3 types of people in the world. In the parable, the robbers demonstrate the first man philosophy that is, “what is yours is mine if I can take it”. The two religious leaders that just walked by and showed indifference shows the second man philosophy and that is,” what is mine is mine if I can maintain it.” And the Samaritan that helped a stranger shows the third man philosophy, which is, “what is mine is yours and if you need more I will try and help.” People are really intrigued when we share the third way with them. I want to tell you about a police commissioner that we met when Mack Jennings was here visiting us in Trujillo. We went there to talk about the Women’s Village and how we can work together. The police commissioner named Edwin shared with us some interesting facts. There are 56 barrios in the city of Trujillo; this doesn’t include the barrios surrounding Trujillo. Commissioner Edwin is in charge of 27 of these barrios. The national level there is supposed to be about 3,000 citizens to one police officer. Well, in this district there are about 50,000 citizens per one police officer. So obviously they are a little short of staff. Edwin proceeded to tell us about the changes that he is putting in place and how he treats his employees. For example, since he’s been working with the Women’s Village and learning about how to handle women that are victims of domestic violence, he has hired 2 women police officers. These officers are in charge of working with women that have been abused and helping them to feel more safe and comfortable. Also, he wants his staff to feel respected and to work with dignity to build their self-esteem. Commissioner Edwin tries to get donations from others in the community and also teaches his staff to do the same. They’re working as a team and not waiting for handouts. We feel that Edwin really has compassion and wants to make a difference. He’s the Third Man.
My experience with Edward and his niece Vanessa.
The ministry of missions has a way of creating some very interesting situations and some that become so very rewarding. This month I would like to share a story with you about a Peruvian living in the United States and his niece whom he has seen very little. God works in such awesome ways!
I was standing in line to board my plane in Trujillo, Peru. I was on my way to Lima to connect with my flight home to the U.S. This was early in 2010. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman behind me. His name is Edwardo. He is a Peruvian who has lived in Texas for many years. He asked me what I was doing there in Peru so I told him about the Project. He was pleased to hear of all we were doing.
We exchanged emails and later he wrote me asking me if I would meet with his niece on a return trip. I promised I would.
I tried on the following trip but couldn’t reach her by phone. So one of my last trips I made contact with her and we arranged to meet outside of Tony and Kellies place. She got lost on the way and showed up 45 minutes late but I kept waiting for her. Her name is Vanessa and she is a student at National University. Just as she arrived our group of U.S. visitors was going to dinner so I invited her to join us a block away. So during dinner we visited a lot and she also got to know Mike and Danell who sat with us.
During the conversation I asked her about her religious background. She has one but is not active. As you could guess, I asked her if she would like to go through the Peace Treaty lessons. I worked up to that in my usual way. She was very interested. Then I asked Danell if she would do it with her. She had her calendar out before I could ask.
Very recently Vanessa went to Danell's and they did the first lesson of the Peace Treaty. Then they invited her to stay for their House Church. Afterwards she said she hadn’t encountered so much love in the last many years as she was finding in one evening.
She shared some of her life story with Mike and Danell. She has passed through some tough times recently. She is really a special young woman. She was sharing with them how she is amazed how all this happened in the last two weeks. She said that ‘this is not a coincidence’. She sees how God is seeking her out.
She is amazed how her uncle (whom she has only seen once in her life) encouraged her to meet a gringo she had never met. She was lost and showed up 45 minutes late. He invited her to join them for dinner. She met Mike and Danell. She is hearing of God’s great love for her.
It all started with talking to someone in line at the airport. What a fun story. God is great isn’t He! Pray for Vanessa. She is on a new venture in her life.
God Bless,
John Hendee
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