Higher & Deeper

In 2019, Trevor and I embarked on our first mission trip together to Peru, and it was an experience that changed our lives forever. We had the incredible opportunity to journey to the Ancash Region of the Andes Mountains, where a local pastor had recently relocated to plant a church. Our team was the very first to come alongside him in this new mission field, and while we thought we were fully prepared for the journey ahead, nothing could have prepared us for the amazing things God had in store.

Before we left, we had been praying for God to take us higher than we'd ever been—both literally and spiritually. We wanted Him to stretch us deeper in our understanding of who He is and what He was calling us to. Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," and this trip was a testament to that truth.

From the moment we arrived, we were met with an overwhelming sense of purpose. One of the greatest blessings of this trip was the unexpected open doors at the local school. We were granted complete access to spend an entire week with the children, teaching them about Jesus in ways that were engaging, fun, and full of joy. We played games, performed skits that illustrated who Jesus is to us, sang songs, and led an entire Vacation Bible School. It was a time of laughter, learning, and most importantly, planting seeds of faith that we pray will continue to grow in the hearts of these children.

One day, the pastor approached us with a unique request. He asked us to take part of our team down the mountain to a small town where he wanted to share the Gospel. When we arrived, about 30-40 people had gathered, eager to see what was happening. Then came a moment that left us completely speechless: the pastor looked at us and said, “This group of people doesn’t know the name of Jesus. No one has ever told them.”

In that instant, we were humbled and overwhelmed. Where do you even begin when sharing the Good News with those who have never heard it? Trevor stepped forward and, with the Holy Spirit guiding him, shared the story of Jesus—who He is, the sacrifice He made for us, and the love He has for each and every person there. As he spoke, we witnessed something truly miraculous: the hearts of these people were opened, and so many gave their lives to Jesus right then and there. That day, the pastor’s church grew by 30-40 new believers, and the kingdom of God expanded in a way we never could have imagined.

Beyond the incredible ways God moved, we also had some unforgettable experiences that added to the adventure. We had the opportunity to try guinea pig, a delicacy in Peru, which was definitely an experience we’ll never forget! Traveling through the Andes was its own thrill—we rode in a double-decker bus that sped around hairpin turns at crazy speeds, making for some heart-pounding moments (and a few prayers for safety!). We also took a tourist day to visit an Inca village that was actively being excavated for archaeological research. It was fascinating to explore the ancient buildings, step inside their history, and imagine what life might have been like for the Inca people.

Once we made it back to Lima, the adventure continued. The boys on our team had a special opportunity to play flag football with a Peruvian ministry team. It was such a unique way to connect with the local community, break barriers through sports, and share in a fun, competitive moment together.

Looking back, this trip was a powerful reminder that God’s plans are always greater than our own. We went in thinking we were ready, but the truth is, nothing could have fully prepared us for the ways He would move. He opened doors, broke down barriers, and revealed Himself to people who had never heard His name before. We were simply vessels, honored to be used for His glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

That trip to Peru in 2019 was only the beginning of our passion for missions. It deepened our faith, strengthened our calling, and reaffirmed our desire to go wherever God leads. And for that, we will forever be grateful.

With Love,

Peyton