"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." – John 10:16

There are places in the world where people wonder if anyone will ever come.

From May 20–30, our team had the privilege of traveling deep into the Peruvian Amazon to serve three villages over ten days. Two of these communities had never received our team before, and one was a village where we have been building relationships over the last two years.

For six days, we operated medical clinics, and by God's grace more than 600 people received medical care, dental treatment, X-rays, and ultrasounds. But what I remember most wasn't the numbers. It was the people.

Riquelmer

One of the greatest blessings for me personally was seeing our friend, Riquelmer. Two years ago, we met him as a young fisherman. Since then, God has been working in his life, and he was inspired to study nursing. Today, he is a nursing student! We've had the privilege of encouraging and mentoring him along the way.

On our last day, we were able to help buy him a computer so he could continue his studies. He received it with tears in his eyes and said, “You don't know how much I have struggled because I didn't have this. My studies will be so much easier now.” But what impacted me the most wasn't the computer—it was his heart.

Riquelmer missed three days of class to travel deep into the jungle and serve the very village where he grew up. Watching him care for his own people was so powerful. One of the most beautiful moments was watching him assist our doctors during an ultrasound and discover that his niece, who will be born in four months, is a girl. It was also touching to watch him care for his mother and family. His mom told us that the IV vitamins he gave her made her feel much better, and she was so proud of the job he did.

This is why we go. Not just to help people for a week. Not just to run clinics. We go to raise up disciples and leaders who will continue serving long after we're gone. And through all of this, we share the Gospel.

Watching Riquelmer grow in his faith and step into a life of serving others has been one of the greatest joys of this journey. Seeing a young fisherman become a nursing student and return to serve his own people reminds me that the greatest impact isn't just what we do for a week. It's investing in people who will carry the love of Christ to their communities for years to come.

"We Didn't Think You Would Really Come"

One of the new villages had heard that a medical team was coming, but many people didn't believe it. No one had ever traveled that far into the jungle to serve them before. On the first day, only a handful of people came. But by the next morning, word had spread. "They really came." Families began arriving. Before long, the clinics were full. Mothers brought their children. Grandparents patiently waited. Some traveled for hours by boat to receive care. And over and over we heard the same thing:

"Thank you for coming."

Many people told us they felt loved and seen. Not because we had all the answers. Not because we brought amazing equipment. But because we came.

Life in the Jungle

Getting to these villages isn't glamorous. We traveled by boat for hours carrying medicines and supplies. At one point the boat died and would not start again. As we prayed, the motor started working again, and we were able to make it out of the jungle. At night, we slept on the floor of the local church. With mosquito nets, sleeping bags, and bug spray, the church floor became home for the week.

The local families welcomed us with incredible hospitality. They cooked meals for us, and we ate whatever they gave us. One day, they prepared caiman from the Amazon. (It's similar to a crocodile, but not the one in the photo above.)

Some people ask us how we do it. Honestly, it's simple. When someone welcomes you into their home, you receive what they offer with gratitude. You laugh together. You eat together. You become family. And that's how we echo Christ. Jesus entered our world. He came near. He sat at tables. He shared meals. He walked with ordinary people and loved them deeply.

We simply want to do the same.

Joy Over Simple Things

One of my favorite moments every day was watching people receive medications and vitamins. Things we often take for granted brought smiles and tears to people's faces. Mothers were thankful their children could receive treatment. Elderly men hugged members of our team. People would say, "Thank you for not forgetting us." That sentence stayed with me. Thank you for not forgetting us. The truth is, we didn't come because we are great. We came because there is a Savior who never forgets His people.

Encouraging the Local Church

One of the greatest joys was serving alongside local pastors and missionaries. These men and women faithfully minister year-round. They know the language, the culture, and the needs of their people. They were so excited to see their communities receiving care and hearing the Gospel. Together we prayed with patients, shared meals, laughed, and watched God work. Their joy reminded me that ministry was never meant to be done alone. We are one family. One Church. One flock under one Shepherd.

"I Have Other Sheep"

Throughout this trip, I felt the Lord speaking to me through John 10:16:

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

Standing in villages that many people have never heard of, I couldn't help but think about the heart of the Good Shepherd. He's excited about the sheep on the outskirts. He's not forgotten them. He's pursuing them. He's calling them. And somehow, in His grace, He allows us to participate in His work. I believe that's what this trip was about. Not just 600+ patients. Not just medicines. Not just X-rays and ultrasounds. It was about reminding people deep in the Amazon that they are seen, known, and loved by God.

This Is How We Echo Christ

It is a privilege to travel far, work hard, and joyfully serve for the sake of the Gospel. The Good Shepherd didn't leave the ninety-nine because it was easy, but because He loves the lost sheep. As Jesus said, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also." (John 10:16). We simply want to follow His example and take the Gospel from Houston to the ends of the earth.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We are grateful to serve alongside you and thankful for your partnership. We look forward to sharing more stories soon as God continues to open doors and bring His sheep home.

Together, from Houston to the ends of the earth,
We Echo Christ.

P.S. Thank you for your prayers and support. I included a photo of our team from the Amazon Jungle 2026. We are grateful for the privilege of serving alongside you and witnessing what God is doing among the nations.

"I Have Other Sheep" – New Doors in the Amazon