It takes nine hours of flying to reach Lima; and another one-hour flight to reach Pucalpa; and the craziest, most majestic, most Dramamine-filled 5-hour van ride through the Peruvian mountains to reach the little town of Aucayacu. And, man, it’s worth every mile.

For the third time since 2014, Lighthouse sent a team to visit and minister with our friends in Aucayacu. As before the the trip was led by longtime missionary friends Gretchen and Jack Bardales – along with their two young children, Jaden and Bethany, who are new additions since our last trip.

“The love we feel from the people of Aucayacu – and the love we have for them – is just incredible,” said Mary Wagner, who’s been part of all three teams. “God is there. God is there every time.”