AU REVOIR HAITI
After 13 years in Haiti, we are sadly saying good-bye to our friends, colleagues and ministries there.  The transition from an interim to and elected government initially brought a period of relative calm, but as we write, a new wave of serious crime has mounted, especially in Port-au-Prince.  Because of the stress and frustration of working in this climate, and especially because of concerns for the welfare of our daughters, our leadership has decided not to send us back to Haiti.  After considering other possibilities, we have prayerfully accepted a new assignment in the country of Peru.  This change was unexpected, yet we sense that this is God's plan for our family.  We'll be working with out Haiti colleagues on how the teacher training program, goat and small loan projects can continue to bless people in Haiti in our absence.

¡HOLA PERU!
We are excited to become part of the young and growing Free Methodist Church in Peru.  We'll be working with Pastor Miguel Algorta, the national director of the Free Methodist work in Peru.  In addition to a radio ministry, Pastor Algorta directly oversees 6 churches in the Tarma area, a church in Lima and two churches in the south near the Chilean border.  Many of the church people struggle economically.  Pastor Miguel has begun to address this issue through various projects.  He has requested assistance in developing further initiatives (agriculture and micro-enterprise) to bolster the economy of impoverished families.  This will be J.R.'s task in Peru.  In addition to caring for the girls, Becky hopes to eventually offer training for Sunday school teachers and help facilitate the export of handicrafts made by Free Methodist women.

Our new home will be in Tarma.  It is located in the Andes Mountains about 6 hours northeast of Lima, the capital.
TARMA
Elev: 10,000 ft.
Temps: 40° to 70°F
Pop: 80,000

FAST FACTS ABOUT PERU
- Peru is the 3rd largest country in South America, approximately 4/5ths the size of Alaska
- Spanish and Quechua are the main languages, plus dozens of languages used by various tribes
- 28 million people live in Peru - over 1/4 of them in and around the capital of Lima
- 81% Roman Catholic, 7% Evangelical
- Ethnic groups: 50% Amerindian, 45% Meztiso (mixed Amerindian/European or African)

OUR COMINGS AND GOINGS
July 17-27 - J.R. & Becky accompanied a work team from West Virginia that helped put a roof on a rural church several hours (by vehicle) east of Tarma.  It was a wonderful time to meet the people we'll be working with and also learn about where we'll be living.

August ?? - We would like to return to Haiti to pack up and sell belongings and say good-bye to our dear friends and colleagues.  Because of the recent wave of crime, plans are on hold.

August 31 - The whole family flies to Santiago, Chile.  We will live there for 2 1/2 months of intensive Spanish language study.  We look forward to living near other Free Methodist missionaries.

November 15 - We make the move to Peru.  We will need to rent and furnish a house and get set up for living and ministering in our new home in Tarma.

MARISSA AND ALENA
Marissa had a good year in kindergarten.  She's looking forward to 1st grade in Peru.  Alena is a very active little girl who keeps her parents hopping!  We're hoping our girls will become our Spanish experts.

A SPECIAL REQUEST:
Our mission in Peru is to help people become all that God intends for them.  In order to do so, our family will need a sturdy, four-wheel drive vehicle.  There are funds available for most costs associated with our move, however, we will need to raise the entire cost of this vehicle, approximately $18,000.  If you would be willing to help with this special need, please send a check made out to "Free Methodist World Missions" designated for "Extra Mile/Peru/Crouse Vehicle."  Send it to the Free Methodist World Missions address listed below.

Thank you so much for your prayers and faithful giving over the years as we have ministered on your behalf in Haiti.  Now we look forward to the things God desires to do through us as we minister as your hands and feet in the country of Peru.

Closing out our ministry in one country and beginning fresh in a new country feels like a daunting proposition at times.  But, we are excited about the opportunity and trust that God will prepare and equip us for the challenges ahead.

PRAISE REPORTS:
- time of renewal and spiritual growth during our extended home assignment
- opportunity to serve 3 months as an interim pastor at a small, rural NY church
- direction for ministry

PRAYER REQUESTS:
- the country of Haiti
- grace for saying good-bye to dear friends and family in Haiti and the U.S.
- provision for a car, home and necessary furnishings in Peru
- diligence and intellect for learning a new language and culture

MAIL UNTIL AUG 30:
65 Memorial Drive
Gowanda, NY 14070

MAIL AUG 31-NOV 14:
Casilla 13705
Correo 21
Santiago CHILE
South America

MAIL NOV 15--:
Apdo. Postal 202
Tarma PERU
South America

SUPPORT ADDRESS:
Free Methodist World Missions
P.O. Box 535002
Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002
*Indicate your support is for J.R. & Becky Crouse

J.R., Becky, Marissa and Alena Crouse