Heflin’s Pioneer Outreach opens bakery in Peruvian jungle
07-14-2008
Howard and Helen Toombs of Pioneer Outreach recently returned from another trip to the jungles of Peru with good news - the new “Bread of Life” bakery has opened. Helen Toombs reports, “Traveling on “The Good Samaritan” boat, construction completed in December of 2007 after three years, with a team of 14 people.The dry land was not easy to reach at the small village of San Juan Parinari. Leno, our translator, was first off the boat and was stuck in the mud as he attempted walking on the logs and board spread out for about 50 yards in order to reach dry land.” She adds, “But, it was worth all the effort when we arrived at the new bakery, the first of it’s kind in the jungle. “They had been told we were coming but, it was a surprise to us that they had waited to bake the very first bread just for us.! The aroma was wonderful, coming from this outdoor clay oven. While waiting we enjoyed fresh coconuts to quench our thirst. Wow! just taste and see how good it is. Jesus is so good!” Toombs continued, “What an honor they bestowed upon us to be able to eat the first piece of bread. Many friends and partners of Pioneer helped with the money for three bakeries to be built in these remote areas. Among those were many locals of Heflin. Thank you once again for all that enabled us to provide such a blessing as this,” she said. After sampling the bread the team moved on to several other poor villages, each time preaching, praying and encouraging the poor natives. “After five days of travel we reached San Pedro where the team constructed a church, did a dental clinic for two days, a ladies meeting, two days of children’s ministry, made bags filled with food and clothing and blessed the school with much needed supplies in this village,” Toombs said. The Toombs plan a return to Peru, leaving July 30, for a Congresso where physical and “spiritual” bread will be given to an expected 2000 adult natives that will come from 42 or more villages to hear the Word of God, worship and fellowship. They estimate 400-500 children will attend these meetings. Pioneer Outreach seeks financial sponsors for qualified speakers who need $10,000 - $12,000 to meet the obligation of this Congresso. Toombs said you can assist with prayer and financial support. “There are souls for your hire. Each year they have already seen more than 100 receive salvation and baptized in the river.” Contributions may be mailed to Pioneer Outreach, PO Box 145, Heflin, AL 36264 or by calling 256-253-3104.
