FAMILY BEYOND DISTANCE
Written by Cesar Ausejo
Brookwood Missionary Partner in Peru
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:50 (NIV)
When we think of family, we often picture the people living under our roof—those we see every day at the table, on busy mornings, or during long evenings. But in the Kingdom of God, family stretches far beyond blood and geography. It is a family built by grace, carried by the Spirit, and united under Christ.
When you come on a mission trip, it’s not just travel—it is a family reunion. You step into homes, churches, mountains, jungles, laughter, need, worship and work. You meet relatives you’ve never seen before, yet somehow, your heart knows them. You recognize them instantly—not by last name, but by love. That is the miracle of the Body of Christ.
Here in Lima, I have the privilege of being the host of that reunion. Like preparing a family gathering, I cook the meal, open the doors, arrange the chairs, and create a space where long-distance relatives can meet one another. When you come, I watch strangers embrace like cousins who have only been apart for a season. Together we share stories, serve, pray and realize that our family is much bigger than we ever imagined.
And when family gathers—the Kingdom advances.
This Christmas, our family will grow a little more. We’re preparing a celebration for 150 children in the highlands of Lima, giving them both Christmas gifts and school supplies as the Peruvian school year begins in March. We’re also joining Huellitas in the jungle for their Christmas outreach in mid-December—sharing joy, hope, prayer and the love of Jesus where it is needed most. Thank you for praying, giving, sending and standing with us. When you support us, you’re not funding a family only—you’re adding chairs to the family table. None of this is possible without you. Let’s keep building the Kingdom—together.
APPLICATION: Pray for our mission in Peru. Pray for many to be saved.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You that You are a God of family. That You not only save us, but You join us together as friends and kingdom-builders in the greatest story ever written. Help me see the world through Your eyes and give me a heart for the many children of Yours, most of whom I’ve never met. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?