Extension and Home Service

We've arrived and feel right at home. We're getting more and more involved, and we're needed.

In addition to Rahel’s work in the lab and Gabriel’s work in the emergency room, endoscopy unit, and intensive care unit, we both lead two different Kids Clubs each week. It’s a kind of Sunday school/youth group for Peruvian children, where we now also teach Bible lessons in Spanish.

Rahel gives visitors 1- to 2-hour tours of the hospital. She is also in charge of the library, which houses over 1,000 books—mostly Christian—in German, English, Spanish, and Dutch for children and adults. We love browsing there and borrowing DVDs as well as books. We also receive book donations from time to time, which means we have to label the books with the correct category and shelve them.

It took us some time to adjust to the culture, language, and work. That's why it doesn't feel like we've already been in Peru for two years.

We now have the opportunity to extend our work by one year and plan a three-month period of service in our home country.

We took plenty of time to think this through, ask God for clarity, and sort out a few things.

We have informed our mission society, as well as Martina and Klaus Dieter John.

It was very important to us to discuss this decision with our children and to get their approval for an extension.

We also needed confirmation from our tenants in Switzerland.

After receiving a great deal of positive feedback, we have decided to extend our mission by one year, until at least the end of 2028.

We will be coming to Switzerland for three months starting in mid-January 2027.

We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in person.

If you're interested in hosting a presentation or interview at your church, home group, or in your home, please feel free to contact us.

We have a place to stay in the Sissach area! We're still looking for a car for this period. If anyone has one they don't need or knows someone who can lend us one, please feel free to contact us.

Our two cell phones are getting on in years—they're 9 years old—and can no longer be updated. If anyone has a newer model (iPhone 13 or later) or knows of a good deal, we'd really appreciate any tips.

We’re looking forward to snow, raclette and fondue, chocolate, the indoor pool, playgrounds, and most of all, spending time with our families, friends, and supporters, as well as attending worship services at our church!

See you soon in cold Switzerland!