My Ruthie, whom I knew better than no one except God had a lover and admirer and proud husband in me. Her death has the weight of a mountain, and I will make sure that everyone knows of her - a woman of God of whom the world was nor worthy of.

If I could I would build a Taj Mahal in her memory, but I hope to build for her the tallest steeple on the mother church of Huanta and place instead of bells a chime with happy notes calling people to worship as she wanted it. Mean while let me scream at the top of my voice the name of the Greatest Women on earth I ever knew and had the blessing of loving her. I will do so now by forwarding a letter froms friend who loved and knew her best.

Blessings,

Gerry Gutierrez

February 26, 2012

Dear Friends and Intercessors,

Just a month ago I wrote from our condo in Florida and reported on our trip here, including a quick visit with Gerry and Ruth Gutierrez in Chattanooga. We had a wonderful visit with two of our dearest friends and enjoyed going out to lunch and celebrating together our years of shared experiences and rejoicing in God’s mercy to us and our families. Ruth’s cancer was terminal, but they were determined to live as fully as possible until the Lord called her home. Just about a week ago it became apparent that her time was short, and this morning Ruth Marshall Gutierrez passed into the presence of her Lord. Sandy and I will be heading back to Chattanooga for her memorial service on Wednesday morning.

Gerry and Ruth grew up in the same town in Peru—Huanta. Ruth followed the path of Jesus that her parents, Harry and Florence Marshall, were teaching to all who would listen. Gerry, on the other hand, followed the “Shining Path,” of his hero, Che Guevara, and lived to bring a Marxist revolution to Peru. However, Jesus broke in and not only brought him to faith, but brought him and Ruth together to form a ministry partnership that has touched thousands of lives all over the world. It has been one of the great privileges of our time in ministry that Sandy and I have been able to be involved for over 40 years in the unfolding of this remarkable story of God’s kingdom on the move. We are confident that our Lord still has work for Gerry to do, but it is hard to think of him working without Ruth at his side. I know he will welcome your prayers for him and the children in the months to come.

I realize that many of you receiving this update don’t know the Gutierrez’s but I also discovered that many only heard of Ed Bradley’s passing from my letter, so Sandy and I felt it would be important to tell you this news about Ruth. If you want to learn about her memorial service or how to contribute to Radio Amauta in Ruth’s honor, check their son Nathanial’s website: www.servinginka.com.

If you want to write Gerry, his home address is: 74 S. Victor St., Flintstone, GA 30725.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day. (II Timothy 4:7, 8)

With love and appreciation,

Steve and Sandy