Pastor's Thoughts On Peru
At first glance, the nation of Peru is much like any other. When you arrive from the United States and enter into Lima the country seems very advanced and well funded. Lima, the capitol, is a bustling city of 6 million people. It is a thriving business community that gives a poor representation of the country's real situation. I assume that's the way it is in most impoverished countries of the world.
Once you leave the populated areas you find an entirely different situation. The reality of the depths of poverty in the southern desert parts of Peru is staggering. The entire southern half of the country is a vast wasteland. Away from the thriving economies of the cities, the rainforests, Machu Pichu and even the Amazon River, the desert goes for miles and miles. It is the home of 3 million people. Many people live in wicker huts without electricity, running water or plumbing. The average Peruvian in this area is stuck in the cycle of poverty. No jobs, no tourist sites, and little hope for the future. Things we take for granted; refrigerators, plumbing, Wal-Mart, internet, Starbucks and clothes for Easter are not even thought of. Just getting by from day to day is their goal. Hard work and little pay is their way of life. Most of the hard labor is done with very primitive tools. Unbelievably, they are still a very proud people. Education and family are very important to them. Sexual promiscuity has become a major problem both with single teens and married adults. Many people steal and beg and most reports say the local government officials are very corrupt. The church has been around for centuries; larger cities have elaborate cathedrals while even the small towns have some kind of organized religion. Organized religion has had a hold of the southern one-half of Peru and it has been very difficult for the Protestant Missionary organizations to get a strong foothold. It seems odd that a proud religious people could be so morally, financially and spiritually bankrupt. This part of the country is not nearly as voodoo oriented as those up near the mouth of the Amazon. It is said that the witchdoctors still practice medicine and casts spells. These people are not as pagan or ritualistic as those who live near the sacred valley around Cuzco. This is where one of the great tourist attractions of the world, "Machu Pichu" is located. There lies the ruins of the once great Incan Empire. Along with the tourists comes millions of dollars. The people in the southern desert of Peru are so different than those living near Lima. Lima is very diverse. Lots of different people groups, industries, educational opportunities and all the religions of the world.
So what are the needs of the people of southern Peru? The answer seems very simple. Anything Basic. Every answer must start at the very root or core of the question. A way to grow food, a way to get clean fresh water, a way to earn a decent living, a home for their family, a school for their kids, medicine for physical health care and a church for their spiritual needs. They don't worry about gas prices very few own cars. Not big screen TVs they don't have electricity. Not which cut of steak very few can afford any meat at all.
What will it take for a missionary to make a difference in the lives of this group of people? The mission is huge, where do you start? I guess with the call. I think one better be sure that God has truly spoken and he or she is only going in an obedient response to that call. To take your family into that environment and to commit a large number of years to a group of people who may or may not love or even want you can't be taken lightly. To trust God 100% to take care of you and your family in everyway. Your financial, physical and even spiritual needs will all be supplied by God. Yes, the surety of that call must be number one. Not only is trusting God the top priority but now it must be communicated to the churches who are supporting the missionary what the real need is. This must be a tough battle for the missionary. There are so many pulls on the local church that I'm sure it's difficult for the missionary.
So where does the missionary start? I think it all starts with a core group of locals. You must start a church. Word then must spread of what is being done. The number one need that this group of people has is spiritual. They need peace, joy and hope. Things that only will come through a relationship with Jesus. While the group starts small the hope is that the word of a good work will spread. Money is so vital to all that is accomplished. Since these people need basics, it's vital that we are able to provide for these needs as we minister to this group. To do this the missionary must partner financially with local US churches above their monthly support. Creating a place where the local Peruvians get many of their needs met. Not only do they hear the word, but they are given bibles to read at home, they find fellowship and meals to be served before or after services, not just religious educational opportunities but now a school is started at the church for parishioners and the community. As work begins on buildings and other church projects, men of the church are employed to build. As some grow spiritually and are mentored they take positions on staff both at the church and school. Missionary teams of all kinds come and lend support. Some are medical, some holding crusades, some build, but all serve the people and help the missionary fulfill the call.
Our future plans include building more youth camps and a Children's Home. I don't know if this can truly be accomplished or not. But, that's the vision God has given Enid First Assembly.
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