Peru
Date Entered: 1939
Major Ministries: Church planting, theological education, camp work, river evangelism, aviation.
Country Profile
The majestic, snow-capped Andes mountains dominate the topography of the historic Inca land of Peru. Nearly 50% of the population is Indian, mostly Quechua and Aymara. Along the coastal strip of desert land is Lima, “city of the kings,” the economic heart of the country.
ABWE’s Peruvian work began in the Amazon basin surrounding the jungle city of Iquitos, Peru’s inland port for ocean-going vessels 2,500 miles up the Amazon river. Launch evangelism has extended the ministry up and down the Amazon and its tributaries from the headwaters almost to the Brazilian border.
The city of Iquitos is a population center of approximately 300,000 people. The city’s thriving, autonomous Baptist churches form the basis for missionary outreach along the Amazon and its tributaries. Radio, literature, youth ministries, and Theological Education by Extension have been used effectively in this area.
The Upper Amazon Field Team seeks pioneer river evangelists who will work along the tributaries in towns still unreached with the gospel, as well as more personnel to work in the population center of Iquitos.
ABWE also works extensively in the coastal regions of Peru. The capital city of Lima is the beginning of this outreach. Lima presents a great challenge for urban missions with an estimated population of 8 million. Scores of new middle class developments have sprung up throughout the city.
In an effort to reach these areas, ABWE missionaries drew up the “To Lima with Love” plan. Already four congregations have been formed and are reaching into these urban areas. Expansion is needed for new sections of the city, requiring additional personnel for church planting and leadership training.
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Outreach also extends to the southern part of the country. The Ica region is the site of ABWE works reaching into Ica, Nazca and Chincha. The Chincha work was begun in 1993, and today has a strong core of believers and two established churches.
Further south lies Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru. ABWE was instrumental in founding eight churches which are now under national leadership. The ABWE missionaries are focusing on reaching the large professional class in this area. Building the foundation through personal contacts and Bible studies, the missionaries are trusting God to break through the centuries of spiritual blindness.
Yet another opportunity for gospel witness is found in the mountains. The northern city of Chiclayo houses the ABWE aviation outreach to the interior Andes Mountains. Missionaries are working with local pastors in surveying prospective sites and supervising construction of landing strips. The mountain towns are ripe for ministry as the people have become more receptive to the gospel and desire training.
From the wilds of the jungle and the steeps of the mountains, to the throngs of the city streets, Peru presents a fertile mission field ripe for harvest.