Peru
The Land and the
People
Peru is the third-largest country in South America. The greater part of the Indian population lives in the rural, central Andean mountain zone and in the eastern jungle area of Peru. In the western, coastal region the people are mainly mestizo and European.
Religion
Constitutionally, religious liberty is granted. The prominent religion is Roman Catholicism, which is protected by the state.
Past and Current
Work
Over the years, more than 40 missionaries have labored in Peru under Baptist Mid-Missions. By 1965, there were five churches and five mission works. At about this time God started using Peruvian workers in a marvelous way. As of 1990, there were 300 churches and groups.
The work in Peru has focused on three major areas: the Cuzco area, the Greater Lima area, and the Northern Peru area.
The work in Cuzco (at an altitude of 11,150 feet) began in 1937. In January 2002 there were an estimated 120 organized churches or mission works in this area. Nationals pastor almost all the churches, and many were started by nationals. Most of the services are in Quechua.
Radio is used to keep in contact with and to teach the many far-flung congregations. Baptist Mid-Missions owns two radio stations: Radio Mensajero, an FM station that serves Urubamba, and Radio Chaski, a short-wave station based in Cuzco. An AM station is also desired. Churches in this part of Peru now have the benefits of a Bible institute, a Bible college, and a Christian camp.
The second region where BMM is active is Lima, where one-third of the population of Peru lives. The work began in 1954 with one church. Now there are approximately 30 established churches associated with Baptist Mid-Missions being pastored by Peruvians. A youth camp has also been established. The Arthur G. Fetzer Academy provides schooling for MKs.
In Trujillo in the Northern Peru area is the Seminario Baustista del Peru, Baptist Mid-Missions’ main training center for laborers for the entire field of Peru. Graduates of the seminary pastor large central churches in Talara, Sullana, Paita, and Piura. These key churches have begun some 300 other churches and works in the area.
Goals
The needs in the Cuzco region include:
1. A person to devote most of his time to radio.
2. An individual who could devote his time to Bible school work, possibly directing the seminary in Urubamba.
3. A full-time camp director
Hundreds of towns and villages in Peru await a gospel witness.