countries you’re potentially traveling to. Having an understanding of
the history and tidbits about the culture helps in relating to the
people you will meet. There are numerous times while on the field, you
will speak with locals who will refer to a particular situation in their
country, whether it be past or present. This some information on Peru.
BackgroundWhen people think of Peru, most think of Machu Picchu and the Incas. But over 29 million people, largely descendents of Spanish settlers and native Inca and pre-Inca cultures, populate Peru. Since pre-Columbian times, Peruvians have been divided by nature. From the arid deserts of the coast, the Andean Sierra rises up to 19,700 feet. The highlands comprise about a quarter of Peru’s territory, but are home to more than half of Peru’s population. This mountain mass poses major problems for development and integration into a single society.
The result is dramatic regional diversity, and considerable inequalities in services and living standards. Health, education and law enforcement programs are unevenly distributed across Peru.
Language
Peru’s distinct geographical regions are mirrored in a socioeconomic divide between the coast’s mestizo-Hispanic culture and the more diverse, traditional Andean cultures of the mountains and highlands. The indigenous populations east of the Andes speak various languages and dialects. Some of these groups still adhere to traditional customs, while others have been almost completely assimilated into the mestizo-Hispanic culture. But the two official languages are Spanish and Quechua.
Spiritual Climate & Ministry
Peru is a land full of wonder and epic stories. It’s also a country in need of experiencing God’s goodness and understanding what it means to have a relationship with the Creator. Many natives still dabble in traditional religious practices and idolatry, but God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church is becoming thirstier for the truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past has been riddled with violence from the likes of the Shining Path guerrilla and Alberto Fujimoto’s presidency, from which both the indigenous poor and urban affluent alike are recovering. Your time here may include moments in the jungle-perhaps a visit to the Macchu Picchu-as well as life in the metropolis.
Ministry in Peruthe church, make relationships and physically build the church in Llomo
de Corvina, speak in schools, attend church cell groups, and plan
special children’s festivals and sports days.
Already Among Themyear ago, I was 4 weeks into our time there. The people there had lost
everything in a devastating 8.0 earthquake 6 months before we arrived.
They were living in make-shift houses constructed of tarps and bamboo.
The children had flee bites all over their ankles, were sick from the
unsanitary conditions, and sensed the deep pain and anxiety of their
parents. Read more…
For additional information on Peru:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pe.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35762.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107883.html
http://www.who.int/countries/per/en/
