Missions Trip to Lima, Peru

Reported by William M. Wachtel, December 1, 2001

A mission team left Friday, August 31, for Peru to visit Lima's Church of God, Faith of Abraham. The group consisted of Judy Myers, David Krogh, Alice Badillo, and me. It was the first visit for the others. I was present at the founding of the congregation in 1987, and I made several later visits, the most recent in April 2000. I planned to stay this time until September 12, while the others would begin their return on September 5, which in fact they did. The tragic events caused by terrorists in the U.S.A. on September 11 made it impossible for me to leave Peru until September 15.

 

Late Friday night at the Lima airport, the congregation and their pastor, Bro. Beder Ucañay, received our team with very obvious love and joy. Saturday evening, after a time of afternoon fellowship at the church meeting place, I preached in Spanish on the subject, "Strangers and Pilgrims." Sunday morning, Bro. David Krogh presented a message on "The Purpose of the Church," which I translated into Spanish. That evening, Sr. Judy Myers spoke on the mission work of the Church of God and on our interest in the Peru mission field. Sr. Alice Badillo served as interpreter. I also preached on the subject, "The Son of God." Since the local members speak very little English, all the presentations were given in Spanish.

 

The congregation had rented a hall for special evangelistic services in the neighborhood of their church meeting place. They held these each evening Monday through Friday. I had the privilege of preaching the following  messages: "The Importance of Bible Doctrine," "The Transfiguration of Christ," "An International Conspiracy," "Seeing Jesus," and "The Sleep of Death." Several visitors besides the regular congregation attended, with an attendance between 25 and 40 each evening. Spirited praise in song and prayer were an important part of each service, and each evening several came forward for prayer, for rededication, or to request baptism. Bro. Ucanñay has started a special series of Bible classes for those preparing to be baptized. In addition, he holds classes during the week for mature members who wish to prepare for greater ministry.

 

Each morning, church members and visitors met at the church for classes I taught on Bible prophecy. These seemed to create much interest and discussion. The topics were "God's Calendar," "Daniel 2 and 7," Zechariah 12-14," and two lessons on the Book of Revelation. I spoke at the church Sunday evening on "The Kingdom of God."

 

Since I was planning to leave early Wednesday morning, Bro. Ucañay arranged for the two of us to make pastoral calls Monday and Tuesday at the homes of members and interested persons. We made several visits, and since I could not leave until later, we added some other services. Monday night I accompanied the pastor's brother, Bro. Gaston Ucañay, to a therapy clinic for recovering drug addicts. Gaston visits and teaches them from God's Word every Monday evening. He invited me to speak, and I based my message on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It seemed well received, and they asked me to pray for the group as a whole and for individuals. I spoke at the church Tuesday night on Luke 21, Christ's "Olivet Discourse." We devoted Wednesday and Thursday evenings to a verse-by-verse study of Galatians 3. Friday morning is their weekly devotional time, when several gather at the church for prayer. That morning, after prayer time, Bro. Beder gave a fine Bible lesson on "Edom in Prophecy" - very appropriate in light of current events! Many members are eager to learn our language. They also asked me to present an introductory class on the English language, which I was glad to do.

 

I flew out of Lima Saturday morning, September 15, after staying at the airport all night so as not to lose my place in line. Many Americans were stranded and unable to leave because of canceled flights. It was a real answer to prayer that I got out when I did! I had to spend a night in Miami due to a canceled flight. I finally arrived home safely Monday night, September 17. Filled with gratitude, I thanked and praised the Lord for a safe trip and a joyous ministry in Peru!

 

The Church of God in Lima is excited about the Kingdom message. They want to help spread the gospel throughout their own country and to other parts of South America. Their zeal and devotion can inspire us North Americans to greater dedication and willingness to do our utmost in spreading the gospel to other nations while time allows before the Lord returns. The brethren there are not rich in material goods - many of them are very poor - but they have a spiritual richness of love and faith that can serve as a Christian example to all of us!