HGBC Peru Mission Trip: Why we should return

We might be accused of holding an idealistic picture of our time in Peru when we are enthusiastic about returning. Indeed, we have talked of next year as if it is already planned. But there are some compelling reasons that Hickory Grove Baptist Church should continue to send teams to Arequipa and Pedregal.

Several members of our team noticed an openness to the gospel where ever we went. Those who handed out tracts sensed a desire among the people to read about salvation. People who started resistant changed their attitude in the time it took to present a simple gospel message. People received Christ every time the gospel was presented. I see three factors that contribute to this openness:
1) Peruvians have had about five hundred years of awareness of God and Jesus Christ. Catholic teaching has been in the area for a long time, and has been dominant for most of that time. Gaby observed that the way Christianity was introduced to the area was not the best-conquering colonists forced their faith on locals, but that the way people are now being introduced to the true God was a good thing. A basic knowledge and acceptance of faith in Jesus is in place. Some ideas will need to be corrected, but those will be adjusted through discipleship, and Baptists are taking the correct good news approach now and it is being well received.
2) There is a positive attitude toward change. Change of any kind is usually good for the gospel, but the Peruvian government has initiated some positive changes in the area. Both cities are expanding and people are planning for a bright future. Rebar is sticking out of their roofs in anticipation of building a new floor on their house. Irrigation projects in Pedregal give people hope for new jobs and income. This willingness to change opens the door for considering the gospel.

3) They have hope for the future. Again rebar sticking out of the top of houses indicates plans and hope.

Another reason we should continue to send teams is that the Peruvian Baptist are evangelizing their people themselves. This means we can come along side them and offer aid, but not take over. Peruvian Baptists support missionaries to other parts of their country and to international locations-I heard of missionaries to North Africa and to Canada. Some might say, "Let's leave them to the work and go somewhere else." But we can help them and move the work on faster. When a farmer has a bumper crop he calls in extra hands to help with the harvest. We can be the extra hands needed for the harvest in Peru.

A corollary to this point is that the work of mission teams will be followed up. Baptist churches in Arequipa and Pedregal are equipped with leaders and members who are ready to contact and disciple new believers. When several people in one of our clinics received Christ, Elva wrote down names and addresses and gave them to the pastor of the church. They will be visited.

The excellent Christian translators make the work of American mission teams effective. Four different Peruvian Christians translated for me and there was no hesitation between my phrases and their translation.

Finally, our team members came home changed by the LORD. We have a more clear perspective on spiritual things after serving for a week full time. We have a renewed boldness and confidence about sharing the gospel with people here at home. This trip was as much a growth experience for us as it was for anyone we ministered to in Peru. We all thank the LORD, our sponsors, and Hickory Grove Baptist Church for this opportunity.