Mission shares the gospel in Peru

(Editor's Note: Former Emporium resident Jeff Borden, who now lives in Western New York, recently reported on a mission trip he took to Peru to work with small churches and communities.)

Arriving in Lima around midnight, we were pleased to see the faces of the missionaries who greeted us and prepared us for our bus trip to Tarma early the next morning.

Tarma (13,000 feet above sea level) is accessible only through a twisting ride up the mountains. The scenery was beautiful; however, as we neared the top we began to notice the effects of the thinner air: breathing difficulties and headaches.

An interesting side note: we were carrying water bottles and as we got higher in altitude, the bottles compressed (sucked in) almost flat.

At the tiny village of Huaricolca, we presented the gospel message using visual aids, sang some praise/worship songs we learned in Spanish, and made "salvation bracelets" with colored beads that represent the redemption story.

We started out with around 20 kids present. By the time we were finished, there were more than 70 children with us.

The next day, we had quite a few adults curious about our program and when we offered the invitation to receive Jesus as Savior, we were delighted to see that many accepted.

That afternoon, we headed on to the village of Ayas over single-lane dirt roads with very steep drop-offs. To say it was exciting and a little nervewracking would be an understatement.

Villagers there all work in the fields from sun up to sun down, tending to potatoes and corn. Children tend the flocks of sheep and other farm animals. As we were "fellowshipping" with the people, monstrous black clouds began rolling their way through the valley and the villagers began securing their animals, children, and belongings.

Some of us huddled in the tiny home of a kind young mother who invited us in to get out of the rain. It was a single room, dirt floor, tin roof, made of adobe and about 10 feet by 12 feet. No one spoke both English and Spanish, so we communicated with hand signs and gestures as best we could.

The next day, presented a salvation invitation to the older kids and adults that were there listening. What happened next will stay with me for the rest of my life.

The question was asked if anyone would like to receive Jesus as savior. We were asked, "Who is Jesus?"

While I am aware that there are people on this planet that have not heard of Jesus or His gospel, I had never met any of them personally.

The people of Ayas lives consists primarily of working the land from daylight to dusk, just to survive. There are no churches, no libraries, no street evangelism.

Although I believe in miracles, the odds are against revival coming to Ayas without the gospel taking up residence there. I pray that God would call missionaries that would dwell among the people there.

The people of Good Shepherd Church in Tarma were some of the most selfless, hardworking, and genuinely loving people I have ever met.

As our visit continued, we went higher into the mountains (15,000 feet above sea level) to Huancayo and a Youth Congress gathering, complete with music, dramas, and fellowship.

Next on our itinerary was the capital city of Lima. Pastor Oscar of the Mira Flores church said the congregation consisted mostly of 20-somethings. The young people wanted to move beyond their study and move into practice. Our team was enlisted to help.

While we had noticed somberness in the children of the mountains, these children seemed much fuller of life and hope. Seeing this served to intensify the heartache for the mountain kids.

Knowing we were leaving friends was difficult for us. We said our tearful goodbyes and headed for the Lima Airport ticket counters.

The trip was a wonderful experience and leaves me much to process mentally, emotionally, and spiritually over the coming months.