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For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks: but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Romans 1:20-23

The Indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon inhabit a massive area that covers approximately 300,000 square miles—making up roughly 60% of Peru’s national territory. Their population is estimated around 500,000 to 600,000 individuals spread across more than 50 distinct ethnic groups and nearly 25 uncontacted or voluntarily isolated tribes. These communities speak at least 44 distinct native languages and dozens of regional dialects. Their living conditions reflect a complex balance between traditional rainforest livelihoods—such as subsistence farming, fishing, hunting, and foraging—and severe modern challenges. Many communities live in remote riverbank settlements accessible only by boat, lacking reliable access to clean drinking water, modern healthcare, quality education, and electricity. Furthermore, their territories and traditional ways of life face persistent threats from illegal deforestation, gold mining, oil extraction, and agricultural expansion, which contribute to environmental contamination and land displacement.

The religious and spiritual practices of these peoples are centered on animism and shamanism, shaped by a worldview that considers nature, humans, and the spirit realm as deeply interconnected. Specifically, animism is a traditional belief holding that all natural elements—including plants, animals, rivers, mountains, and trees—possess a spirit or life force (pachamama or forest spirits). Spiritual and community life relies heavily on the shaman who acts as an intermediary between the physical and spirit worlds, responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, driving away negative energy, foretelling events, and retrieving "lost souls". 

This is the backdrop against which Pastor Victor operates to bring the life-giving gospel to these largely forgotten people. You can imagine that ministry is difficult under these conditions. However, in the strength of the Lord, Pastor Victor has overcome isolation, hopelessness and cultural practices to further the gospel.

Given the large area, low population and the hazards of the jungle, isolation is a real problem. Villages tend to be small on the order of 50-200 people with very limited opportunity for communication where the only mode of travel is a multi-hour boat trip. This is difficult for the small churches and their ley pastors. To break down this isolation Pastor Victor along with 17 other brothers organized a 3-day conference this past August to help encourage and equip the Indigenous pastors in the Loreto region. Pastor Victor has bigger plans to construct a facility in his hometown where such events can be held on a regular basis. MCC is currently looking at how we might be a part of this vision.

In September, Pastor Victor traveled to the community of Jeberos. Here he faced issues of hopelessness among the villagers. Difficult living conditions, disease, and lack of economic opportunities have driven many villagers to a sense of low self-esteem and alcoholism. Through worship, teaching and encouragement, twenty were reconciled to the Lord recognizing their worth as image bearers of their great Creator. Another man placed his faith in Christ.

Cultural practices are a constant challenge to spreading the gospel. Very often Pastor Victor will be confronted by the village witch doctor/shaman, even to the point of physical threats. The sad part is that the shaman is usually more concerned with his position and the income that it produces than any challenge to his animist faith. Culture also influences social practices. Where a dispute occurs and cannot be resolved through compromise, the problem is considered resolved when one party murders the other. Recently Pastor Victor was able to council feuding parties on biblical grounds to resolve an otherwise lethal situation.

MCC has been supporting Pastor Victor for about five years. Please see the accompanying prayer points and pray for God to continue to use Victor in a powerful way.