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Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convince that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.  2 Timothy 1:8-12

Paul wrote these words of encouragement to the young pastor Timothy, recognizing the challenges and pressures that he was experiencing. These words ring true for the young pastors serving in the jungles of Peru.

Life in the jungle is difficult. The Indigenous Peoples who inhabit the jungle live largely off the land. Their diet consists of fruit from the forest, an occasional monkey or fish, and yuca taken from their small gardens. Most are undernourished largely because of the limited variety of food. They live in thatch huts built off the ground to keep snakes out, but this doesn’t preclude the rats. And, nothing protects from the heat and bugs, which are absolutely relentless. Transportation is exclusively by river, dependent on canoes carved from tree trunks. These communities are sorely lacking when it comes to access to clean water, sanitation, education and quality health care. Even worse, the communities are isolated with no internet or cell coverage. All together this lifestyle brings a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness. To cope many turn to alcohol (produced by chewing yucca, spitting it in a vat of water and allowing it to ferment).

Fortunately, there are those who have found hope in Jesus Christ. It has been our pleasure to champion and equip churches in these remote and otherwise forgotten communities. We provide this support first in the form of biblical training. We identify community members with a deep commitment and calling of Christ. We fully cover their training and travel expenses. This comes with a significant commitment on the part of the student and their family. The whole family must put their lives on hold and travel to the “big city” (Pucallpa or Iquitos). There the whole family is immersed in intensive Bible study and training for three months. They return home for three months to put into practice what they have learned. This cycle continues for three years. To date we have graduated two new pastors, Edgar and Fernando. Additionally, five new students have made the commitment and started their training—Ukama (38 and father of five), Shamichi (42, married and no children), along with three high school graduates who feel called to ministry: Isabel, Pegui, and Elmer.

We also support these remote churches by meeting basic physical needs. An important way we help is by providing a place to worship. While many materials can be sourced from the jungle, assistance is needed with roofing materials and cement. We have also supplied a boat and motor so Pastor Fernando can minister to villages beyond his own. At last count he was ministering to 10 different communities.  Also supported is the most basic of needs, the Bible. Supplied are Bibles recorded in the native language of the communities that are solar powered and can be played so that 50-100 people can listen at a time.

We are also equipping these remote churches by breaking down the walls of isolation. This is accomplished primarily by the work of Pastor Victor. He makes monthly trips into the jungle to meet with the churches and pastors. His primary function is to mentor the pastors, encourage the churches and help create a sense of unity throughout the jungle. The effectiveness of Victor’s work is evidenced by the constant invitations to preside over weddings and funerals and pray over ailing church members.

The Gospel is penetrating and thriving in the most remote areas of the Peruvian jungles thanks to the exceptional commitment of these ministers of Christ. Please be in prayer for them.