At home in Arequipa
October could be called many things here in Peru.
- Purple Month
- Lord of the Miracles (Señor de los Milagros) Month
- Day of the Dead/All Saints Day Preparation Month
During the month of October many people dress in purple clothing and place their hope in a purple painted image of Christ. Hundreds of years ago, during an earthquake the wall where this purple painted image was hanging was the only part that was undamaged. As a result a cult was formed with a focus on worshipping this purple painted image. Over the years the tradition was incorporated into cultural Catholicism. Throughout October there are numerous processions where a copy of the purple painted image is carried through neighborhoods. Businesses, schools and residences gather to show adoration for the painted image of Christ, hoping to receive a miracle.
October 31st is the beginning of the All Saints Day celebrations. Since November 1st was on a Sunday the year the country had a three-day weekend. All Saints Day is a national holiday! The cemeteries are filled with living people placing their hope in dead family members.
I will let Nelson share his experience with you from his visit to the cemetery on Sunday, November 1st-All Saints Day.
¨I accompanied one of my students during the weekly visits in two areas where the missions team from the church in Israel is building relationships and sharing the gospel.
In Huajsapata we walked around the community greeting people on our way to our host home. The cemetery was filled with people, drinking, dancing, playing music and eating as children ran over and around the graves.
While in the host home I heard a fuller explanation of the celebrations going on. They are asking for guidance, protection and provision from the spirits of dead family members. They consider their spirits like small gods.¨
Only four people attended the meeting since many were in the cemetery. During the time together one couple played music on their harp and sang in Quechua. I was asked to teach the lesson. I opened the Bible to Psalm 40 and shared truths that God has been using in our lives during this year.¨
In Rosales we visited with Ruth and Carlos who asked us to pray for their infant son, Esteven. He has a tumor on the left side of his neck and the doctors say they cannot operate until he is 16 months old. Next Sunday we will begin the evangelistic Bible study with the entire family in their home. We are asking the True Lord of the Miracles to do a special work among this family.¨
Each Sunday afternoon Nelson will continue to accompany Mario as well as other members of the missions team. Pray that people will place their hope in the One True God and Lord of the miracles!
Wednesday night Vikki was finally able to talk with one of her former students, Ines. Over 15 years ago Vikki taught a missions course at the Bible Institute. Ines was one of her students who recalls, with joy the time spent together and the passion for missions that God gave her during that course. She is now involved with Llamados (Called) a Peruvian group committed to serving in missions through sending, supporting and becoming global workers. Ines is actively mobilizing people in her denomination to be involved in local and global outreach. She is also asking God to send her to India or Africa.
Pray for Vikki next Wednesday as she will be leading this group talking about the importance of discipleship in global ministry.
Yes, we are back home in Arequipa and so thankful that God is allowing us to remain here! He continues to show us tremendous needs. Pray with us as we take the next two months to define our long-term focus and make decisions on how and where we will invest our resources.
Pray also for God´s continued provision. Our support needs have increased during this year and we are asking the true Lord of the miracles to provide through new partners who will join our support team.
Thank you for praying with and for us! We pray for you often and would enjoy praying for specific requests.
