: Peru

Pat Blanchard writes from Lima, Peru: “Saturday 10th is the big move day for the Shalom project. Yesterday we finished all the painting so we have a couple of days of cleaning, especially the floors, and some last minute purchases, floor mats for the physical therapy room, cable for the new electrical connections upstairs, curtain rails, to name just a few items! It is all very exciting to finally be moving and to make this a reality. Pray for a good number of helpers for Saturday and for everything to go smoothly, especially for moving the large mirrors! Please pray especially for the Sunday service that we may get some new neighbours and children for Sunday school coming along. We intend to give out flyers in these next few days, new SAMS USA volunteer Amanda is working on these.” Look on the blog (www.patinperulatest.blogspot.com) for more.

Pray for Bishop William & Judith Godfrey in pastoral oversight of the diocese, and for three auxiliary missionary bishops, for growth in each of their regions. Remember too the seminary training for ministry and leadership, praying for both students and teachers. Pat Blanchard praises God for the new building they have for the Shalom project. Pray for Pat, for the therapists, and all who help to improve life for the children with special needs and their families. Pray too for volunteer Jessica Helyar helping in Shalom.

Pray for Juan Carlos & Penny Marcés, Rebeca, Lizi and Jonny in their ministry in the church and community of Jesús el Salvador, Lima. Pray for the children who attend the Compassion sponsored student centre ‘The Lord’s Treasures’, that they and their families will benefit from the practical help given, and grow in their knowledge of the Lord. Pray for health and daily strength and encouragement for Julio & Norma Montoya who give pastoral and practical care in Holy Trinity church and in several very poor areas of Lima.

Pat Blanchard leads Jesús el Nazareno church and the Shalom project and mission church for the disabled in Lima. Pray for her in the work of a busy parish, with the challenges of many poor and needy people. As well as Holy Trinity church, Julio & Norma Montoya work in several missions in very poor areas of Lima, “making up for people’s sorrows” by giving pastoral and practical care and ensuring everyone knows the Word of God. Pray for the Lord to sustain them, to care for their own fragile health, and to build his church. Pray for sufficient resources for the loving ministry of Isabel Montoya and husband Anderson Sánchez in this new year at the school and day nursery and in the church. Over 100 children benefit from care, tuition and nutrition. Sarah Tester directs ‘The Ark’ creative play programme in various parishes.

Pray this will continue to enrich children’s lives, that husband Paul’s youth work may also have lasting impact on many, and that the gospel will be proclaimed and received through these ministries. Pray for Alejandro & Doris Mesco in ministry to the villagers of the Colca Canyon. Praise God for San Felipe Mission in Cabanaconde and commit to him the challenge of going into schools and of doing radio work. The Marcés family return to Lima today after UK ministry. Remember Juan Carlos, Penny, Rebeca, Lizi & Jonny as they travel, readjust and pick up ministry again in Villa el Salvador.

Pray for the Anglican Church in Peru. It is relatively young and small. Despite a 160 year history, it has only been active among nationals in the last 40 years. The biggest activity is in Lima, with a smaller presence in Arequipa, Juliaca and Ica. Many of he churches are among the very poorest in society. Pray for positive cooperation between different denominations on the ground.

Paul and Sarah Tester are currently on UK leave from Lima, where they are leaders in the church’s youth and children’s work. Pray for them for a good time of rest and relaxation as well as connection with link churches and family and friends. Pray for more leaders with a passion for youth and children to be raised up in Peru.

Three auxiliary bishops have been authorised to support Bishop Bill Godfrey and to serve as missionary bishops in new and established areas. Pray for this step in the growth of the diocese and for Bill and Judith in pastoral oversight.

Dear Praying Friends,

Thanks for praying over the last couple of months. Much has happened and we feel we have been blessed in lots of our work. Please keep praying – it makes a big difference! Read more ….