Filed under: PERU: Round 2
The evidence of God’s continuing work in Ayaviri was met in the man everyone calls ‘Lolo’. This man is seriously related to everyone in the community, but lives in a different village about 1.5 hours walk away. And at least once each month, this 78-year-old man makes that walk to share Jesus with the people and to help the struggling church. Not only does he walk to Ayaviri, but also to 6 to 8 other villages in the area—and most are a little bit further than 1.5 hours away. When Lolo shared with us how he became a missionary to the people in this area, he told us about reading verses that told followers of Jesus to go and share the good news with others—so he did. And he’s continued doing it for the past couple of decades.
When we first met him, we were taken with his energy and joy, but wanted to know what he actually believed. It’s very common for many people here to fuse several different doctrines (syncretism), and not be grounded in the singular truth of the Bible. And we found that to be somewhat true with Lolo. Christian sects that have combined works philosophies of both Catholicism and the Adventists have influenced this area, and people passing through had apparently taught him some of these things. During our time together, we were able to teach him what the Bible says about who God is, what qualifies as salvation and what the Christian life looks like in comparison to the common sects and cults in Peru. (Titus 2:1) What an incredible, God-planned encounter with a man seeking God’s plan for his life, and who is teaching others what God has taught him! (2 Timothy 2:2) (See also Colossians 1:15-20 and Ephesians 2:8-9 as they provide foundational distinction from religions.)
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
