In 1997 the Peru Projects founders accepted the challenge to provide transportation for the East Peru Mission within its vast territory. They quickly deployed their first missionary couple into Peru’s dense Amazon jungle. The flight program has since established itself as a safe and dependable means of transporting Mission personnel, Bible workers, and volunteers to the remote regions of the jungle, where winding rivers are the only roadways. The airplanes have also become well-known throughout the communities as a means to evacuate in case of medical emergencies and to provide for urgent needs in remote communities.
Peru Projects quickly expanded from one missionary couple into an entire team (which now includes a Peruvian pastor dedicated full-time to overseeing the Bible worker program). As a more active role in evangelism was taken, the East Peru Mission turned over the 200,000 sq. miles of remote jungle to Peru Projects as a pastoral district. Nationals who are acquainted with the local cultures and languages are the most effective evangelists. Native Peruvians, particularly those from the jungle, are able to survive in the rain forest much better than foreigners or Peruvian city dwellers. Whenever possible, local Peruvians are deployed as long-term Bible workers.
In 2002, ECLAA, a lay-missionary course of instruction was begun to provide training to prepare native lay people as Bible workers to pioneer evangelism in un-entered areas of the jungle. These workers participate in seminars where they receive materials and instruction to prepare them for gospel work. After training they are sent to one of several districts. Where there are already existing church groups, they work closely with church leaders and members to train them to be more effective and to go forth to share the gospel in their own villages and neighboring communities. There is a big emphasis on encouraging groups to meet together daily for morning worship. Some of these Bible workers are also charged with raising up new groups in un-entered areas.
Hosting foreign missionary teams is another vital part of Peru Projects. We have had the privilege of hosting groups from the United States, England, and Norway. While each mission has a specific focus, such as chapel construction or medical services, these teams also bless the local people with inspired evangelism, women's and children's ministries, and Bible studies.
