PERU

basics

Language: Spanish, Quechua

Currency: Sol

Religion: 86% Catholic, 12.8% Protestant

(Joshua Project)

People Groups: 104 total, 9 unreached

Some sources say that the name "Peru" comes from the Quechua word meaning "land of abundance" but that's actually been disputed, since Peru is not a Spanish word nor a Quechua word. There are different theories behind the name, but 'Land of Abundance' isn't exactly a misnomer, since more varieties of potatoes grow in Peru than anywhere else in the world (y'all, who knew the Lord could think up over 4,000 different kinds of potatoes?)

Peru is a fabulously diverse country with a lot of interesting history. Geographically, it is one of the most diverse in the world. It contains the Andes mountains, the coastal regions bordering the the Pacific, the Amazon tropical jungle, large areas of arid deserts, and lots of lush fertile valleys.

Interestingly, though 59% of Peru’s land mass is covered by the Amazon rainforest, more than half of the population actually lives in the coastal region (only 11% of the land mass). Of the approximately 30 million Peruvians, nearly 10 million live in Lima, Peru’s capital city, which is also the third largest city in the Americas, by most counts. People are migrating to Lima in droves because of declining job opportunities in agriculture and the increasing poverty of rural areas.

History

(Warning: slightly outdated/cheesy video.) Many of Peru’s major cities (Cajamarca, Lima, Nazca) are actually named for some of the pre-Incan civilizations that existed thousands of years before Christ. Peru was ruled for thousands of years by a multitude of pre-Incan civilizations, including the Nazca, who are famous for their massive geoglyphs. There are extensive theories around how these Nazca lines were formed, including some that involve aliens, but we won't get into that.

If you don't know about the Incan Empire, you don't know about Peru. It's the largest empire ever to exist in the Western hemisphere. They dominated the South American continent for thousands of years before the Spanish conquest of the continent. They are known most famously for building the massive architectural feat Machu Picchu with no modern technology, which is still stumping people to this day.

Then in 1532, the Spanish came and ruined the party. Following the lead of Spanish conquerers in Central America who toppled the Aztec Empire, the Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, also conquered the Incan Empire and started splitting up the continent, which led to the distinct nations we have today. Short version, Pizarro cornered the emperor and tried to force him to convert to Catholicism, showing him the Bible. The emperor was like, "What's that?" because the Incans, who didn't have any written language, had never seen a book. So Pizarro and his men killed them all, captured the emperor, and took control.

Most of the indigenous population was killed by European diseases (small pox, yikes) or was enslaved to the European landowners. Eventually, a revolution began in the late 1700s and early 1800s led by the working class natives. Eventually they declared independence July 28, 1821.

While you're in Peru, you will probably see these names everywhere (street names, towns, etc): Tupac Amaru and Simon Bolivar. Quick fun facts: Tupac Amaru II (not a rapper, but just as cool) was the leader of the indigenous uprising against the Spanish in the late 1700s. So he's a hero. And Simon Bolivar was known as "El Libertador" because he led the independence movement for six nations in South America, but was particularly instrumental in Peru. So kind of a big deal.

Culture

The different geographical regions of Peru will vary greatly in landscape, cuisine, language, and culture. Be sure to ask your host for specific cultural information about appropriate behaviors in the local region. However, here are a few general things to know about Peruvians.

Behaviors

Peruvians are emotionally expressive people. They are very liberal in their displays of affection, so don't be surprised when you receive many hugs and kisses upon greetings. However, don't mistake expressiveness for directness. They won't communicate negative things very directly, especially if they disagree about something or dislike something you are doing. Be quick to ask for feedback, and read body language carefully. Read between the lines when communicating - they may be saying no to something you're asking but it sounds like a yes because they don't want to offend you. Be careful not to take advantage of their kindness and hospitality.

Peruvians (and most Latin Americans) care about personal hygiene and appearance. Make sure you are well-groomed and dressed well. It makes a big impression.

In most Latin American cultures, it's understood that if you invite someone out to eat, you are paying for the meal. Be intentional to repay the favor if a friend or host invites you out to a meal. Peruvians love food, and it's a huge part of their cultural identity. As mentioned before, potatoes are, like, a big deal. Also, there is an interestingly large population of Japanese and Chinese immigrants in Lima, so make sure to hit up some chaufa. You won't regret it. Some other foods to try and love: lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), ceviche (seafood, photo on the left), aji de gallina (a spicy chicken dish), mazamorra (a drink made from corn).

Values

Peruvians have a high value for relationship, which will always trump punctuality for them. They believe time is flexible, interruptions and changes are expected, and adaptability is key. If you are spending time with a Peruvian, you will never feel rushed or hurried. They will give you their full attention until they believe the time is complete. Be flexible with appointments and be flexible! I've learned a lot about being present from Latin Americans.

Peruvians also tend to think that Westerners are too direct. Be sure to spend personal time getting to know people before "getting down to business." Having small talk is essential for building trust. Peruvians are typically very open with their personal lives and homes. They are incredibly warm and welcoming.

Beliefs

Peruvians are very proud of their indigenous roots, and a large majority of the population have roots in pre-colonial Peruvian culture. That identity deeply affects their spiritual beliefs, and there are a lot of superstitious beliefs deeply rooted in all levels of society and all regions of Peru.

There is still a large presence of belief in Andean shamanism, which is spiritual belief system similar to mysticism and animism. Shamans are considered messengers between the human and spirit worlds, and they are highly respected members of the community They are trained to create healing concoctions and make offerings to various deities. You may see them in their brujerias in the markets, which are small witchcraft shops selling items like herbs, candles, and even llama fetuses, that are believed to help provide healing from an illness or can be offered as an offering to a local deity. Please steer clear from buying anything from these shops, but look for opportunities to share the Gospel and pray.

Gospel Bridges and Barriers

Catholicism has been dominant since the late 1500s when the Spanish conquered Peru and built cathedrals on top of ruins of ancient Incan temples, like Coricancha (right). In their efforts to convert their newly colonized nation, the Spaniards simply substituted Christian saints for the local deities, which led many Peruvians to have Catholic beliefs mixed with forms of indigenous religions and witchcraft. Many of the Catholic rituals are practiced with remnants of worship to the Incan sun god Inti, or to Pachamama (Mother Earth and fertility goddess). You will likely see many of the ruins of the ancient temples, including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Sacsayhuaman. The Andean belief system reflect a broken understanding of creation and God, but it provides many doors for Gospel conversations, such as the existence of a spiritual realm and the need to be reconciled or live in harmony with creation.

Because the region has been over-evangelized but has lacked discipleship, Peruvians have a very superficial understanding of the Gospel. They don't understand how to truly follow Christ. Many of the pastors are untrained and need equipping and encouraging to continue the work of preaching the true Gospel.

Challenge for Prayer

  1. Pray for theologically sound teaching for pastors, that they can shepherd their congregations well and lead them into deeper understanding of Scripture, and lead believers away from the false security of works-based religion or indigenous animistic religions.
  2. Pray for the growing population of Lima, that it would become a center for growing churches, and that the churches would respond to poverty and injustice in a Christlike way.
  3. Pray for the unreached tribes deep in the Amazon jungle, that God would raise up missionaries from among the Peruvian church to take the Gospel to them.

Ministry Partners

Belen and Pablo are reaching an unreached Nomatsiguenga tribe in Chuquibambilla, several hours from Lima.

josephine house

Tim and Holly Anderson are serving local churches in Cusco as well as supporting children with special needs.

ywam iquitos

Waldir and his family are serving at the YWAM base in Iquitos, which has an outpost on the Amazon river reaching remote villages with the Gospel.