In October, seven women from Calvary traveled to the jungle city of Pucallpa, Peru. Pucallpa is located near the Amazon River basin and has a large missionary community. The purpose of this trip was twofold. The first was to facilitate a weekend retreat for about 30 missionary women from the Pucallpa, Peru region. The second was to “scout out the land.” They toured several local Christian organizations including SAM Academy, a school for missionary kids and an association of 200 native Peruvian evangelical churches that serve Christ in a variety of ways. One of these was a Bible Institute that taught local pastors who live in the jungle how to teach the Bible through storytelling for those who cannot read. The South America Mission Academy has over 36 students this year, preschool through 12th grade. These kids often return to the U.S. for their college education and some return to serve the Lord in Peru or other countries.

Meeting these missionaries and Peruvian Christians was definitely life changing and helped the team grow in their understanding of missionary life and the ministry of the local Peruvian churches.