Pray for Peru

Peru is one of the world’s most biodiverse nations, with almost 2,000 bird species, over 500 mammals, and around 25,000 plant species. Heavily influenced by both the Incan Empire and Spanish colonization, Peru’s people and culture are as vibrant and diverse as their colorful folk art, which blends these two histories. It is the third-largest South American country, encompassing the Andes Mountains and dry coastal plains to the west and the Amazon jungle to the east. The country is rich in natural resources such as copper, and its Amazon rainforest provides timber. The nation is free from decades of military rule and authoritarian governments, but continues to endure political instability.

Peru needs a stable government with just policies to rescue its people from poverty and exploitation. Unequal wealth distribution and limited economic opportunities trap many families in poverty. Children from impoverished families are vulnerable to labor exploitation and abuse. Human trafficking networks operate through routes connecting Peru with neighboring countries. Some youth are involved in gang violence, which contributes to other forms of violence such as rapes and homicides. Peru also ranks among the world’s largest producers of coca and cocaine, with some struggling farmers turning to coca cultivation as a source of income when legal crops aren’t providing enough money.

Peru has a strong history of Catholicism, but many Catholics, as well as mountain Quechua and Aymara people, are bound by a combination of Christianity and Andean paganism. Mountains are seen as both natural places and spiritually powerful beings. Alongside Catholic prayers are offerings and ceremonies for sacred mountain spirits, though the small evangelical presence has sparked transformation among Quechua and Amerindian peoples through missions work and Bible translations. Broadcasts from Christian radio stations preach the Word. Still, the nation is in need of pastors and teachers to disciple the next generation of believers. Several Peruvian tribal groups are awaiting Bible translations. May God rain down manna to feed Peru both physically and spiritually.