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Pastor Humberto became a Christian after he was given the keys to an old church. Now, he’s passing on the BMS leadership training that he received when he was a new pastor.

RAINFOREST OUTREACH FOR PERUVIAN PASTORS

A new hub established in Samito

Anew hub for the training and discipleship of river pastors has been created in the Peruvian Amazon. And, excitingly for any BMS World Mission supporters who read Pastor Humberto’s testimony (one of our most clicked on stories on the BMS website in 2020), he’s at the centre of it all. He’s hosting pastors on his land, and deciding themes for the conferences.

Despite the pandemic delaying opportunities to meet, one conference has already been held in Samito with 40 to 50 pastors in attendance. And another is planned while BMS mission workers Dave and Michele Mahon are on home assignment in the UK. It coincides with exciting new disciple-making movement (DMM) training for the pastors, delivered by BMS partner Big Life. But Dave and Michele are delighted that these things are taking place while they are away – it’s a sign that their task of enabling and empowering the pastors is bearing fruit.

Covid-19 casts a long shadow, and all these events take place after a heartbreaking year for Peru. In June, the country made a sobering decision. It revised its total number of Covid-19 deaths, more than doubling previously reported figures. It’s been a “sad and difficult time” for the pastors, says Michele. “They’re dealing with a lot of deaths, a lot of sickness… With people not being able to meet, the finances of the church struggling, the morale being low, there’s a kind of depression. You’re not able to do anything – you can’t do anything. So you don’t.”

The new hub and DMM training disrupt the feeling of limbo. Dave and Michele’s long-term focus is on creating sustainable ministry, and these exciting ventures move everyone one step closer to that goal. They are rejoicing in seeing church leadership training created and hosted by locals, for locals. And it’s all thanks to your support.

Peru’s population: 33 million people

Peru’s Covid-19 death toll*: over 180,000 people

Number in attendance at the new conference: 40 – 50 pastors

*at time of writing

Read Pastor Humberto’s amazing testimony

at www.bit.ly/ TheAccidentalPastor