“Be transformed, Peru, by the renewing of your mind!”
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 32.44 million
Area | 1,285,216㎢ Located on the South Pacific coast in western South America.
Capital City | Lima (11.04 million people)
People Groups | TTotal 104 Mestizos 60.2%, Native Americans 25.8%, Caucasians 5.9%, Africans 3.6% Others (Chinese, Japanese) 1.2%
People Groups Unreached | 15 (0.6% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Spanish, Quechua
Total Languages | 91
Bible Translations | Completed 19, New Testament 43, Partial 14
Religion | Christianity 94.1% (7% Protestant, 81.5% Catholic), Ethnic religion 2.8%, Non-religious 2.5%, Buddhism 0.4% Evangelicals 14.4%, 4.73 million people
》 About Peru
Peru, once the center of the vast Inca civilization during the 15th century, is known for iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu and their use of alpacas. The country fell under Spanish colonial rule in 1533 for nearly 300 years before gaining independence in 1821. In 1879, Peru lost northern territories following its defeat in the War of the Pacific against Chile. A border dispute with Ecuador followed in 1941. The nation faced periods of turmoil, including oppressive military regimes and the failure of radical left-wing policies. Democracy was restored in 1980, but a violent 15-year insurgency by communist guerrilla groups led to the loss of 70,000 lives.
In 2021, Pedro Castillo became president but faced impeachment over corruption charges, resulting in an attempted coup and his removal. Vice President Dina Boluarte succeeded him in 2022 and is serving the remainder of Castillo’s term. Peru operates under a single-term, five-year presidential system.
Peru is the world’s second-largest producer of silver and copper. The country achieved substantial GDP growth between 2016 and 2017 due to increased mining production. Over the past decade, steady economic growth has contributed to an expanding middle class. However, challenges such as a widening wealth gap and environmental pollution from mining persist. In response to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, Peru has implemented various support measures and accelerated infrastructure development projects. Mineral prices are rebounding, and the key mining sector is gradually improving.
Peru’s GDP per capita is approximately $12,500.
》 Scripture Focus
| Romans 12:1-3, 10-13(NIV) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. |
》 Prayer Points
1. In Peru, Catholicism is widespread among diverse ethnic and social groups, but many individuals remain nominal in faith, while addiction to alcohol and drug abuse, homosexuality, adultery, and smoking are common. There is widespread biblical ignorance, with practices like Marian worship and worship of the dead being common. As a result, the number of Catholics is declining, while Protestant churches are growing.
However, issues also arise within Protestant communities, such as prioritizing ministry success over the gospel and failing to discern and reject false teachings. Let us pray for churches to experience genuine transformation through the truth of God’s Word and for pastors to stand firm in the gospel, obedient to God’s perfect will.
2. Pray for Peruvian churches to extend compassion and share the gospel with suffering neighbors, urban poor in hillside neighborhoods, indigenous Amazonian communities, and hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees. Despite facing persecution, many Christian leaders continue to proclaim the gospel and provide biblical teaching to those unfamiliar with the Scriptures.
Two Christian universities, USEL (Universidad Seminario Evangélico de Lima) and Andino, are in service but lack formal state recognition as educational institutions. Pray for Peru’s government and political leaders to abandon corruption and greed and embrace holiness and justice, becoming witnesses of the gospel. May they lead with genuine love, rejecting evil and upholding what is good.
3. Peru, once the largest global producer of cocaine in the 1980s, remains a significant drug producer, second only to Colombia. Additionally, its vast mineral and forest resources are often illegally exploited. Illegal mineral trade exceeds the scale of drug trafficking, and 80% of timber exports are conducted unlawfully. These activities frequently involve forced labor, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation at illegal mining sites.
This vast underground economy fuels corruption and environmental degradation. Let us pray for an end to these harmful practices and the establishment of a healthy, sustainable economy. May Peru resist conforming to this world and instead dedicate itself as a holy offering, leading to a spiritual revival that pleases God.
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