Today, our team had the privilege of ministering in Urubamba, Peru, alongside Missionary Rachel Tarvin. Rachel has served as a missionary in Peru for almost 20 years, faithfully investing in Gospel ministry through church-planting support, school outreach, children’s ministry, and many other areas of service. We were thankful for the opportunity to learn from her, serve with her, and see firsthand the work God is doing through her ministry.
This morning, we participated in a school outreach connected with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Through this program, Rachel helps distribute shoeboxes packed by churches, but the outreach goes far beyond the gift itself. The shoebox distribution is connected with The Greatest Journey, a 12-week Bible curriculum that gives children the opportunity to hear a clear Gospel presentation and learn foundational truths of Christian discipleship.
Today, Rachel was preparing to teach the seventh lesson to fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at a local school. Our team divided into groups to assist with the lesson, interact with the students, and help reinforce the Bible teaching. We were grateful for the chance to support a ministry that not only meets practical needs but also points children to the greatest gift of all – salvation through Jesus Christ.
When we arrived at the school, we learned that a couple of the teachers were absent. This unexpected need opened the door for some of our team members to provide impromptu substitute teaching. They stepped into classrooms to teach English lessons, review Scripture verses, play learning games, and invest personally in the students. It was another reminder that mission work often requires flexibility, and our team has continued to do a wonderful job adapting to the opportunities God places before us.
In addition to the school outreach, Rachel took time to help our team learn more about Urubamba and the surrounding area. We visited the salt mines in Maras, where we saw the pools used to harvest salt. The mountain scenery was beautiful, and the visit also gave us a meaningful reminder of our calling to be the salt of the earth. As we looked over the salt pools, we were reminded that our lives should preserve truth, reflect Christ, and make others thirsty for the hope found only in Him.
We also walked through Maras, a nearby town, where Rachel showed us a building that has been purchased with the vision of one day planting a church there. This area does not currently have a Gospel-preaching church, and the need is great. Our team gathered inside the building and prayed together that God would raise up the right pastor, the right ministry team, and the right timing for a church plant in that community. It was a special moment to pray not only for the ministry happening now, but also for the Gospel work that may grow there in the years to come.
Later, we visited the local Bible institute where Rachel serves, and we were also able to see the nearby Christian school and creation museum. Each stop helped our team better understand the spiritual needs of the region and the many ways missionaries and local pastors are laboring to teach truth, train believers, and reach families with the Gospel.
We are so thankful that Rachel took time out of her busy ministry schedule to invest in our team. Her insights into missionary life, Peruvian culture, school outreach, church planting, and Gospel ministry were both practical and deeply encouraging. Our team benefited greatly from her experience, wisdom, and heart for the people of Peru.
At the conclusion of the day, we returned to our hotel. After dinner, we gathered around a bonfire for a time of testimonies, singing, and reflection. Arturo Ledesma shared a challenge with the team, and several team members spoke about what God has been teaching them through the trip. It was a meaningful and restful conclusion to a full day of ministry.
David Dare, a PCC graduate and high school principal at Santa Rosa Christian School, shared this testimony about his experiences today:
Today was another amazing day in Peru. The Lord has blessed with traveling mercies and allowed us to reach another ministry to assist for a day. We were able to go to a small school and present the story of the four men that brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What great friends that were focused on bringing their friend to Jesus! When Jesus saw their faith he responded be declaring that his sins were pardoned showing the Pharisees and others watching that he was God incarnate. What a blessing to have a God that can not only heal but also pardon us of our sins! We also introduced a new verse for them explaining how Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, He will bless and help us prosper. But, if we are separated from Him we can do nothing. That lesson has been abundantly clear to me on this trip. It is only in Christ that we can accomplish anything. I hope that our time at this school has allowed us to bring some of them closer to Jesus and encouraged them to dwell in Christ.
The most touching part of the day for me was discussing the need for a church in Maras, a city that is without a church currently. The fields truly white for the harvest! My challenge to you is to answer this question. “Where are the laborers?” Please pray with us that the Lord would send forth more laborers to the harvest because there is a great need!
Tomorrow, our team will visit Machu Picchu and then return to Lima. Our time in Peru is quickly coming to a close, and we are seeking to make the most of each remaining moment.
Please continue to pray for safety and traveling mercies for our team. Pray also for lasting fruit from the many outreaches, school visits, Bible lessons, conversations, concerts, and ministry opportunities from these past two weeks. We are trusting God to continue working long after our team returns home.