 Impact International Peru -
Training Leaders in Andahuaylas
The Shining Path
In the late 1960s, communist terrorists called Sendero Luminoso (or, Shining Path) began a savage guerilla war in the highlands of Peru. They were notorious for indiscriminate bombings, assassinations, brutal killings, kidnappings, bank robberies, and attacks on Western embassies and businesses. Their vicious attacks were daily occurrences across Peru until the early 1990s. Human rights groups estimate that more than 30,000 people died in the fighting, with countless more injured or tortured.
Terrorists Targetting Pastors
 Throughout their reign of terror, one of the favorite targets of the Shining Path rebels was churches and pastors. It was common practice for pastors to be sought after, tortured and killed because of their faith and position of leadership.
A Vacuum of Leadership
In the wake of this 30 year history of bloodshed, there is a profound vacuum of leadership in evangelical churches in the Peruvian highlands. The Evangelical Church of Peru (IEP) is one of the hardest hit denominations. In three of their highland Synods (Apurimac, Huancavelica and Ayacucho), there are 1300 churches, but only 80 pastors.
Predictable Results
The results of such a lack of trained leadership is predictable...
- A definite lack of growth in numbers and in the spiritual lives of individuals.
- The entrance of false teaching like Mormonism, Oneness Pentecostalism, and modern day Apostleship.
- A lack of holiness and discipline in the churches. Recently a pastor was removed from his church because he traded wives with another man.
- A falling away from the church as members are not challenged spiritually from gifted teachers.
- Disunity among churches on matters of doctrine and a greater concern over adherence to formal denominational polity.
The Challenge of Mormonism
 The Mormon church has determined to create a strong presence in Peru. They have chosen Andahuaylas to become their "Salt Lake City" for Peru. Their subtle strategy is to enter leaderless churches claiming to be evangelicals offering Bible teaching. One of the Mormon writers in Peru has even written pamphlets under the name "Mike Riggs" (the same name as our missionary).
The end result is a formerly evangelical churches are being transformed into Mormon centers.
Training Leaders to Meet the Challenge
The key to meeting the needs of the Church in Andahuaylas and the surrounding areas is equipping gifted national pastors with the training and resources they need to serve in the ministry to which God has called them. When a trained, gifted leader is present in a church, believers are fed and encouraged and false teaching is challenged.
Partner with Impact International
- Pray for the Ministry in Andahuaylas
Read Mike and Tammy Riggs' blog regularly to keep up with current needs.
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- Support Mike and Tammy Riggs
Like all faith missionaries, Mike and Tammy depend on contributions from partners like you to support their ministry in Peru. Click here for information about supporting Mike and Tammy.
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- Support a Pastor
Soon you'll be able to support a Peruvian pastor on a monthly basis. A gift of $30 each month supplies a pastor with books, room and board for Bible Institute classes, and a stipend for transportation to the institute. Click here to receive an e-mail when the "Support a Pastor" program is ready to launch.
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