Cards in the Park

Hi. Last week end went well. I shared at the ‘Luz de Vida’ young people’s meeting and then also preached there on Sunday night. Both meetings went well and I feel I am continuing to develop relationships particularly with the young people there. Please continue to pray that I would be used of God in all the churches I visit.

Although this blog is mostly dedicated to keeping you up to date with what I am involved in, a few weeks ago I included a post about ‘Day of the Dead’. I received very positive feedback and felt I have been asked to share other posts of a similar vein from time to time. As I live here in Peru I have been making a concerted effort to broaden my understanding of various aspects of life, but particularly with regard to religion. Well, I thought I would share about something I learnt a little about this week.

On Monday morning Andrew Roycroft and I went out to get some things done in town and we were walking down a major avenue in the centre of Tacna. We unsuspectingly came across a number of fortune tellers who seemed to be plying their trade along the length of a certain section of this avenue in a little park that divides the two carriageways.

We were intrigued by a few things we saw in particular so I returned that afternoon to see if I could get a few photos. By the time I returned it was a little cloudy but there were plenty of people about, children playing on the grass and people lying about chatting eating ice-cream. In the middle of this the fortune tellers continued to attend their clientele.

The first man I asked to photograph was very obliging. He was the man we had seen earlier. What had intrigued us were not the tarot cards or coca leaves but the crucifix.

As I watched for a few moments I noted that his routine at the beginning of dealing the cards is to place them on the crucifix and in a sense have the crucifix ‘kiss’ the deck before he begins to deal.

As I walked down the avenue I took a photograph of this lady who was very eager for me to do so. She reads coca leaves and has a few superstitious items pinned to the coloured cloth under the leaves. You can’t quite see it in the photo but she showed me a little rubber sandal pinned there.

The next fortune teller also was keen that I should photograph him in the middle of attending a client. Note again a smaller crucifix strategically placed on the cards.

I was able to get into a conversation with this gentleman who was one of the last fortune tellers I passed. He insisted I wait until a client came before I took his picture.

While waiting we chatted about his profession. He told me a little about himself, namely that his Grandfather and Father were fortune tellers before him and that he learned the trade from them. He was sad however, because his children were not interested in carrying on from him but have tried to pursue other more mainstream professions. This nonetheless does not mean there is a lessening interest in people wishing to have their fortunes told.

I asked him who normally comes and he said that people of every age, gender and social class will come and seek to have questions answered. I asked for some examples of people who had visited him that day. He said that in fact there had been a lot of young adults that day. They had been looking for advice whether to travel or not. Travel can sometimes be dangerous here, and given that fear and uncertainty about the future is one of the primary motives for going to a fortune teller, then I presume this is why people seek some form of reassurance about upcoming journeys.
Others were seeking advice about job opportunities, whether to change, or about accepting or seeking promotion. He also said that very often young people will come with ‘romantic questions’ as he put it. They will come asking if a person they have ‘their eye on’ is a good match, or will bring a profitable or happy future. He said that often couples will come together before getting married seeking to see if their relationship will have good or bad future.

All in all I found it interesting, though in the same instance saddening, to see how the syncretistic nature of religion here in Peru has meant that crucifixes have been mixed in with tarot cards and coca leaves. It was worrying that people could be duped into thinking that this practice was in anyway related to Christianity. Though I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising given that many people like to blend or adapt various ‘religious’ traditions or superstitions to suit their own needs or fill their own void.
It also struck me that this was practiced in the middle of a busy street. This is not the stereotypical image of a fortune teller in a room down a dark alley. This is in a very public place with ease of access to all. The children playing nearby growing up with the impression that this is just as normal and harmless as the key cutters on one side of the street and the hardware shops on the other who also just seek to ‘practice’ their trades. What is more this is not isolated to Tacna. In Ilo there are also fortune tellers at a certain point on very public promenade along the seafront.

Lastly it alarmed me that so many of those looking to have their fortunes told were people about my own age. These were not elderly people stuck in an old animistic mentality. Whilst most of the fortune tellers appeared to be of an Andean background, those seeking their advice appeared to be people who I would never have guessed as people who would believe in ‘luck’ and fortune. I cannot pretend to understand the individual motivations for those seeking to have their fortunes told, but what I can say is that from what I observed, this ‘trade’ does not seem to be dying out. Rather superstition and animism seems to continue to grip the Peruvian mindset even among the educated younger generations.

Please continue to pray for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom here in Peru.

This Sunday I hope to visit the Tarata church once again. Please pray for safety in travel and also as we seek to visit an elderly lady in Ticaco (a nearby town) during the afternoon. Pray that this would be an encouragement to her.
God Bless,
Alistair.

Baking & Bolivia

Hi, just a brief post to keep up to date.

Last week I dedicated to finishing up preparations for the 1 Peter classes which I managed. On Saturday night I had the pleasure of speaking at the ‘Rosa de Saron’ young people’s group. I was surprised how many attended.A few got away before I could round them up for this photo. Pastor Basilio is standing to the right of the picture. It was a good opportunity to speak a little more with some of the young people who I have only shaken hands with so far on Sunday night services.

On Sunday I was scheduled to preach at ‘Pan de Vida’ church but was asked to change from the morning service to the evening to accommodate the Pastor from ‘San Antonio’ church in Moquegua who was exchanging pulpits that morning. This allowed him to get a bus back to Moquegua that afternoon and not have to stay overnight. What I discovered (it had previously been mentioned to me by the Pastor at ‘Pan de Vida’) was that the congregation almost changes between morning and evening. For some reason the two services are attended by almost completely distinct groups of people. Well it was good to meet these people too but as the sermon was a second part of a series I was tempted to, and had I had it with me, I would have shared the first sermon once again.

Anyway, this week has been focused on finishing all preparations for the second class, writing another sermon, preparing a youth talk for Luz de Vida this Saturday night and trying to start another prayer letter.

I have also been having a bash at some baking. Lourdes and Graham Williamson gifted me a little yellow recipe book from Ballygomartin Baptist Church. It is very good and easy to follow (it would need to be in my case). I have so far had a very successful start with Fifteens, Flapjacks and Banana cake. Some ingredients needed amended as you can’t get quite the same items here but they all turned out very well. Thankfully, for the sake of my midline, I was able to share them with others around the seminary.

Assignments were supposed to be handed in this week but so far I have only received one, so I expect the rest next week (note the optimistic tone... not even a hint of sarcasm). I am sharing at both the youth and Sunday evening service at Luz de Vida this weekend so please remember that in prayer.

Please also remember in prayer one of my downstairs neighbours. His name is Adonias and he is a Brazilian student who has been studying here for a few months.
He feels God is calling him to be a ‘children’s pastor’ and a place has opened up for him to volunteer with a mission working with children in Bolivia. He leaves tomorrow (Thursday 19th) on his own. Pray he would know Gods guidance and comfort as he follows God’s call and settles into this new stage of his walk with the Lord. I asked him if he would like me to tell believers in Ireland about him and he was very enthusiastic that you would pray for him.

Thank you all once again for your interest and prayerful support.
God Bless,
Alistair.

Amazing Journey & Noisy Neighbours

Hi, just a small post to let you know what I was up to over the weekend.
Well I wasn’t anywhere near the cemetery. On Saturday morning as usual I had my class. Numbers have dropped a bit in recent weeks but apparently it’s not just my class and is a usual trend at this time of year.

Saturday evening I was at the young people’s meeting in ‘Luz de Vida’ church which went well and I have had a few requests for topics to be dealt with in future talks. From Thursday to Sunday this church has been hosting the ‘Amazing Journey’ visiting local schools etc. Sunday morning I went along to see it presented to the Sunday School. It went really well and it’s a good reminder of the overall story of the Bible. Sometimes you can get so caught up in one book or part of the Bible that you forget the overall story. Luz-Maria does a great job presenting the Journey and this is Luz explaining about the Israelites escape from Egypt.

This is Luz chatting with Noah (also known as Pastor Freddie).

The kids even got to meet Goliath. His sword was quite impressive and I reckon he could just about have reached the front row if they had got out of line.

This is Mary telling about how she ended up in Bethlehem and what happened there.

This is Paul of TarsusThis is the entire cast posing for a group photo after the presentation.
I was eventually coaxed into trying on Goliath's outfit. I reckon the his sword would be a bit too big for spreading butter.

Sunday night I visited the ‘Rosa de Saron’ church for the third time and then this morning tried studying for tonight but found it impossible to concentrate due to noisy neighbours below. They should be busy at assignments is what I say. This afternoon I finished of preparing for tonight’s class and thought I’d try and squeeze this in between so I can have a fresh stab at studying tomorrow morning when the lads below have classes.

I have been feeling quite tired recently and I think it’s just the busyness of the last few months building up. I’m looking forward to the end of term in December and a drop in the pace of things. Thank you again for your interest and prayers; they are a real source of encouragement and motivation.

God Bless,
Alistair.

Cemeteries & Deodorants

I mentioned in the last post that I might write a little more about cemeteries. Last weekend was an important time as far as cemeteries are concerned as it was All Saints/Souls days. I had visited the cemetery in Ticaco on the Sunday (apparently naively masquerading as a priest). It was a small cemetery surrounded by a white washed ‘adobe’ or mud brick wall.

It was almost the kind of place I used to see in the cowboy films I watched with my Dad. On Monday morning I decided that if I was going to visit the central cemetery here in Tacna, there was no better time to go. I had heard and read a bit about the elaborate celebrations that Mexicans have on these dates and wondered perhaps if the Peruvians would have equally elaborate celebrations. Well they didn’t in one way but at the same time I wasn’t disappointed. I thought I would share this with you as it adds another insight into the Peruvian culture. Even having been brought up here, I am still trying to take opportunities to better acquaint myself with aspects of the culture and lifestyle that one takes for granted as a child.

Upon arrival I asked permission to take photos which was kindly granted. Despite this I still think I must have looked a bit odd walking around taking photos. At least I made sure not to dress as a priest but unmistakably touristy.

Well the first thing to say is that here there are two principal ways to be buried: either in nooks in the wall, called ‘nichos’, or in a grave in the ground similar to home.

The graves however, were not neatly ordered in rows like graves at home. It almost seems as if you just find a free space and dig a hole for the coffin.

In fact they were so closely laid out that it is impossible not to step so close to the crosses that undoubtedly you must be stepping on the coffin. In the end this is where everyone else was walking, and I’m sure the occupants of these plots weren’t that perturbed. This being the aforementioned special dates, there was a buzz about the cemetery with lots of people coming to relatives’ graves and ‘nichos’ to clean them, some were even painting them and placing flowers. It gave the place a very bright and colourful appearance, not at all sombre.

There was also a lot of music from the distant makeshift restaurants selling lunch and also from groups of musicians which roamed around the grounds playing songs. Relatives would pay these groups to play for them and presumable the deceased relative and at the end the family offered the men an alcoholic drink. Also wandering around were witch doctors who would offer prayers or pour concoctions (including beer and wine) on the graves, again also for a price.
The newest block of ‘nichos’ was particularly busy with visitors.

I noticed that the blocks of ‘nichos’ were called ‘cuartel’ which translates as barracks, as in army barracks. I wondered whether this was, or is, at all a theological statement, but have not as yet ascertained an answer. If I do I will let you know. You can just about make out the word painted on the side of this block along with its number and letter. Some blocks of ‘nichos’ were heavily guarded like this one with metal gates. As I observed these fortifications I wondered if I were to ask someone around what they understood by the term ‘Eternal Security’ whether this is what they would point to.
Whilst talking about ‘nichos’ it was interesting to wander around what is obviously the rich area of the cemetery where the family mausoleums are located. Each is unique in its design, much like all buildings here. Many visitors remark when travelling around a city how each house is different to the next (some can be similar but always unique is some detail) as each is individually designed and built by the owners. I noticed this extended to the mausoleums.
This is one being built. I just hope no-one’s in a hurry to get in, because I didn’t see a workman in sight.
From what I have read about the Mexican celebrations food, drink and other items are left on the graves. This for the most part I did not see here. Mostly just plenty of flowers and occasional glasses or bottles of beer; though I am assured that it does occur just obviously not on Monday. In the mausoleums I did however see items left beside the tombs. This is probably because it was possible to lock it behind a door. These included the large ornate breads and again beer.
In one instance I even saw some Axe deodorant (Peruvian equivalent of Lynx).

On the way out I was able to speak to a friendly 86 year old gent who is the priest to the cemetery. He had just finished celebrating Mass and I asked if I could take his picture which he seemed delighted about, but then forgot to pose for it. The visit on the whole was very interesting and intriguing. It has raised many questions in my mind which I will no doubt try to get answers to. In the end however, it was sad to see that Biblical truth was almost indiscernible below the many superstitions and rituals I witnessed.

I hope this has been informative, and will help you understand better the society I am working in. I thank you once again for your interest and value your prayerful support.
God Bless,
Alistair.

Key-less in Ticaco

Hi, last week I told you about the ‘Day of the Reformation’ and ‘Day of the Pastor’ celebrations which went well. I must say I felt very encouraged after that service in particular.

Class on Monday went well; we had got as far as wives and husbands in 1Peter 3:1-7. It was a very relevant section to a few of the ladies in the class who are married to unbelieving husbands. Some interesting questions, one in particular which I can’t remember now, but had absolutely nothing I could see to do with the topic. All I can say is you always get one!

The rest of the week included the normal preparations and visits. Also on Thursday afternoons we have managed to get a regular group from the seminary, and some others, together to play football. I try my best but it’s a good time together. Can’t let myself get too out of shape or I’ll not stand a chance of fighting for my place on Magherafelt Baptist’s first XI.

Saturday morning’s class went well also, though numbers dropped a bit because of the holiday week end. We finished the first topic, which was Death and Grief etc. and now we are starting Addictions this coming week. Saturday night many churches arranged Christian alternatives to the Halloween celebrations. The ‘Luz de Vida’ group I normally help out at were attending a larger gathering. A group who call themselves ‘Network of Christian Young People in Tacna’ (it really does sound shorter and catchier in Spanish) hired the Council Theatre and had an anti-Halloween event. It apparently went really well, though also really late. I was planning to go but was exhausted at 6pm and I was due to visit Tarata on Sunday (yesterday) so I gave it a miss and was in bed before 10pm.

Sunday then saw Chris and I visit Tarata a second time. I even managed to get a few more photos.

Below is a picture of the local office of the 'Proyecto Sierra Sur'.

I haven't a clue what they do, but in a previous existence this was the home of veteran missionaries Sam and Mary Sloan who lived in this house while they ministered in this town and the surrounding valley. In a sense another reminder of the long history of Baptist Mission's work, in so many different places, in South Peru.

It was a lovely visit and in the afternoon we attempted a trip to Ticaco, another town further along the valley. Upon arrival we meet a lot of sheep. The first quartet had managed to find their way home, so one presumes were no longer lost, but no one was home to let them in. One therefore presumes its the shepherd who got lost this time. Below is another group who were apparently camera-shy, if sheep can be this. At any rate it took a lot of huffing and puffing (and a few cracks of the stick) from the elderly shepherdess before these little lambs would go past us.

However, our trip to Ticaco wasn't a sheep finding expedition. We were actually hoping to visit an elderly lady I mentioned in a previous post. Sadly the lady is locked in, for her own safety, and we weren’t able to get in to see her. She is very deaf so she didn’t hear us at the door. None of her relatives, who have keys, were in but we guessed they may be at the cemetery. It is All Saints/Souls this weekend and all Catholics are congregating at the cemeteries.

We visited there and met a few people but alas not the ladies son or next door neighbour. I was wearing a black shirt and trousers (bad choice for this weekend) as a number of people apparently presumed I was a visiting priest and were asking Berta who I was in case I could offer some prayers or perform some other rites.

I might speak more about this in a later post. Anyway we have postponed visiting the elderly lady, Gregoria, until the next visit and will attempt to get a key we can take with us to avoid any problems.

Thank you once again for your valued support and interest in the work I’m involved in here and please continue to pray for the whole team of missionaries here. Especially pray for the plans which are already underway for summer camps and also for the churches Christmas activities which are even earlier.
Blessings,
Alistair.