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.

Reformations & Dedications

Hi. I said in the last post that I would probably divide all I wanted to share into two separate posts, and when I got writing I quickly realised that would be wise.

In a previous post I had mentioned that I had been invited to speak at the Manantial de Vida church, last night, when the church was planning to have a special service to commemorate the Day of the Reformation and Day of the Pastor. I had been asked to say something of an overview of the Reformation and then say something appropriate to the Pastor and also for those considering the call into the ministry.

During the course of this week I found out that they were also going to take advantage of the occasion and dedicate two infants. Needless to say this sounded like, and indeed turned out to be, a very packed service. It began shortly after 5pm and ended after 8pm, but I must admit that I enjoyed every minute.

Towards the beginning I presented a brief 10min overview of the Reformation, and thanks to a power point presentation I think most people understood at least a little of what I was talking about; that or perhaps were just nodding politely. Later in the service the Pastor presented the two infants to the church and explained the responsibility the parents and the church members were committing themselves to before God. He then prayed for them and the parents. It was lovely.
Shortly after I was then called on to bring the message and I spoke primarily from 1Timothy 4:13-16. I brought a few thoughts firstly for the Pastor, then those being called into the ministry and then finally addressed the congregation to support and love their Pastor.

After this the Pastor brought a few words of his own to the church and also invited his wife to join him emphasising that the ministry in the church did not just involve him, but that his wife was an integral part of team and the support she offered him. Then some church members said some words of appreciation to the Pastor and his family and offered him a gift.

Once the service finished (after 8pm) there was a plate of food provided for everyone. Again this was a lovely opportunity for fellowship, to express gratitude to the Pastor and take photos with the newly dedicated children. It was a lovely service and I felt a great pleasure from being able to join with Gods people and extremely privileged to have the honour of bringing God’s word during the service. I know many of you have been praying for particularly during this week and I am convinced that God answered yours and my prayers last night.

I would ask you to continue to pray for the Pastors in all the churches here as they strive in their ministries before God. Above is Ps. Abraham Rengifo and me. I’m now heading out the door to the Monday night classes at the seminary (only across the road).

Blessings,
Alistair.

Polladas & Picantadas

Hi, so much has happened since last week, and the last post, that I’ll probably divide it into two posts.

Firstly I seem to have recovered fully from the tummy upset, but it did give me a bit of ‘time out’ to think and get perspective on things. It’s interesting how God sometimes allows things like this to happen, putting you out of action, to give you time to rest, recuperate but also contemplate. Being unable to leave the apartment (and the vicinity of the toilet to be precise and perhaps too detailed) gave me time to study and prepare for the activities this week.

Apart from the normal weekly routine this weekend we had the conference with Dr Tito Paredes (Friday night and Saturday morning). It was very useful and interesting.

Above is Dr Paredes signing some of his books purchased at the conference.

On Saturday night I had been invited to bring a ‘talk’ or short message at the ‘Luz de Vida’ church young people’s group again. I was there a few weeks ago. Upon request and discussion with the Pastor and current leader of the youth group I have agreed to offer my support as much as possible. I have committed myself to taking the Bible study every other week and then support with other activities as able. Please pray that the topics I share would be beneficial, but also that God would use me as a good role model for these impressionable young people/adults.
To share a little more about them, they are mostly in between 16-25years old and are very enthusiastic. At present they are planning to get involved in evangelism to children in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Puppet shows are one of the methods they plan to use. They put on a puppet show yesterday morning as part of the Sunday School. We thank God for their abilities and enthusiasm, but please pray for their Pastor and leaders as they guide the young people in this endeavour.

Yesterday, Sunday, I had a lunch at a local church ‘Casa de Oración’ in a district called Natividad which was hosting a ‘Pollada’ to raise funds for musical instruments. These are some of the young people who organized the event.

This is a popular activity in Peru to raise funds for almost anything. Essentially what happens is that for weeks before, the hosts (in this case the young people from this church) sell tickets which represent a meal (in this case chicken- Pollo is Spanish for Chicken). Then on the allocated day, usually Saturday or Sunday, people come and claim the meal with their ticket. People do this sometimes to raise funds for relatives who are in hospital or parents will do it to raise money for school funds etc.

It has become so popular in recent weeks that I had a ticket last weekend for a ‘Picantada’, (same principal but just a different dish- this time a chilli dish). I wasn’t however, able to redeem said voucher as I was ill (that didn’t stop other individuals across the street from redeeming it though). This weekend I attended this one, and next Saturday I have yet another ticket for the ‘Luz de Vida’ church who are also doing a ‘Pollada’ to raise money to buy a speaker/amplifier for these evangelistic outreach activities. A friend here joked that he was going to need to host a ‘Pollada’ himself to raise money to pay for all these other ‘Polladas’ that are being hosted. I would agree with the sentiment.

That said, I find it a very enjoyable way to come into contact or meet up with new people or people I rarely get a chance to see. Yesterday was a case in point. I was able to visit a church, all be it after the official church service, speak with the various church members and have an interesting chat with the Pastor there. His name is Timoteo (the gentleman on the left waving his hand) and many of you may know of him or know him personally. He was on a team that visited Ireland a few years ago.

His youngest son was extremely ill and he wasn’t given much hope by the doctors. The last time I spoke with him was last May and June when I was visiting the churches promoting ‘Misión Rescate.’ At that time things were uncertain but I hadn’t understood the gravity of the situation. Since then it got worse but God has been good and the son, Daniel, has made a miraculous recovery which doctors here cannot seem to explain. In fact Daniel was running around the church with a friend trying to soak each other (and anyone else) with water. It was hard to believe that just months ago he was in kidney failure etc. I thank God for these opportunities to just listen to people’s concerns even if there’s not much I can say or do personally.

I was also able to meet a man called Venancio with his two sons Miguel and Pablo. He worked in the bookshop my parents ran and then pastured the church I attended as a child. Essentially he was my childhood Pastor.

It was good to unexpectedly meet him and hopefully will have the opportunity to speak with him again in more detail in the oncoming weeks.

Please continue to pray for me as I serve the Lord here. Pray for me as I study and prepare; be it for classes, youth meetings or church services. Also pray that God would guide me as I interact with such a variety of people in different situations, people I have known since childhood and others I am just meeting. Pray that my personal spiritual life would remain strong as I am used by God here. I thank God for providing the different members of the missionary family here to whom I can look for counsel and support, and look forward to the imminent return of Trevor Morrow and the Williamson family who have all been missed. Please pray for us as a team working here in South Peru.

Blessings,
Alistair.

Laptops & Bugs

Hi since my last post most things have gone fine.
The visit to ‘Rosa de Saron’ church went well and the congregation really appreciated seeing pictures of my family and home church. It again underlines the fact that ex-missionaries and even visitors from Ireland are not easily forgotten. I have another date to return in November which will allow me, God willing, to continue to encourage these believers.

Mondays night’s class went well, as did the class I was covering for on Tuesday morning. Wednesday saw the departure of Gordon Darragh and Tom Moore. Their visit was much appreciated.

On Friday night Reuben and I were trying to get powerpoint sorted in the main auditorium as I planned to show a short film during the class I teach on Saturday morning; but predictably we couldn’t get it to work. To compound the problems my laptop died. It has done this once before but it seemed to recover after a while, this time it didn’t. If that wasn’t bad enough I woke in the middle of the night to an episode of ‘tummy trouble’. By Saturday morning I was almost in despair. Both feeling ill, but more so due to the prospect of what might need done to fix the laptop or if anyone here even could. I realised how crucial this piece of machinery has become to me here. It is where I prepare all my classes and where I maintain contact with family and friends in Ireland. I was imagining how I would manage to get by without it. Thankfully, an answer to a night of much prayer, the computer awoke and is working fine again. My digestive system hasn’t recovered as quickly however, and it has meant postponing the trip to Tarata planned for today. Yesterday, apart from going to teach my class in the morning, I spent most of the day in bed and today I feel much better. Although still ‘afflicted’ so to speak, I haven’t a sore head and have been able to continue preparing for next Sunday.

Please pray that I would recover completely. I had hoped it was a 24hr bug, now I’m hoping it’s a 48hr one. Pray also for my class tomorrow night, especially if I don’t feel too great.

This coming weekend, God willing, the second conference is planned with Dr Tito Paredes. I’m not too sure what the topic is but will surely find out soon enough. Also next Sunday night I have a sort of special preaching engagement. The churches here are celebrating the ‘Day of the Reformation’ coupled with ‘Day of the Pastor’. The ‘Manantial de Vida’ church has invited me along to speak. The issue is the brief. I have been asked, somehow, to give a résumé of the Reformation and its results, bring a message for the pastor, and then a message for those aspiring to the ministry all in one sermon. Let’s just say it’s still a work in progress.

Please continue to pray for the work here, for the seminary both students and teachers, for the churches and especially for their pastors coming up to this special date next Sunday.
Thank you again for your interest and prayerful support.
God Bless,
Alistair.

Conferences & Sports Days

Hi, just a post to keep you up to date since the pancakes and Calvin conference.
The seminary’s weekend conference went very well. The invited speaker was Dr Donald Smith (principal of the Evangelical Seminary of Lima). He spoke very well on the subject of Calvin. The students gave very positive feedback and requested more conferences of a similar kind.
Thankfully there is just such a conference scheduled later this month. Dr Tito Paredes, also from Lima, is due to attend. It isn’t normal to have conferences so close together but Dr Paredes’ conference was originally scheduled during last semester but due to potential strikes was postponed to these dates. Anyway, no one’s complaining and hopefully it will be an equally enjoyable and beneficial event for the students.

Last Sunday I preached in two different churches, ‘Pan de Vida’ in the morning and ‘Luz de Vida’ in the evening. Both visits were very enjoyable. Classes took place as normal this week only we are getting a little behind in both courses as we always end up having all sorts of discussions, thankfully almost always related to the course content.
On Thursday there was a bank/national holiday and the four ‘de Vida’ churches in Cono Sur had a joint day trip to the countryside to have a sports day. I went along and it was very enjoyable.

As is customary, the day started with a short service of singing, and epilogue and greetings. Then it was on to the games. It was good to be able to get to know the church members better, and play football together.

There were different activities including volleyball, football, obstacle races and even a ‘who-can-eat-the-food-quickest’ competition, sadly only for the children.
Last night (Saturday) I had the opportunity to visit the young people’s group in the ‘Luz de Vida’ church. I joined in the games and then brought a short talk.
It was really good to spend time with these young people, some who I already knew from camps and the youth conference.

They are really enthusiastic and full of energy that needs channelled in the right direction. Pray that I could be a good influence for them.

Today (Sunday) I visited ‘Palabra de Vida’ in Cono Sur and this afternoon I am visiting ‘Rosa de Saron’ church in the north of Tacna for a second time. I am preaching again tonight and pray it will be beneficial to them. They also asked me to show some photos of my family on their power point to show them what my parents are now involved in. I plan to show some photos not only of my family but also my church; a bit like deputation in reverse.

Other interesting happenings include the arrival of Gordon Darragh (the mission director) and Tom Moore (the president of the Association) along with the three Irish members of the ‘Misión Rescate’ team who are now in Arequipa starting language school. Also the Roycroft family arrived from Arequipa on Thursday and are temporarily settling into a flat in the seminary until a permanent house can be found. Please pray for all of them and their individual needs and circumstances.

This incoming week includes the normal classes (and filling in for another teacher who is away to Lima), preparation, field meetings (meetings with all other missionaries and the visitors from Ireland) and then, God willing, a second visit to Tarata next Sunday.
Thank you once again for you interest and prayer support.
God Bless,
Alistair.

Pancakes & Calvin

Hi, just writing to keep you up to date with things.

Since my last post things have mostly just continued the same. Classes continue with a confirmed 16 in the 1 Peter class on Monday nights and 11 in the Saturday morning class. This is good because in the very rare circumstances that you have less than 5 students by the second/third week the module is postponed to another semester. What is even more interesting is the variety of students. For example the Saturday morning class which is aimed at pastors actually only has one pastor and a retired pastor. The rest include housewives, an architect, a nutritionist and an elderly gentleman among others.

I also had the opportunity to visit the ladies program which the seminary runs on a Tuesday afternoon. This wasn’t to attend but to bake pancakes. Rosa who supervises the program was interested in some pancakes I had made a few weeks ago. She talked me in to coming and showing the ladies how to make them during their break time between sessions. This week end the seminary is hosting a conference to make the 500th anniversary of Calvin. The invited speaker is Dr Donald Smith (the Evangelical Seminary of Lima’s principal). I hope to attend and maybe learn a thing or two.

In the next few weeks I am scheduled to speak in a few of the Cono Sur churches and then mid-October I plan, God willing, to visit ‘Rosa de Saron’ and Tarata again on separate Sunday’s.
Please continue to pray for the work here and for these special events. Please also pray as I continue to prepare and teach here at the seminary and as I visit and preach in the different churches, that God would use me as an encouragement.

Blessings,

Alistair.