Tens of thousands of people gather to watch the passing of "El Senor de los milagros" en Lima, Peru.
He Lives!
October is a historic month in the city of Lima. October is actually known as "mes morado" (meaning Purple Month) in Peru. Thousands of people show their devotion to "El Señor de los milagros" by wearing purple garments the entire month. This week marks the start of several major events commemorating the special month.
"The Lord of the Miracles" is an image that is carried through the streets of Lima. The processional is viewed by thousands of people. It is considered the largest processional in South America. The event dates back to colonial times when a slave brought to Peru painted the image of a black Christ on the walls of a simple shack. Legend claims that several attempts to remove the image where made. Nothing would remove the image. In 1746, a major earthquake leveled all the surrounding buildings but the wall containing the image remained intact. This led to widespread respect and worship for the image. Today it is carried through the streets on an elaborate display weighing more than a ton. Street vendors sell special food, clothing and commemorative items.
Last week a notice was placed under our door from the local neighborhood association. It was announcing the special arrival of the "Lord of the Miracles" on our street. There was a special program planned with music, Bible reading and a time for prayer. We were encouraged to bring our "sacred images" to be blessed by the priest. There would also be a time when the neighborhood children could be blessed. The notice assured us that we should be happy that our neighborhood was being blessed another year by the passing of this historic image.
Late in the afternoon yesterday we drove to the nearby grocery store. The road was partially blocked by the processional. I was saddened by what I saw. I immediately thought of the old hymn, "He lives." I'm glad we serve a living Lord that we can sense as if He is walking and talking with us daily. Pray for Peru, a land filled with much religion, but few that have a personal relationship with God.
"The Lord of the Miracles" is an image that is carried through the streets of Lima. The processional is viewed by thousands of people. It is considered the largest processional in South America. The event dates back to colonial times when a slave brought to Peru painted the image of a black Christ on the walls of a simple shack. Legend claims that several attempts to remove the image where made. Nothing would remove the image. In 1746, a major earthquake leveled all the surrounding buildings but the wall containing the image remained intact. This led to widespread respect and worship for the image. Today it is carried through the streets on an elaborate display weighing more than a ton. Street vendors sell special food, clothing and commemorative items.
Last week a notice was placed under our door from the local neighborhood association. It was announcing the special arrival of the "Lord of the Miracles" on our street. There was a special program planned with music, Bible reading and a time for prayer. We were encouraged to bring our "sacred images" to be blessed by the priest. There would also be a time when the neighborhood children could be blessed. The notice assured us that we should be happy that our neighborhood was being blessed another year by the passing of this historic image.
Late in the afternoon yesterday we drove to the nearby grocery store. The road was partially blocked by the processional. I was saddened by what I saw. I immediately thought of the old hymn, "He lives." I'm glad we serve a living Lord that we can sense as if He is walking and talking with us daily. Pray for Peru, a land filled with much religion, but few that have a personal relationship with God.
Pinching Pennies
We have always done our best to be good stewards of the monies that God provides for us. Some friends might even call us "cheap!" We prefer to call ourselves "thrifty" or "economical." Yet, in the past weeks and months we have noticed that our money just doesn't seem to go as far. Prices have slowly crept up here in Peru and the process of inflation has become noticeable. Several months ago we also begin to see a disturbing fall in the value of the US dollar. When we arrived in Peru we would receive 3.48 Nuevos Soles for every US $1. Now we are receiving 2.97 to the dollar. That means for every $100 we exchange we are losing about $17.00 in spending power. For us cheap-scapes that's a lot of money!
We are thankful for God's provision for our family. Our needs have always been met. Please pray that the economic changes going on in Peru and around the world will not seriously hinder the work of missions.
We are thankful for God's provision for our family. Our needs have always been met. Please pray that the economic changes going on in Peru and around the world will not seriously hinder the work of missions.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5....
Peru's federal government has planned a major project for October 21st. With the help of countless census workers, they will attempt to count and take statistical information from every home in Peru. October 21st has actually been declared "National Census Day." In order to make the count possible, every family is required to stay home from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. All stores, gas stations, markets and commercial establishments must be closed. No alcoholic beverages can be consumed in the country that day. It is basically going to be a nation wide 10 hour curfew. It should make for a calm day around town! I have yet to hear anyone explain how it is going to be possible to take a census of an entire country in ten hours. I'll let you know if they every arrive at our home!
We will also not be allowed to have churches services during those hours. It is a reminder that we should be thankful for the religious freedoms that we normally have here in Peru.
We will also not be allowed to have churches services during those hours. It is a reminder that we should be thankful for the religious freedoms that we normally have here in Peru.
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