BAPTISTS OVERCOME ADVERSITIES IN PERU
By Eron Henry
It was one of the worst natural disasters to affect Peru in recent times. The 8.0 magnitude earthquake
struck the coastal areas of the South American country, near the city of Pisco, on August 15, 2007.
Hundreds were killed, and tens of thousands were left homeless.
Many persons still suffer the consequences of the monster tremor, which lasted for some three minutes. People still live
under tarpaulins, waterproofed but often flimsy canvases that can only be regarded as the most temporary form of shelter.
Yet, it was the earthquake that opened the eyes of the Peruvian public to the presence of Baptists in their midst. According
to Pepe Flores, president of the Baptist Evangelical Convention of Peru (BECP), “The earthquake was a blessing as it united
the convention.”
This unity came through united action to minister to and reach out to the victims of the earthquake, which affected not
only the city of Pisco, but also Ica, Chincha Alta, San Vicente de Cañete, and was felt in cities farther away, including Lima,
Peru’s capital city.
Through their own means and from donations, which included a contribution of US$20,000 from Baptist World Aid, the
relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance, the convention is able to, among other things, rebuild houses for
families left devastated in the earthquake zones. An agreement has been struck with the Peruvian government whereby the
convention will use funds to construct houses, have the funds reimbursed by the government, and then use these funds to
construct other houses. Currently, eight houses are under construction. The need is great, for, according to Flores, 98 percent
of the houses in Pisco, or some 76,000 dwellings, were destroyed.
The ministry offered by Baptists in the seat of the ancient Inca Empire has led to greater recognition from the public
and greater respect for Baptists. “The support of the Baptist family after the quake was highly
(Continued on next page)
PHOTOS: Earthquake victims form long lines to receive relief supplies after the earthquake in Peru in August 2007; Debris after the
devastating earthquake

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