Brian calls himself one of my disciples. He is doing an excellent work in Peru. This is his report and it is alarming!
Koinonia Peru Update for June 12, 2009
Hi Everyone,
I usually write about things that are happening in the church but in this update I would like to ask you to pray for a few situations that are happening in the country that are of grave concern for the population. I hope that you will pray with us.
The Northern Jungle Area of Bagua
This past weekend, a march of indigenous people from the northern jungle of Peru became violent as police moved in attempting to clear the road of protestors and rocks. The local indigenous people are protesting land and water rights as the government is planning to use some lands in the area for tree harvesting and natural gas. At this time, no one knows for sure how many of the indigenous people were killed. Currently, the number of police officer casualties stands at twenty-four with several still missing. The last few days have been days of tension in the country. Yesterday, police in the downtown area of Lima set off tear gas as many people marched in the streets. Also, seven congressmen from the leftist party have been suspended from Congress.
Puno-The High Plain
The last couple of weeks have seen the temperatures drop to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit in Puno and Juliaca. Most of the people who live in the area are poor farmers. Their houses are not very well weather proofed and there is no heat. Many young children have been dying due to the cold. The hospitals are packed and in many cases there is no medicine to give the patients.
Peru is a country that has been advancing the last few years but we still have a long way to go spiritually, economically and socially. Please continue to pray for Peru . We know that the real and only answer in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Note of Assurance
Please don’t think that the people of Koinonia are in any danger. We are far from the events that I have listed above. I do covet your prayers so that we will hear God’s voice clearly regarding what He would have us to do with our time and resources. Living in a country where there is so much need can some times be a challenge.
May God bless you all... making disciples in Peru ,
Brian Vander Kodde