Dave and Melanie Woodard have served with ABWE in Arequipa—a Catholic-dominated city in the Andes mountains of southwestern Peru—since 2000.
They recently shared how they have seen God at work as individuals and families turn to Christ through their ministries of church planting, prenatal ministry, biblical counseling, and theological education.
Where do you serve, and what does ministry look like in your context?
For the past 23 years, we have been serving the Lord as church planters in different areas of Arequipa, the second-largest city in Peru. We are currently partnering with national believers to plant a church in an agricultural area of town with a rapidly growing population. Many of our members came from mountain cities like Chivey, Cusco, and Puno and work for their daily needs. It has taken time for many to grasp the truth of salvation by faith and to receive and give complete forgiveness, but we are encouraged to see spiritual growth in our church.
Dave also serves in the ABWE-founded seminary (STBA), training South American leaders for local and international ministries. Melanie and a team of ladies from seven local Baptist churches followed God’s leading to establish the Worthy of Life Family Counseling/Prenatal Center close to Arequipa’s main university. They focus on evangelism and discipleship, addressing the needs of each individual through biblical counseling.
How would you describe the general spiritual need of the Peruvian population?
Traditionally, Arequipa has had more of a family-based society, but our city is becoming more individualistic, with each person looking out for his or her own wellbeing with less consideration for others. Pride, self-sufficiency, and comparison dominate in many circles. These attitudes feed the belief that one is already good enough or can merit salvation through good works. In addition, cults are on the rise, as well as some Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism (at least in philosophical influence).
Education, professionalism, materialism, and pleasure are common idols leading to increased levels of isolation and addictions. Many people are running to psychologists and therapists for answers, while anxiety, depression, and even suicide are on the rise.
Religious syncretism is predominant, weaving together the traditional homage to mother earth with Catholic beliefs, including the veneration of the Virgin Mary and saints. Still, most people have a foundational belief in God and the Scriptures. Although it is often distorted, it gives us an opening to share the true gospel. Generally, people will listen, ask questions, and consider the Scriptural truths we share. We always challenge them to read the Bible for themselves.
What is the state of the local church where you serve?
This past year, we have seen growth in areas of repentance, assurance of salvation, biblical love, and a hunger for God’s Word.
Most of our church members are struggling financially, yet they are seeing God provide for their needs. They don’t have much and are thankful for what they do have. It is very humbling.
Several believers have been through difficult trials. A mother and daughter were recently hit by a drunk driver while working at their roadside stand. They both were hurt quite badly but, thank the Lord, they have been recovering and have attested that the crisis has helped them to depend more fully on the Lord.
When have you recently seen God at work through your ministry?
One young lady, Lizbeth, came to the Worthy of Life Prenatal/Counseling Center in despair. She was expecting her third child; each had a different father. She explained that she had been raised in a Catholic family with few moral values but had trusted Christ after someone shared the gospel with her at age 17. Her own deep pain had kept her from truly following Christ; she grew up feeling rejected by her father and longed for a man to love and protect her. She started each new relationship in hope of finding that love, yet each ended with more pain and sadness. When her most recent relationship turned sour, her desperation drove her to search for answers at a local church. They referred her to our center. Broken and bitter, Lizbeth knew that she needed God’s help, but she didn’t know where to start. Through counseling, we shared that God still loves her, is able to forgive her sins, and has a purpose for her life and for the lives of her children. Lizbeth now understands that her hope is in God and his Word. She no longer feels alone. She reads her Bible faithfully, attends church regularly, works to support herself, and continues to come to counseling for help to learn to forgive and apply Scripture to each area of her life. Before the birth of her baby, we held a baby shower for her so the volunteers at the center could bless her with baby gifts and words of encouragement.
Can you share about any others whose lives have been impacted through your ministry?
Miriam grew up in a difficult environment as her parents, living together but unmarried, treated one another with spiteful retaliation. When her mother decided to move in with another man, the children were forced to choose with whom they would live. Both chose their father. Miriam remained in contact with her mother, who was quick to accuse and hurl insults.
When we began planting a church in the Horacio Zeballos neighborhood in 2023, Miriam opened up to us about the fear and pain she experienced as a result of her relationship with her mother. Miriam was already a believer and growing in her faith, yet still her anxiety would soar at times, especially around her mother. Melanie offered to study Scripture with Miriam, sensing that she needed someone to listen, pray with her, and encourage her with God’s truths. Since then, Miriam has said that Melanie has become like a mother to her.
Miriam also started attending counseling sessions at our Worthy of Life Counseling Center, learning to forgive and overcome her fears and anxieties. Little by little, Miriam has grown strong in her faith, letting God’s love, grace, and truth fill her heart to the point that she now takes initiative to visit and help her mother. Others are drawn to Miriam because of the peace, joy, and humble confidence she exhibits. She loves teaching Sunday school in our church plant for the 3–6-year-olds and helps both the children’s and ladies’ groups prepare special music for the services. She is a true servant, always concerned about others’ needs, and she desires to one day serve the Lord in medical missions.
How can believers in the US pray for you, your team, and the people you serve?
Please pray that we would walk in the Spirit and that our ministries would be an overflow of God’s truth and grace in our daily lives. Pray that he will enable us to share his Word effectively with all ages as we seek to make disciples for Christ. Pray for wisdom in directing the church and the counseling center, so that this year would be a year of growth and that the believers would begin to disciple other new believers. Pray also that the Lord might provide a building (or property on which to build a church) as we are currently meeting in a small facility.
