Peru

The Spiritual Need in Peru

Peru sits on South America’s Pacific coast, spanning some of the continent’s most dramatic terrain — the Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and a coastline shaped by centuries of history. It is also a country in spiritual transition.

Roman Catholicism has been Peru’s dominant faith for centuries. But deep syncretism with traditional indigenous religions has created theological confusion for millions of Peruvians. Many hold a mix of Catholic ritual and folk religion, with little connection to the biblical gospel.

That is changing.

Gospel-centered Christianity is growing. Evangelicalism now represents 14 percent of Peru’s population — the fruit of decades of faithful ministry by missionaries and Peruvian church partners. A strong, missions-minded local church has taken root, and Peruvians are increasingly carrying the gospel beyond their own borders. Missionaries from ABWE partner churches in Peru are already serving in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Church Planting In Peru: A Ministry 85 Years in the Making

Since 1938, ABWE teams have worked alongside Peruvian partners to plant and strengthen churches in villages and cities across the country.

Today, ABWE maintains a strategic presence in four of Peru’s major cities:

• Iquitos — gateway to the Amazon Basin
• Chiclayo — along Peru’s northern coast
• Arequipa — in the Andes Mountains of the south
• Lima — the capital and largest city

Together, these locations put our team within reach of nearly 40 percent of Peru’s 31 million people.

Through these partnerships, ABWE has helped Peruvian churches engage in evangelism to unreached people groups, urban church planting, youth and sports ministry, Christian education, biblical counseling, theological training, and more. The goal is to equip Peruvians to carry the gospel — both within Peru and to some of the most difficult-to-reach places in the world.

Current Ministries in Peru

ABWE and its Peruvian church partners are active across a wide range of ministries:

• Church planting and church strengthening with national partners
• Local church youth ministry
• Biblical counseling training for church leaders
• Theological education
• Prenatal and maternal health ministry
• Children’s home ministry
• Summer camp ministry
• Christian school education
• ESL outreach through local churches
• Deaf ministry and connection to a local deaf church in Iquitos
• Specialty training courses
• Broader outreach and evangelism initiatives

Frequently Asked Questions

• What missionary opportunities are available in Peru?
  • From local church youth and summer camp to prenatal and maternity care, there are many opportunities for you to use your gifts for gospel work in Peru.
• How is the evangelical church growing in Peru?
  • Through decades of faithful ministry, the evangelical population in Peru has grown to 14 percent. Local churches in Peru are now sending gospel workers to 20 countries around the world.
• What is ABWE doing in Peru?
  • ABWE’s primary goal is to plant and strengthen local churches in Peru by working alongside Peruvian partners through a variety of ministries.
• How can I support missionaries in Peru?
  • There are many current missionaries serving in Peru through a wide range of ministry projects.
• Are there short-term missions trips to Peru?
  • Yes, ABWE offers a number of short-term opportunities in Peru.

Is God Calling You to Serve in Peru?

Peru needs biblically grounded, spiritually mature missionaries to come alongside Peruvian partners and continue this work. Whether your gifts are in church planting, education, healthcare, counseling, or discipleship — there may be a place for you here.