Peru Personal Experience

Less then a hundred years ago over 90% of the indigenous people were literally slaves. They were bought and sold with the land. They were not permitted to learn the official language of the country, use western clothing, or go to school.

“Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV)

About 3,800 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. While the cold air and lack of oxygen are notable, the sky seems bluer than anywhere else. The Andres Mountains provide a backdrop to the rolling hills around the lake. The area has suffered centuries of poverty and conflict.

Less then a hundred years ago over 90% of the indigenous people were literally slaves. They were bought and sold with the land. They were not permitted to learn the official language of the country, use western clothing, or go to school.

Some time ago, a local priest welcomed the new director for ADRA’s regional office near Lake Titicaca with praise for ADRA’s development projects in agriculture and health. This was a beginning of a close friendship.

One particularly cold winter the priest told ADRA’s regional director that some of the poorest parishioners desperately needed clothing. No other organization would help. Upon his agreement with requirements to verify recipients, ADRA provided a number of bails of clothing.

Several weeks later, tragedy struck. In a small clearing, an ADRA supervisor was teaching basic agriculture techniques to a group of peasant farmers. Suddenly, a motorcycle entered the clearing going at least 60 miles an hour. The speeding motorcycle roared into the clearing and hit a stump, throwing the driver onto a rock where he was killed upon impact.

The young man’s influential family immediately blamed ADRA for his death. According to Peruvian law, people are guilty until proven innocent so the supervisor was jailed pending a trial. No lawyer was willing to represent him. Later ADRA would learn that the family had paid off the judge and the lawyers.

Then the local priest told the parents, "I will not conduct any ceremony for your son until you withdraw all charges against ADRA. I know ADRA, and I cannot believe they are responsible for your boy’s death. When my people needed clothes, ADRA was the only group that would come to the rescue." Two very surprised parents immediately dropped all charges against ADRA.

What a privilege we have to make a difference in the lives of those who are searching for a better tomorrow.