One of biggest parts of my life down here in Peru has been the Larco Parish Church. (note the website is a little outdated, we have a roof now and have had for more than a year and half) Out of the current three parish churches that Peru Mission has, this is my Peruvian home church. Since the beginning of my time here, I've been attending Larco, been a part of the Grupo De Jovenes (youth group) as well as participated with the music on Sunday and a few Bible studies throughout. This church has been so amazing to be a part of and to watch God working through the people to see the growth of this congregation and its programs, and to see their sense of community as they said goodbye to one pastor and openly received another pastor, began new bible studies, came together to help more in the community and see the desire to be a stronger church flourish among the people.
One of the ways that the church has seen growth has been in the addition of new members and the development of future leaders in the church as well. Here's the latest edition of the Peru Mission Newsletter that speaks about the new Deacon's program in the church:
Training Future Deacons
The Son of Man did not come to be deaconed but to be a deacon and give his life for a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
The key to Peru Mission’s long-term goals is attaining godly, male, indigenous leadership in our parish communities. Jesus Christ himself serves as our model for healthy church leaders. Everywhere he went Jesus preached and portrayed the good news, loving sinners both in word and in deed. Following this divine example, it is our hope that the kingdom of God will expand as we preach and portray the gospel in our communities. It is noteworthy that the New Testament has preserved the importance of words and deeds in the offices of elder and deacon. Jesus is our deacon (Romans 15:8) and chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Both offices are rooted in the person of Jesus, and both offices are essential for the life and mission of the church.
We have been praying for many years that God would raise up a new generation of Peruvian leaders, and we are beginning to see the answer to our prayers at the Larco Church. There are literally dozens of young, capable men waiting to be trained. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the leadership at Larco Church launched a ten-week deacons’ course last month. At our first meeting we had thirteen eager men ready to learn what it means to be a deacon.
God has also been adding new members to the Larco congregation. With this new growth come new challenges. Pastor Jaime and the elders are spending most of their time in diaconal work such as administration, mercy ministry, and building upkeep. The elders simply cannot keep up with all the needs of the congregation, let alone the surrounding neighborhood. Our hope is that the Larco Church will soon have an army of deacons ready to help the elders lead the church through service to others.
Please pray that God would continue to raise up godly, humble, capable leaders in all branches of the church and mission.
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