Where the Streets Have No Name

During the 1980s and early '90s, Peru was plagued by a paramilitary group called the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), which terrorised many parts of the country, especially the vast mountainous zones known as the 'sierra'. They were an armed left-wing group based on maoist principles, who aimed to overthrow the white, elitist ruling class in Peru. As a result, many foreigners had to leave the country. The sierra was often the battlefield for shoot-outs between Peru's military and the Shining Path rebels and where many innocent people ended up in the cross-fire. A major side-effect of this prolonged terror campaign was the mass exodus of folk from the countryside to the capital, Lima.

Consequently, Lima's population swelled to new highs, with a large proportion finding themselves on the outskirts of the metropolis in what later became known as 'pueblos jovenes', or young towns. Living in rickety shacks without electricity or even sanitation, the pueblos jovenes suffered from crime, unemployment and earthquakes! Eventually, the government recognised the existence of these new entities and offered some provision and infrastructure. The people here are so creative, many had already linked their homes into existing power supplies anyway!

Thankfully, the terror campaign came to an end, or rather it has changed slightly (see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19939336). Meanwhile, churches have been planted in many of these new areas that stretch back into the mountainous and baron desert in which Lima is situated. One such area is called La Tablada and is about an hour and a half commute from our flat. This is where Mark holds a discipleship class twice a week, which around six guys aged 14-30 attend. We look at basic Christian doctrine on topics such as sin, salvation and the Holy Spirit. The guys are all legends and really eager to learn! They are friendly with no attitude problems, keen to share their difficulties and enjoy learning verses from the Bible. Some are still school kids, while others have jobs and families. The church's pastor, Jesús, is passionate about his community and has dedicated many years to working towards its advancement. The church building itself was constructed by various Latin Link STEP teams in recent years and the guys here seem to remember them fondly. Mark will be holding about 14 classes during our time in Lima.

As seen in the photo, the area of La Tablada is pretty basic and its buildings are made of adobe, hence not earthquake proof. And the streets really don't have any names here! You orientate yourself via landmarks and hope for the best! However, the people are full of life, the football pitch is always occupied, and the church congregation seem to be a positive, thriving example of Christian community. Well worth the 3 hour round-trip! Spot the gringo wearing No. 7 shirt on the pitch - Mark couldn't waste the opportunity!