Andean villages turn from terror to tunes
SAN JERONIMO, Peru – It was an original song never before heard in the annual assembly of the Peruvian Mennonite Church – a typical Andean melody sung in Quechua by the composer.
We come today, we come now;
from our community in Cotabambas, Apurimac;
To greet our brothers and sisters
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We thank God; we thank Jesus
For coming to our community;
for coming to our land of Cotabambas.
Before we walked in hellish blackness;
before we walked in darkness;
He brought us into the way of light;
He gave us a life of happiness.
Thanks be to God for his love;
thanks be to God for his love.
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As songwriter Gregoria Duran’s voice soared over the audience of more than 500 from five churches and four church plant regions, a troupe of four dancers from Cotabambas stomped and swirled to celebrate the arrival of the gospel in their pueblo.
Then there was another original number from Colquemarca, a region infamous for year-end violence. Dawn Weaver, a worker with Eastern Mennonite Missions in Peru said, “People hold grudges all year long, waiting to exact revenge each December when law and penalties are suspended. As they danced, tears came to my eyes at the power and conviction of their praise.”
Not only Cotabambas and Colquemarca, but each church gave “special numbers” complete with traditional attire, songs, and dances. The day-long celebration also included a huge picnic with distinctive foods from the various regions, and soccer matches for men and women.
The assembly took place on a five-acre plot of ground that the church is hoping to buy for its new bilingual school, PROMESA. The school is off to a good start with 72 students in kindergarten through third grade, and planning to add a grade each year. The property includes a gymnasium, soccer field, bathhouse block, and a two-story office complex which the church can also use for leadership training and other events.
“The church is really stepping out in faith to purchase this property for $250,000,” said Steve Shank, EMM’s representative to Latin America. “They don’t have the funds, but are believing in God’s provision. The property is well-situated near Cusco, and an excellent location for school and church events.”
The annual convention also included the licensing of three new pastors who are overseeing the work outside Cusco on the remote growing edges of the church.
-Jewel Showalter
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