Greetings from on high - Update from the Trzos (Missionaries in Peru)

Hola precious friends, co-workers & family in Christ.

Greetings from on high (the Andes) - love & peace in Jesus name!

Since the existence of mankind, people used high places to seek favour from their Gods. Perhaps the assumption is: as higher men is - as nearer to God they are! World wide, mountains are used for idol worship & other sacrifices! If people accept this philosophy, than they also have to accept: "You are also nearer to God's wrath!"

It seems to be the fact, if one considers disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, mudslides, blizzards etc. Regions with those mountain ranges belong to the poorest in the world.

This is also true with the whole western part of South America which includes Peru.

The Andes, which starts in the north of South America runs through many countries and ends beneath the see past Cape Horn. All these countries have a long history of natural disasters, guerrilla wars, political uprisings, drug cartel wars etc. The world's most powerful drug cartels are in this region.

South America is over 90% catholic! At least a third of nominal Catholics are in reality Christo-pagan. Millions of mountain Quechua, Aymara, Morochucos etc.are still bound by superstitions of pagan & "Christian" origin. This is very much so in Peru.

As higher up the mountains one goes, as more intensive the religious activities become. This comes to a climax at "SEMANA SANTA" (holy week), when Ayacucho attracts many visitors from around the globe (www.warinet.com.pe). In the vicinity of the market square alone are 10 big Temples (Cathedral's, Monastery's, Basilica's etc.).

I visited most of them during SEMANA SANTA, as at other times I never found them open. Being brought up as a Catholic myself, it was shocking to see, to what degree people went, to claim favour & promises from their God's. Daily processions of carrying all sorts of statues of different saints; where followed by masses of crying, weeping, laughing, drinking etc. people. The climax came on Sunday morning at 4 a clock, when the elite carried a huge float with the statue of the "Risen Christ" around the square. This was accompanied by massive fireworks and ear shattering bangs, to chase the evil spirits away.

During SEMANA SANTA, various pick pocket attempts were made on me, mostly inside the Temples. Opposite the Cathedral Beer Tents (canopies) were erected; and people danced to a large Oompah band. This was not outdone by the Cathedral's own massive band, which played only a few meters away. It was not possible to distinguish the music from one another!

Isaiah 1:13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations - I cannot bear your evil assemblies.

Like most Cities, Buildings, Businesses etc., Ayacucho also has adopted a patronage, taken on a symbol to protect, watch over, prosper & bless them. Their patronage is the living Christ.

No wonder that the people struggle, as God cannot accept this situation.

The highlight for us was when on Sunday the Morochucos (direct descendants of the Conquistadors & Incas) gave demonstrations of their riding skills. This happened in a big stadium and thousands of peoples attended. I never expected that, as the cost of entry was no less than R,- 12.50. They are a living legend and live about 80 km from Ayacucho (3 - 4 hrs. drive), but also about 1000m higher.

I was able to barge in on them (sometimes one has to) hrs. before the stadium even opened. This proved to be very fruitful, as new contacts were formed. They are an extremely shy people! On the 7. of May we will go up and start looking around. We might move even (God willing) earlier up, as it will not be a problem to find a new tenant for the house we live in.

Praise God for:

• the peaceful elections we had in Peru
  

• the freedom to travel anywhere without great complications
  
• keeping us faithful & supply. all our needs
  
• the freedom to preach the Gospel.

Most of these conditions were not possible 2 - 3 years back. Tonight we are leaving for Lima again. Our Visas have to be extended (one month at a time). This can be done 3 times before one has to go out of the country. We hope to conclude everything in one day, yet two nights following in a bus is not a pleasant situation.

Please pray for:

• safety on the road and whilst in Lima
  

• strengthening of the evangelical Church & unity amongst them
  
• the Lord to open the hearts of the Morochucos for the Gospel
  
• and all our friends & co-workers in Christ here and abroad.

Your participation in this work is of great importance to us and the Lord! We highly appreciate your involvement and pray God's richest blessings into your life's.

Ps. 18:29 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

together in His service
Herbie, Elaine & Jonathan

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