Peru

Capital: Lima

Major Languages: Spanish, Quechua

Area: 1.3 million km2

Population: 33.5 million

HDI Rank: 79 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 20 million (60%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 5 million (15%)

Other: 8.4 million (25%)

General Information:

Peru was ruled by the great Inca Empire. The Spanish captured and killed the Inca emperor and seized his empire in 1533. Peru was declared independent from Spain in 1821. American Indian and Mestizos make up for most of the population. The country is known for its “Rainbow Mountains”, striped with different colors. Peru is subject to floods, torrential rains, and constant tremors and earthquakes. It is the world's leading producer of cocaine. The Amazon, the longest river in the world, begins from Peru. Peruvians love bullfighting. Most popular sport is soccer.

Religious Background:

Catholicism, the country’s main religion, has been an important element in the historical and cultural development of the nation. The indigenous people have blended their traditional beliefs and Catholic faith. Protestant churches of various denominations have developed considerably over the past 30 years, and they have been engaging in social and political issues. There is a steady increase of the irreligious, especially among the urban youth. One of the most colorful festivals in Peru is the month-long celebration of the “Lord of the Earthquakes”, in October.

Catholic background:

Catholicism was introduced by the Catholic clergy at the same time as the conquest of Peru in 1533. By 1550, Dominicans, Franciscans, Mercedarians, Augustinians and Jesuits were all active in Peru. The Church was aided in its work by Spain. The Peruvian version of Catholicism, for example, has incorporated some of the traditional gods and spirits by referring to them as saints or lords. The Church is composed of 7 archdioceses, 20 dioceses and 1,421 parishes. Patron saints: Rose of Lima, Turibius of Mogroveio, Martin de Porras.

Prayer Points

1. Peruvians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 20 million Catholics in Peru.
Catholicism is syncretized with native ‘Andean’ paganism. Pray that they will find the truth in a relationship with Christ alone and not in religion or tradition.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring the gospel to the lost in the country with power and conviction.
Pray that Catholics would know that the only means by which God saves sinners is through faith in Christ alone.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 1,421 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 2,769 priests, 2,569 brothers and 5,589 sisters.
Pray for the Catholics to know and accept Jesus with their hearts, and not just their minds.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Peru has a growing and thriving Evangelical church. However, there is a great need for trained pastors and teachers. Pray for God to multiply the numbers of Evangelicals willing to be trained and sent out to evangelize and disciple the Peruvians. Pray that God would encourage believers to remain bold as they reach out to their friends and neighbors.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Human rights violation, abuse and exploitation of children, trafficking of young girls, teen pregnancies and abortions are some of the evils that plague the nation. Ask God for a revelation of their sinfulness and for many to come to know Him.

5. Other Religions

Peru has different minority religious groups like Judaism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Buddhism, Islam, Hare Krishna faith and Hinduism. Pray that they would recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior and the only mediator between God and men.