Since September I’ve been applying to become a full member of SIM, and discussing with them the logistics of preparing to go back to Peru. The current estimate for when I might start is in the late spring of 2014. I’ve been able to arrange to keep my job in the UK for now, and have just cut down to 3 days a week, which will allow me time for preparations.
I’ll be working with a local NGO called AIDIA (pronounced ‘idea’) that does community development work - mostly Bible translation, literacy, and church support and training. They want to expand the practical work they do and have been looking for a water engineer for several years.
I’ll be based in Abancay - a large town in the Apurimac region in the Andes, close to the tourist destination of Cusco. AIDIA works in numerous indigenous villages in the area, which have their own culture and language, called Quechua (‘ketchwa’). They’re quite remote and often high up in the mountains - many have roads but the journey can take a couple of days.
Many villages have a water system, but there’s often not enough water or it’s not sufficiently clean. Sanitation is not in such good shape, with some villages not having any toilets at all. I hope to use my experience in constructing and improving basic
water and sanitation systems as well as providing training about how this affects health.
The local Christians really appreciate having the New Testament in their local dialect, and the training and encouragement they receive from AIDIA. On my trip in the summer, I enjoyed visiting the churches, praying with local people and even preaching. Being an engineer means I am invited to speak in secular village meetings - giving great opportunities for teaching people about God’s love for them.
Apurimac (the region) is a local word meaning ‘God who speaks’ - the stunning mountains certainly speak of his glory, and my prayer is that God will also speak through my words and my actions.
