Peru. World Factbook map, 2006

As a result of the merger between Mennonite Brethren (MB) and Krimmer Mennonite Brethren (KMB) in 1960, the Mennonite Brethren Board of Missions and Services (BOMAS) assumed responsibility for the work in the eastern jungles of Peru begun by Krimmer Mennonite Brethren missionaries some 10 years earlier. In 1987 this work continued in association with Wycliffe Bible Translators, Swiss Indian Mission, and the South America Mission.

Mennonite Brethren missionaries worked in the areas of Bible teaching, literature, agriculture, community development, and public health. They lived in Pucallpa, Mazamari, and Satipo. About 25-30 village congregations resulted from this ministry among the Campa Ashaninca people. In 1986 the independent Association of Ashaninca Evangelical Churches was organized.

In 1983, Mennonite Brethren Missions and Services responded to a flood disaster in northern Peru by sending food, medicines, and mission workers. This led to the formation of several Bible study groups and in 1986, the Mennonite Brethren Church of Peru was officially recognized by the government of Peru (Iglesia Evangélica de los Hermanos Menonitas del Perú). Two congregations with total membership of about 60 were organized in Sullana and Vichayal. More missionaries were preparing to join this work. In 2003 there were twelve congregations with 215 members.

In 1985 Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities (Mennonite Church) sent an investigative team to Peru. As a result of their visit and support from new churches of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference (MC), a missionary couple was sent to Peru in January 1987 to study the Quechua language in Lima in anticipation of a church planting effort among the Quechua people.

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p. 698. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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