Nestled in the mountainous terrains of Arequipa, Marcana sits perched at an elevation of 3,400 meters (about the height of Mount St. Helens). This remote town is a lengthy 14-hour bus journey from the bustling city of Arequipa, located within the city of Cotahuasi in the province of La Unión.
Pastor Ninela Vargas and I embarked on our mission from Arequipa on a Monday evening at 7 pm. Our journey was interrupted around 2 am for a brief respite in Chuquibamba, where we availed ourselves of the facilities and warmed up with hot beverages. However, the journey took an unexpected turn when our bus malfunctioned in route. Stranded in the stillness of the night, we prayed fervently, seeking divine intervention for the driver’s wisdom to rectify the mechanical woes.
Our prayers seemed to have been answered as we awoke to find ourselves arriving in Cotahuasi. The final leg of our journey to Marcana required a switch to smaller vans for an additional two and a half hours. Despite a landslide obstructing the path and necessitating a precarious twenty-minute trek without the aid of ropes, we persevered, driven by our unwavering commitment to our mission.
We reached Marcana at approximately 7:30 am, where we were accommodated in a modest dormitory reflecting the village’s simplicity. After sharing a meal with a local family, we commenced our day at a nearby school.
Our outreach efforts bore fruit as we ministered to the young hearts of grade schoolers and high school students, imparting the profound message that they are GOD’S MASTERPIECES, cherished and loved unconditionally. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully, leading 170 children and teenagers to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
In the afternoon, we engaged with the parents, emphasizing the transformative power of words—how they can construct or destruct. Our message resonated with 40 parents, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey that we eagerly anticipate nurturing on subsequent visits.
The following day was dedicated to counseling, witnessing the hand of God at work in the lives of families. As we departed Marcana, the physical challenges of the journey paled in comparison to the spiritual fulfillment of serving these communities. These people, overlooked by many but not forsaken by God, have now been touched by the Gospel’s hope and love.
We ask for continued prayers for the people of Marcana, Pastor Ninela’s ministry, and our ongoing partnership to further the Gospel and Christ’s love among these cherished souls. Your support, both in spirit and in resources, is invaluable as we persist in this divine calling.
By Min. Ximena Dean
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