Embracing Light in the Word and Spirit in Puno and Juliaca: A Journey of Faith and Renewal

Our recent travel to Puno and Juliaca was more than a simple visit to two Peruvian cities. It became a profound spiritual experience that touched our hearts deeply. Both cities welcomed us with warmth and kindness, but it was the moments inside their churches that left a lasting impression. These sacred spaces became places of encounter with the Holy Spirit, where themes of unity, forgiveness, surrender, and rededication came alive. This post shares the highlights of that journey and invites reflection on how we can embody the light of Jesus in today’s world.

Historic church facade in Puno, Peru, showing detailed stonework and vibrant decorations

A Warm Welcome in Puno

Upon our arrival in Puno, the city welcomed us warmly. The hospitality of the people was apparent in every interaction during our stay. Visiting the church in Puno, Iglesia Maranata Matarani, was particularly enjoyable. The congregation and pastors demonstrated a clear spiritual hunger and thirst for the truth found only in the Word of God.

Inside, the atmosphere was strongly imbued with the Holy Spirit as we began teaching the Word of God, and there was a gentle flow of the Holy Spirit at the service's conclusion. During our prayers for each person, you could sense the release from the burden of unforgiveness, replaced by the joy of freedom in Christ. Forgiveness was clearly central to this outpouring of unity. Many in the congregation approached us to express gratitude for the movement of the Holy Spirit upon them, but we quickly gave the glory to God, acknowledging that we are merely instruments at His disposal. This experience reminded us that faith is not only personal but also communal, encouraging us to live in harmony and grace..

The Church in Juliaca and the Call to Surrender

The church in Juliaca, Iglesia Emanuel, welcomed us with equal warmth. During our time there, the themes of surrender and rededication emerged strongly. The message was clear: spiritual sleep must end. We were encouraged to awaken fully to God’s calling, to let go of distractions and fears, and to commit ourselves anew to living out our faith. This call to surrender was not about giving up but about opening ourselves to transformation and purpose.

The community's receptiveness to this message was truly inspiring. This awakening transformed the lives of many, if not all, encouraging them to become more deliberate witnesses of Christ's love within their families, neighborhoods, and wherever they went, serving as a beacon in the darkness and spreading light and hope to everyone they encountered.

Reflecting on Our Role as Witnesses Today

Visiting these two cities and their churches instilled in us a profound sense of duty. In these uncertain and changing end times, the urgency to bear the light of Jesus is clear. We are not merely invited but commanded to be witnesses, embodying Love, hope, forgiveness, and renewal in our everyday lives.

This means:

• Living with unity: Building bridges rather than walls, forgiving rather than holding grudges.

• Surrendering to God’s will: Letting go of control and trusting in His guidance.

• Rededicating ourselves: Renewing our commitment to faith and service.

• Awakening from spiritual sleep: Being attentive to the needs around us, responding with love, and avoiding distractions from all the noise.

  
  

Each of us can make a difference by shining this light in our communities, becoming beacons of love, peace, and hope.

Practical Steps to Embrace This Journey

If this story resonates with you, here are some ways to bring its lessons into your life:

• Be a member in a local church and participate in their worship and fellowship.

• Reflect on areas in your life where forgiveness is needed and take steps to heal those relationships.

• Set aside time for prayer or meditation focused on surrender and renewal.

• Engage in acts of kindness that demonstrate the love and light of Jesus to others.

  
  

Carrying the Light Forward

Our trip to Puno and Juliaca was a reminder that faith journeys are ongoing. The powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in Puno, the call to surrender in Juliaca, and the warm receptions in both places showed us that God’s work is alive and active. We are all part of this story, called to live as witnesses in these end times.

May this reflection inspire you to embrace your own path of faith and renewal, shining the light of Jesus wherever you go. The world needs this light now more than ever.