Activate Ministries: Day 13 - National Museum: A day to remember

Day 13 - National Museum: A day to remember

03
Mar

Monday morning, Feb. 15 was free so as a team we decided to head to the National Museum to learn a little more about Peruvian culture. We were aware that we would learn about the history and even expected observe some of the inca artifacts but little did we know that we would truly be impacted by the most recent history that of the Peruvian people.

One whole floor of the museum was dedicated to the terrorism attacks of the 80s & early 90s. The attacks were lead by the "Shining Path" group and much of the government was corrupt, therefore there was not much that could be done. From talking to people, it appeared as thought the president himself was corrupt. This group was involved in drug trafficking and fought for power in the most violent manner. Both rural and urban areas were attacked with bombings, kidnappings, rape and many other brutal forms of violence.

Roads were often covered with rocks or garbage so that transportation was not available for those who attempted to escape.

This is the result of a bombing on July 16, 1992 on Tarata St. This is located just 4 blocks from where we stayed in Lima. This was a street we had walked through several times but until we the museum visit we really did not realize that history that was all around our feet. The building is now restored and a monument is resurrected in memory of this disaster.

During the attacks many children were left orphaned and so they were taken in by catholic orphanages or shelters. There children were responsible to help by doing chores and following rules of the nuns.

As we walked through this particular floor of the museum, everything got quieter. There were videos, photos, and documentaries which brought to life the seriousness of what Peruvian people have lived through, within the last 20 years. We were all struck by the fact that these attacks occurred within our life time. Which also meant that many of the youth and young adults lived through it. When we met up with our translator, Inez, 25, the next day we chatted to her about these attacks and she told her that she remembers the attacks. There were days when the Shining Path, decided it was a home day and anyone who stepped outside their homes would be shot. To children, she said, it was just a day off from school but for others who disobeyed this rule, it was their last.

Visiting the national museum really opened our eyes to the people we were ministering to. Within those 20 years, many children were orphaned and families were left with very little to survive on. But we recognized that the attacks ended only 15 years ago and to see how well the people have rebounded is absolutely amazing. There has been a mighty move of God since the attacks. People have truly looked to God for hope, protection and guidance to get through difficult times. Peruvian people are strong, determined people. They live for today as they are not guaranteed tomorrow. And while the rest of the world is not guaranteed tomorrow either, we tend to play it safe and not give God our all. These people are totally abandoned to their faith. They trust God with everything and respond to God's call, without hesitation and they know He is the only one that is constant in their lives. There's a lot to learn from people who have truly experienced difficult times.

Youth BBQ

Later in the evening we had several youth from the Dean's church over for a BBQ. There were about 40 people that we got to hang out with and learn more about. It was so awesome trying to communicate with some of them. Many of the youth could speak English quite well, while others knew very little. We know very little Spanish so it was awesome to have youth who knew both languages to help out. And sometimes we just used GoogleTranslator. All in all it was an awesome night!