Mission Meanderings

The shores of Lake Titicaca, near Puno. There are two large peninsulas that nearly encircle the section of lake dominated by Puno. A large part of that area is taken up by the reeds and floating islands of the Uros.

Polly and I spent nearly a week at our highest churches in Peru.  We traveled to Juliaca and Puno.

When you arrive it takes your breath away - literally!

A small farm bordering the lake

We stayed in a small hotel overlooking the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Juliaca is a sprawling busy city on the Altiplano – the high plain of the Andes.  There we have one church and a mission congregation. Two priests serve these congregations – Fr. Rubén Mancilla and Fr. Luis Vizcarra.

Fr. Rubén is originally from Lima.  He has made the transition to the altiplano and his wife is from there.  Fr. Luis comes from Arequippa.  He is the first priest who has grown up within, been trained by and then ordained in the Anglican Church of Peru.  These young clergy are gifted in their ministry.  They complement each other superbly.

After church with two new friends - Santa Maria Magdalena

Juliaca is the business center for the region.  It sits just west of Lake Titicaca which is the highest navigable lake in the world.  Located at 12,500 feet above sea level, it borders Bolivia and measures about one hundred by sixty miles.

The Cathedral in Puno

Its main city is Puno, about thirty miles from Juliaca.  It is a tourist destination and port.

One of the floating islands of the Uros

The the closest islands are the famous floating islands of the Uros.  There they speak Aymara.  These island colonies were first developed to escape enslavement.  The communities on the other islands are pre-Incan and Quechua speaking (the language of the Inca).

In Juliaca we have a church and a mission.  In the city is Santa Maria Magdalena.  The church is housed in a mission center with chapel, class rooms, accommodation and vegetable garden.  Out in the country is the mission at the chapel of Tariachi.

The Tariachi congregation

The Tariachi chapel is loaned to us by a local landowner who built the chapel in 1971 for his workers.  It sat unused until Fr. Rubén came along and asked to lead services there. Both congregations normally host well over fifty people of all ages at each service.  In the Tariachi area there is expansive building of new homes as Juliaca is growing.  This is an amazing mission opportunity.  Frs. Rubén and Luis are developing this growing ministry.

Sunday best for church!

While in Tariachi we were treated to two picnic lunches, one after the other as well as a pastoral call to one of the local brickmaking families.

Brick making by hand. In the background is the kiln. The formed bricks are dried in the sun before being fired.

At the church of St. Mary Magdalena the clergy have begun a significant new ministry among the deaf.

The signing class on Sunday afternoon

Every Sunday afternoon they host classes in sign language.  Many of these families then stay for the service that follows.

Frs. Rubén and Luis are currently beginning pastoral calls in Puno where they see the beginnings of a new faith community; a new mission is on the horizon.

Polly and Fr. Luis meeting a parishioner on her way to the chapel

We spent Sunday with the congregations and then Monday we went into Puno.  Tuesday we went to the floating islands and then on the the Island of Taquile, out in the main part of the lake.

The British gunboat MV Yavari.

On Wednesday we visited an old British gunboat that was made in London and hauled by mule train over six years to Puno where she is now being restored.  The MV Yavari used to sail between Puno and Copacabana in Bolivia.

Enjoy the slide show that follows – we are heading back to the USA on April 24 and hope to see many of you over the summer as we visit our faithful senders – congregations and individuals.  We love you and bless you for your partnership with us.

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Greetings from Lima.  This has been a whirlwind six weeks since my father, Hector Montgomery, died on January 14.

Hector Montgomery 1917-2012 in about 1942 with his new Paratrooper wings

We were able to gather as a family in London on February 18.  We had a wonderful family reunion as we celebrated his life, that of my mother who died in 2007, and reflected on the fact that my generation now make up the “elders.”  I know my parents have left their stamp on me, and I embrace their imprint.

VISITORS

Bishop Nick, Catherine and Steffi (here for part of a gap year) making a house call in Puente Piedra. Below Catherine Drayson praying for healing during a house call

Here in Peru we have been immersed in hospitality,  and it has been our privilege to host and show visitors what God is doing here: SAMS-USA sent a team for a missionary retreat, Bishop  Nick Drayson and his wife Catherine from Northern Argentina came for over a week and we have three more young English missionary visitors – two from CMS and one from USPG.

Entertaining gap year missionaries and more for a BBQ

We enjoy hosting dinners and BBQs at our apartment!

DIOCESE OF WORCESTER VISIT
Next week we have a team of eight coming in from the Diocese of Worcester.  When in England we had taken a day to visit with the team .  This was very helpful on both sides as then Bishop Godfrey and I could work on the itinerary along with Susan Park, who is our Peru teams co-ordinator.  Later in March, we have teams from Texas coming as well as a planned trip for Polly and me to Juliaca to visit, at long last, our Anglican congregation there.

Fr. Phil Bradshaw, Bishop John Inge, Sue Phillips, Polly, Robert Higham and Margaret Rutter - part of the team.

THANKS
I want to thank those who helped us out with our year-end funding.  God used you so wonderfully.  We were at last able to get our expenses paid, plan the trip to Juliaca, as well as restore our floating fund with SAMS.  Thank you for your faithfulness as senders.
Many Blessings,
Ian and Polly

The tent in the center is where we meet for Sunday morning worship

This afternoon I went off on a bushwhacking trip to the far north of Lima.  One of the challenges in Lima is getting places.  The roads are congested, noisy and driving is for the very bold.  I wrote a year or so ago about getting to Collique, also in the north.  Today I went to Puente Piedra.  A month ago they added a supplementary bus from the northern terminal to PP.  We have a great mission out there called San Andres. Today I traveled with Fr. Benjamin their priest who had never taken the Metropolitano.  For him it was a voyage of discovery.  He too was amazed – safe, fast and cheap.  What more can a priest and missionary want?

We left after English class – I teach a small group through conversation and Bible Study twice a week.  We went to one of the stations and lo in 45 minutes we were in Naranjal, the northern terminus.  There I led him into the market for “Chifa.”  Peruvian Chinese food.  It was rough basic and unsophisticated.  Amidst the noise of people, horns and traffic we enjoyed tortilla (veggie omelette) on chaufa (fried rice).  Probably not the cleanest place I have been in and I am hoping my tummy is OK – so far so good seven hours later.

Then onto the “Bus Alimentador” to Puente Piedra.  We hustled along in our splendid yellow dedicated charabanc and in half an hour we were there.  A quick walk through twisty roads full of vendors selling out of shops and onto the streets and we came to a Mototaxi rank.  These are three wheeled taxis based on motocycles.  Very tippy, not safe but such fun.  They have a fully enclosed windshield and then a sort of framed tent type of structure enclosing a double seat.  We were there in a trice.

The photo above is of the new mission property that is easily accessible without learning to ape a goat.  This is where they have Sunday morning services and where I hope we can build a mission and clergy apartment.  It will be called Holy Cross Mission, I think.  Now we have a cross, shrine and tent.  All we need is people, a Bible, bread and wine and we have church.  I also went up to the older church on the hillside (now used as a classroom), where we met with some of the kids who I have seen grow up over four years now.  They enthusiastically showed off what they had been learning about Samuel, Hannah and Eli.  They know their stuff!

Nicole - one of our young people wrote the first part about the roots of the Anglican Church. Perfect!

Following time with the children Benjamin and I went house calling.  What a privilege it is to visit in these homes.  In most cases the homes are headed by redoubtable women from other parts of the country.  They are amazing in the way they bring dignity to poverty, good values to their children.  Again I knew these women from four years of visiting their church.  Now to visit their homes is joy that is incomparable.  I should add that Fr. Benjamin is an amazing priest – he knows his people and they know him.  In each home I was able to pray and bless the family and the home.  I look forward to seeing this mission grow with a new building and in relationships and discipleship.

RIP Hector Montgomery. 1917-2012

Many of you have written following my father’s death on January 14.  Thank you so much for your prayers and blessings.  He was a truly good man.  He blessed me.  He was the last of his generation and now it falls to my generation to lead by example and practice what we learned.  I pray we do a good job.  He served in WWII, was wounded at Arnhem and came back without an arm.  He was never daunted and never complained.  He was honest to a fault, generous and of great integrity.  Thanks Dad – I miss you.

We have a Montgomery family reunion in London of Feb. 18.  There is no funeral as characteristically he gave his body for science, as did my mother.  It will be good to gather, to remember, to tell stories and give thanks.

THANKS for the year end support.

Many of you have given in a wonderful and generous way.  It has helped make our year end budget happy.  I know that 2012 will continue to require funds for both ministry, travel and supplies  I will let you all know when we have special needs.  Again THANKS, your financial support and prayers make all the difference as together we are working at the ends of the earth for our Lord and God.  Many blessings for 2012.

Did John the Baptist do it this way?

I was asked by the little mission in Collique if I would, as part of my monthly visits, baptize some new members.  I of course agreed, not knowing the details just makes things more exciting!  The candidates were prepared by Deacon Jerry Acosta and his wife Edith who started this mission over four years ago.  Their faithful ministry continues to bear fruit in this very poor and northern shantytown of Lima.

Last week I was asked to be ready at nine in the morning at the northern end of the Metro.  There I would be met by a combi and some of the group.  I left the house at seven and was there in forty-five minutes.  That gave me time to sit, pray, read the scriptures and get ready.  I also found someone selling freshly baked bread, squeezing fresh oranges (did I want a plastic bag with a straw or a plastic cup?) so had a great breakfast for seventy cents.  While reading the Scriptures a wonderful old man came by and engaged me in conversation about the blessing and goodness of the Bible.

Deacon Jerry and I up to our knees in the river and ready to baptize.

I met the group and off we went in a combi – a combi is the Peruvian equivalent of a Kenyan matatu and would never be allowed on the roads in the US.  It was crowded with teens and Jerry Acosta.  We met up shortly with another combi also full of teens and parents.  I think we were about twenty in all.  We went to Trapiche, which is about 40 kilometers north of Lima. where there is a park, picnic area and the river Chillón.  The distance is misleading as it is a many potholed dirt road and it took an hour and a half plus – after leaving Lima!  Thanks be to God for a careful driver.

As soon as we arrived the group went straight to the river and cleared rocks.  They made a small dam so that the depth was sufficient to immerse a person.  We tested it out on one of our teenaged boys.  It worked.

Smiling and ready to face the world as a Christian!

The four candidates were teenage girls.  They white robes over their shorts and T shirts.  Jerry and I donned our albs.  I did the first part of the service, the questions and exorcism, on the riverbank.  Jerry preached on the baptism of Jesus and then, into the water we went.  Each girl pinched her nose, we tipped her back.  She was fully immersed and I said “Yo te bautizo en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo and del Espiritu Santo.”  They came up radiant and smiling.  The group on the riverbank enthusiastically welcomed them with applause and hugs into the family of God.

Then to lunch on the grass.  My robe and shoes dried in the wind and sun while I napped.  The teens went swimming and had the best time while we few adults chatted.  We headed home about five in the afternoon.  I arrived home both exhausted and energized.  It is not often that I get to do this and it felt very primitive, apostolic and real.  Somehow not using a font, but standing there in the river made baptism so much more relevant.  I was reminded of St. Paul’s words.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Romans 6:3-6 (ESV)

God is so good!

What a privilege it is to be here.  Yesterday was Christ the King Sunday.  Jesus as king gets to order us around!  I never thought to be sent here were I have had to learn another language and often be led around like a child.  It is such a joy.  It seems as if all that has gone before was preparation for this time.  To you who read this – THANKS for your prayers and support.  You make our ministry possible.

From Google maps showing the river and its fertile valley - we were further up to the right of the marker - where the road and river are closer.

Polly and I have hit the ground running ever since we arrived back in Lima last month.  On a light note we both found that we had been allocated parts in the local amateur dramatic group’s comedy night.  It was fun but necessitated learning lines at the last minute.  I have now landed the role of the King and father of Sleeping beauty for the pantomime December 9 and 10.  More lines to learn an great fun with a great group of people.

Polly jumped into teaching Godly Play again.  This time the group of children is older so Polly has a different approach.  It is working – thanks for the prayers.

I have been immersed in a variety of plans and strategies for the diocese as we continue to grow.  In fact next month we will ordain three more deacons.  This is very exciting.

Warming up with worship at Jesus Fuente de Vida

I am visiting monthly up in Collique, on the far reaches of the northern side of Lima.  Most maps stop before you get there.  Their pastors are Edith Varillas and her husband Jerry Acosta.  They have been working there for four years.  They feed about 150 children a week, run a lively Sunday school and have Sunday evening services.

We went to Arequipa for the dedication of the newly rebuilt orphanage Sagrada Familia.  It was a wonderful time albeit too brief.  See the Amigos del Peru blog for a report and pictures.

Sunday evening before returning to Lima Polly and I visited Santiago Apostol – the shanty town church that is being built by teams from St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas.  The plan was to begin putting in windows and building a roof the week after we left.  I cannot wait to see it again.  Below is a slide show from there as well as the rest of this group of pictures.

I have started a new blog to talk about our missions conference  January 14/15 next year with Bishop Michael Nazir Ali.  It will be preceded by a course of five evening lectures in English and Spanish with students coming from The USA and perhaps England.  There will be representations from Uruguay and the Philippines.  The blog is called   Missio Dei Anglican en Perú  – click to link.  You are all very welcome to come and escape winter and enjoy our summer time.  The web page has the links for registration and lots of details.

Last week we had what will be the first of several services and fellowship for the English speaking missionaries here in Peru.  We began with a service at the Cathedral where we and the bishop renewed our commitment to the mission in Peru, and to each other.  It was very moving.  Afterwards we enjoyed a pot luck BBQ at our apartment.  It was a wonderful time.

Bishop Bill Godfrey leading us in meditation after communion

Thanks for all your prayers, love and support.  We are here because of you and it is a privilege to partner with such a great extended family.  Bless you!

The slide show:

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Polly and I  return to Lima on September 8.   This means packing and planning.  We are also completing our visits to supporting congregations.  We now find ourselves having more congregations than we are able to visit in one summer, which is an interesting problem of sorts.  I love visiting our supporters as it is encouraging both ways.  I really enjoy seeing how God is at work in local churches.  I find that our ministry encourages them.  I have been told several times this summer “I could not do what you are doing!”  For me the answer is complicated because God only asks us to do what we are capable of, however that is when he increases our capacity, stretches us and gifts us anew with the Holy Spirit.  Also for every person sent, in our case to Peru, there are hundreds of senders.  Ultimately what God calls you to do He will equip you – TRUST HIM!  This all assumes that we are both listening and willing to be obedient.

One of the joys of each summer is going to the Diocese of Albany and especially the Christ the King retreat center (CTK).  This was the vision of Bishop Dan Herzog.  He received a lot of flack for doing it.  However it is an amazing resource and a gift not just to the diocese but also to those who live close enough to use its resources.

Bishops Love and Herzog of Albany - two of the greatest and my most favorite bishops in TEC

Polly and I try to go to the healing services at least once a month on Tuesday mornings.  These are led by Fr. Nigel Mumford and his wife Lynn.  They are an amazing couple and triumphs of grace who minister faithfully at the healing center there at CTK.  Next door is the Convent of St. Mary where the dedicated sisters live, practice hospitality and pray.  They pray for our ministry in Peru for which I am hugely grateful.  Whenever we go we run into holy people – not least Bishops Love and Herzog and sometimes Bishop Bena.  It is a joy to be there and to be refreshed.  We usually try to take someone new so that they can discover this incredible resource and gift to the Church.

Last year I was asked – at sort of short notice if I could prepare a video talk on Mission as a mark of discipleship.  Here it is!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTp3zi4F3CY&feature=related.  The whole series is well worth watching and using in the local Church.  It is called “Marks of Discipleship”  - click this title and there are you tube segments and a study guide, introductions etc.  It was an honor to be invited to give one of these talks.  My prayer is that you will be blessed.

I also want to report that we survived tropical storm Irene.  We lost internet, phone and TV, but not power.  It was an amazing and devastating event for Vermont and especially our area.  Roads were washed out, bridges destroyed and some homes ruined.  However Vermonters just got on with the work of helping each other and working hard.  Gravel trucks and road machines have been working all day, every day.  For a while we were isolated by the rising Williams river.  However three hours after the crest the waters subsided and we could get out again.  We are safe, the world is uncertain and we are in God’s hands.  Thanks be to God!

Looking towards Brockways Mill road

Our neighbor across the river flooded out

Polly on Williams Rd.

Chester, VT washed out road.