Forty-nine people from the Northern California Conference traveled to Tacna, Peru, in mid-January on a 10-day mission trip to build a Maranatha church and hold evangelistic meetings.

The group included Jim Pedersen, president; Ralph Robertson, ministerial director; and Richard Dena, Hispanic ministries coordinator. “I was looking forward to the opportunity to help with the work in Peru since it is such a tangible way to put our Christianity into action,” said Pedersen.

The construction work began immediately on the new 30 by 60-foot cinderblock church. Robertson, who was on his fifth Maranatha trip, was in charge of the construction. While the main job was putting up 13 rows of cinderblocks and a roof, Robertson was quick to point out that everyone’s efforts were vital in order to accomplish the goal. “Every job was very important to the team’s success, whether it was shoveling sand through the screen, tying up rebar, running the cement mixer or sweeping the floor,” said Robertson.

In addition to the physical work, there was also a spiritual work being done for the church. The trip began with Dena, Raul Rojas and Joe Pontel holding evangelistic meetings at three different venues. A fourth site was soon added as Paul Kemper, an 85-year-old retired pastor, had a strong desire to preach.

Sermons were not the only form of outreach happening in Tacna. Christina Dena led Vacation Bible School programs, and Susie Fox taught cooking classes. “It was a real united effort with all these things going on,” said Dena.

The hard work of the mission trip culminated on the last full day the group was in Peru. The local pastor, who was in charge of a 16-church district, gathered his churches together in a soccer stadium on Sabbath morning. The perimeter of the stadium was filled with 2,400 members from the local Adventist churches, and 110 people were baptized in the middle of the field in three small plastic children’s pools. “Our prayer is that many more people will be baptized as a result of our work in Peru,” said Pedersen. “Building a church isn't just about blocks and mortar. It's about people making a decision for Jesus.”

Later that afternoon, the official grand opening of the newly-built church occurred, and it was packed to overflowing. The event included a sermon from Pedersen, a lot of singing, several testimonies, much thanksgiving and four baptisms. The day’s events sent those on the mission trip home on a high note. “Everyone seemed to be energized by coming along on this trip,” said Pedersen. “And we’re leaving behind a new church building and a lot of friends. It’s been great.”