REPORT 2001- FEB.2005 OF BILL & JEAN WILLIAMSON’S WORK WITH SIM IN THE SHANTYTOWNS, LIMA, PERU 

                                                                                                   

 

We returned to Peru in February 2001after Home Leave. In 2002 Bill’s mum became seriously ill, so we went back to England twice. During our absences the projects continued, with the help of other missionaries and 3 short-termers.  After Bill’s mum passed away and his dad, aged 89 was safely settled, we returned to Peru. We then decided to delay Home Assignment until July 2004 in order to give us a settled period to build up the work.

 

PERU - POLITICAL & ECONOMIC – during the period 2000-2001, there was political upheaval when Peru’s president, Fujimori tried to manipulate the voting system and maintain power.  After demonstrations and revelations through videos he fled the country, along with several other powerful political figures.  Those who failed to flee or who were later extradited have been imprisoned or await trial for various offences.  President Toledo was then fairly elected and continues as president, but with a very low popularity rating.  Most feel the economy is not improving and there is increasing unrest. People tell us they are finding it even more difficult to earn a living.

 

SANTA CRUZ – On our return in 2001 we continued the work begun in 1998, with the proviso that the local church provide workers when the short-termers left.  This they were unable to do. This, plus the fact the church was in dispute about the feeding part of the programme, over which we had no authority, meant our work finished when the short-termers left.  We maintain contact with the church, which now seems to be growing again but without the feeding programme.

 

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