Lima, Peru — October 17–19, 2025
The Southeastern District has supported LCMS mission work in Peru since 2012 and is one of two districts which comprise the Peru FORO. In addition to financial support, each FORO member sends representatives to gatherings twice a year to join with local and regional church workers to celebrate, pray for, and collaborate together for the sake of the mission work in Peru. Rev. Mike Merker, pastor at Jordan Lutheran Church, in Apex, North Carolina, recently returned as the SED representative at a FORO gathering and has provided encouraging news of God’s work in Peru:
The Lutheran mission in Peru continues to grow in faith and outreach! During three days of meetings in Lima, LCMS missionaries and partners from across the Americas gathered for the Fall Peru Foro to celebrate God’s work and plan for the future of ministry in this vibrant country.
Growing Ministry and Gospel Impact
The mission in Peru is thriving under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Rafael Milagres, who serves three congregations across Lima—La Victoria, San Borja, and Los Olivos. Assisting him is Rev. Abraham Rosario, a retired pastor who ensures each congregation has regular worship.
In 2025, the mission celebrated new baptisms and confirmations, and outreach continues to expand through both worship and mercy ministries.
Castillo Fuerte: A Mighty Fortress of Hope
The Castillo Fuerte mercy center in La Victoria continues to be a beacon of Christ’s love. Serving children whose parents work long hours in nearby garment shops, the center provides nutritious meals, Bible lessons, music, and a safe place to grow in faith.
Attendance has more than doubled—from 20 children in 2024 to 46 in 2025. A beautiful story from the field captured hearts: a young boy, moved by what he learned at Castillo Fuerte, told his parents he wanted to be baptized “to receive the Holy Spirit.”
Leadership at the center is also growing. Director Yepci de Muñoz is transitioning out following her marriage, and Yulenka, once a child in the program herself, will step into leadership—an inspiring example of discipleship multiplying across generations.
Congregational Growth Across Lima
Each of the three Lima congregations reflects God’s work:
- La Victoria – Ten children from the mercy house are in confirmation class. Weekly worship averages 15–20 people, with 20 active members. Several entire families have come to faith and baptism through this ministry.
- San Borja – Located in a middle-class neighborhood, this mission site serves about 20 members. Plans are underway to move the worship space to a first-floor location to increase visibility and accessibility.
- Los Olivos – In its newer, more visible location, this northern Lima congregation has grown to 30 members, with regular Sunday attendance around 20.
Expanding Mission Staff and Opportunities
Exciting news was shared about future mission workers in Peru:
- A new missionary pastor fluent in multiple languages will arrive after Christmas 2025, bringing 25 years of mission experience.
- A second alliance missionary pastor from Brazil is planned for mid-2026.
- Peruvian Pastor Elvis, trained at the Lutheran seminary in the Dominican Republic, may serve part-time in a “worker-priest” capacity to assist in the growing northern congregations.
These additions will strengthen the mission’s capacity for outreach, discipleship, and leadership development.
Short-Term Mission Teams Welcome
FORO partners—including congregations from the Southeastern District—are invited to send short-term teams to serve in Peru. Teams of 4–8 members are ideal, particularly those interested in working with children at Castillo Fuerte through songs, games, and simple English lessons.
Teams arriving before April 2026 will coordinate through Rev. James Sharp and Erin Mackenzie (who will step back from her role after her upcoming marriage).
Building for the Future: Capital Support
One of the key goals ahead is securing funding for facility expansion and improvements, especially at the San Borja site. Plans call for purchasing and renovating the current building to make worship more accessible and expand ministry space.
The estimated cost ranges from $400,000–$700,000 USD. A special Peru Capital Support Fund (PE0003:65612) has been established by the LCMS, with the first $20,000 gift received from Jordan Lutheran Church, Apex, NC.
Congregations and individuals are invited to partner in this growing mission through prayer and financial gifts:
Send gifts to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Mission Advancement
P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
Memo: Peru Capital Support – PE0003:65612
Looking Ahead
The next Peru Foro gatherings are scheduled for:
- April 30–May 3, 2026
- October 15–18, 2026
“The Harvest Is Plentiful”
The Peru mission stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the power of partnership in the Gospel. From the joyful laughter of children at Castillo Fuerte to the steady growth of new believers across Lima, the Lord is building His Church in Peru—one baptism, one family, one community at a time.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3