Where will I live and serve?

You will be living in Pucallpa, Peru, a large rural town of about 200,000 located on the mighty Ucayali river.  Pucallpa has facilities for water, electricity, phone, Internet, television and daily jet service.  Most daily necessities can be purchased there.

Pucallpa is also the location of a Bible institute that trains leaders from churches on the Ucayali, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon.  Between 20 and 100 families live in each of the hundreds of jungle villages along the Ucayali, which traverses the tropical rain forest.  These villages can be reached primarily in small motorized boats.  The people earn their meager living through farming and fishing, and the average education level is around third grade.  If there is a church, it is usually very small and its leaders have no training.  Most Christians in the area are in need of basic training in the essentials of the Christian life.

How long will I serve in Peru?

Ministry may be anywhere from 1-2 years and up, starting as early as Spring of 2005.

What will I do in Peru?

You will be both a learner and a trainer.  While learning basic Spanish you will explore the culture, customs and characteristics of the people of Peru.  Watching and participating with missionaries and Peruvian nationals in ministry, you will learn effective ways of training nationals from the river in the essential teachings of the Bible and in basic skills for ministry.  As you build close relationships with the peruvian people, you will have the opportunity to disciple some, sharing your life and passion with them.

This will be a life-changing experience!  Both you and the people you serve will never be the same.

What do I need in order to serve?

Desire to learn.  Desire to teach.  Bible college degree, or a strong background in church ministry.  Financial and prayer support.

With whom will I serve?

The missionary with whom you will work is Matthias Drochner, a 37-year husband and father.  Matthias says, "I enjoy dirt bikes, books, fireworks, rock and techno, designing furniture, piloting airplanes and teaching.  I'd love to take you on a training experience in the Peruvian jungle, where you get trained and where you train others, serving the great needs of this neglected area of Peru.