Encounter Quarterly: Summer 2006
Historic moment in Peru as new president visits
Pueblo Libre Church
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Lima’s El Comercio newspaper declares “Alan
Garcia is the first president to attend an
evangelical church.” |
On Sunday, July 30, the Pueblo Libre
Church in Lima, Peru served as host for a historic
service broadcast nationwide. The Service of
Thanksgiving was held as part of the inaugural
ceremonies for newly elected President Alan García.
It marked the first time in the 120
year history of evangelicals in Peru that a
president of the republic attended an evangelical
church.
The break from convention stirred
controversy and criticism among some people in the
historically Catholic country.
Preaching the morning message was
Reverend Miguel Bardales who reminded those
listening of the importance of humility.
“God desires a humble president,
humble ministers, humble congressmen, and a humble
people,” said Bardales.
He went on to proclaim the
fundamental need of a relationship with God. “How do
I change Peru if I am not changed?” he asked. “This
is why a conversion to God is necessary.”
Following the sermon, prayers were
offered for the president and the nation. Two
children presented President Garcia with a copy of
the Bible.
Attending with President Garcia were
most of his cabinet officials, several congressional
representatives and U.S. Ambassador to Peru James
Curtis Struble.
The Pueblo Libre Church is historic
in the Encounter with God Movement as well. It was
the second church to implement the Encounter Model
and with seating capacity for 2,000 people it remains the largest Encounter Church building in
Latin America. The church campus is also home to the
Lima Bible Seminary.
EQ Summer 2006
Issue Main Page
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