UPS man shares South American experience
Wiebe enjoys Peru mission trip, may return in the future
Staff reporter
Gary Wiebe, better known as Gary, the UPS (United Parcel Service) delivery man, took the church's vision of saving the people of the world to heart. He and 17 members of his church spent six days in Peru, plus two days in flight to and from the South American country, March 8-17.
"Pastor Scott Hanks, my church pastor, promoted the mission trip to the members of my church," said Wiebe. Wiebe and his wife Diane, who accompanied her husband on the trip, are members of Heritage Baptist Church in Lawrence. Wiebe and his family reside near Americus, northwest of Emporia.
The church supports 67 missionaries and Wiebe wanted to meet one of the missionary's they were supporting.
"There's a Vision Unlimited program in my church to help members have a vision for the world," said Wiebe. The purpose is to preach the Bible and to bring people to Christianity.
"I wanted to visit Arequipa to see what Austin Gardner (the missionary in Arequipa) was doing and the challenges he faces," said Wiebe. Gardner is originally from Georgia and has been in Peru since 1988.
Gardner has started 23 non-denominational, fundamental Christian churches for the 600,000 residents of Arequipa.
Catholicism is the primary religion, said Wiebe.
"The missionaries and volunteers aren't for or against any denomination," explained Wiebe. "We're promoting Biblical principals."
Wiebe explained the process of the missionary.
"Gardner spread the Word of God and over time, as local residents were called to serve, the residents became a church body. Residents are now forming churches and teaching their own people about the Bible and salvation," said Wiebe.
Vision Unlimited program is not limited to far away countries. Individuals from Wiebe's church have become ministers and are starting churches in various locations around Kansas.
"As God called individuals to the ministry, they followed and became ministers and now they're spreading the Word throughout the state and world."
Wiebe and the group distributed Biblical information and invited residents to revival meetings and church services.
"One time, I accompanied the women in the church group (including his wife) to a market area to distribute 5,000 invitations," said Wiebe. The leaflet contained information about the Gospel and salvation.
"It was unbelievable how interested people were in the information," he added. Taxi cabs were stopping to pick up the flyers. "We passed them out quickly. They were willing to take them. In America, people wouldn't respond like that."
Wiebe remembers in particular a man named Victor. Victor lived in a hovel that would not pass for a home by American standards.
"This guy had a dirt floor, a tin roof that leaked, yet he was thankful to God for all of his blessings," said Wiebe with admiration in his voice. "Victor was called to start a church and was happy God wanted him to start a church."
Victor worked with Gardner and was walking two miles (one way) to church.
"The people there are so humble," Wiebe said. "If you wanted to talk with them, they would stop whatever they were doing and talk with you."
Food preparation was an adjustment for the visitors and the missionaries.
"The missionaries had maids, which seemed extravagant," said Wiebe, "until you discover all of the food has to be soaked in iodine before it can be prepared. That's when you realize it is necessary to have someone familiar with the processing and preparation of the food."
The time element also was a concern for the missionaries, added Wiebe. Food preparation was time consuming; so assistance with cooking was a necessity rather than a luxury.
The average income per adult is $30 to $35 per week.
Land within the city limits is owned by the government, said Wiebe.
"People can make a claim on land," said Wiebe, "and are allowed to build a home." Homes are constructed from blocks of volcanic lava.
The lava blocks are used for the foundation, 2'x2' boards are used for the roof line, and tin is nailed to make the roof.
The churches are constructed from the same materials, with bamboo sometimes used for walls.
Once a home is constructed, the city is willing to bring power to the structure. Water is not available to the homes but is available at a central location in the town.
A main river runs from the Andes Mountains and supplies water to the community for irrigation. The water runs through the main part of town and home owners can divert the water from the canal to water their properties.
Temperatures are constant in Arequipa. Daytime temperatures are between 70 and 75 degrees F, night time temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees F, with a rainy season two weeks out of the year.
"There aren't any reptiles or insects," said Wiebe, due to the dry climate and rocky terrain.
Each church member paid $1,200 for expenses for the eight-day, 16-hour round-trip flight to Arequipa.
Wiebe suffered a heart attack in 2003 and has made a full recovery. He has been a UPS employee since 1980, serving Marion and the surrounding area since 1984. He is eligible to retire as soon as 2006 from his job at UPS.
"I would go again (to Peru), if possible," said Wiebe. "I'm considering moving there after I retire."
