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The Andersons
Hi! I’m Rick Anderson. Along with my wife, Kathy, and our four girls, Janise, Krista,
Raeya and Risha, we feel that God has called us to live and work in Peru. Our goal is to
share the Gospel with Peruvians, because it is the power of God unto salvation to those that
believe.
Rick
Both Kathy and I had the privilege of growing up in Christian homes. I was saved while in
middle school. While in high school I had some very good youth leaders at our church, and
because of their example and impact on my life I dedicated my life to serve God in youth
ministries. Later in high school I surrendered to be a missionary. Then, as a freshman in
Christian College, I rededicated my life to serve God on the mission field.
In 1996 Kathy and I organized and led a group of college students to Peru for a two-week
mission trip. Although I had already been to Peru twice, this mission trip allowed me to see
the real spiritual needs as we sang and preached in many schools and churches. We saw people
who were willing to listen and respond to the gospel. We had the opportunity to see several
people saved.
Kathy
I grew up in Peru as a missionary kid. My parents, Tom and Carolyn Pace, have served God in
Peru for over 30 years. I accepted Christ as my Saviour at the age of seven. My parents
always involved the whole family in their ministry so I started teaching Sunday School when
I was 12 and had many other opportunities to serve as well.
I publicly dedicated my life to serve God on the mission field as a senior in college. I
have been open to serve in any country where God would lead us to, but I am pleased that He
is leading us back to Peru.
Perú
Peru is a fascinating country. Located on the western side of South America, it has an
interesting blend of wealth and poverty; mountains, coast and jungle; modern cities and
19th century towns. From the capital city of Lima, where cell phones, lap tops
and BMW’s are common, to the small Andean villages, Peru is a growing and changing
country.
Our Ministry
Our main emphasis in Peru will be soul winning and church planting. Lord willing we will
spend the first few years working under the direction of Kathy’s father, Tom Pace.
Then, as the Lord leads, we will either start a church in Lima, a city of nearly 8 million
people, or in one of the mountain towns where there are no other missionaries.
Although our primary goal will be church planting, we are aware that there are other
ministries that can help us in reaching others for Christ. One such ministry is the La
Molina Christian Schools. Started by Tom Pace and Andrew Pace (Kathy’s brother), this
English speaking school has grown from 15 students to over 100 in three short years.
Peruvians are very concerned about the education of their children and this ministry has
opened doors to many unsaved homes in Lima. Many people have been saved through this school.
We plan on helping out in this ministry in any way possible while we are in Lima.
Our Sending Church
We have been members of Burgess Road Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL, since 1994. While
there we have both been involved in a variety of ministries including children and youth
programs, visitation, van ministry, music, ladies fellowship, and finance committee. We have
enjoyed serving in this church and growing under the preaching of Pastor Mark Cooley. We
feel that we have gained experience in areas that will help us on the mission field.
In December 1999 we were approved by Baptist International Missions, Inc. as full-time,
church planting missionaries. Although we will be sent out by our local church, BIMI will
help us in many areas. Being accountable to them as well as to our own church will help us
live and serve in the very best way possible.
Our Desire
Our biggest desire is simply to be used by God. Please pray for us as we begin this new
adventure in serving God in Peru.
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