The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Peru has experienced what can only be termed incredible growth during the first part of 2005, church leaders in the country say. More than 30,000 new members have joined the church as a result of careful planning and commitment, which culminated with It Is Written’s “Caravan of Hope” evangelistic meetings, held May 23 to 28. The It Is Written television ministry teamed up with the Adventist Church in Peru to hold the series.

Nearly 13,000 small groups met in Bible study prior to the main series. Pastor Mark Finley, director of the world church’s Office of Global Evangelism and It Is Written’s speaker emeritus, preached for six nights alongside Spanish translator Robert Costa, It Is Written’s Hispanic ministries coordinator.

Local preparation activities began in early December of 2004 as church members and pastors reached out to their communities. Finley was encouraged by the unprecedented level of church member involvement: “The thing that impressed me most about Peru is that evangelism is a way of life. It’s not a program and it’s not an event—it’s a lifestyle,” he said.

Costa preceded the arrival of Finley and Royce Williams, It Is Written’s director of global television and evangelism, with meetings in several churches in North and South Lima over two weeks.

Finley then spoke to large crowds in Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna and Ilo in the South, and Trujillo in the North. The grand finale was held in Lima’s Monumental Stadium, where 55,000 people gathered for the largest meeting in the history of the South American region of the church. A total of 135,000 people attended the six meetings, and many more watched via satellite or online.

“It is significant to note that a large number of these new church members are working professionals,” Williams said. “Several high-ranking military officers have taken their stand for Christ. Young and old alike have cast their lot with God’s people in this land where the dreaded Inquisition once took its toll on bodies, but could not break spirits.”

Peruvian church members explained why the church in that country is the largest Adventist region in the world. Nearly every church member, from Peru’s church president Melchor Ferreyra to young people, are involved in witnessing through small groups. These groups witness to others and bring many new members into the church.

Small church groups will meet for follow-up studies with those who showed interest in learning more about Christ. The church’s goal in Peru is to see at least 50,000 people join the church by June 30.

“They believe that the God who has blessed the witness of His people so abundantly is able to do more—much more—until the task is completed and the family is gathered home,” said Williams.

The church in Peru is planning “Caravans of Hope” for 2006, 2007 and 2008.