Peru Mission 2025 Recap: A Week of Worship, Wild Games, and God at Work
- Peyton
- Jun 27, 2025
- 4 min read
After months of preparation, prayer, and anticipation, our team boarded a plane in Orlando and began our journey to Contamana, Peru. The route wasn’t short—Orlando to Panama, Panama to Lima, Lima to Pucallpa—and when we finally touched down in Pucallpa, we grabbed some pizza, got a little rest, and woke up early the next morning for the real adventure: a 6–7 hour boat ride up the Ucayali River.
Those hours on the boat were surprisingly sweet—filled with laughter, rest, music, and time to reconnect with our missionaries and prepare our hearts for what was ahead. We even saw a couple pink river dolphins along the way.
Once we arrived in Contamana, we checked into our hotel and headed straight to the church in moto taxis. The welcome we received was unforgettable—cheering, balloons, flags waving, and the most joy-filled students ready to start youth camp. That first night, we jumped in with team-building, creating camp teams, designing flags, dancing, and worshipping. It was the perfect kick-off.
VBS, Skits, and Students Saying Yes
The next morning started with a delicious breakfast (seriously, our meals were so good this year), and we traveled to Canaán for our elementary outreach. The children greeted us in their traditional Shipibo attire—cutest thing ever—and our youth campers joined us to help lead worship songs, skits, and games. The energy was high and hearts were full.
That afternoon, we returned to Contamana to visit a local high school. At first, it felt like total chaos—we weren’t sure if anything we were doing was landing. But then, during the testimonies, something shifted. The students quieted, leaned in, and listened. The Spirit was moving. Several of them ended up coming to camp the next day. God’s timing is always perfect.
That evening, our first camp session began. After worship and a message about sin, we broke into small groups. My group wasn’t super talkative at first, but we encouraged them to speak up and reminded them they weren’t alone. We prayed together—prayers for healing, for freedom from addiction, for God to reveal Himself.
One boy broke down crying and shared that he was using drugs and was just tired. That moment changed everything. He came alive the rest of camp—smiling, engaging, laughing. That’s the power of Jesus. He even told me that he wants us to return, and I hope we get to soon!
After small groups, we played some wild games (think intense competition), and I got a taste of being Camp Director. Spoiler alert: I’ll happily go back to attending camp—ha! But it was such an honor.
Redemption, The Word, and Paint Wars
Friday was a full day of camp—starting with worship, a message on redemption, and more group time. We focused on the depth of what Jesus has done for us. Redemption isn’t something we often see in this world. People don’t usually give their everything for someone else’s freedom—but Jesus did.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
— Ephesians 1:7
We kept the energy going with games like tug-of-war (which was awesome until the rope snapped in half), bandana snatch, hula hoop relays, and more. It was sweaty, chaotic, and amazing.
After lunch, I had the chance to share a message on the Bible. Not intimidating at all, right? Just the most complex book in history! But I kept it simple: God’s Word is divine. It teaches us how to live, who we are, and who God is.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16
What made this message even more exciting is that Wycliffe is coming to this region to translate the New Testament into the Shipibo language! The Word of God in their heart language—how incredible is that?
We wrapped up the afternoon with Minute-to-Win-It games and then a full-on paint powder war. We were covered head to toe, but it was one of the most joy-filled memories of the trip!
That night, we closed camp with a powerful worship session and a message on salvation—given by my husband, Trevor. The Holy Spirit moved. Students prayed, cried, surrendered. You could feel God in that room, the presence of Holy Spirit was so strong.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
— Romans 10:13
The fruit? The next day, several of those students were baptized.
Baptisms, the Tribe, and a Faith Reignited
On Saturday, we visited the Shipibo tribe. The chief welcomed our pastors with a beautiful processional. They shared how God has transformed their tribe and now call themselves a people of faith. They sang for us, welcomed our skits and dances, and shared their community with us. We shopped local crafts, saw monkeys and parrots, and enjoyed time just being together.
Saturday was one of my favorite days—baptism day. These moments always undo me. The students shared their stories, what led them to choose Jesus, and how He was changing them. One of the girls from our team who had barely spoken all week stepped forward. Her baptism was such an encouragement to me. Even when we don’t see it—God is moving.
The Journey Home and A Changed Heart
Sunday morning, we boarded the boat for a 9-hour ride back to Pucallpa. From there, it was a flight to Lima, a quick overnight stay, and then flights home.
This trip changed me. I came in feeling discouraged and worn out. But God met me on the riverbanks of Contamana. He convicted me, refreshed me, and reminded me that He is not done—not with me, not with our students (both at home and In Contamana), not with Peru.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 1:6
There’s more to share—things He revealed to me personally that I’ll talk about in upcoming posts. But for now, I’m just so thankful. Thankful for our team. Thankful for the students. And thankful to each one of you who made this trip possible through your giving and prayer.
We couldn’t do this without you.
Until next time, Peru. 💛
Love you lots,
Peyton
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