Pedro Bullon Moreano/Peru

I am 63 years old, the Vice President of the Church Council of the Lutheran Church of Peru, and the pastor of El Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd) congregation. El Buen Pastor, where I am pastor, is located in the poor neighbourhood of Huertas del Paraíso, San Martin de Porres, Lima. It has between 20 and 30 people, including members and supporters, children, teenagers, young people, women and men. The church was founded in 2008 as a missionary project and has developed into a church over the years. What is special about our church is that it is linked to environmental work, pastoral accompaniment of migrants, and mission and evangelisation through political lobbying.

I have been involved in pastoral ministry and administration (both very necessary skills in any church) for more than 35 years. For this reason, I dedicate much of my time to improving communication and human relations in all areas of the church.

At the same time, I am a teacher at schools and sometimes at universities. Through the opportunity to participate and gain experience as a guest at various national and international events, I have become a more open and committed person, always willing to help and share my knowledge and experience with others. I love talking to local people about political and church issues because it always teaches me about the hope they seek and embody in their personal lives and in the church.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the Escuela Superior de Teologia in La Molina, Lima, Peru. I have a Master's degree in Theology and History from the Escola Superior de Teologia in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

 

Why is ELM important to you?

The ELM is important to us because its vision and way of working are centred on integral mission and development, and they support us in playing a transformative role. This way of working helps us to be resilient in the face of difficulties and tensions and to work for a better future without poverty for our communities. Similarly, the partnership with the ELM allows us to value particular gifts and skills when they are shared for the benefit of both parties.

What role does the mission organisation play for you as a "partner in mission?"

From this point of view, we can see church practice in terms of "glocalisation" (global and local at the same time). Using its experience, the ELM helps us, as part of its mission, to apply the gospel to specific situations, whether it is about education or internal difficulties. The ELM also helps us to broaden our view of the world by looking at the different events happening on the planet as an aid to solving or dealing with our own problems. In the same way, through dialogue and fellowship improvements in the ethical or spiritual situations of the Church are achieved. In other words, the Missio Dei becomes clearer and more forward-looking through partnership relationships; churches become better witnesses to God's action in the world against injustice and poverty. In the end, the bond of partnership is transformed for both parties, since they are recipients of God's work for humanity.

Has there been a particular event in your church where the mission work has been formative? If so, please describe this event?

In addition to the training and strengthening of the diverse whole-church ministries by the Lutheran Theological Institute (ITEL), there was a special moment when the ELM decided to accompany the church in the process of transformation that took place in 2015. This accompaniment by the ELM, together with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was crucial for strengthening and orienting the church in Peru and gave us a clear sign of the prophetic role of the church. "Accompanying the church in Peru has been a challenge because it has required continuous active prayer. This meant that we had to join forces with partner churches in the region and around the world to help the church define how it could reorganise itself and continue to serve in God's mission. The attentive listening, constant encouragement, turning to dialogue in difficult times, sharing ideas and support were a great blessing. "

What do you hope for your church's relationships with ELM in the future?

That the relationships between the institutions can be constantly renewed, according to the experiences of fellowship (spirituality, mutual prayer, etc.) and socio-political commitment. In this regard, it would be appropriate to undertake a joint reflection on relations in order to discuss the principles of the link with the project(s) and to continue the strategic dialogue. This sharing of experiences in the context of human development can also strengthen dialogue and joint action to develop autonomy in the pursuit of the common good of church and society.

In which areas should the missionary organisation become involved?

Continuing to support ITEL in the field of education with the possibility of involving German lecturers in the training of the church in Peru and strengthening the institute as a development organisation. The service of volunteers is also important in order to bring training and learning experiences in an educational context to the churches.

What else I would like to say to the ELM:

I want to remind us that our partnership is based on the belief that compassionate solidarity will renew the world. This inspires us to work in partnership with ELM and other like-minded organisations to do right by the people we serve. This reminds us that transforming a society is a shared endeavour to build relationships based on a long-term vision and commitment to peace and justice that emanates from Jesus' message to those most in need.