¡MI PATRIA! - Translated!!

I ran out of time to translate the latest post. I had posted it on my hi5 blog for our church members here in Peru, but I wanted everyone to have a chance to see it. Now: here is MI PATRIA in English:

MY COUNTRY

I am a Canadian. I was born in Canada and lived there for 29 of my _______ years of life ;-)


I love my country. In my opinion, it is the best country to have ever existed. In spite of the brutal winter cold and the hot, moquito infested summers, my country is the best...in my humble opinion, of course.

Canada is perfect, just like Heaven. HAHAHA!! LOL!! No way! Frankly, I think the leadership and citizens of Canada have committed so many foolish errors that I'm not sure the nation will recover. Especially in the area of ethics and morals. The general conscience of right and wrong has diminised to the point that I fear for the wellbeing of my country and fellow Canadians. I am saddened by this while at the same time celebrating my citizenship.

If I feel this way about Canada, why did I leave it to live in Peru? Many Peruvians have asked me this question. I honestly answer them: because of my love for God and the mission he has given me to share His love with others. In spite of this great mission, several Peruvians look at me as if I had lost a few neurons in the high altitude of Arequipa, Peru.

It seems like many Peruvians see their own nation like a dead end street. They don't see a future, possiblities or hope. This is particularly strong among young people. The Hollywood image as well as certain North American immigration promoters is that Canada and the USA are just one step below God's Heaven. They only show the best and most attractive of the northern countries. They never reveal the whole truth. Yes, Canada and the USA are beautiful places and good countries, but I doubt they are the solution to people's problems.

Why do I say this? Because almost every person that wants to leave Peru to live in Canada or the USA is because they want more money. The problem is they arrive in Canada and realize all their experience and education in Peru amounts to very little. The cost of living in Canada is very high and one has to put up with a lot to simply live there.

The focus is money. 1 Timothy 6.10 says: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Amen!

God has given us our countries for a reason. The reason for our lives is to honour God in EVERYTHING (Colossians 3:17). God also wants us to trust in Him in everything. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

If we remember that we have a Great God who can supply all our needs and give us a life full of satisfaction, we won't be looking for something "more" from another country.

God is the creator of the entire world. God made this country of Peru as well. He has placed in Peru one beautiful thing after another. There are untapped resources and opportunities everywhere. Unfortunately, there are many problems in Peru. Corruption, crime, inefficiency and other factors diminish opportunities to grow. But, the solution isn't to escape from the frying pan into the fire. The USA or Canada do not offer a better life.

You have the chance to make Peru a better country. Your education, energy and ability will give all Peruvians chances they've never had before. Above all, your relationship with the God of the universe, through faith in Jesus Christ, will result in a blessing for your own nation.

Your salvation and the salvation of your Peru doesn't come in the form of money nor government. It comes through the work of Jesus Christ. Imagine if you and your friends lived according to the new life and power of God.

You don't need to be ashamed of being Peruvian or living in Peru. During the national celebration of independence (July 28 and 29), show your pride in Peru and pray for your country.

I'm Canadian and I love my home and native land, the true north strong and free. I live in Peru and I love the country that has adopted me.

¡¡¡¡¡QUE VIVA EL PERÚ!!!!!

P.S. for all my friends in Canada and the USA. Your prayers for your own country and for Peru will really make the difference.

I know that there are people from other countries that would love to make their new home in North America. Most of these people have talent and education that will be of tremendous benefit to their own country and their exit further deepens the damage in their home. On top of that, if they are true believers in Christ, their Christian influence is desperately needed.

Of course, there are situations where the terror of persecution and danger raises its head and God chooses to remove those faithful from their nations. But in the case of Latin countries, that doesn't exist or at least not with the severity of the past.

When someone wants your help to leave their native country to live in North America and find a "better life", pray for them and encourage them to pray for a decision like that. Pray for the leadership and opportunities of their nations so that the way will be opened for these valuable people to step forward and bless their countries. Pray for encouragement in the many discouraging situations they face. Please be careful with your good intentions to not leave the impression that things will be better if they leave or that you will help them.

One of our youth, who went to the USA on a special work experience program came back saying, "I like America, but now I love Peru even more and I want to stay in my country and with the help of God make it a great nation."