Be inspired this Christmas by the church in the Andes mountains
23 November 2006

The Anglican mission agency USPG has produced a free candleholder to use alongside a specially-written Christmas candlelit service that focuses on the life of the indigenous Pehuenche church, high in the Andes mountains.

The service focuses on Leandro Naupa, a Pehuenche church leader who had to sell one of his precious flock of goats in order to afford a Bible.

Leandro – like the rest of his community – lives as a subsistence farmer, raising sheep and goats, and growing enough food for his family on a small vegetable plot.

USPG paid for Leandro to undergo leadership training at the Anglican-run Rural Biblical Institute, in Temuco. But the course did not provide Bibles.

A Bible written in the Pehuenche language of Mapudungun costs 13,000 pesos (£12) – which is very expensive to Leandro, being the price of a fully-grown goat. So Leandro’s decision to sell one of his flock to buy a Bible was a major investment.

USPG General Secretary Bishop Michael Doe said: ‘The Pehuenche church is an active and faithful Christian community that is working hard to support each other and their neighbours.

‘It is good to remember that many Christian communities around the world might not enjoy material riches, but they have spiritual riches to share with us – reminding us that Christ was born into poverty, but came to offer a life that is more fulfilling than the most expensive Christmas gifts.’

You can order USPG candleholders by phoning 020 7803 3422 or emailing enquiries@uspg.org.uk

A special Christmas candlelit service – including prayers, a talk, children’s material and other resources – can be found at USPG’s website, www.uspg.org.uk/resources

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