Souvenir: from the French for ‘remember.’
Most South American cities are centered around the Plaza de Armas, a square block open courtyard surrounded usually by government buildings, a Catholic church and important businesses. Originally, guns and ammunition were stored in the Plaza, and citizens would go there to arm themselves for the city’s defense if it were attacked.
I wandered away from the Plaza in Huaraz, Peru. Along a side street I came across a strange display. Wooden caskets stood side by side in front of a series of workshops. The caskets were of traditional design: narrow at the foot, broadened at shoulder height, then narrower again at the top. Lined up one after another the caskets made an almost military stand-at-attention formation along the sidewalk. Why so many casket makers right here? The missionary guiding me pointed across the street. The hospital.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6).
Jesus Christ, my sure Defense and my Savior ever liveth;
Knowing this, my confidence rests upon the hope it giveth,
Though the night of death be fraught
still with many an anxious thought.
I am flesh and must return unto dust, whence I am taken;
But by faith I now discern that from death I shall awaken
With my Savior to abide,
in His glory, at His side.
(The Lutheran Hymnary, #532)
(The ELS relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Peru is conducted by the South America Committee of the Board for World Outreach.
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Steve Petersen
www.worldmissionsouvenirs.com
Supporting those who share the Good News that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ secured forgiveness of sin for all people – including you!