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En Between the Stalls
Peruvian markets are more than places to shop—they're woven into the rhythm of daily life. Many trace their roots to ancient trade traditions, some even dating back to the Incan Empire. As you walk through them, you're not just buying and selling—you're stepping into a space where generations have gathered to connect. These spaces hum with colour, conversation, and community. And sometimes, in the middle of all that movement, you find yourself part of something sacred.
That's exactly what happened one Sunday during a ShareWord GO Trip—a mission where believers come together from different corners of the world and partner with the local church to share the gospel through heartfelt conversations and the gift of free Scriptures.
GO Team members, Gary, from England, and Duncan, from Canada, were walking through the market, weaving between stalls and greeting vendors. As they passed one shop, they offered a woman an Esperanza (Hope) magazine. It was a simple gesture—just a small resource, containing encouraging Psalms and the Gospel of John. As they handed the magazine to her, they explained it was a small gift—something to give her hope. But then they took it a step further, and openly asked: “Do you know Jesus?”
She welcomed the conversation and introduced herself as Sofia. As they spoke, they discovered she was the sister of the translator guiding them through the market and not only that—Sofia was a Christian.
Her faith was evident. But as the conversation went on, it became clear she was struggling to hold it together. Gary gently asked, “Is there anything we can pray for?”
That's when she opened her heart.
Her son, Javier, age 31, was in a dark place. He was angry, aggressive, and surrounded by the wrong people. She didn't go into detail, but the pain in her voice said enough. She was worried—desperate, even—for him to find his way back. She wanted his heart to soften, his eyes to be opened, and for him to come to know the Lord.
As they prayed together, the emotion overwhelmed her. Tears streamed down her face. The weight she had been carrying spilled out in that quiet corner of the market. Gary, too, was overcome with tears:
“The emotion just overtook me,” Gary shared, a look of awe in his eyes. “Here I am, in a different country, [doing] something I was scared initially to do but knew God wanted me to do just that. Even if it was just for that one interaction—it was worth every second of the journey.”
Gary and Duncan prayed with Sofia—for her, for Javier, and for her business—trusting that God would make a way and bring peace into both her life and her son's. Before they said goodbye, they gave her a second Esperanza magazine—this one, to share with her son. She said she would try to talk to him, to encourage him to read it.
It was a moment of hope—one that started with a simple hello and ended in tears, prayer, and the quiet belief that God was at work.
Let's keep praying for Javier.
- That the prayers of his mother's heart would be answered.
- That he would encounter the love of Christ in a way that transforms everything.
- That one day, his life would reflect the peace, purpose, and hope only God can give.
