Riot updates January 19, 2023

Dear parents and leaders of missionaries in the Peru Arequipa Mission,

Buenas noches.  Today, protests against the Peruvian president arose again in the City of Arequipa.  There was another attempt to take over the airport.  The attempt was unsuccessful, but the airport decided to close temporarily as a safety measure.  Most of the protests today were peaceful.  

Protesters also created roadblocks (with rocks and tires) in many parts of the city. 

Early this afternoon, because of the roadblocks, we asked the missionaries in the City of Arequipa to return to their homes and stay inside the rest of the day.  This was a precautionary measure only (until we could gather more information).  All of the missionaries tonight are safe and sound in their apartments.

To be very clear, the missionaries are not in danger.  They are safe and healthy.  When we ask them to stay inside (in a particular area, zone, or city), we do so out of an abundance of caution.

These protests seem to come and go on a daily basis.  We have days like today (where missionaries are asked to stay inside) and then, the next day, everything will be normal.  So, we will evaluate the situation tomorrow morning and act, accordingly, always making missionary physical and emotional health the number one priority.  

There were some smaller protests in some other cities in the mission today (Tacna and Ilo, for example) but, generally, the missionaries were out working in these other cities.

 When they work outside, they are instructed to stay away from protests and blockades and not to engage in any political dialogue.  

We should also note that in Arequipa, today´s largest demonstration, by far, was for peace, not the removal of the President.  

We will ask each missionary to call home for 15 minutes tomorrow (Friday) to update parents personally.

Thank you for your prayers and support.  These missionaries, these powerful youth, are learning to trust God and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.  Through them, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are changing lives, in miraculous ways, on a daily basis.  We are blessed and privileged to serve with them.  

Sincerely,

Presidente y Hermana Chipman

Picture of roadblock encountered: