Would you prefer a printable PDF? Sign up here to get PDF copies of these letters by email.
Dave and Michele Mahon
October 2025
CHANGE AT THE TOP
Dear Friends,
Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with us since our previous letter. It's always such an encouragement to hear from you. Your prayers and financial support mean the world to us.
We recently travelled to Lima for a few meetings and a short break. Upon arrival, we were met with unsettling news: a nationwide strike had erupted. Public transport workers—taxi and bus drivers—were protesting the growing wave of extortion and violence that has gripped their profession. Gang members are demanding exorbitant protection fees, and those who cannot pay face brutal consequences: threats, bombings, and even death. We hear frequent reports of homes being bombed simply because someone refused or was unable to pay.
The authorities remain disturbingly absent, leaving citizens feeling vulnerable and abandoned. These strikes are not new, and sadly, this criminal pattern is spreading across the country. Our own dentist in Trujillo—a single mother to a 10-year-old daughter—was forced to pay extortion money to protect her family. Months later, she was robbed in her home above her dental office. Please pray that the police will rise to their calling and protect the people they are entrusted to serve.
In Lima, the streets were eerily quiet. Schools shifted to virtual classes, as safe transportation was impossible. Though we didn't witness demonstrations firsthand, we were told they occurred in other parts of the city. That evening, the news was dominated by political turmoil: President Dina Boluarte was facing a congressional debate over her removal. Her popularity is low, having assumed office without campaigning—appointed after the previous president was ousted for corruption.
The current interim president, José Jeri, formerly head of Congress, is himself under investigation for ethical violations. He is expected to lead until elections next April. Sadly, this cycle of instability is familiar. Many politicians remain loyal to the legacy of Alberto Fujimori, a controversial figure who led during the civil war from 1980–2000. While credited with defeating the Shining Path guerrilla movement and stabilizing the economy, his regime was marked by grave human rights abuses, including forced sterilizations and extrajudicial killings.
Today, many parliamentarians manipulate the presidency to serve their own agendas. Presidents are routinely elected, accused of corruption, removed, investigated, and imprisoned—with judicial backing. It's dizzying to follow, and heartbreaking to witness the erosion of public trust. Voting is compulsory, yet many Peruvians feel disillusioned and powerless.
We ask you to join us in prayer for Peru:
🙏 That God would raise up leaders of integrity, wisdom, and genuine love for their nation. 🙏 That corruption would be uprooted and replaced with righteousness and justice. 🙏 That honest public servants would be recognised, protected, and empowered. 🙏 That Peruvians would find renewed hope in their political system and be inspired to participate in shaping a better future. 🙏 That this beautiful country would experience peace, safety, and good governance. A state of emergency was called for 30 days on October 22nd to try and address the violence.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”— 1 Timothy 2:1–2
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”— Proverbs 14:34
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”— Psalm 67:1–3
Thank you for standing with us in prayer. Your support means more than words can express.
With hope,
The Mahons
A cry adapted from Lamentations 5 by Dave Mahon
How long, Lord, will we live between promises and protests?
This morning we are all awakened to the sound of violence and marching feet of the Gen Z
and sleep again beneath banners that change but do not heal.
Lima watches in quietness and sadness,
they have seen too many flags, too many news reels, hands raised, then another murder.
Folk still sell breakfast on the side of the street,
the kids still play in the streets till dark,
while those in high position speak for us, but don't know our names.
We hoped the new sunrise would bring resolution,
but the same sadness stretches across the Plaza de Armas.
Our hearts are broken with again a new President, waiting for truth to speak in our language again.
God of creation you are with us forever and ever!
Turn us, Lord, before we turn on one another in terror.
Teach us to walk together like the Llama and Dolphin
- different, yet sharing the same earth and water.
Restore our hearts as you restore the land after the rain,
and let mercy rise again from the mist of the Amazon rainforest.