Tuesday 02 June 2026
We are just 3 weeks out from our return visit and I wanted to give you an update on the work plan. It will be a 3,500 km road trip to visit all 12 broadcast sites in 3 weeks! In Peru this translates to 75 hours behind the wheel, given the countless hairpin bends and highway speed bumps (“rompeejes” translated: axle breakers).
The first leg (1,150 km) covers the 4 sites west of Diospi Suyana, namely: Abancay, Andahuaylas, Chincheros/Uripa, and Ayacucho then back to Curahuasi.
 |
| The first trip leg west of Diospi Suyana (4 sites) |
The second leg (2,300 km) covers the 7 sites east of Diospi Suyana, namely: Echarati, Anta, Cusco, Urcos, Sicuani, Puno and Puerto Maldonado then back to Curahuasi.
 |
| The second trip leg east of Diospi Suyana (7 sites) |
The sites of tropical sites of Puerto Maldonado and Echarati
are bordering the Amazon. These need more regular site maintenance as in a
month the vegetation can grow at incredible rates. Herbicides work for a while,
but then natural growth takes over again as the ongoing rains quickly wash the
chemicals away. Below is a photo of Echarati last week in the process of a
slashing.
 |
| Echarati FM site vegetation slashing |
Pretty much everything else is arranged for the trip. We have a plan for Solomon to attend the Diospi Suyana school for the first week as it is such a great opportunity for him to spend time again with the local culture including both the Peruvians and the predominantly German missionaries his age. Then accompany me for the remaining 2 weeks on our eastern leg.
I am informed some of the existing satellite modems have issues which need to be fixed. At the very least all the satellite antennas will be aligned / commissioned on IS-34 allowing the complete network to become operational when its repaired modem is fitted. I will be training the local technical staff to have the skills to do these somewhat involved adjustments themselves in the future should they need to. My objective is to pass on as much information and skills that I can to make myself redundant.
We also get to join in the 10th anniversary celebrations of Diospi Suyana Radio (an unplanned coincidence). That’s 10 years of reaching over 2 million FM listeners 24 x 7. That’s 10 years of hope broadcast from these humble 12 FM sites, plus 1 TV site. This is through 10 years of Diospi Suyana medical programs to improve the health of the impoverished. And 10 years of the Gospel being faithfully broadcast to provide the ultimate message of life to give present and eternal hope to all humanity through Jesus Christ.
A big shout out to all those who have supported us in this good work from the beginning and those that have continued to. In particular LifeSource Church in Sydney (our original home church) whose amazing generosity allowed us to go on this mission as a family from 2016 to 2019 (see our 2016 blog posts), and who has continued this by providing assistance on this trip. And to Pioneers Australia who continue to provide encouragement, admin support and most powerfully, prayer support which opens the way for the miraculous to happen.
And thank you to my amazing supportive family who are sacrificing 3 ½ weeks of family holiday with Solomon and me to enable us to take this trip. Having all lived there, they better than most understand the need.
Thank you!!!
Chris
