The first thing Oscar planned to do was to put on his “arrow-proof” vest.

I’ve heard of a bullet-proof vest, but this was a new concept to me — a vest that would keep the sharp edges of arrows from penetrating the skin. I first heard about it through our partner in Peru — a man by the name of Oscar Tello who spends his days and nights reaching out to the “hidden” people of this country - those living in remote jungle villages.

Oscar needed a vest like this for his mission. He planned to take a 20 hour bus trip from the city of Lima, followed by a canoe trip, to the outskirts of a Peruvian village in the jungle region known as Pucallpa. The people here are members of the Shipibo tribe.

Oscar planned to slowly walk up to the outskirts of this village and place a gift of food, cooking tools or other useful items on the ground. Then, he’d carefully turn around and walk away, praying that an arrow didn’t follow him.

This is a very dangerous mission, and one that calls for extreme care. “The people in these villages are not only defensive of their homes” Oscar said, “but on the offense as well toward any stranger who approaches them.” But he was up to the task. He’s done it before.

If the villagers accepted Oscar’s first gift, he planned to present another one in a day or so. Once he had gained the trust of the villagers and they determined he meant no harm, they may allow him inside their village to speak with them.

Oscar’s goal in this entire process was this: to gain the trust of the people in this “hidden” village so he and his team could share the love and truth of Jesus Christ to people who have never even heard His name.

I just learned that this time, by God’s grace, just as Oscar was about to embark on this mission, he met up with a native man from inside the tribe. This man was able to bring Oscar and his team safely into the village.

“After our initial visit, we spend time with the people, showing them unconditional love and acceptance,” Oscar explained. “Once they get used to seeing us, they begin to ask us why we are there, which leads to our talking about the love of Jesus Christ and His gift of eternal life.”

“You have to be willing to give your life if necessary,” Oscar stated matter-of-factly. “It will be worth it if the people learn about Jesus and the Bible.”

Last month, I told you about a “modern day Apostle Paul”, who took similar risks in a spiritually hostile place in India. Oscar is our “Modern Day Jim Elliot”, reaching out in a similar way to the unreached in Peru.

When asked what Oscar most wanted to share with you, the people of America, I thought he may want to appeal to us for financial support for his work in Peru. His answer surprised and humbled me…

“There are many tribes and villages here in Peru who need someone to come and serve them,” he said. “We all have something to give to God while we are alive. God has given us only a short time here on this earth, and we need to be willing to share greater levels of love and sacrifice toward others in the days we are given.”

Oscar, his wife and their six month old daughter Brianna plan to spend even more time living among the “hidden” people of Peru and sharing the Gospel with them. He and his team also help to meet basic needs for food, clean water, education and other daily essentials. With your help, together we can bring the Good News and physical aid to more families in these remote villages and towns.

To read more about the Segadores project in Peru and/or make a donation, click here.

To see additional Stories of the Month, visit the Bright Hope Channel on YouTube.