MR. CHRISTOPHER: It looks like we are in store for a pretty big storm out there, Penny.

PENNY: Oh great, just what I need … a major storm right in the middle of this never ending search for info on the Ashénica Indians of Peru. But, I guess that’s what surge protectors are for.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Yeah, just make sure that you keep saving anything that’s important.

PENNY: Oh believe me, I will. I don’t have anything to save at this point, though, Mr. C. Putting this report together is going to be tough. I’m having trouble finding anything on the Web about the Ashénica.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Yes, they are a relatively obscure people group. But, I’ve managed to come up with a few things. The majority of the Ashénica live in the eastern region of Peru called ‘La Selva’ or ‘La Montana’ which are ‘the woodlands.’

PENNY: Right, the other two regions are ‘La Sierra’ or ‘the highlands,’ which make up the amazing Andes mountain range and ‘La Costa’ or ‘the coastlands’ which is a desert region where most Peruvians of Spanish descent live. The capital … Lima … is in ‘La Costa.’

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Excellent work, Penny! You have been doing your homework! All right, let’s put your knowledge of Peru to the test! Hey gang, see if you know the answer to this KidQuiz!

to watch the Features, click here

PENNY: I think I know the answer, but I’m not sure. Is it ‘C’ … El Niño?

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Is that your final answer?

PENNY: Yes, Regis. Was I right?

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Well … YES you are right. We know El Niño for all of the weird weather changes that we have had to deal with over the past couple of years. But, Peruvians have dealt with El Niño for a long time. El Niño usually causes heavy rains in northwestern Peru. But, in the past, it has been the cause of flooding and destruction farther down the coast.

PENNY: Speaking of rain, it sounds like the sky is about to open up. Which reminds me, I was able to find out a little about the Selva, where the Ashénica live. They have lots of rain there. In fact, in this eastern part of Peru they get rain nine months out of a year.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: All that rain makes it a very lush part of Peru, I’m sure. But, it probably also makes travel a little difficult. I have heard that our Southern Baptist missionaries spend hours motoring up rivers like the Pichis River just to be able to reach the tribal peoples that they work with.

SURFER BOB: Peaches! My Uncle Ernie works a peach orchard out in east Texas! I love peaches!

PENNY: No Bob, Pichis as in the Pichis River in Peru. It is spelled P-I-C-H …

SURFER BOB: Yeah, some good ole’ peach cobbler would be great right about now! I’m gonna head on down to the Dixie Diner for some chow.

PENNY: HEY WAIT! Before you go … were you able to find anything on the Ashénica, like I asked you to?

SURFER BOB: Oh yeah, I sure did Penn-arino. Take a gander at this lil’ ditty! It’s a REAL PEACH!!!! Heh ... heh!

PENNY: Thank you, Bob. Have a good lunch. All right gang; let’s see what we’ve got.

to try the KidsQuiz, click here

MR. CHRISTOPHER: That’s incredible dedication. Traveling into remote areas to find people like the Ashénica in order to share the gospel with them.

PENNY: Yeah, I’m sure it is not easy. It looks like the team really has to rough it.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Yes, but we need to all remember that, like I’ve said before, salvation in Christ is God’s free gift to everyone. To NOT make the effort to share that gift with even the hardest to reach people of this world would be … well, downright selfish.

PENNY: It is our responsibility as believers in Him to share that good news.

MR. CHRISTOPHER: It certainly is. Are you sharing that gift with those around you? Would you like to know more about how you can share that gift with people like the Ashénica? Write to us here at: Kids On Mission, International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767. We’d love to tell you about how you can be a part of God’s work around the world.

PENNY: We sure would! Listen to this letter!

to watch the KidsMail, click here

MR. CHRISTOPHER: It looks like the storm has passed us by, Penny.

PENNY: Seems so. Looks like a good time to run out and grab a burger. Do you want anything, Mr. C?

MR. CHRISTOPHER: No Penny, I think I’m gonna just have some fruit for lunch.

SURFER BOB: Eat some peaches, Christopher! My Uncle Ernie could sure use the money!

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Have a nice lunch Penny … see you in a bit. And, we’ll see you next time … here at Kids On Mission. Keep watching and writing those letters, because if you’re curious … we’re curious! Bye!