Call:  Chuck says, “When I finished my junior year in high school, I went to a Christian camp as a summer worker.  Since I had little contact with teenagers at the youth camp, I would always try to attend the campfire service every Wednesday night.  One night the speaker gave a challenging message on missions.  I felt that the Lord was calling me to that task, so I went forward and dedicated my life to the Lord.  “When I was in Bible School, a fellow student whose parents served in Peru encouraged some of us students to go to Peru as summer workers.  I had the privilege of going to Peru that summer and from that experience sensed my call to that country.”

Barbara says, “Almost simultaneously with my being born again into the family of God, I sensed my call to foreign missions.  It was when I went to Moody Bible Institute that God directed my steps and eventually led me to Peru.”

Field Experience: Chuck and Barbara Cousens were involved in church planting since their first arrival in Peru in 1972 (after study Spanish in Costa Rica for a year).  For more than 30 years, they lived and worked in the city of Lima.

After the Cousens worked in a poorer section of the city during their first term in Peru, they focused on establishing a church among the unreached middle class people at that time.  A newly developed urbanization located on the outskirts of the city was chosen and the efforts of establishing a church were begun in 1977.  By 1980 the church was organized and property was purchased further out from the city.  As time passed, the Lord’s direction was clearly seen as the church located on a major four lane avenue.  Today this church is firmly established and continues to grow.

After seeing that project completed, the Cousens began in 1997 the founding of another church in a growing middle class neighborhood of Lima.  This effort began differently than the first church plant.  Instead of a systematic house to house visitation program, home Bible studies were begun and as the numbers grew, Sunday morning services began.  As the church grew and people were baptized, the rented home in which the church met outgrew its facilities.  Then they had the opportunity to join another very small church that already owned its property.  The union of the two churches brought such enthusiasm, and the church grew quickly to 120 people.  In June 2002, plans were made to build a church sanctuary to hold nearly 300 people.  

What’s it like to establish an entirely new church?  The Cousens would say that it takes a great deal of dedication, hard work, sacrifice and faith.

The Cousens “retired” in January 2008 from active service in Lima, Peru after 35 years of service.  They said it was difficult saying goodbye to their Peruvian friends; yet, they are thankful for the Peruvian leadership who have a passion and commitment to carry on the work there.  

Chuck and Barb Cousens currently reside in Wisconsin near their daughter, son-in-law and grandkids.  They are actively involved in their son-in-law’s church.  Chuck also volunteers once a week at a local Christian camp that has activities year-round.

To learn more about the ongoing ministry in Lima, Peru or about the Cousens, log onto the sights below…

www.teamworld.org

cbcousens@att.net