Five Clear Lakers quarantined in Peru

Missionaries in Peru include (L-R): Katie Tofte, Riley Brinkman, Lucas Kirchhoff, Ericka Gonzalez and Mikayla Vanderploeg.  -Submitted photo

by Michelle Watson

We all know the coronavirus is a worldwide pandemic.  We all know everyone is worried and concerned about what this is going to look like in the United States over the coming weeks. But what if you were caught outside of the country?  

Five former Clear Lake High School graduates are quarantined in Iquitos, Peru after the country’s president issued a 15-day border closure to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.  Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima was closed to the public less than two days later.

Riley Brinkman, Lucas Kirchhofff, Ericka Gonzalez and Katie Tofte are missionaries with Zion Lutheran Church in Peru. Mikayla VanderPloeg is also with the group, but is a missionary through Open Bible Church, in Clear Lake. 

Ericka, Katie and Mikayla are staying at a camp located about 10 miles from Iquitos. There are currently 23 people living in the main house and Sukup Safety Homes, which serve as cabins at the camp.  The camp and Genesis Church are run by Bethany and Nelton Noriega.  Bethany is originally from Garner.  

Riley and Lucas have become residents of Iquitos and both have their own homes, but still work for Genesis Church.

“It’s a very helpless feeling knowing that I 

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couldn’t get to my child if she needed me,” said Nancy Brinkman, Riley’s mother.

Riley was sick when the quarantine began, which worried Nancy even more.

“I’ve been praying like crazy that she gets over what she has before she gets something new,” said Nancy.  “I feel very helpless.”

Via email, Ericka, Katie and Riley have reported on what life is like in Peru.

“The army has closed down streets and are standing guard throughout the city, something that most people would think would bring a piece of comfort, but here the sight of police and the army just seems to make me more uneasy,” said Riley.  “No one is allowed to leave their house unless going out to buy necessities.  Even when they can go out, only one person from each family is allowed and a permission slip is required to be on the streets.  Masks and gloves are also highly encouraged to be worn, although the few stores that are left open have quickly run out of stock.  We do, however, still have toilet paper.”

“The only fear I have is that we are not in the cleanest place in the world, so understanding the need to wash your hands more than once a day has been interesting,” said Ericka.  “I know I’m scared right now, but that might be because I’ve only been in the house here at camp and don’t know what’s going on in the city.”

“Most of us here are hungry teenagers just wanting to eat until satisfied, but we have to respect others and the food that we have available,” said Katie.  “Our camp family is choosing not to give into fear, but to remain firm in God’s promises and be prayer warriors over our city.”

“The city has a very apocalyptic feel to it,” said Riley. “Almost as if when you do leave your house you have to do it fast, quick and efficient, so the police don’t have time to stop you, nor the virus have time to find you.”

The group at the camp have been passing time with scavenger hunts, art projects and playing charades.

When they are not under quarantine, the group provides many ministries for Genesis Church, including teaching a homeschool co-op for children of missionaries, teaching an art ministry, home visits, starting a volleyball program to build relationships within different villages and setting up the new church Genesis is building with sound and technical equipment.  Lucas started a ministry called Triple R, which stands for rest, refuge and restoration.  It is a home designed for men recovering from addictions and gang activity.

If all goes well, the girls are hoping to return home in May.  This will only be  a visit for Riley, who will return to Peru.

“At the moment I don’t want to stress too much about getting home, because I know right now we are in the hype of it all and it’s impossible to guess what it will be like in a month and a half,” said Ericka.

“I have considered how difficult it could become financially if it isn’t possible for us to leave when scheduled,” said Katie.  “I love and miss my family and my Zion family.”

“The same God that gives hope and peace and maintains the control in the USA is the same God giving us peace, hope and protection here in Peru,” said Riley.  “Although I wish I could be back home, I trust in God’s plans and timing that I might be reunited with everyone very soon.”

“I know they are in good hands and will be well cared for in Peru,” said Megan Dennis, Missions pastor at Zion Lutheran Church.  “Selfishly, I miss them and like it when they are in Clear Lake, but I know God is using them in Peru.  So if they have to stay a littler longer, I know they will all handle it well.”

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