From Rubble to Redemption: The LAMA Story
The Latin American Mission Association (LAMA) is a faith-based mission and YWAM partner base, born from a calling to serve the communities of Ica, Peru after the 2007 earthquake.
Villages served weekly
Communities helped
Poor children and families assisted
Years in operations
In the wake of the catastrophic 2007 earthquake that shattered Ica, Peru, our mission was born from an undeniable calling. Founders William and Lily Silverthorn were moved to serve amidst the devastation, officially founding the ministry in 2009.
What began as a heartfelt response grew into a tangible commitment. After acquiring donated land (a story in itself!), we began the physical work of clearing the land and laying the foundation for the mission base.
In 2013, our physical work took on a new spiritual dimension. We completed the first floor and in October 2013, we officially opened our doors, planting La Misión Church and holding our first weekly services and youth outreaches.
A pivotal moment came in October 2015 with the arrival of our first resident missionaries, the Sanchez family. This began a new season of expansion, including building a dedicated children’s center in 2016 and launching our first Samaritan’s Purse program in 2017.
In August 2018, we officially became the 7th YWAM base, in Peru. This new partnership transformed our local mission into an international training and outreach ground, welcoming YWAM missionaries and groups (as well as our regular welcoming of church singles and groups) to serve with la Mision and its ministries to the poor farming communities we served. We continue to serve the needs and ministries of la Mision, but now with a YWAM base to also assist.
2019 – We surprised YWAM by holding our first Discipleship Teaching School (DTS)the very next year after becoming a base. We have held DTS’s since in 2021 (paused for Covid), 2023, 2024 & 2025 so far.
Today, we continue to expand all our ministries, from building homes to seeing local youth become missionaries themselves. We have opened a farm operation, and three expanding properties for lodging and future church planting in 3 of the communities we service. Please come assist us with showing Jesus love to these needy people.
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Our Broader Vision
While our primary work is focused in Peru, our calling is to bring hope, love, and support to Latin Americans everywhere. This vision has led us to serve in communities in Mexico and the United States, and we remain open to wherever God calls us next. We are one mission with a local focus and a global heart.
