Trustee Robert Smyth writes:
Gary Harris (On the right) and Ronald (left) founded FPF in Peru in the mid 80s. When I met them, they had recently been released on parole from Lurigancho prison after long sentences for drug offences. While in prison they became dedicated Christians and their lives were turned around following visits from Ray Miller of Latin Link, Steve Varner from Regions Beyond/USA, Mike Hughes, the vicar of the international Anglican Good of the Shepherd Church in Lima and many others.
Gary was an inspirational person – I was bowled over when I was dragged by him and Ronald into visiting Lurigancho with a group from the Good Shepherd church. I was struck by the dedication of other English-speaking prisoners (of several nationalities) to Gary, and their enthusiastic singing of the chorus ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’.
The prison itself was an eye-opener – the ‘foreigners wing’ was fairly much run by the inmates; as an illustration Ron had run a kiosk as a German restaurant – “Zur Deutschen Eiche”. Bullying was rife – we were asked to supply clothes to an English guy who had his possessions stolen and was in the guard room for his own protection – he was guilty of being naive.
Sadly, Gary passed away in June of 1996 while being in Peru due to an asthma attack.
Ron is still live and active, keeping in touch with everybody.
The “Gasthaus” in Lurigancho, ca. 1984, Ron (2nd from right) with German and US fellow inmates
Patrick – another fellow from Lurigancho -, Gary, Ron at a fundraising concert at GS church in 1986
