Efata Baptist Church

Efata Ministries is a special ministry to the Deaf and hearing based in Lima, Peru. Efata Ministries consists of:

Efata was founded and pioneered by missionary Vernon Miller, who himself was deaf.  Vernon worked to bring the Gospel to the Deaf for over 40 years, first in Jamaica for four years and later in Peru, where he was eventually joined by his wife, Velma. The Millers retired to the United States in September of 2000 after a very fruitful work.

Today, Efata continues to thrive under the watchful care and guidance of missionaries Joe and Lisa Kotvas, who bring with them over 35 years of experience working with the Deaf community. Having served in Peru for more than two decades, the Kotvas family has wholeheartedly embraced the vision started by Vernon and Velma, expanding their impact among the hearing while continuing to minister to deaf individuals and their families.

The Kotvas family and their dedicated team labor together to reach Peru with the Gospel of Christ and educate, care for and reach deaf children and adults and their families.

Efata Ministries is a forward-looking ministry, committed to making a difference not only in Peru but throughout Spanish-speaking South America and beyond as God gives liberty and opportunity, especially among the Deaf.