Andrew and Maria Leake
CMS Mission Partners, Argentina
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Andrew and his wife Maria live in Salta (Argentina) with their three children, Tomas (21) Cecilia (18) and
Carolina (15).
Andrew grew up in Northern Argentina where his parents and grandparents served among the Toba and Wichi Indians. With a background in environmental sciences and rural social development his primary interest is in indigenous land rights and rainforest protection and he has led work in mapping indigenous land-use and monitoring deforestation.
He is currently director of Land for Life, a creation care initiative aimed at establishing protected areas within the Chaco region through purchase of strategic sites to prevent them being bought for commercial use, a task which is proving challenging due to the many legal loopholes exploited by potential developers and the difficulty of finding sufficient funds. Andrew also undertakes research and consultancy work on the ecological impacts of deforestation and the issues of land rights, involving local people and churches in the research as a means of engaging them in caring for the region. He recently participated in the Lausanne Movement’s international consultation on Creation Care and the Gospel, one outcome of which was the encouragement to all Christians to engage in "environmental mission".
His wife Maria is involved with a Sunday School for children who are often from very poor or sad backgrounds, growing up in a difficult environment.
For the latest information, please download Andrew and Maria's Land for Life Update 50
Carolina (15).
Andrew grew up in Northern Argentina where his parents and grandparents served among the Toba and Wichi Indians. With a background in environmental sciences and rural social development his primary interest is in indigenous land rights and rainforest protection and he has led work in mapping indigenous land-use and monitoring deforestation.
He is currently director of Land for Life, a creation care initiative aimed at establishing protected areas within the Chaco region through purchase of strategic sites to prevent them being bought for commercial use, a task which is proving challenging due to the many legal loopholes exploited by potential developers and the difficulty of finding sufficient funds. Andrew also undertakes research and consultancy work on the ecological impacts of deforestation and the issues of land rights, involving local people and churches in the research as a means of engaging them in caring for the region. He recently participated in the Lausanne Movement’s international consultation on Creation Care and the Gospel, one outcome of which was the encouragement to all Christians to engage in "environmental mission".
His wife Maria is involved with a Sunday School for children who are often from very poor or sad backgrounds, growing up in a difficult environment.
For the latest information, please download Andrew and Maria's Land for Life Update 50