December update from Peru

W are pleased to announce that the re-building efforts are well underway in Peru.  The photo below is just one of the churches that is being built now.

August 29, 2007

We would like to share these videos of the efforts to help believers in the aftermath of the Peru earthquake. 

In the first video, a brother is saying thank you for the plastic sheeting that serves to keep out the wind and rain, and God bless you!

A quick view while driving of collapsed buildings.  many people are sleeping on the sidewalk, living in tents until their homes can be re-built.  when brother Luis arrives at the believers' house, they begin un-packing a load of blankets he purchased.

This brother from the church in Pisco is thanking those who helped for the quick response and the high quality of the blankets in particular and other supplies.

August 23, 2007

We received a report from Brother Luis Angel on the aftermath of the Peru Earthquake.  We have sent some funds already to help and are sending more this week.  Thank you for remembering these needs.

Yesterday 08-21, I met personally with the majority of those affected by the earthquake, and it was obvious to me their great lack of basic services.

The food is arriving and the help is arriving. But by force and by gunpoint the more desperate individuals revert to the law of the jungle and they get the goods, it is the law of the strongest.

Four different sisters, who were totally determined and thought they could deal with the situation, went to the distribution point two days ago to obtain food and water for their families. They returned, not only empty handed, but bruised and very fearful for what all happened at those centers.

I took 14 parcels of food and goods to distribute, and I found myself in a similar situation like the apostles of the early church, fleeing from the Romans; for when they realized I was bringing aide into the area, they immediately set out to assault me. But it is simply the way of the ungodly.

While I was in the area, for the entire day, we experienced two aftershocks, 5.9 and 4.5 on the scale.

Amongst Believers living in Chincha and Pisco, there are 4 Message churches and 32 homes that have been destroyed. Work has already begun to re-build these structures at a cost of about $1000 per house and $3000 for each church.

The houses will be very simple, a kitchen, a bathroom and a larger room for sleeping, which will take up approximately 1/3 of the normal lot.

The immediate need is to keep these brothers and sisters and their families in food and temporary shelter. I am sending down some blue tarps to add to their meager shelters, and some clothing, it is still winter here.  I am returning on Friday the 24th with clothing and food.  Thank you for your prayers.