We hope to visit Perú again in the near future! Our last mission trip to Perú was in August 2019 with a team consisting of members and non-members from WPUMC. As usual, we took materials for VBS sessions and goody bags of treats for the children. Our team members were housed in private homes, and fed by the families, with groceries paid for with our funds. This makes for delicious local cooking, time to share our thoughts and laughter over meals, and enough food for us to include others in the bounty. Every year we assist with whatever projects are important at that time. For example, we provide funds for building repair and renewal, help clean up the grounds around the churches and pastoral homes, scrub and paint, haul bricks and materials used by the professional carpenters and masons, entertain kiddies, and make ourselves available to assist in any way we can. Our motto is, “We’re Flexible!”
Our customary schedule includes attending worship services with the local people, joining in singing, dancing, and celebrating the Lord! We are often invited to share in other celebrations such as birthdays or important events on their local calendars. These are marvelous chances to get to know more about the lives of the brothers and sisters with whom we serve. Another of our Peru-trip traditions is to attend cultural events with regional dances, costumes, and marvelous music from all over Perú. We also eat a few meals at restaurants specializing in peruano cuisine (such as guinea pig) and shop at local markets.
Mission trips to Perú happen every odd-numbered year, so the next potential date is 2021. Due to COVID19, plans are currently on hold till we ascertain what the situation will be next summer. We are always open to requests from the pastors with whom we work, so often send funds for various needs throughout the year. Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to become a Perú team member. Questions? Contact Kristine Barnes kristine@as-sure.com
The Backstory: Edith Salazar Veliz arrived in NC in 2000 to study at Duke University. She and I met when I enrolled in her Spanish language class. We became friends. Another member of White Plains, Dot Niebling had also befriended Edith. In 2003 Edith had told us many times about her hometown, Peralvillo. “Eet iss sooo preeetee!” she commented in her lovely accent. Dot and I agreed to go to Peralvillo with Edith to visit her home place. Feeling that we couldn’t just barge in on her family for an entire week I encouraged her to think of something we could do as a ministry to her church. That’s how we ended up putting on a daily Vacation Bible School, with over 200 children from the four little churches of the Lima Circuit, plus one church in the mountains at Concepción. Since that first trip, there have been numerous other visits to various churches in Perú…in the jungle, on the coast, in the mountains, and near Lima.
Our Observations: Despite a lack of monetary wealth, the people we work with are always so generous with what they have, desiring to do for us, as much as we want to help them. The peruano people are very capable, lacking resources far more than initiative, always anxious to help. One only need to demonstrate what had to be done, and it was taken care of by church members. This mindset develops very early in life. Please check out the video from the summer of 2009 where two little ones are hauling a “truckload” of full-size bricks. This was their idea and not the only load they hauled!!
Lesson in Gratitude: So often the thanks we’ve received from the peruano people with whom we work seem so over-abundant, in relation to the gift given. They may stop in the midst of things to offer a prayer of Thanksgiving, as Geovana did after we gave her a few leftover school supplies, including a bag of used crayons. She cried! But it made me realize that is exactly how we all should respond daily to gifts showered upon us by our Father! Do you sleep in a comfortable bed? Did you have breakfast this morning? Does someone in your family have a job? Does your toilet flush? Do you even have a toilet? Many in Perú do not! We can become so caught up in the busyness of our daily lives that we forget to notice the magnificence of each day that God designed for us! ¡Gracias a Dios!
YOUR Invitation: Anyone – That Means You! – is welcome to join in supporting these mission trips. Whether you want to travel to Peru, pray for our team, donate goods, or provide funding, we invite you to become part of this ongoing ministry. You are encouraged to view the captioned photos of our many visits. Learn more about this beautiful country with its beautiful, faith-filled people. As long as the LORD allows, we will continue to travel to Perú every odd-numbered year. Join us!!
Que Dios te bendiga cada una de Uds. May God bless each one of you!
To learn more about Perú Missions, please contact Kristine Barnes: kristine@as-sure.com (919)467-2484
Serving our Lord and Master by helping our brothers and sisters in Christ,
to help others, with the love of Jesus, for the glory of God.
To view some photos of our most recent mission activities visit our Photo Gallery
For Christmas we were able to bless the children at Pedregal and Comas 13 in Peru with gifts thanks to generous donations!