Menlo Church, your continued support of vulnerable mothers and babies in Peru is transforming lives and paving the way to a brighter future. Because of your generosity, babies are beginning their lives as treasured members of the Compassion family. For many years to come, they will have the opportunity to benefit from a wide range of supports, including access to medical care, educational support and regular nutritious meals.
Compassion and its church partners are committed to caring for these little ones through childhood and adolescence, until they are ready to spread their wings as independent adults. This update covers the recent impact of your support at three Survival centers in Peru.
Photo above: A mother and baby who participate in the Survival program at PE0594.
The Impact of Your Gift
With your support, babies and new mothers are beginning a journey that leads to a better life. Mothers are learning income-generation skills, building supportive friendships with other mothers, and they are learning that Jesus’ unconditional love can transform their lives. Thanks to you, mothers are being empowered to create an environment where their beautiful babies will thrive.
Survival Activities at Iglesia del Nazareno (PE0331)
Currently, 15 babies and their mothers participate in the Survival program at Iglesia del Nazareno. This church partner is located in a city of 124,000 people in the Piura region. The average family income is equivalent to $137 per month. Dengue fever is a common health problem, and the community needs access to medical care.
Ministry Progress at Iglesia del Nazareno (PE0331)
July – December 2021
Luz is a mother who participates in the Survival program at PE0331. She shares:
“I am very grateful to God for the things that I am receiving in the program. What matters most to me are the discipleship classes, on topics such as knowing Jesus Christ as our savior, the new family of God, the new birth and the Bible. As a family we have made the decision to receive Jesus as our savior. For me these are very wonderful things that help me to improve my family relationship and together with my husband we attend church. We are also grateful for practical support such as food baskets and hygiene supplies.”
Survival Activities at Iglesia del Nazareno (PE0373)
PE0373 is located in a town of 3,600 residents where the average household income is equal to $100 per month. Typical homes in the community have dirt floors, wood walls and corrugated iron roofs. Common health problems in the area include parasites, dengue fever and malnutrition. Currently, 9 babies and their mothers are receiving care through the church’s Survival program.
Ministry Progress at Iglesia del Nazareno (PE0373)
July – December 2021
Lidia participates in the Survival program at PE0373 and thanks to the support she has received, her baby is now healthy and thriving. Lidia writes:
“My baby’s height and weight is being monitored every month by the health specialist through telehealth. My baby was underweight but thanks to the monitoring done by the health specialist he is better. I am very happy and grateful to God and to the Survival program for caring about me and my family because it is a blessing for my family.”
Survival Activities at Iglesia Casa de Oración La Unidad (PE0594)
This church is located in a neighborhood of 5,500 residents. Typical homes in the area have dirt floors, adobe walls and tin roofs. The major health problem is chronic malnutrition, affecting more than 3,000 children. Other common health issues are skin disorders and parasites. The average family income is equal to $153 per month. Currently, 10 babies and their mothers are receiving care at PE0594.
Ministry Progress at Iglesia Casa de Oración La Unidad (PE0594)
July – December 2021
Yuley is a mother who participates in Survival activities at Iglesia Casa de Oración. She shares the impact of the Survival program in her life:
“I am extremely grateful to God for the opportunity to be part of this program. His help is very comforting in these times of health and political crisis, where scarcity abounds and job opportunities are very limited. I entered the Survival program during my pregnancy and now my daughter is 9 months old. We have been supported with food and hygiene baskets, diapers, clothes, medical checkups and especially prayers and teachings from the church, where they teach us about the love of Jesus. A few days ago the project gave me the opportunity and support to start a small business. I believe that little by little it will grow with the help of God. I am learning that we can do everything in Christ who strengthens us and I make that word a reality in my life and in that of my family.”
The babies and moms who participate in the church’s Survival program are receiving monthly food baskets and hygiene supplies, diapers and other essential baby supplies. All of this is possible because of your generous support!
Survival Program Spotlight: Treating and Preventing Malnutrition
Malnutrition is an underlying cause in more than a third of all deaths of children under five (UNICEF). These deaths can be attributed to stunting, severe wasting and restricted growth inside the womb. But most of these deaths can be prevented through proven and simple interventions. With this in mind, the Survival program incorporates several key services to preserve the physical well-being of these precious little ones:
- Therapeutic feeding services
- Education on preparing healthy, balanced meals
- Provision of food packs that include essential nutrition and vitamin supplements
- Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life
- Regular monitoring of each baby’s height and weight
A healthy birth weight is critical to a baby’s survival. By focusing on caregiver nutrition through prenatal care and nutritious food, newborns registered with Survival have up to a 30% better likelihood of having a normal birth weight.
Thank You for Your Support
Menlo Church, your gifts are helping to create healthier lives for mothers and babies. May the Lord bless you as you have blessed those in need. Thank you for partnering with Compassion International!