A Final Update on Your Church Plant in Peru

Greetings, Mission Hills Church! Thank you for your gift to plant Evangelical Church of Pilgrims in Jaén, Peru. Your gift is currently impacting 150 children and their families. Now that the sanctuary, kitchen, classrooms and safe sanitation facilities are finished, the church is well-equipped to deliver Compassion’s holistic child development program in Jesus’ name. In the photo above, church staff and the mother and daughter church pastors gather to celebrate the opening of the church before providing beneficiaries with a virtual tour of the new facilities. 

This report includes updates on the implementation and impact of the intervention, a testimony from the church pastor and interviews with the project director and with the caregivers of a registered child. 

Implementation Progress

A construction blueprint was drafted in January 2020, only to be delayed a couple months later by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the church persisted, and eventually, all major construction was finished by January 2021. Construction workers and members of the church participated together in building the new facilities. Today, a sanctuary, kitchen, office, bathrooms and five classrooms are available for use. In February 2021, the church officially opened, and church staff gave a virtual tour of the new facilities via Zoom. They prayed for the church and the children they serve.

A panoramic view of the completed church construction.

The Impact of This Intervention

The new church facilities will provide a welcoming space for 150 registered children and their families to grow and develop. Though the center is currently unable to hold child development activities, due to national health and safety restrictions, staff have used the space to provide beneficiaries with nutritious food, hygiene kits and other helpful materials. During this time, the church has monitored the wellbeing of beneficiaries remotely.

As they continue to care for the community, church staff share the gospel. They hope to be able to hold church services soon and look forward to celebrations of Christmas and Easter.

Children will also receive age-appropriate education and have the opportunity to develop skills through sports and cultural activities. Bathrooms and information on healthy hygiene habits will help to prevent the spread of disease.

A Testimony From Willy, the Church Pastor

“The community sees us as a church that wants to help those most in need. At first, we faced difficulties, but now, we are welcome. They support us and want us to continue what we do. The children are excited to be able to attend the center when national health and safety restrictions are lifted.”

An Interview With Melita, the Project Director

How have the lives of the affected beneficiaries been changed since the intervention’s completion?

This intervention has been a great blessing to the beneficiaries, their families and the church. We are all very grateful. At first, the caregivers were skeptical, but after being given so much, they are encouraged, happy and grateful to receive our help. They are also very interested in learning about the Lord. Some of the caregivers put their faith in Jesus, and they are very happy.

How has this intervention benefitted the church and the community?

The church was welcomed into this community, and the number of members continues to increase. This intervention allows us to reach and support many families. Community members have joined together to help, because they know it is for the benefit of their community.

How has this intervention affected your ability to minister to the beneficiaries?

This intervention has opened the door for us to provide more support to people in the community. We can see their appreciation for what we are doing.

What would you like to say to those who provided the financial support for this intervention?

Please receive our deepest, most sincere thanks! Because of your support, lives are being changed, our community is being blessed, and we can continue to persevere in the mission God has entrusted to us. May God give you many blessings and take care of you at all times.

An Interview With the Caregivers of Rosita, a Child Registered With Evangelical Church of Pilgrims

What was your life like before the intervention was implemented?

In our small town, many of us live in poverty. Before the intervention, we didn’t have much support, because no one was interested in helping this village. Since the church has been built, no one has supported us like they do. Church staff have been good to us, and we are very grateful.

How has your life changed now that this intervention is complete?

We are grateful and happy because of the support we now receive. At first, we did not believe they were going to finish the work, but we have seen their commitment to our community, and it has moved us. The pastor always visits and care for us and our family goes to the church to receive food and other benefits.

What will this change mean for your future or the future of your family?

This change is very good, and we hope that more good things like this will happen in the future. We will continue to attend church and give our support when needed.

What lessons have you learned from this intervention?

We have learned that God is very good and that He does things for a reason. Even though we are sinful, he never abandons us. We have also learned to be united as a community and that there are people in this world like you who selflessly give support.

What would you like to say to those who provided the financial support for this intervention?

Thank you very much for being interested in supporting this little town. May God bless you and take good care of you. Our daughter is very happy and our family is too. May God reward you for the support you are giving us.

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you, Mission Hills Church, for your generous gift. May God bless you with a full heart as children in Peru experience the very real impact of your support.