Adventure Story
On January 2010, Doug Springer, Doug & Pat Stanlake from London and Rick Tyler from Guelph Ontario Canada were in Peru to help a children's home in Chaclacayo, on the eastern edge of Lima and also in Pisco the site of the the 2007 earthquake.

Rick writes:

                                     IN LOVE WITH JESUS

Every missions trip has it's Aha moment. Our first week had me wondering when that might occur - on the trip or later at home. Monday Feb 1 the team was visiting homes of members from Vista Alegre Church - these are homes CMRC build following the earthquake in August 2007. Each home had a unique story and unique family.

Rosario and Wilmer Varrionaevo  live with their two children not far from Vista Alegre. As we approached Doug Springer noticed something different about this home. Inside, the main room was empty and larger as they had removed an interior wall to make more room and added it as an outside wall. They now live in a tarp covered addition behind the home, constructed from old emergency tents and bits of plastic.

Why so?  Rosario was asked.

So we can hold children's ministry inside with teaching help from Pastor Chi's wife, Olivia. WOW. These folks who have so little, so love Jesus they gave up their own home to teach children.

I left wondering - what have I ever sacrificed to love Jesus so much?

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Pat writes: 

Being greeted personally by each member of the small church in Pisco was humbling.  Their sincerity was obvious as they kissed me on the cheek and hugged me in the Peruvian custom because I came to encourage them and help.
As my tears freely flowed many women hugged me extra tightly and a bond was instantly formed as sisters in Christ.

Visiting in some of their homes was difficult as I saw how little they had.  One widow, Delma, served us Coca Cola to show hospitality which was also a financial sacrifice .  The next day she graciously presented me with a hand-made doilie.  As I said goodbye on my third visit with her we both cried.  We could not communicate with words, only hugs and through a translator.
In spite of Dalmas impoverished life she was rich in the joy and hope that only Jesus gives.


Doug Stanlake writes: 

Peru is a country of walls and you just do not know what is behind that wall.  The wall can be attractive on the outside yet there is destruction and rubble behind the wall.  The wall could be a menagerie of materials from cardboard to plastic to bamboo sheeting and behind that wall is a very modest house filled with loving, caring and very friendly people.
There is a short period of a barrier between ourselves and the residents but once we are introduced no walls seem to exist as we both share the relationship of God's love.  As my friend say, it is a country of contrasts on so many levels and the opportunity exists for you to explore what is behind the walls that confront you as you serve in this needy country.

Week one was spent in a children's home where the broken lives of 39 plus children were lovingly being put in order by a couple who truly love God and extended their love for children in a carefully and patiently created safe environment for the children.  They help to focus the youngest to the oldest to rebuild their lives in a family like environment with all the tribulations, excitement and successes all families experience.

Week two was living in a City (Pisco), broken and shattered by a devastating earthquake .  Rubble of homes, broken streets, and signs of reconstruction everywhere were the norm.  Our focus was on a small group of believers in this b city and how they are coping as they put their homes back together.  My sense was that they seem to be content with their meager physical resources and remain focused on the betterment of their children through education and a strong sense that God is in control.