Back from Chincha...

We returned just a few days ago from our second trip to Chincha, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake that struck Peru on August 15th. Three weeks later and the sights are still overwhelming. People continue to live in the streets. Rubble is visible as far as the eye can see. Children still roam the streets, as many of the schools were badly damaged or completely destroyed during the earthquake. Many are still in shock, as the task of starting all over seems
so difficult. To be honest, to the human eye there seems to be little hope. Everything has been lost. An already poor people have become even poorer in just a three minute span…the duration of the earthquake three weeks ago.

Maybe you are wondering what we are doing in Chincha now. Thanks to all of you, this is how WE (together) were able to contribute... On our last trip we were able to purchase 20 more rolls of blanket material to distribute. This material was sufficient to make around 550 blankets. With people still living outside in the streets, warmth is a real issue. We also spent a good deal of time on this trip visiting with families and various communities to survey what the most pressing needs are now, three weeks later. After taking this time with the people, we believe that the most pressing need is physical help to rebuild. Many are waiting and hoping that the government will fulfill it’s promise to help with the reconstruction. In an ideal world, this would be something to get excited about. But realistically, in countries such as Peru, more times than not, the government never completes what it has promised. The truth is that there are over 200,000 people without homes now. Our group is small…we are not a large organization. Until now, our focus of ministry has not been earthquake relief. There was a need among the people we have come to love very much in this country and we wanted to help in the very best way we could.

We cannot help all with the rebuilding process, but thanks to your generosity we should be able to help 20-25 families. We are pursuing the idea of purchasing 20-25 prefabricated wood houses to take to Chincha in the next couple of weeks. These homes are very, very modest…about 125 sq feet. They are not a permanent fix, but are a good start. They are dry and warm…much better than the homes of plastic and cardboard in which many are currently living. Hope seems lost for so many of these people...and really, that is true! In the natural, there is no hope for them to live with joy, and laughter, and anticipation of a future. Thankfully, God is not a god of the natural. God is merciful and has a plan for Chincha and the surrounding areas.

“…Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken-that is, created things-so that what cannot be shaken may remain. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:26-29 NIV

Chincha and the surrounding areas are well known for being some of the most idolatrous areas of Peru. Idolatry, witchcraft and crime run rampant in these towns...but, God is full of grace. Yes, He has shaken the land! Temples have fallen and idols have been destroyed. If we look, we will see that now, there is a great Hope among these people. They now have the opportunity to turn away from these created things and set their sights on things that cannot be shaken. Many will choose to rebuild their temples (before rebuilding their own houses) and make offerings to their idols. They will continue to take their sick children to shamans(witch doctors) and live in fear and uncertainty. The people of Chincha have a decision to make. Choose to trust what can be shaken... or choose Hope. The hope of a new beginning, the hope of a fresh start and the hope to rebuild…with the foundation being God and Christ as the chief cornerstone. A new building…an eternal building…a building that cannot be shaken!

So, if there is anyone that would still like to help…it is not too late. As long as the funds are available, we will continue to help the people of Chincha in the process of rebuilding. Thanks to all of you that have given. You truly have made a difference.

Thank you~

The Lord bless you.
Mike