Shining Hope in Peru

On my latest trip to Peru, I was privileged to witness the changing of the guard inside the Presidential Palace in Lima. It was a majestic experience full of pageantry, formality, and national pride. This ceremony is conducted every day at noon.

We also visited a state-run orphanage with children from birth through grade-school. There are about 38 of these centers nationwide with approximately 2,400 children. This total only represents about 25% of the total number of children in out of home care in the nation. The other 75% are living in private orphanages. Gilbert Montez found his way to engage one of the precious children in the orphanage. We hope and pray that many of these children will someday be placed in a family environment.

I had the honor of dedicating a new computer lab at the Family Hope Center in Pamplona. This ceremony consisted of breaking a bottle of champagne with a hammer. Like throwing the first pitch at the Rangers fame in Arlington, I did not want to mess this up with the eyes of Texans upon me. I did break the bottle. I was amazed that both young students and one older gentleman would learn how to use the computer for the first time in their lives. These new skills will help them gain employment in the city.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the needs in this beautiful country. Our approach calls for one on one attention for each client as family. One by one, we are making a difference and shining hope into their lives. I invite you to join us in this work. Maybe you can lead a shoe drive in your church or community; volunteer at one of our ministry sites in Texas; or travel with us to another country like Peru to experience what it is like to serve the least of these first hand. Come and shine hope in Peru.