Mission Peru

by Tony Ammoun

Poverty: lack of the basic physical resources , opportunities, and support to discover one's true potential. I've definitely seen people in poverty since I've been in Peru. The people here don't have the resources we do, but their hard work, perseverance, and appreciation are admirable. Life is different here, things are simpler. Building something from scratch has been an amazing experience! Mostly because of the team work and relationships that are being built as well. There is something amazing that happens when your working side by side with people in order to attain the same goal!

Today I spent the morning hauling wheel barrels full of sand, dirt, and rocks. Yesterday we dug a trench along the outer perimeter. Oddly enough, I am really enjoying the hard labour, and feeling a great joy in working here. My motivation hasn't come from just anywhere. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to the dump, and meet many of the people that worked there and lived just outside the dump. Seeing the unity and perseverance in their efforts, despite the garbage, truly humbled me. Today when I was hauling those wheel barrels, all I could see were the faces of the people in the dump. There were children who were running around, bare feet, in fields of used medical syringes. These people are no different from us. They desire what we desire, relationship, a sense of purpose, and most of all love.

Given the same chances and opportunities that we have received, I am confident that the people here would flourish and truly experience life to the fullest, just as God intended for them. As Jesus said in John 13:35, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Love is not something that is limited to physical resources. Thankfully, love is something that breaks through social economic boundaries, where both the richest of the rich, and the poorest of the poor may experience the depth of God's love demonstrated in the lives of God's people.

As I say this, I am reminded that we would not be here as the hands and feet of Jesus if it were not for all of you back home. You have sacrificially given much of your resources , time, and prayer to partner with the vision of Mission Peru and make a Kingdom impact! On behalf of myself and the entire team here in Peru, Thank You!!!!!