PERU EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
When we arrived in Peru we spent the first day shopping for relief items, then embarked on the 4 hour trek to Pisco. Living in Florida, I've seen first hand the damage a Hurricane can do. But I must admit, what I saw in Pisco was worse than any hurricane damage I have ever seen in the USA or Central America (with the exception of Katrina). I say this, not just because of the amount of buildings that were destroyed (some say 70% were destroyed or deemed uninhabitable) but because of the thousands of lives that were lost. Unlike hurricanes, there's no notice when an earthquake hits, so many people are caught inside collapsing buildings and crushed. When we journeyed into the main part of the City of Pisco (in the Ica region) the smell of death was in the air, coming from the dead that were trapped under the fallen buildings. As we drove through, I thought to myself "Lord what little we have brought in the face of the all the needs that are represented here." He assured me that to the ones that we would and could help it would mean a world of difference.
When we arrived in Pisco we immediately met up with Pastor Carlos and his wife Flor. A wonderful young Peruvian couple who had lost their home as well as their church building. They were joyfully taking on the task of caring for the 13 families from the church that had relocated into little mat shacks they had put together on the edge of town. These families had all lost their homes to the earthquake. They had no electric, water, bathrooms or any of the things that were destroyed in their homes. They had some food that had been donated but knew they needed more and were so grateful to see us, knowing God had sent us to come to their aid. Besides our team, Pastor Jose from Valle Verde was there to help. We unloaded many of the relief items for them to distribute. The next day Pastor Carlos took us to a woman who's house was not destroyed, so she opened her home to 5 families that lost everything. They moved in with her and she was trying to feed them with whatever relief supplies they could gather. We were able to give some supplies to them!
Next, Carlos and Flor led us to the area closer to the coast where many of the homes were destroyed. As we rode, we discussed with him how we could best help now and in the long run. The home pictured to the right was destroyed by the shaking of the quake and water that gushed up out of the ground and flooded the house with 3 feet of water. As we began to pass out the relief supplies that you helped us purchase we began to talk first hand with some of the people. I specifically remember one teenage boy that a woman in the church introduced me to. He had lost both of his parents in the quake. I found myself helpless to say anything but to let him know we would like to help in any way we could.
Our first trip to Pisco was two days, then we returned to Lima for more relief supplies, including tents. While in Lima we had a Saturday night youth meeting with the youth from our recent youth camp. While together we were able to raise up a team of 13 that will be heading down to Pisco as a relief team in the next couple weeks. We have asked Pastor Jose to lead this team. We'll supply the funds for the relief supplies they'll take through the funds some of you have given. Our goal is to send an ongoing stream of Peruvian relief teams out of Lima that can help with ministry there, food delivery and rebuilding.
On our second trip to Pisco we once again met up with Pastor Carlos and Flor. Pastor Jose was there with a relief team from Lima and we were also joined by Pastor Hernan who had many relief supplies to add to what we brought. This time we went to some of the neediest neighborhoods and tent encampments. When the bus would drive up, immediately a line would form of 50 to 100 people. We would minister the gospel and pass out the food, water, clothing etc. We would minister to the people in line as they waited with music, the word of God and words of encouragement. The people were very orderly and grateful. I've never heard so many thank you's in my life even when the food ran out they would at least thank us for coming.
As we traveled to various locations we were able to see where the tents were needed the most. In one location next to the area where we were staying we found a blind man with some of his family living in a very makeshift shelter. We were able to set up a tent for them. Across the field from him we found a woman with 8 children living in a three foot high cardboard and plastic house. We were able to give her another tent. There are so many stories to tell yet I know we are limited in space on this page.
Let me finish by saying thank you for your prayers and financial support. You have no idea what a difference it made and is making. So far we have collected $4,500. So much more is needed to complete the task we believe we are called to do in Pisco. As the Lord touches your heart to help please know as I've said before 100% of your gifts will go directly to the needy families there in Pisco.
In His love in service,
Brian Weller and the Message Ministries Team
When we arrived in Pisco we immediately met up with Pastor Carlos and his wife Flor. A wonderful young Peruvian couple who had lost their home as well as their church building. They were joyfully taking on the task of caring for the 13 families from the church that had relocated into little mat shacks they had put together on the edge of town. These families had all lost their homes to the earthquake. They had no electric, water, bathrooms or any of the things that were destroyed in their homes. They had some food that had been donated but knew they needed more and were so grateful to see us, knowing God had sent us to come to their aid. Besides our team, Pastor Jose from Valle Verde was there to help. We unloaded many of the relief items for them to distribute. The next day Pastor Carlos took us to a woman who's house was not destroyed, so she opened her home to 5 families that lost everything. They moved in with her and she was trying to feed them with whatever relief supplies they could gather. We were able to give some supplies to them!
Next, Carlos and Flor led us to the area closer to the coast where many of the homes were destroyed. As we rode, we discussed with him how we could best help now and in the long run. The home pictured to the right was destroyed by the shaking of the quake and water that gushed up out of the ground and flooded the house with 3 feet of water. As we began to pass out the relief supplies that you helped us purchase we began to talk first hand with some of the people. I specifically remember one teenage boy that a woman in the church introduced me to. He had lost both of his parents in the quake. I found myself helpless to say anything but to let him know we would like to help in any way we could.
Our first trip to Pisco was two days, then we returned to Lima for more relief supplies, including tents. While in Lima we had a Saturday night youth meeting with the youth from our recent youth camp. While together we were able to raise up a team of 13 that will be heading down to Pisco as a relief team in the next couple weeks. We have asked Pastor Jose to lead this team. We'll supply the funds for the relief supplies they'll take through the funds some of you have given. Our goal is to send an ongoing stream of Peruvian relief teams out of Lima that can help with ministry there, food delivery and rebuilding.
On our second trip to Pisco we once again met up with Pastor Carlos and Flor. Pastor Jose was there with a relief team from Lima and we were also joined by Pastor Hernan who had many relief supplies to add to what we brought. This time we went to some of the neediest neighborhoods and tent encampments. When the bus would drive up, immediately a line would form of 50 to 100 people. We would minister the gospel and pass out the food, water, clothing etc. We would minister to the people in line as they waited with music, the word of God and words of encouragement. The people were very orderly and grateful. I've never heard so many thank you's in my life even when the food ran out they would at least thank us for coming.
As we traveled to various locations we were able to see where the tents were needed the most. In one location next to the area where we were staying we found a blind man with some of his family living in a very makeshift shelter. We were able to set up a tent for them. Across the field from him we found a woman with 8 children living in a three foot high cardboard and plastic house. We were able to give her another tent. There are so many stories to tell yet I know we are limited in space on this page.
Let me finish by saying thank you for your prayers and financial support. You have no idea what a difference it made and is making. So far we have collected $4,500. So much more is needed to complete the task we believe we are called to do in Pisco. As the Lord touches your heart to help please know as I've said before 100% of your gifts will go directly to the needy families there in Pisco.
In His love in service,
Brian Weller and the Message Ministries Team
I was amazed by this dear woman and her grandaughter who lost everything as you can see by the two pictures above. Yet every time I saw them they would smile. The woman was praising God that she was alive. All through the Pisco region I was surprised over and over at howmany of the people were just quickly picking up the pieces of their lives and pressing on because of their faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Since the August 15 earthquake in Pisco we've been busy trying to respond to the needs found in this city that had so much devastation from the 7.9 quake. There are so many needs, so we're helping where we can and in whatever ways we can. Hector has been working hard to organize and disburse the funds that have been donated to the appropriate people and places. He's been working with Pastor Jose of Valle Verde who's been taking teams down on weekends to bring relief supplies. There's still a need for food and some of the basic essentials of life for many of the people there. They're also helping to clean off property to get ready for rebuilding and ministering the gospel as they go! It's important that people know that God cares and that His people care as well.
With your help, we've begun rebuilding homes in Pisco. Since we have limited resources we thought it best to help rebuild one room for as many people as we can, instead of rebuilding whole houses. Doing it this way, people can get back to their properties and have an actual permanent place to live. Many are still living in tents or thatched homes like the ones posted on our Peru Earthquake Update page. Hector asked Pastor Carlos & Flor of Pisco if they could help organize this part of the relief effort. We're buying the construction materials and having them delivered to the families. Since Hector is an engineer as well as a minister he knows what it costs to rebuild and what materials are needed. We will help as many families as we can as long as the resources come in. If you are interested in helping with this need we welcome your gifts on behalf of the people. The cost of building one room is about $700 to $1,000. 100% of any gift sent for Earthquake Relief will go directly to the field. Brian
With your help, we've begun rebuilding homes in Pisco. Since we have limited resources we thought it best to help rebuild one room for as many people as we can, instead of rebuilding whole houses. Doing it this way, people can get back to their properties and have an actual permanent place to live. Many are still living in tents or thatched homes like the ones posted on our Peru Earthquake Update page. Hector asked Pastor Carlos & Flor of Pisco if they could help organize this part of the relief effort. We're buying the construction materials and having them delivered to the families. Since Hector is an engineer as well as a minister he knows what it costs to rebuild and what materials are needed. We will help as many families as we can as long as the resources come in. If you are interested in helping with this need we welcome your gifts on behalf of the people. The cost of building one room is about $700 to $1,000. 100% of any gift sent for Earthquake Relief will go directly to the field. Brian
PISCO, PERU - EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
OCTOBER 22, 2007
OCTOBER 22, 2007
It’s been over three months since the Earthquake hit the Ica Region of Peru. Since that time, most of our resources and focus have been on the people of these Earthquake ravaged areas. Recently, we’ve shifted from sending food and other staple items through our Peruvian relief teams from Lima, to helping people get their lives somewhat back to “normal” by rebuilding homes. Many not only lost their homes and most of their possessions but also have a big void in their lives through the death of family members the night of the quake on August 15.
We’re presently working on building or rebuilding ten little homes. We’re also helping to rebuild one of the churches that we’ve been working very closely with in Pisco. It’s our honor to help them and to be able to pass on your gifts in the name of the Lord Jesus. As you can imagine, they’re very grateful for the help they’re receiving and would love to tell you face to face. The rooms we’re building may not seem like much to us in the United States but for those that were left homeless by the quake and with almost nothing, it’s a very big blessing. The cost to build one of these little homes for a family is $700 to $1,000. The people are receiving hope knowing that there are people that care about them and that God is hearing and answering their prayers for help.
I asked Hector to send pictures of more people that need help! In response to my request he sent pictures of seven more families that we’re seeking to help immediately by building a little home for them. As we come in contact with these specific needs on the field we simply share the need and whatever God brings in, we give away directly to those in need. We’re so thankful for every gift God entrusts us with through our faithful friends and supporters. It helps us to help them! Thank you for all you’ve done to help the Earthquake victims and please continue to pray that God will lead and guide us as we seek to fulfill His plan in Peru.
Brian
We’re presently working on building or rebuilding ten little homes. We’re also helping to rebuild one of the churches that we’ve been working very closely with in Pisco. It’s our honor to help them and to be able to pass on your gifts in the name of the Lord Jesus. As you can imagine, they’re very grateful for the help they’re receiving and would love to tell you face to face. The rooms we’re building may not seem like much to us in the United States but for those that were left homeless by the quake and with almost nothing, it’s a very big blessing. The cost to build one of these little homes for a family is $700 to $1,000. The people are receiving hope knowing that there are people that care about them and that God is hearing and answering their prayers for help.
I asked Hector to send pictures of more people that need help! In response to my request he sent pictures of seven more families that we’re seeking to help immediately by building a little home for them. As we come in contact with these specific needs on the field we simply share the need and whatever God brings in, we give away directly to those in need. We’re so thankful for every gift God entrusts us with through our faithful friends and supporters. It helps us to help them! Thank you for all you’ve done to help the Earthquake victims and please continue to pray that God will lead and guide us as we seek to fulfill His plan in Peru.
Brian
PISCO, PERU - EARTHQUAKE UPDATE NOVEMBER 2007
As I write this first letter of 2008, I’m reminded that it was 30 years ago that we formed the original Message Ministries. A lot has taken place in those 30 years and we’ve had so many opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in so many different places. One thing that hasn’t changed in 30 years is the need to share the Gospel wherever we can and
with whomever we can. We’re doing our small part by partnering with you and with indigenous pastors and missionaries.
The pictures are of two more houses that are almost complete for earthquake victims in Pisco, Peru. Hector is preparing to go to Chincha a town near Pisco next week to begin preparation to build five more little homes for Earthquake victims.
Pastor Hernan pastors a middle class church in Lima and has volunteered to send two teams to Chincha to help build homes, one team will go in February and one in March. We will provide the building materials, they will provide the labor. We’ve also included a picture of the Christmas outreach we were able to sponsor with Pastor Jose of Valle Verde in Lima on their new church property, which was purchased for $200.
This month we also began sending monthly support to DC and Sonja Kaushal’s slum school and orphanage in the northern part of India. Thank you so much for your continued love and support which helps us bring the reality of God’s love and blessing to the poor people of Peru and beyond!
with whomever we can. We’re doing our small part by partnering with you and with indigenous pastors and missionaries.
The pictures are of two more houses that are almost complete for earthquake victims in Pisco, Peru. Hector is preparing to go to Chincha a town near Pisco next week to begin preparation to build five more little homes for Earthquake victims.
Pastor Hernan pastors a middle class church in Lima and has volunteered to send two teams to Chincha to help build homes, one team will go in February and one in March. We will provide the building materials, they will provide the labor. We’ve also included a picture of the Christmas outreach we were able to sponsor with Pastor Jose of Valle Verde in Lima on their new church property, which was purchased for $200.
This month we also began sending monthly support to DC and Sonja Kaushal’s slum school and orphanage in the northern part of India. Thank you so much for your continued love and support which helps us bring the reality of God’s love and blessing to the poor people of Peru and beyond!
Message Ministries
& Missions Inc.
PO Box 7158
St. Petersburg,
Florida
33734-7158
Phone & fax:
727-527-0595
messageministry
@aol.com
& Missions Inc.
PO Box 7158
St. Petersburg,
Florida
33734-7158
Phone & fax:
727-527-0595
messageministry
@aol.com
MESSAGE
MIN. on FACEBOOK
MIN. on FACEBOOK
