Peru

Peru is one of the poorest nations in South America. Peruvians are looking for their identity after almost five centuries of exploitation by foreigners in a culturally and linguistically diverse nation, regionally isolated into coastal, mountain, and jungle communities. Populations in the major cities have been increasing at alarming rates due to urban migration from rural areas. Today, nearly half of Peru’s disproportionately youthful population lives in poverty. This culturally catholic nation is religiously divided between Catholic and non-Catholic. Among the most pressing social issues are rampant poverty, corruption at all levels of organization and government, drug trafficking, local terrorist groups and the breakdown of traditional families.

  1. Mission Statement

    • Our calling is to practice and proclaim the Kingdom of God to children, adolescents and young adults who have lived on, are currently living on, or are at immediate risk for the streets. Our focus area is the historic district of Lima. The WMF community in Lima labors holistically in the following areas: Street Outreach, Bible Studies, Family Network Care and Social Development.

  2. Street Outreach

    • We are responding to the population of youth in our focus area by raising awareness about their civil rights, and by teaching biblical principles. We regularly visit the freeway overpasses and rented rooms where they sleep and frequent. In partnership with another organization, we hold weekly meetings inside a rented facility during which we worship, share a meal, play soccer, and offer educational and life skills workshops.

  3. Girls’ Bible Study

    • The Girls’ Bible Study exists to accompany the young women we know, both those who are still living on the street and those who have left. We meet every Tuesday morning for study, prayer and worship. Our focus is discipleship, teaching the application of biblical truths to our lives. Many bring their children, who play in our nursery. After the study, we share lunch, talk and nurture our friendships.

  4. Integration

    • The goal of Integration is to strengthen the familial ties among the youth with whom we work, who have returned home. We encourage both spiritual and social growth and development, and pursue positive detachment from the community to facilitate bonding in their new environment. The three components of Integration are:
    • •  Visits:  Home visits help maintain contact with the youth and monitor growth in the new environment.
      •  Celebrations: Monthly meetings designed around biblical teachings, sharing, and celebrating growth.
      •  Local church: Workshops and follow up designed to encourage church attendance in their local neighborhood.

  5. Social Development

    • Social Development assists all WMF Peru’s programs to raise awareness about personal health care, individual and social growth and development, and effective information management.  It has the following three components:
    • •  Adolescents: Awareness-raising about personal integrity and health issues.
      •  Education assistance: Applicant selection and follow up; fund management for educational and vocational opportunities.
      •  Adult populations: Accompany the maturation process and the ownership of personal responsibility for choices.