Joyful Beginnings: Doors to Hope Open in Northern Peru

As the blazing heat of the day fades, neighbors in Piura, a region in northern Peru, gather outside to chat after a long day on the farm. Children laugh and play around them in the warm evening air.

Suddenly, an unexpected announcement echoes through the town speakers, capturing everyone’s attention.

Six-year-old Khalessi and her friends put their pink dolls down and rush to tell their families the news. The local church has announced something extraordinary: a new program that will bring hope and help to their families. Tomorrow, Pastor Maria and her team will go door to door welcoming 150 children into Compassion’s program.

Pastor Maria, who has been faithfully serving this community for years, has prayed for this moment. Seeing the deep needs of the children and their families, she says this partnership with Compassion is an answer to her prayers.

Hope Knocks on the Door

The next day, Khalessi, her grandmother Crecencia and their extended family eagerly await the church volunteers’ visit. The entire family lives together in a small, one-story home.

Crecencia carefully hand-washes Khalessi’s favorite dress and brushes her hair. The family is excited, curious and a little nervous. But they feel reassured when they see a familiar face at the door. Veronica, the new center director, is a local and knows the struggles the town faces all too well.

“Among other issues — like lack of opportunities, deficient health care, drug addiction in the youth, idolatry and witchcraft — unemployment is one of the biggest problems. Parents have to go out and find work, and their children get neglected,” says Veronica.

“Our town has been forgotten, but not by God”

Khalessi was born in Lima, but she moved to her grandmother’s hometown during the pandemic. Her mother works in the city, sending what little money she can, but it’s never enough.

“I have 11 children and more than 20 grandchildren,” says Crecencia. “I wish I could register all of them in this program.”

Crecencia worries about Khalessi. “She’s too thin. I’m sure she has parasites.” Despite Crecencia running a small store and selling pastries, her income barely covers their basic needs. “We could use some help,” she says.

Sadly, stories like Crecencia and Khalessi’s are common here. Many parents, particularly single mothers, are overworked and underpaid, leaving children to grow up without adequate care.

The Compassion partnership has ignited hope in the community, especially for children like Khalessi. Now, the children and their families can receive the support they need to overcome community issues like drug addiction, poor nutrition and a lack of opportunities.

Compassion Peru has already trained the staff and church volunteers on child protection, stewardship of funds, and early childhood development and nutrition. The program will provide children with regular medical checkups, education and the chance to hear the gospel.

This day, Pastor Maria, Veronica and Dercy, the church secretary, walk from house to house where they’re warmly welcomed by families who are excited to hear about the program’s benefits for their children.

“They all gave us a warm welcome because they knew who we were,” says Veronica, “and hearing about the benefits the children can experience in the program made them glad and hopeful.”

“I know this work will change their lives”

Crecencia is grateful that three of her grandchildren, including Khalessi, have been welcomed into the center.

“I’m glad Khalessi is learning about God at the church. Whatever help we can get is great. We’re very grateful for that,” she says.

Khalessi agrees. “I like going to church on the weekends,” she says. “I sing, dance and have fun with my friends. They also give us a yummy snack when we go. I love to play with dolls and to color too! Being part of the church makes me happy.”

Starting a new program can be challenging, but Pastor Maria and her team are committed.

“We’re excited! We’re fasting and praying for this great work,” says Pastor Maria. “After registration day, we saw some mothers at our church services for the first time."

“God is in the middle of this; he has orchestrated this. He will give us the strength we need, and he will bless the work we do. The children will be discipled, loved, known and cared for. I know this work will change their lives.”