The party of colors

It was a very beautiful time where you could see the hand of God touching the hearts of the children who bowed down and opened their hearts to the only King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Moments of joy and fun were shared and above all, the word of God was sown in their hearts. Thanking God for the number of children who received Jesus in their hearts. All glory to our Heavenly Father. Thanks also to the Happy Planet team.

Promotion of the 5 year olds

The promotion of the 5 year olds was great again. Every year it is a party for the little ones to leave the pre-school and go to primary school. Family is invited, there is good food and many photos are taken. Grateful that we can give these children Christian education.

DTS team Colombia (Cartagena)

At the weekly YWAM meeting a group from YWAM Cartagena shared with us their passion for and creativity in evangelism. They encouraged us with a dance that they use in markets and parks to draw people to them. This team had some very young missionaries and they showed us how with God it is possible at any age to share the gospel, hear God’s voice, and to lead others to do the same. They filled our base with worship and celebration while here. They could be heard practicing dramas, singing, and enjoying being a community of brother and sisters in Christ. Our Jóvenes (young adults) group really enjoyed having the team visit. They shared a message on discipline and hearing God’s voice. During the Women’s club ministry the team participated by caring for the women’s children and by sharing their time and stories with the women.

The team partnered with another local church that is led by YWAMers from Korea to invite the neighborhood to a large church celebration and to share about Christ. The group was also able to share with the YWAM pastor about our upcoming DTS. The pastor was very excited for the chance to share our school opportunity with the youth at his church.

During their time here, the missionaries visited 4 local churches to lead their youth programs and to share about their testimonies of personal growth through their Discipleship Training School. And to share about our DTS school to a large group of young adults right after two preachers commissioned the youth to share the gospel and to obey God’s calling on their lives.

It was hard to say goodbye to Andrew and Mikayla again as they return to Cartagena for the graduation of these missionary students. However they will be back soon as we prepare for our own DTS class here at Brazos Abiertos in February.

Teen outing

It was a great afternoon of fun for our Desafíos Xtremos teens. They have worked hard all year through their service, sales and study of the word of God, to be able to attend this trip to Mr. Joy.
Where many of the children were surprised and excited that despite living in Lima, they do not have the means to have fun in these types of parks. Glory to God for this afternoon. Thank you ABBA

Parque de las Leyendas

On Friday, the Primary School students visited the Zoo, Parque de las Leyendas. It was a very fun and educational experience at the same time. Most of our children had never visited the Zoo. They were able to meet exotic animals from around the world, and see representations of the natural wonders of Peru. We thank God for this beautiful trip.

Feast of Light

Our Feast of Light is focused on telling the children and families of the community that they should not celebrate darkness, that is, no Halloween, but we can celebrate life because Jesus conquered death and He lives in us.
As a church we understand the importance of being light in this world, as it says in Matthew 5:14-16. You are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
So let us shine the light of Jesus in every home and family.
The party was a great blessing for the glory of God, it was carried out in a wonderful way, each child was able to see and understand that we must celebrate Christ in their lives and not death.

Teambuilding

We had a few great days with the team of YWAM Lima, Brazos Abiertos. In a beautiful place in Cieneguilla we took time to worship, listen to teachings, pray for each other, play games, eat well and relax. Grateful for this fruitful time and to continue to grow in the relationships among each other.

Missionary trip to Satipo

The missionary trip to the central jungle of Peru was a success. We traveled for more than 9 hours to the brothers of the Castillo Fuerte church in Satipo and Pastor Reyes received us with great joy. We began our activities with visits to families and talks for the men. In the afternoons we carried out sports and recreational activities for children, adolescents and young people.

Our work continued at the Emmanuel church in the town of Paratushiali. Here we have evangelized in the streets, squares and avenues, since the church had few members. In the mornings we made visits, in the afternoons we did sports, recreational and cosmetology activities for women and in the evenings we had family services in the town’s central square. During this time many young people accepted Jesus in their hearts and many brothers were restored. We said goodbye praying for the pastor and the church of Paratushali. But the mission still continues, we continue to disciple through calls and messages to the brothers and new converts of the Emmanuel church in Paratushiali, we are going for more.

Fancy Fair

The annual Fancy Fair was again a great success. Everyone could enjoy delicious food and play games. In addition, there was a sale of clothing, shoes and many other things. With a nice profit for the school’s books, we can look back on a successful event. Praise the Lord.

Mental Health Day

Every year, on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is celebrated. The goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world.
The importance of mental health lies in the fact that, in its absence, a person is unable to function properly in their environment.
Its absence also often compromises a person’s physical health, generating pathologies and illnesses that can become chronic. This is why it is as important to take care of it as we take care of our physical body.
For this reason, we teach our students how important it is to take care of our mental health as children of God.

Sports classes

I am Emmanuel, a Physical Education teacher serving as a missionary in the ministry of YWAM Lima Open Arms in Peru. I want to tell you that the grace and love of God is reflected in the lives of all the children with whom we have the opportunity to serve. Our responsibility as Christians is to form children for life, prepared for every good work, intellectually, in sports practice and values. But above all, to guide them in faith so that they know the love of Jesus at an early age, so we invite you to join the mission of Matthew 28:19. God bless you.

Art Classes

This week in art class we talked about Jonah and the consequences of disobedience. The students made a fish with CDs and colored leaves, beautiful works. Nature is the greatest work of art created by God, the students stamped tree leaves on a cardboard painted black with colored tempera. With the help of God we continue to promote intelligent creative recycling. Through the creation of mobiles with plastic bottles, more than 100 bottles were reused in these creations.

Missions Month

We started a month dedicated to learning about the work that YWAM missionaries do around the world. Third grade children, between 8 and 9 years old, researched with their teacher about the reality of the countries in the 10-40 Window, and asked missionaries Willem and Oscar to explain about islam and buddhism, which is practiced in most of these countries. Finally, all the children in the school prayed for these nations that God would send workers to their harvest, and they opened their hearts to be sent in the will of God.

School for parents

On Thursday we had a school for parents, the topic was “The Responsibility of Healthy Eating.” The speaker was Lic. Zulema Gallardo, from the Children’s Hospital of San Borja. Her talk was complemented with food tastings prepared by the teachers in charge of the event, achieving a beneficial impact among the parents in attendance.

Children’s Day

We celebrated Children’s Day at our school. The different classrooms celebrated this day with various activities such as: mini-chef, dances and surprises in the classroom. It was very nice to have the active participation of all the parents who sent beautiful messages full of love to each of their children!

Volunteer Debbie

In 2011-2012 I did a DTS with YWAM and came to Peru for my outreach and was able to be a part of the Brazos Abiertos ministry. My team had helped build a bathroom for their preschool at that time. After 10 years, in September 2022, God called me back to Brazos Abiertos until August 2023 where I was able to witness God’s work since I first came. During this time I was able to assist several teachers in their classrooms and teach English to the children. At church I helped with the children’s adventurers program. I also had the privilege of working with Yeissy, the leader of the teen ministry, assisting her with the teen programs and being on the same praise team on sunday. During my time at Open Arms God has revealed many things to me and blessed me with those who have become family.

Wedding

Our teacher Helen is married to Jose Luis. It is beautiful to see them together and thankful that they want to follow Jesus together. We bless their marriage and pray for a wonderful time together.

Independence Day

It was great to celebrate the freedom in Peru together. The children from the school had depicted the history of Peru in different scenes.
Many parents came to see the colorfully dressed children and their acting talents. We are grateful to God for the freedom in Peru and pray that it will remain that way.

Team Christchurch USA

What a blessing it is every time to have a team from America. This youth team of 17 people from Grand Rapids, Michigan has been able to do a lot for the ministry Brazos Abiertos as well as other ministries in Lima. Sports, devotions, English, art, singing, practical work, evangelism and home visits were some of the activities they served with. The children, teens and adults were happy to hear about the love of Jesus in this way. In addition to good food there was also time for relaxation. We are grateful for this great team. If you would also like to come and serve with a team in the slums of Lima, Peru let us know.

Healing hearts

This workshop was a great blessing; many women were able to find tools and ways to treat the wounds of their past and present. Some had the opportunity to tell their testimony and get involved in collective activities that our sisters brought to the workshop. God is faithful.

Teacher’s Day

We celebrated teacher’s day extensively together with a beautiful program by the teachers and the children, we had such a laugh. We are grateful for every teacher who teaches the children every day in the different subjects and tells them about Jesus our savior. We had a delicious meal together and everyone received a small gift.

Freedomhouse team

We are grateful for the wonderful time with the Freedomhouse team from the USA. A time of practical work, sports with the children, English lessons and telling about Jesus. We also went into the neighborhood to evangelize and make home visits. Together with the church we had a time of worship, sharing testimonies and praying with the people. So cool that several people have made a choice for Jesus and some have been healed of physical illnesses. God is good and faithful, to Him all honor and glory.

Father’s Day

A good time to thank God together with all (spiritual) fathers for everything God has done in our lives. A time of worship and a beautiful message. Together with games, a present and delicious food. We are grateful for the women who had prepared everything well.

DTS team New Zealand

We are very grateful for the great DTS team from New Zealand, who were with us for 2 weeks to do their outreach. They helped with different activities of Brazos Abiertos. Great to see their talents and gifts to tell the gospel in different ways to the children, teenagers and adults and to hear their testimonies. For Brazos Abiertos it was also beautiful and special to have people from different countries such as, New Zealand, Sweden, Philippines, England, Japan and the USA.

Sleepover

On Friday, May 31, we had an excellent sleepover with the teenagers from Brazos Abiertos. Where they learned from the word of God, testimonies and messages from the New Zealand team and games. But as a central theme we talked about identity in Christ, a wonderful time where God blessed us with twice as many kids who were enrolled. Glory be to God.

Volunteer Sjoerd

My name is Sjoerd and I went on a working holiday at Brazos Abiertos for 2 weeks with the young people from my community.

I enjoyed every moment at Brazos Abiertos and gained many memories and experiences!
In the 2 weeks that I was here I was able to experience a lot from Peru and the organization Brazos Abiertos. For example, I helped people in the neighborhood strengthen/build houses and install fences.
We also organized activities such as a strongman/woman competition and were able to help organize Peru’s independence celebration.

I was also able to help the children in the school with English and sports. I also learned a lot at Brazos Abiertos, I thought it was special how the people there believe. The people at Brazos Abiertos and from the neighborhood itself believe in a different way than we do in the Netherlands, they have little, but their faith is strong and pure.
The people were also really grateful for the work we did! (Or even our very presence)
It was a valuable and special experience that allowed me to grow a lot!

 

13 years of Open Arms

What a great week of celebrations we had with Open Arms 13th birthday. Thankful for what God has done in recent years to restore families to the principles of the Bible and provide children with a Christian education. God is good and faithful and we look forward to continuing to grow in the coming years.

Recycling

During recycling week, Brazos Abiertos school students carried out a recycling campaign where they learned to store garbage intelligently in order to give a helping hand to the planet. A craft contest made from recycled material was held and the winners of the craft contest were very happy with the prizes.

Volunteer Lisanne

I was a volunteer at Brazos Abiertos for six months. A very special experience!

It was a very educational time in which I was able to learn about Peruvian culture, hospitality, what life is like in the slums and of course the language. I also contributed at school, in church and in the neighborhood. For example, I helped children with the teaching material and their homework and, for example, I was involved in youth activities. Very cool and fun to make new contacts and be at the heart of Peruvian life.

I look back on this time with great gratitude! How warmly I was received by the team but also the people in the neighborhood. I have been able to receive and learn so much. Likewise, God will give enough every day and you can ask Him for anything, even the little things.

Church maintenance

The church of Brazos Abiertos has had a renovation. Everything painted again, so that we can move forward again. Grateful to be able to do this together with a number of people from the church.

Easter 2024

The Lord has truly risen, we celebrated that with the church and with the school of Brazos Abiertos. A program with the children with the school and on Friday evening with an Easter walk and on Sunday with an Easter breakfast. Many people have come and heard the message of Easter. Jesus lives.

Womenclub

The women’s club has started with a beauty day and then with several workshops. Beautiful to see the talents and gifts of women and share the love of Jesus.

Baptism service

We had a wonderful baptism service in the Cieneguilla River. 6 women and 2 men have made the choice to be baptized and to follow Jesus. Hallelujah. Afterwards we enjoyed the river and the delicious food together.

EBDV for children

EBDV (Holiday Bible Week for Children)

A wonderful experience this year with the EBDV with the theme of being called and all this in Cowboy style. It was a blessing to see so many children participating in the 5 stations, all very happy and uplifted with the lessons of the word of God. Thanks to everyone who helped with this work. We continue to tell the children about Jesus in order to carry out the great commission from Matthew 28:19-20.

EBDV 2024

This week was great. Teenagers between 12 and 15 years old learned in a fun way about being chosen by God. We were blessed that a boy wanted to be baptized in water. We hope and pray that they continue to decide for God.

Kawac Marca

It was a beautiful night where we praised and worshiped God to the rhythm of Peruvian folk music. The church rejoiced and we danced together in the same spirit. Pastor Elmer from Open Arms Church shared a good message and has blessed the Kawac Marka group. Finally we delight ourselves with delicious food of the Peruvian gastronomy.

Church

The church is growing and that is nice to see. This weekend we had 2 days of prayer and fasting with the church, which was very good. The children and teenagers fully participate in the activities in the church.

Chocolate party

We were blessed by the Chacarilla church team through their evangelistic chocolate party.

Fancy fair

The annual fancy fair was again a great success. Enjoy a meal together, play games, exercise and much more. A fun day for the whole family with the aim of raising funds for the children’s schoolbooks and we are grateful that this was partially successful. It’s great to organize this together with all the parents of the school and volunteers.

Going out

The school children had a beautiful day outing to a countryside field in Cieneguilla and others to the Voices for Climate Ecological Park. It was a spectacular day with soccer, volleyball, swimming pool and delicious Peruvian food. They also learned about the Peruvian sea and its marine wealth, as well as how to avoid pollution of its waters. The children saw several models of aircraft from the Peruvian Air Force. It was a good time together, laughing, telling jokes, anecdotes in the park and on the bus. In the end, strengthening coexistence between students and enjoying nature.

Pichanaqui mission trip

We went on a mission trip to the jungle in Pichanaqui with the church of Open Arms. We have worked, among other things, with the indigenous tribe of the Ashaninca in the town of Impitato-Cascada. It was a great trip where we got to share the word of God in different places and for different ages. Programs with sports and games for children and teenagers and education about marriage for adults. Grateful that a number of people and many children have given their hearts to Jesus. Nice to hear the testimonies of what God is doing. There was a man who was clearly touched by the word of God and a testimony and again made a choice to follow Jesus.

Teambuilding

With the Brazos Abiertos team we had a great 2 days in Santa Eulalia. Team building and using the DISC test to look at the gifts, talents and character traits of each other. It was very educational and good to get to know each other better and work on the relationship. In addition, good food, games and a beautiful location, God is faithful and good, grateful.

Going out

The school children enjoyed the trips. Admire nature created by God, meeting animals such as monkeys, camels, etc. Other children were able to learn a little about the sea and its riches and the pollution caused by man and electricity. Other children met the peacock, the llama, saw and fed the goats, enjoyed cute games and a train ride. The trips were very nice.

Month of the Bible

Last Sunday we had the closing of the month of the Bible. A great time to take to the streets together and share the good news of Jesus in words and gestures.

School for parents

The teachers from Brazos Abiertos and the parents of the School analyzed the dangers that Social Networks represent for our children. Through dramatizations, dialogue and presentations, parents were warned of the need not to expose their children to cell phone use without adult supervision. Let us pray for the protection of our children and the care they need from their parents.

Month of the bible and fasting

The month of September is the month of the Bible and there are all kinds of activities in the church.

In addition, we regularly fast with the church, worship God and seek His presence.

Family games

Thank God we managed to have an amazing time. The power of unity brings blessing when working in alliance we can impact families and community. This event is proof of this that the unity of the church, regardless of denomination, can leave the four walls and bring Jesus to families that are still unreached. We spent a nice time playing games, with lots of fun, healthy competition, and focused on sharing our Faith and at the end ending with some fruits for all the families of the Nueva Juventud community.

We can make disciples through games and sports, this strategy breaks down barriers, social class and religion, so we can reach children and families more easily and with greater confidence.

Seeing children play and have fun with their parents fills us with joy and seeing them smile in a recreational time where they forget for a moment about life’s difficulties. And that is where many, upon hearing the message of Faith that there is hope in Jesus, return home transformed.

We invest time and effort as a team, we do it because we believe in the family and our desire is to see them united.
Matthew 28:19. Go and make disciples. Saving and uniting families.

Trip 4th grade

The teacher and the mothers of the classroom committee organized a trip to the children’s park. In order to celebrate the day of the child and promote sports, recreational and traditional games. Strengthen coexistence, unity and teamwork among students was good. With the support of the sports teacher and classroom parents who supported us with transportation. The children enjoyed a very good morning and also shared a delicious lunch. God is faithful.

Beauty day

It was a nice time with the moms of the women’s club, here are some testimonials.

For me it was a very nice experience because we had many women. But one woman in particular was very surprising. She was so tired, she came from her work and she decided to give herself this nice time. And she was the most beautiful of hers that came out of her and I saw her so relaxed and at peace that it was very gratifying to see her resting in the middle of everything. And I reiterate that this is what we want to get them out of their routines and see them smile and rest.

What I have been able to see is that each woman looked very different from the other days. Putting beautiful nails and hairstyles, cuts and makeup. I have been able to notice that, the change of the transformation and see how beautiful they are and take that time just for them.

It was not only for women, but also children could be given an opportunity so that they can have a haircut.

Independence day

Open Arms celebrated the Independence Day of Peru with a festival of dances, typical food and an exhibition of information from the different regions that make up the Peruvian territory.
Children, parents and teachers came together to thank God for the beautiful country that he has given us, value it and commit ourselves to care for it with love.
It was a celebration of joy and love for God and for Peru. God bless and restore this precious land.

Mission trip to San Cristóbal de Tambo

Thank God and everyone who supported our educational outreach trip to San Cristóbal de Tambo in the northern highlands of Peru.
It has been an unforgettable experience sharing our faith in Jesus. Using music and physical education classes, as the evangelism strategy and what better to be surrounded by many mountains over 4,000 meters high, with a climate of 0 to 2 °C. It was very surprising to appreciate nature with very beautiful landscapes. Our time with the school children was very pleasant to serve them and brighten their lives, we work with children in preschool and primary school. The children live in the mountains of the northern highlands of Peru, 5 hours from the department of Huaraz. Their mother tongue is Quechua, but they also speak Spanish. To get to school the children have to take a long walk of one to two hours, but even so they are very happy to study.
Missionaries: Jorge (music) and Emmanuel (Physical Education).

Family day

The family day was a nice time for the families of the school and the church to participate. Where it was seen the participation of dad, mom and children. Working as a family team in the different fun games with the support of the teachers and all the staff of Brazos Abiertos.

Baptism service

What a wonderful baptismal service we had. 3 people have made the choice to follow Jesus and be baptized in the river. Grateful, God is good.

School Olympics “Open Arms 2023”.

Thanks to God and the good performance of the teachers of the “Brazos Abiertos” school, we managed to carry out our internal school Olympics, it was an incredible time; Seeing our school children compete and give their best, striving to win and deserve an award, as a school team it fills us with joy and satisfaction to see future athletes who will represent Peru and above all will carry the name of Jesus up high.

In these Olympics all our children from 1st grade to 6th grade of primary level participated, each school group represented a country; Mexico, the Netherlands, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru and Argentina, the competitions were in both the women’s and men’s categories in the sports disciplines of: basketball, athletics (100 meters and 4×100 relay) and soccer.

All the winners of both categories (female and male) of each sports discipline in the different individual and team competitions were awarded.

The inauguration was an incredible time, seeing the children parade and representing the country that corresponded to them with dignity, hearing the joy of all those present and the cheers of the parents, it was a time full of emotion and a party atmosphere, it is worth mentioning when the children made the journey of the olympic torch, carrying a torch with real fire, it caused one more emotion for the spectacle of those present, at the end the cauldron was set on fire, the children enjoyed that experience a bit similar to the olympic games .

In the course of the day, during the competitions we experience different feelings on the part of the children; joy for winning, some cried with joy for winning, while others cried with sadness for losing, there were few children who expressed frustration during the game, when their team was losing, but we always tried to see for the good of the children in encouraging them and Motivate them, our job as educators is to guide and teach them to reflect, to know how to lose and win in a game and without forgetting the importance of respecting the rules of the game, referees and the opposing team.

Ywam Foz de Iguazú

On May 11, we received the visit of 9 young people from the YWAM Foz de Iguazú base, in the state of Paraná-Brazil.
We have previously received teams made up of YWAM DTS students from different countries, but this was the first team from Brazil that we received at our base.

At first we thought that the language barriers and the absence of translators on both teams would represent a great challenge, but once again God glorified himself in the midst of this, reminding us that languages ​​and cultures are not a barrier for Him. But rather bridges and opportunities, nations are part of the heart of God.

The team was a great blessing to our church and community. They assumed the leadership of the different programs and services that we offer as a church and foundation. Ministering in prayer services and Sunday services, praying and blessing the families of the church with their visits and participation in the cell.
Its impact was not limited to our “four walls”, in the afternoons the team dedicated itself to community service by cleaning public spaces, parks and sports fields. On more than one occasion we saw an immediate result: children from the community, seeing them clean, also joined and became aware of cleaning and caring for public spaces. This also served to be able to share the message of hope and love with the neighboring neighbors who visited the parks or who were around.

The evangelistic heart of this team burned with passion. Every night we make impacts in the streets with evangelistic dramas and fire shows, in public squares and places in Cieneguilla and Manchay.
We also had the opportunity to visit the “Casa Don Bosco” program for a whole morning inside the “Maranguita” prison for minors in Lima. This time was very impressive, both for the boys in the prison and for us, we could see the hand of God, moving and once again loving the lost.

Outreach of the DTS team from Medellin Colombia.

Our young people from Medellin Colombia, during the days they were in Open Arms, worked on home visits, doing children’s events in Estrellita and Tolentino. We worked with the cell groups of The Lighthouse, Tolentino and Alamos. It was a nice time to fraternize and teach the word of God according to Matthew 28:19-20. And they did practical work in the Lighthouse, the church and gardens. They were a great blessing for the Open Arms ministry.

Inauguration of our Preschool

We give thanks to our Lord, for providing in our needs! Because of this, we finished Stage 2 of the construction project; 3 preschool classrooms.
Last Sunday, we had a beautiful time of celebration, with our team, invites, students and their families.

Vacation Bible week for kids

The Theme was the Circus of Life. We have worked with a team of 20 people. 115 children have come this week.
The children actively participated in each of the stations and many were challenged by the power of God’s word.
70 children accepted Christ into their hearts. This Bible school was a great blessing for many children. God is no respecter of persons.

https://youtu.be/-xrs7IfWrvg

Vacation Bible week Teenagers

This week we had a special experience with our Teenagers. It was a week that opened with Sports accompanied by the USA FreedomHouse team, which also supported us with crafts, games and with the wonderful news that 4 boys received Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
After a week learning more about the word, we close with a very fun full day at the pool, all to honor and glorify Heavenly Father.

 

Visiting teams

It’s a huge blessing and joy to have teams visiting us!

Southbrook Church, Wisconsin came with 9 men and dismantled our pre school, built up every part of wood in another place, gave out a hundred of children’s Bibles and did so much more.

The Mexican Mazatlam DTS visited us for a couple of days with 14 young people serving God in our community by outreaches and practical work and soon, Freedom House Church (Charoltte NC) will be visiting us with a team of 25. We’re so looking forward and we praise God for the blessing they are.

If you’d like to mobilize your church/group as well, let us know, we’d be happy to help you organize.   

Construction

At this moment, we are finishing our stage 2 of the construction project. So far, 150.000,- USD has come in, which we’re very grateful for. 3 Classrooms have been constructed and with the finishing touch, this next weeks, we will be ready for classes on March 6th! About 60 children will have their daily classes in these class rooms.

 

Run and Fancy Fair

The Fair 2022 was a succes!
Thanks to the help of all the parents and volunteers.
It was a joy, to see our children and many more, run for the school.

All over the world people have run, skated, organized dinners etc. and some are still organizing activities in order to raise the money to build the preschool!

Although we’re not there yet, the construction of the school has started.
Our goal is to raise 350.000$.
Until now, 140.000$ has come in, praise God, He is providing and uses people like you and me.

Please continue to pray and give. We are trusting God and do everything that’s in our ability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxjDQKK1-q0