Brazos Abiertos

December 11, 12 and 13 @ Brazos Abiertos Church, it was a great succes!

We are happy to announce the start of our phase 1 of the construction of Brazos Abiertos. The phase consists the construction of a 3 story house over a 120 yards’ area, which gives space to several Elementary class rooms, conference rooms and hospitality rooms for visiting teams and volunteers. We are very grateful to all our sponsors who enable us to make our necessary growth possible. But, we´re not there yet. Of the total construction costs; 225.000,- USD, we raised already 142.000,- USD. This means we need 83.000,- to finish phase 1! Specifications on the costs of phase 1 (or the other phases) our available on request. Please add to your donation the comment ´construction phase 1´ so we know where it´s for. Thank you and God bless you.

The situation in Peru regarding Covid 19 is still very challenging and the reason that children are required to continue to stay home. Our awesome teachers are doing their best, to keep our children at grade level. This is a huge challenge in many homes for many reasons. Some families because of the lack of parental support due to working outside of the home and others not being educated themselves. The frequent house visits are appreciated and often rewarded with beautiful smiles.

In the meanwhile we have been in ´lock down´ for over 3 months now, because of the COVID virus. The Brazos´ school is closed, but the education continues. Thanks to the creativity of our staff, all the children receive daily classes through whatsapp, Facebook or the homework booklets they pick up every week. As many of the parents do not have internet, they come once a day to sit next to the Brazos building where they connect with our wifi, download or send the homework and on their way again. As some of the parents are illiterate or the child has severe learning difficulties, it becomes almost impossible for them to keep by. Those children come twice a week or more to Brazos to receive the help they need from our staff, respecting all safety protocols against infection.

As the lock down had a severe economical impact on the community, many of them were left without food. Thanks to many supporters, we were and still are able to reach out 3 times a week to over 150 families to hand out food packages. During those visits we share the gospel with them and pray for them. The people are very grateful and we praise God for His provision and guidance, every day!

The effects of the virus hasn’t passed our doors either. Very soon the school were closed and not long after, al the companies had to close as well. Only supermarkets, banks and gas stations are allowed to be open. Many of the Brazos Abiertos families were heavily effected by this, as many of them live from what they earned that same day. Fortunately thanks to the goodness of some sponsors, we could buy food packages and gave them to many families. It was touching to experience the gratitude of a child who was so happy to see a tomato in the package.. We continue to serve, through all difficult circumstances. Will you pray with us for all those families?

Getting ready for a new school year to start. Thanks to Southbrook Church Mission team.