Peru Mission

Sputtering Toward Splendor: Our Mission to Peru

 

On June 8th, Central UMC’s sponsored mission trip to the Huancayo area of Peru began with a sputter.  Most of the 32 participants left on the church bus, bound for Charlotte’s airport, and without our primary translator.  By the time the group arrived in Charlotte she had joined them, but the sputtering continued: flights delayed, then canceled.  For half the group, the first night of our mission trip was spent in Charlotte.

Undeterred, the group finally reunited in Lima, Peru in the early morning of June 10th, having learned many lessons about serving Christ, even before the first patient was seen or dirt was shoveled.  Patience, it seems, was the theme of the beginning.

Once we arrived in the Huancayo area of Peru, our sputtering gave way to stammering.  Our breath was taken away by the high altitude, but more so by the beauty of the  people, the surroundings, and God’s good grace. Greeted with a beautiful service, then set to work, our team was thankful for our call to serve in Peru and the support we received to make it possible.

While there, the medical team ministered to over 1100 patients, in just 4 and ½ days.  They cared for stomach and head aches, for vision problems, for dental concerns, for women’s issues, and children’s needs.  Nearly $20,000 worth of medicines and vitamins were administered and the communities in which we served received the care of Christ through the caring hands of these willing and able servants.

The construction team worked alongside the local builders to help build what will soon open as a multi-purpose building.  This building will function as a worship center, meeting room, and cafeteria, its primary purpose.  100 local children will eat a nourishing meal there each day, thanks to the financial gifts and physical labors of the mission team and our supporters.

All the sputtering of getting there (and getting home) could not dampen the spirits of those who enjoyed the splendor of serving Christ in these critical ways. It was a gift to go and serve and something that we’ll all remember. Just read what some of our participants had to say:

 

• It is hard to imagine the poverty the people endure, the gratefulness of those we helped, and the fact that a child's smile is the same in any language. (Karen H.)
  
• Since we’ve returned, everyone’s been asking “What all did you do down there?” or “What did you build?” or “What type of services did y’all provide?”  I can try and explain, tell stories, or show pictures, but without experiencing it firsthand, it’s impossible for them to understand how the people of Peru did a lot more for us than we did for them.  I think that is one of the real reasons we feel called to mission trips – to see God’s love through all the people we came into contact with.  (Brice E.)
  
• This is my fourth mission trip—the second time to Peru.   I think, "How can another trip be as wonderful as the last one?"   It is amazing how each time has it's own unique and memorable experiences.  Also, my prayers have been to be of service to others, but the blessings I have received have far outweighed the services I have given.  (Juliet C.)
  
• We often complain about malfunctions or inconveniences in our daily lives – my Internet did not work today; my cell phone lost a call in that section of town; that stoplight sure is taking forever to change.  In Peru, the workers hand-mixed the concrete for pouring the floor of a building on the ground and hand-carried the mortar in wheelbarrows to the building.  (Bob B.)
  
• The people WOWED me!!!!  First, the support of the congregation, family, and friends all WOWED me.  Second, the entire group that went WOWED me with their kindness and patience when obstacles kept getting in the way. Third, the people of, Concepcion, Peru, and their simple life that seemed so joyful WOWED me.  I hope a life lesson was learned.  If you can think of a better word than WOW, then please do, but I definitely was WOWED!!!!!   (Beth S.)

 

The joy of the journey may come across through these quotes or it may take a conversation or even a presentation.  As Brice noted, it is probably best known in actually going to Peru.  We’re already looking toward 2009, so give it some thought.  Some sputtering is likely, lots of splendor is guaranteed.  For now, we are truly grateful for the support of all who prayed, gave financially, and helped to make the mission such a faithful and successful venture.

 

Katrina Relief Work Teams

Central will be sending a team to the Gulf Coast in the spring of 2007. This will be our second team to help repair and clean up. Call the office (662-3218) for more information.

 

Boys and Girls Clubs of Florence Summer Mission

This organization uses our facilities in July and August during the day. Volunteers are needed to help their staff.

 

Lighthouse Ministries

The city mission agency supported by Central and other churches in the city for emergency needs by "Spreading the Light of Hope." Volunteers are needed. Please contact the church office.  
Currently applicants needing assistance can only get appointments on Tuesday and Thursdays. Lighthouse Ministries has grown, and now is ready to open up times in order to serve more of the community. In order to accomplish this goal, Lighthouse needs to increase the number of volunteers trained to interview people in need. 
As we begin our "Year of Mission," Central UMC is putting together a team to work as interviewers at Lighthouse Ministries. The team of 6-8 people would be responsible for a three hour block of time for one morning each week. The team would be trained by the Lighthouse and could work in rotating shifts, so that each person could work as little as two times a month.
Are you interested in helping with this pressing need? Please contact Meg Jiunnies at mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net or call the church office at 662-3218 for more information. 

Manna House

The Manna House is a local soup kitchen. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis to serve meals.  

 

House of Hope

Shelter for battered women and children, and is a part of New Life Ministries.  Find out ways you can help by calling the church office at 662-3218.

         

Medical Mission Trips

Medical professionals volunteer their services by traveling to in-need countries.

 

Pee Dee Coalition Against Sexual Abuse & Domestic Violence

Women's and Children's shelter is supported by volunteers and money.

                    

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission

This organization travels to needy areas to build and repair homes outside of the Florence community.  

 

Alternative Gift Giving for Christmas 

 

Sunshine Class

This is a special needs Sunday school class for mentally and physically challenged adults.

 

Blood Drives

The American Red Cross holds quarterly blood drives in the Davis Christian

Life Center. Please give!

 

Santahatchie Youth Mission Project

Central UMC will be sponsoring a Santahatchie Project in the Florence area. Between December 26 th and December 30 th teams of youth and adult volunteers will be camping at Central and working on several homes to make them warmer, safer and dryer. These homes belong to people unable to afford these repairs otherwise. The cost to you will be $150 to cover the cost of building materials. All meals and accommodations will be provided at the church. If you are interested in this project, please fill out and return the application form.