August 24, 2007

Dear Friends,

I am posting some pictures of relief efforts after the earthquake in Peru.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been working in partnership with ACT (Action by Churches together) to teach rural communities how to build temporary shelters, since many homes collapsed during the earthquake last week. ACT is also organizing psychological counselors to help children suffering after the earthquake.

I have been working closely with the Anglican Church in Peru to help open food kitchens for rural communities where government aid is not arriving. It has been amazing to see how communities respond and take local initiative to run the kitchens.

Tomorrow I am traveling back to the Chincha, Ica, to accompany the Joining Hands Network, a ministry of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. We are heading for a small town called Tambo de Mora to leave blankets and water with the local officials so that they can provide these to those with greatest needs. Peace and Hope, a member of the Joining Hands Network, is doing psychological-needs assessments in Pisco.

I was able to see the Catholic Priest who was responsible for me getting a flight with the Peruvian Air Force to Pisco last Thursday night. Father Adalberto's church, Señor de Luren, suffered extensive damage and will likely be torn down. The parish house and kitchen were not damaged, so Adalberto and his parishoners are serving displaced families in the town of Ica.

Please pray for Peru as you look through the photographs.

You can help support these efforts financially by making a contribution today.

Out of Chaos, Hope!

Jacob Goad