Peru

Peru is one of the poorest nations in South America. Peru is a nation looking for its identity after almost five centuries of imperialistic exploitation by foreigners amidst an already culturally and linguistically diverse and isolated regions of coast, mountain, and jungle. Populations in the major cities have been increasing at alarming rates due to urban migration from rural areas. Today, nearly half of Peru's disproportionately youthful population lives in poverty. This culturally catholic nation is religiously divided between Catholic and non-Catholic. All traditions struggle to respond to the rampant poverty, corruption at all levels of organization and government, and the breakdown of traditional families.

WMF Peru Vision Statement
Our calling is to practice and proclaim the Kingdom of God to children, adolescents and young adults who have lived on, are currently living on, or are at immediate risk for the streets. Our focus area is the historic district of Lima. The WMF community in Lima labors holistically in the following integrated areas: Community Development, Street Outreach, Day-Center Programming and Family Network Care.

Community Development
Word Made Flesh Peru is committed to supporting the local Peruvian church, which has the greatest opportunity for the intense identification necessary for on-going transformation among the urban poor. The volunteer ministry includes Peruvians and believers from other nations forming a network of locally committed believers who assist the WMF Peru community in its practice and proclamation of the Kingdom of God. 

Integral to our community response among the poor is the Social Work ministry, providing direct assistance to youth in street contexts in the areas of documentation, legal and medical assistance with a goal of normalizing their legal stance in society and teaching them about the dignity of their bodies.

Street Outreach
The street outreach consists of establishing and deepening relationships with children, adolescents and young adults in street contexts, and through these relationships encouraging participation in the ministries of WMF Peru. Night visits are made twice each week in partnership with Mustard Seed ministry and volunteers from local Peruvian churches.

Day-Center Programming
Infant Day Care:
This area focuses on the children of couples and young mothers who are demonstrating a commitment to leave life on the street. Through this area we offer to young children growing up in street contexts basic services to aid in their development, including an experience of the love of God through relationships with care-givers, age-appropriate formative activities (recreational, educational, religious), hygiene and food.

Adolescent Ministry:
This area focuses on street youth under the age of 18 who are just starting to live on or work in the street. Through nurturing and committing to friendship, our goal is to encourage and assist them in returning home or committing to a care-home, recognizing the unique opportunity in this age group to prevent addiction to the streets. This is done in partnership with a Peruvian non-profit organization, INPPARES.

Young-Adult Ministry:
Young adults over the age of 18 who have spent years living in street contexts are ministered to through support groups, group activities and Bible studies. The goal is to provide opportunities wherein young adults who deeply identifies with street life can acquire the tools to adequately identify and reflect on their situations, and make appropriate lifestyle decisions.

Bible Studies:
In small groups, we reflect together on biblical principles, with the goal of encouraging an intimate relationship with God and with neighbor, centered in the person of Jesus Christ. Bible studies meet once per week; there are Bible studies for couples, young men, and young women and mothers.

Educational assistance:
Support and assistance is offered through this area to street youth and former street youth who are participating in an educational program (primary or secondary school, vocational institute, etc.), with the goal of helping them take full advantage of educational or vocational opportunities.

Handicraft micro-enterprise:
The growth of the WMF Peru Christmas Card Campaign is enabling us to expand the program by providing part-time employment for former street youth.

Family Network Care
The House of Reflection:
This home has received one young man from the streets, who, along with the other members in the house, commit themselves to discipleship, service and personal growth.

Visits:
This area focuses on maintaining and nurturing friendships with youth who have recently integrated into a living situation off the street, whether a group home, the home of a family member or friend, or a rehabilitation center. The goal is to show God’s love and commitment through consistent and committed presence, and to provide relational and professional follow-up in the transition away from life on the streets.

Celebrations:
Through organized monthly activities (parties, lunches, outings, etc.), friendships with former street youth are nurtured and encouraged. The goal is to provide a network of community support with Peruvian Christians and families, and to encourage those relationships.