The summer of 2005 I was headed to Peru for two month.This would be my first time to go.I got to meet Billy.Billy is our amazing Global Partner and has worked with GE for 16+ years.Little did I know I would fall in love with Peru, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Paracas, and so many other places in Peru.And the people, yes, fell in love with them as well.Peru is full of open, loving, caring people. On August 15, 2007, 2 minutes changed the lives of 1,000s.A 7.9 earthquake centered of the coast of 90 miles SE of Lima, 25 below the ocean floor.Ica has the most damage also much damage in Pisco.Aftershocks felt as far away as in Cusco (in the Andes Mountains). Billy has been busy helping the Pastors and churches in that area.My heart goes out to Billy and the pastors/churches that GE worked with this summer. IT IS TIME FOR ACTION!!!I have been trying to stay up to date on what is going on,…that is not enough!I want to go and help Billy and the people of Peru!!!!What does that entail?I have a few goals… I am currently making plans to go visit and help for a week in December.We are getting out of school for Christmas break on December 14th.Shortly after that, I am making plans to board a plane and head to Lima. I have set up a Paypal account if you would like to give to the Peru Earthquake Relief. under email ed_giles@hotmail.com LINK - https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=IX5vipuj2papbVwVB2bpx9Aq7cBSjd4VQRN0q64e_HBJvDPbHsfHX8WK47a&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f02baca35d810c8ec1c019f6b4e949ca66922b381ebbdcb08 I have been praying about what can I do, can WE do to help the people of Peru and help Billy…Here is what I have come up with: 1. Raise $2,000-3,000 for local pastors in Ica and Paracas – 4-6 pastors each a gift of $500 (it is not a lot but as those of you know, $500 can go much further in Peru than here in the states)Pastors are trying to take care of their families, watch over their congregation, and help those in their communities,…would love to help their families out, help them get needed supplies for their houses!! 2. COVER THEM! - $1500-1750+: To spend on buying blankets for the many people that are sleeping in the elements because their house has been destroyed.Can you imagine going to the Incan Market and buying 100+ blankets and jackets/sweaters to take to the Ica area!! 3. FEED THEM! - $1000+ – Partner with churches, Pastors, etc…To help buy food that will specifically feed those that are in need of food maybe because they cannot afford to buy their own since their job no longer exists. 4. LET THEM CALL! - $250-500 – I remember on a number of occasions we have been asked as a country to collect calling cards for our troops.I have seen picture of people waiting in lines to call their love ones.What a blessing we can be to help them stay in touch with their family and friends. 5. FEED THEM SPIRITUALLY!! - $1000 – To purchase Bibles to give to local Pastors.If you have gone to Peru with GE, you know how open they are to the Gospel.What an opportunity to share the word of Christ with them! 6. BE AN ARMORBEARER!! - $500-1000 – Why an Armor Bearer???Here is a definition or description of what an Armor Bearer is/does - A modern day armorbearer is one called by God to serve and help his assigned leader in life, ministry, and especially in the fight of faith. (http://www.armorbearers.net) Billy is the assigned leader in this area.He has been traveling back and forth to the earthquake ravished areas and his home.He has a job but has dedicated so much of his time helping others.I would love for us to be able to give Billy a gift that will help him with his expenses, gas, food, travel, supplies, etc… What can you do?How can you help me raise money? Here are some ideas: - Ask your church to Sponsor a Pastor or for a donation
- Get your Spanish Club involved in raising money to help the people of PERU!
- Get your youth group involved
- College and Career Ministries
- School organizations – Student Government, Clubs, Bible Organizations, etc….
- Car washes, etc….
The people of Peru don’t have much confidence that their national government will be able to help them much in the area of relief. Will you help Peru in their time of need????? Matthew 25:37-40 (Message) "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'” | 