The Tree of FH/Peru and the Fruits God is Producing

The last two weeks of January I was busy preparing the annual activity report we (as an international NGO) are required to register with the Peruvian government. While it is a challenge to consolidate the results and financial reports of all of the work FH carried out during 2009 in Lima, Pucallpa, and Chincha, it was a blessing to get a chance to read about all the ways that God has been using FH in the transformation of lives and communities in Peru this last year.


To get an idea in 2009:

• 103 families affected by violence or abuse received assistance, counseling, and spiritual support, of these families, 83% are beginning to restore broken relationships between husbands, wives and children
• 43 volunteer community counselors were trained to respond to families in crisis
• 7 wells were drilled providing 3206 people with improved access to clean water, and have received training on water management, health and hygiene
• 120 volunteer community health promoters received training on how to help their communities stay healthy
• 117 people are participating in micro savings groups in Pucallpa and are learning about God's concern and provision for basic needs, and three savings group members have made commitments for the first time to follow Christ oan size $83
• 4178 children and parents received de-worming medication, and learned more about how to prevent parasite infections (a cause of malnutrition)
• 975 children who received afterschool study help, began to experience academic success for the first time
• 1649 families received physical, social and spiritual support and guidance from FH staff during home visits
• 940 children were able to participate in vacation bible school activities
  

But it is not just numbers, but individual lives being given a chance to experience the transforming power of Christ.

José beat his wife, Lucy, until she bled. He threw their young children out of the house. She left him three times. And three times she returned when he promised to change. But each time, the violence continued. Four times he wielded a knife and threatened her very life. Fourteen years. Fourteen years of physical and psychological abuse. Lucy met another man and after becoming pregnant returned to her husband and five children in repentance. They asked for the help of the local pastor. But things came to breaking point when Lucy was eight months pregnant. José, in a fit of rage, pushed her off a two meter drop near their house. Lucy was hurt, but the baby was unharmed. José and Lucy were ready to separate, to end the relationship. To be done. FH´s psychologist told them how the Lord could forgive them and that God was the only one who had control over the life of this baby. José and Lucy re-thought their decision. They decided to work towards restoring their relationship with the help of the local church, who fasted monthly for them, created a retreat for them and prayed for them. They attended therapy sessions, José received medicine for his maniac depression. And God began to knit them back together. Lucy gave birth to a son, Samuel, who she had conceived with the other man. And José loves him as if he were his own. He dotes on Samuel.José and Lucy´s neighbors clearly see the change in them and their pastor is able to use their testimony to help others. ¨I want to submit myself to God,¨ José declares, ¨and seek integrity. I want to raise holy hands to the Lord.¨ And no longer raise them to assault his family. Reconciliation. Relationships made right. ¨God changes people,¨ Lucy states, her eyes full of the security that comes from experience, ¨He changes people.¨

As I have increasingly moved into an administrative role with FH/Peru, spending less time in the communities, and more time in the office working on plans, communications, reports etc. I have at times struggled to remember why I am here. But getting a chance to reflect on the amazing ways God is using FH/Peru. I am energized again to continue serving and being obedient to the work God has called me to with FH/Peru at this time.

A friend recently shared with me an interesting way to think about this work God is doing through FH/Peru. The ministry of FH is like a tree. These evidences of change and stories of impact are the fruits of the ministry God is working out through FH/Peru. And these fruits don't appear out of no-where, but God grows them through the tree of FH:

THE BRANCHES -amazing national and missionary staff who walk along side people in vulnerable communities, teaching, organizing, listening and praying

THE TRUNK - the administrative structure (planning, reporting, finances, etc.) that support the branches, and make sure that branches have the resources necessary to produce fruit

THE ROOTS- you and many other supporters and donors who give, pray, and share about the work of FH that supplies the resources necessary to the trunk and branches so that God can use the tree to produce this amazing fruit.

I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to continue to serve in the "trunk" of FH. I know that I am being used to produce fruits, because with out the trunk the branches would not be supported and would fall down. And I am also thankful for you and the many other supporters of the work of FH/Peru. God is also using you to produce fruit, because without the roots the trunk and the branches would not have the resources needed for God to use them to produce fruit. It is not just the branches but the whole tree that are needed to produce fruit. How gracious God is to let us all be used in the process.

Blessing,
Lauren