During the planning process of our ministry here we decided early on that any project we would implement would be two things reproducible and sustainable. You might say those are the ‘core values’ of our development projects here in Arequipa. Of course our reasons for doing this type of ministry are based in our beliefs on the ministry of Jesus and our duties as his followers, but when seeking to start a new project we always check the project against those core values; reproducibility and sustainability. Our simple definition of these two points is that we do not want to execute any project that can- not be sustained/continued/maintained by Peruvians or reproduced/copied/multiplied by those same Peruvians. Oversimplified? Yes. Important? Absolutely.
CUDA View: The ICDU Team
Since the words ‘holistic ministry’ first left our mouths we’ve been explaining, and sometimes defending, our position on the work here in Arequipa. Taking our cues from Jesus’ own ministry we seek to reach those around us in a holistic way. We can no more just preach the news to people than only provide clean water to a new community.
Chocolatadas
In our first full year in Arequipa we have tried hard to integrate ourselves in the communities of Alto Selva Alegre and Miraflores. Through ICDU we have opened libraries and taught seminars on urban gardening. For Christmas we decided to take the advice of our Peruvian friends and throw two parties, one at our library in A.S.A and one close to a new library up in Miraflores. These traditional holiday parties, called chocolatadas, were mainly for the kids, but it gave us a great opportunity to meet more of our neighbors and spread the word of what ICDU is about here in Arequipa.
Living Water
God likes to work with water. He used water to flood the world, he parted the waters to deliver his people from slavery, he produced water from rocks in the desert, he parted a river as his people entered the promised land and Jesus’ first recorded miracle shows him turning water to wine. It seems fitting to me that we would choose, as our first project in El Naranjal, to help provide clean water to people who have none. This month we have made some exciting progress that we want to share with you all.
Library News: Kids' Events
We have so much to tell you regarding the libraries! This past month we hosted several different school groups from the ASA community in our library. The intention was to teach them a lesson (on honesty) and to invite them to come and use the library. It is surprising to us that many of them are surprised to learn that library access is free.
El Naranjal
Last month Greg shared with you the story of El Naranjal and their need for a water repository. He told you of our internal struggles as we tried to discern the wisest course of action. This community had asked for our help in their journey of development. They needed clean water and so they asked us to partner with them. We struggled with this decision because, while providing clean water for people is something we all feel is good and right to do, simply making a gift to this community could bring trouble of its own kind. After a month of thinking, talking, and praying we have decided to make this gift to El Naranjal.
A New Story to Share
Research and the Library
For months we have been preparing for a group of researchers from Harding, led by Bill and Holly Richardson, to assist us with a research project in our target area. The first half of this month we were able to execute the project we had planned and everything went excellently. The group was with us for two weeks with a trip to Bolivia in between. Aside from eating at all of our favorite places while they were here, we enjoyed the times of fellowship and worship we were able to experience.
Micro-Loans
Given the nature of poverty in Arequipa, we have long been considering whether a micro-loan project modeled on kiva.org would be a wise ministry. There is a large number of people living in true poverty here, but the great majority of the poor--and thus of the whole population--are the working poor. This means subsistence living, a precarious balance of minimal resources. Sickness, unordinary expenses, or even short-term loss of work are the kinds of situations that can quickly spiral a family into destitution. Many of you have yourselves experienced the uncertainty that accompanies job loss or a medical bill too big for savings to cover. We all live in economic systems that allow us to imagine the worst. I believe, therefore, that magnifying those situations tenfold gives us a glimpse of the reality in places like Arequipa. Rather than the loss of savings or the downsizing of a home, it is daily bread that is at risk for so many thousands here when something goes wrong.
Library News: Paperwork and Partnership
Well, another month has gone by and we find ourselves stuck in a holding pattern with our first library. We have sent our documents in to the government and have been approved for a book loan, yet we still await their arrival. The good news is that our waiting should be coming to an end soon. The books are in Arequipa going through a process of their own and we should be able to pick them up this week. This works out wonderfully for us because we have scheduled the inauguration for July 3rd. July’s newsletter will have full coverage of this hopefully awesome event. We’re very excited and welcome your prayers for us as we publicly announce ICDU and the library to the neighborhood.