Settlement "Las Américas"

IN ONE OF MY PREVIOUS POSTS, to be more specific from August 10, 2009 I have shared with you all on the rapid emergence of new communities or human settlements in Nuevo Chimbote district (Chimbote south). At first all of them begin as an invasion, by people who have no their own place to live and most of them are young family parents that previously lived together with their parents-in-law or renting a room, in the best of cases. Invading muncipality or government's lands is the first step then all these families form their board of directors and so the name of the new human settlement appears.

This way was formed the human settlement called "Las Américas" on January 31, 2009. Families that compose it are waiting that, in a near or far future, Provincial Municipality of Santa grant them their ownership titles. So, since around a year ago these families are living on the land as invaders only. However the current president (for communities is mostly known as general secretary in Perú) of the board of directors of "Las Américas" told me they, including each member of the settlement, very often meet to see the issues related to their ownership titles and not only this but other matters inherent to the birth of a new settlement such as clean drinking water supply, security, child nutrition, medical care, sewer, etc.

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Chocolate Party

A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION (ONG) called "Vida y Esperanza" (Life and Hope) together with a Christian church called "Iglesia de Dios de la Profecía" (Church of God of Prophecy) have organized a chocolate party (chocolatada in Spanish) which includes a drink made of milk and chocolate and, a piece of special Christmas loave (panetón in Spanish) to share with the poor children living around Ramal Playa neighborhood where church is located here in Chimbote.

Such event was held on Tuesday December 22nd in the afternoon at church. Children who were walking by church were invited to participate as well. (Some of them were participating previously at Christmas shows that were organized by other institutions who gave some toys to them.)

But not only children came to the church to the chocolate party but their moms as well. Each of them were enjoying a glass of chocolate with panetón because members of the ONG and church helped out and did their best for children to enjoy Christmas holidays and the most important thing for them to learn that Christmas means sharing with those people in need.

ONG Staff itself collaborated and also applied for goodwill people their support for this chocolate party for the poor children to come true. It was a good partnership between ONG and churh for children.

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Christmas For Children

THIS YEAR, JUST AS EVERY YEAR, AND BECAUSE OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS the Provincial Municipality of Santa (MPS) has organized a celebration where children of the poorest neighborhoods of Chimbote were participating. This event took place on Saturday December 19th in the morning at Hidrandina quarters which is located very near the wharf of Chimbote. The mayoress of Chimbote Mrs. Victoria Espinoza was present as well as some officers of municipality such as Dr. Azucena Enríquez head of Social Development Office. All of them and even Ladies' Committee of MPS were helping out.

Many children were present and each of them received gifts: A small Christmas bread and a toy. Besides there was a children show including music, clowns, games, etc and also there were special gifts such as: Bicycles and Christmas baskets (with groceries) which were given through a raffle. A few days before the event tickets were distributed to the children in their neighborhoods by municipality. These tickets made possible for them to enter to Hidrandina and to take part in the raffle.

All of the needy children who could participate spent a very good time and have fun as they celebrated Christmas however there were many children outside as well waiting to enter even after the event started. It was a great effort of municipality by trying to bring happiness to the children of Chimbote and this way to remember and celebrate Jesus' birth.

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Health Project MUNISALUD

IN AN EFFORT FOR SATISFAYING THE EVER-GROWING DEMAND for health services of the people of Chimbote, the Provincial Municipality of Santa, led by the Mayoress Mrs. Victoria Espinoza and together with her corresponding team have developed a Health Project called MUNISALUD which is intended to provide such services to population at low cost (half of what patients pay at hospitals of government.)

To achieve that purpose, the Municipality has acquired four buses specially equipped which operate as mobile consulting rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, etc. necessary to attend patients. These buses are located on a side of "28 de Julio" square and in front of Tourists Hotel in Chimbote where patients have to go for medical care.

The coordinator of this project is Dr. Johnny Jesús Cano Suárez who gently received me at his office located in one of the buses and told me that project implementation started on November 12. Medical staff attend patients from Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. On Saturdays the four buses and medical staff head to poorest neighborhoods of Chimbote to hold health campaigns for free.

Here are the medical services on each bus:

• 1st bus: Emergency Room and Consulting Room (General Medicine 2)
• 2nd bus: Obstetrics, Dentistry and Psychology
• 3rd bus: Laboratory and Consulting Room (General Medicine 1)
• 4th bus: Pharmacy, Ultrasound and MUNISALUD Coordinator's office

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Happy Anniversary Chimbote !!!

ON DECEMBER 6th OF EACH YEAR IT IS CELEBRATED ANNIVERSARY OF CHIMBOTE CITY. Let me share with you a brief summary about the beginnings of my city. On December 6th, 1906 Chimbote already occupied its own space in the scenary of national affairs. Extraction of fertilizer from islands and agricultural production in *Santa valley have awarded it the commercial leadership in region and thus the pace of a city of quick growth. (*Santa, Chimbote, Nuevo Chimbote, Nepeña, etc are districts which belong to Santa Province in Ancash Department.)

This way, its elevation to the rank of district does not represent any unmerited favors to Chimbote but, on the contrary, a legitimate and historical act of justice. Since the middle of the 19th century the then small port had already aroused interest of both national and foreign investors, attracted by its incomparable bay and its privileged status as head of the valleys Santa, Lacramarca y Nepeña.

It was nevertheless from 1906 year, after acquiring its full administrative and political autonomy, that Chimbote receives a true avalanche of immigrants who came in search of new opportunities and who don't hesitate to call it "Chimbote, Promised Land" today also known as "Fishing, Steel and Friendship Capital. Looking back these 103 years of political life we see with gratitude that the progress achieved so far is the announcement of new and higher goals and for whose fulfilment all people of Chimbote are working."

This year Chimbote city was celebrating its 103rd anniversary which started on Tuesday December 1st to Sunday December 6th. Municipality set many activities for celebration among them were: Cultural events, school competitions, inauguration of public works, mass marriages, sports events, children's shows, cooking show, parades, etc. Happy Anniversary Chimbote City!!!

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Let's End Polio Now Chimbote

AS A PART OF THE CAMPAIGN CALLED "LET'S END POLIO" Chimbote Rotary Club has convened men and women of all ages to partipate in a great long walk which took place on Sunday, November 22nd at 9:00 am. The starting point was the 28 de Julio square, which is located next to the Pacific Ocean at the bay of Chimbote, then participants went through Pardo avenue and the long walk finished at the Centenary stadium of Chimbote "Manuel Rivera Sánchez".

The reason for this activity was to make aware population of Chimbote - Perú that eradication of polio is in our reach and that it is only up to us to prevent this disease continues to progress. I must emphasize that parallely Chimbote Rotary Club members were and are performing a fundraising campaign and the money raised will be use to immunize children of Chimbote against polio.

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Keeping The Will To Help Others

FROM MY PREVIOUS POSTS you have learnt that here in Chimbote there is a non-profit organization called "Los Amigos Del Padre Juan" which is faith-based and whose main goal is to improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote - Perú. Members of the Board of Directors of this organization are from differents places of the United States and Perú and they regularly have meetings both in the US and Perú to coordinate new work efforts for the social well-being of the residents of Chimbote, specially the poor's.

Whitin this framework is that November 9-14, 2009 Mr. Earl Milbrath from Chanhassen, MN, USA, (one of the members of "Los Amigos Del Padre Juan" Board of Directors), was visiting Chimbote together with other American people even its Executive Director, Ms. Susan Trnka from Fargo, ND, USA was here as well. Mr. Earl Milbrath is an Officer, Board Member and Chair of Economic Development Council (EDC) of "Los Amigos Del Padre Juan" but is also Board Member of Chanhassen Rotary Foundation; he is doing a great job by canalizing resources for CHOI.

Among his many activities Mr. Earl fulfilled here in Chimbote it was included a meeting at Fr. Jack's Parish with beneficiares of CHOI's educational programs "Dollars for Scholar" and "Leaders for Tomorrow" (who are presently studying at Higher Studies Centers thanks to support of this programs) and its coordinators Mr. Rafael Armas, Mr. Orlando Bermúdez and Mr. Carlos Alayo. Through Christian principles, the EDC has as mission to contribute to community development and it is indeed doing through CHOI.

The EDC has a strong partnership with Rotary Clubs in Minnesota-USA and Chimbote-Perú, and with St. Michael's Parish in Prior Lake, MN and Mr. Earl is a catalyst element for the good work in favor of the needy to continue running. You may contact him at: emilbrath@traveladvisorsintl.com

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Kindergarten of Cristo Redentor School

ON PREVIOUS POSTS I HAVE SHARED about the educational project that is taking place at Cristo Redentor school in Nuevo Chimbote - Perú which includes not only counting on a primary level school, high school or a library but on a kindergarten as well where children from 3-year-old to 5-year-old be able to start their educational process. Considering this noble idea and thanks to the selfless support of many people, among Christian and non-Christian from other countries is that presently Cristo Redentor school has its own kindergarten which is located at the same block as the primary level school and passing a neighbor's house.

In this kindergarten there are three classrooms for 3-4-5-year-old children respectively. Here is the teachers: Miss Grace (3-year-old children), Miss Karla (4-year-old children) and Miss Yaffe (5-year-old children.) Children are able to study here because of the help of donors to whom we are very grateful for all their goodness.

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Preparing a Library

CONTINUING WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION of the educational project at Cristo Redentor school, which is located in Primero de Mayo neighborhood in Nuevo Chimbote, I am pleased to share with you through this post, that now it has been begun to implement a library in this educational institution for all students of that school to be able to access to academic information which will help them in their studies and at the same time in their training as future professionals.

To carry out this new challenge firstly, it was chosen and prepared a third-floor room of the school to be the library. Secondly, It has been gotten 6 shelves (and several tables) made of wood for the various educational resources that students will use. All of this was possible thanks to the providence of God and the ongoing help of people indentifying with the need of supporting education of those less advantaged and here I as a residented of Chimbote I would like to thank donors for letting this proyect is becoming a reality.

I must also add that on a fellowship environment it was counted on the visit of three young men members of ACFI (from three countries and two of them were fulfilling a schedule of visits to several ones): Marc Berruezo (AFCI-Spain), Doug Arms (AFCI-USA) and Jorge Visurraga (AFCI-Perú) It was a good time to celebrate the acquirement of the 6 shelves together with the visit of these young people to the Cristo Redentor school. Educational materials are being acquired at the moment. I will share with you when the library is ready for its opening.

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Focusing On Education

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT EDUCATION is one of the ways through which a nation can set the foundations to its integral development. With this focus on mind some people did great efforts to make possible the access to education for children and teenagers living in a poor neighborhood called "Primero de Mayo" and its surrounding poor ones in Nuevo Chimbote - a city located Chimbote north and next to it. This project starts in the beginning of 2005 when two Christian people br. Juan Tapia Ramírez and sr. Doris Bardales Chavez (who passed away in 2007) decided to found "Cristo Redentor" Private Educational Institution.

The school didn't have its own land at first so they rented rooms at Methodist Church located in L-24 Independencia street, Villa María, Nuevo Chimbote. The opening of the school took place in this place in 2005. Classes started in March that year with 136 students. Initial level (2 clms) and primary level (5 clms) In 2006, the opening of the school year was held with 175 students. Initial level (2 clms) and primary level (6 clms) The same year the first class graduates from elementary level. Note: clms=classrooms.

Well, the school could no longer rent all rooms of the church for the next year 2007 so, situation was uncertain since the school had no its own land and there was not even money to buy one. But after many prayers by br. Juan and sr. Doris, God heard them and at the end of 2006 Christian sisters and brothers (even non-Christian people) from Canada, the United States and Spain helped this initiative and so it was possible to buy a land for the school in "Primero de Mayo" neighborhood. Thus, on January 15th, 2007 it was started the construction of the first floor of the school (including four classrooms made of plywood in the schoolyard) which finished March 25th.

In 2007, the opening of the school year was held with 151 students. Initial level (3 clms still at Methodist Church of Villa María) and primary level (6 clms at the land of the school at "Primero de Mayo.") In 2008, thanks to the support of Christian and non-christian people once again it was possible to finish the construction of the second floor of the school and also to buy another land at the same block exclusively for Initial level. So, 2008 school year opening was held with 170 students. Initial level in its own land (3 clms) and elementary level (6 clms.)

At the beginning of 2009 all these good people (benefactors or donors), willing to keep supporting freely this educational project at school, made possible construction of the third floor of the school. Thus, the 2009 school year opening was held with 168 students. Initial level (3 clms), elementary level (6 clms) and Highschool level (1 clms) and we still keep working there for students. I, Pablo Beltrán, have the change of working at this "Cristo Redentor" school as an English teacher.

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Life Lessons

ON THIS POST I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL about great lessons that life gives us through exceptional human beings and in this particular case I will focus in a person's life that, even though perhaps for many she is at a disadvantage however demostrates us there is no disadvantages or limiting factors when anybody has steadfastness, perseverance and passion to reach his/her life goals despite circumstances.

Her name is Elizabeth Becerra Salas and she was born in a poor neighborhood as many in Chimbote - Perú called "Florida Alta" in September, 1981. She is 28 years old and her dad is Mr. Francisco Becerra and her mom is Mrs. Mercedes Salas. Her "problem" is catalogued as cerebral palsy. Because of this she had to study at a school for disabled people here in Chimbote called "Joy and Faith" school (colegio "Fe y Alegría"). She was a good student.

Presently she does not live in her parents' house but at a shelter (quinta) called Nativity (Natividad) a place that was gotten by father Jack Davis (Juan Davis) and donated by himself for disabled people just like her. This shelter is located in a neighborhood very near father Jack's parish - among many poor ones. The disabled living there, just like Elizabeth, receive care, food, protection, etc and have a place to connect to people with the same hopes and dreams.

Even though she is suffering from this cerebral palsy yet she is a writer and as such in 1989 wrote and published a book called "Poemario" ("Poetry Collection"), in 2002 another book called "Dios Mío Dame Fuerzas Para Seguir Viviendo" ("My God, Give Me Strength To Keep Living")and now she has written her third book entitled "Lecciones de Vida" ("Life Lessons") and on it she shares about experiences and dreams that only a person from her position has had.

Also she shares her activities by giving talks about self-esteem headed to young people who are caught in the vice of drugs and alcohol.

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Testifying in Communities !!

ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th, 2009 Christian believers of Chimbote came together in the morning at a square of this city called "Plaza 28 de Julio" (July 28th square) which is located next to the sea (Pacific Ocean) and four blocks away from main square. There was a reason for them to attend this public meeting and it was that Chimbote Pastors Association (an entity that includes all pastors of evangelical churches of Chimbote) invited believers to testify and celebrate publicly The Bible's Day by proclaiming it as The Word of God in community.

So, as an answer to this invitation local congregations and denominations got together as one with no differences including children, young people, adult people, leaders and pastors who together showed the community, through several ways, that here in Chimbote there is a people that, even under different denominations, yet is bonded strongly by a common faith and has the Bible as the only Inspired Word of God and as authority that guides our lives.

Here is some churches participating: Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, Church of God of Prophecy, Assemblies of God, Christian and Missionary Church, etc even Catholic Church. Also christians schools and ministries. There were some members of Methodist Church of Brazil. The marching band of a christian school was pasticipating as well as a folk music band.

It was a great day of joy where there were song, dance, parade, Word of God, atc and an special opportunity to meet believers of other denominations. It was seen balloons, banners, mottos, pictures, Bible verses, cars with Bible motives and among cheers, shouts, aclamations, claps, etc of the assistants we honored the Bible.

At the same time there was another meeting celebrating The Bible's Day as well at main square in Nuevo Chimbote which is a city located near Chimbote and even catholic community, including their leaders, the faithful, catholic schools and their marching bands, etc, together with other christian congregations and denominations were participating as well there.

We thank God for this great opportunity He gaves us all to publicly testify in communities about His Word: The Bible.

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Carrying Out Tree Planting Project

SINCE A FEW WEEKS AGO, I was sharing with you about a Tree Planting Project which was designed by scholarships holders of CHOI's Educational Programs. As you know the place chosen to implement this project was the "Camino Real" avenue located among several poor neighborhoods here in Chimbote such as: Ramal Playa, 10 de Setiembre, Corazón de Jesús, Santa Irene, Fraternidad, San Miguel, Antenor Orrego, and Alto Perú.

Here in Perú we have a saying: "Unity makes strength" and considering that I must say that this projec was the opportunity to put together some local entities, students, neighbors, etc. in order to implement it. On this context it is noteworthy that the Selective Collection Project of Solid Waste called "CHIMBOTE HEALTHY PORT" made an alliance with the program of CHOI "DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS" to plant 100 trees on "Camino Real" avenue through this planting project.

This project is considered in the annual workplan for community projects that scholarship holders have to carry out for the benefit of their communities in return for scholarships they receive. "Chimbote Healthy Port" project also promotes environmental preservation. So, the 6th of September 2009 all the scholarship holder students together with leaders of CHOI's educational programs, Municipality workers, residents, leaders of other projects, police, and volunteers gathered on "Camino Real" avenue to carry this project out.

From the morning they were planting trees along the avenue. Just to take it into account, scholarship holders, after a previous hard work of awareness raising to the neighbors on environmental care, fulfilled their commitment of tree planting and consequently of environment care, so in coordination with neighbors as well finished the first phase of this tree planting project which will continue, in its next phase, by monitoring the growth of these plants in order to they fulfill their mission of providing oxygen, shade, and being lungs of society as well as beautifying community.

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Institutions Together for Community

IF YOU HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING my recent posts, you have realized that I have shared on a trees planting project on "Camino Real" avenue here in Chimbote. Well, several activities about were performed by students beneficiaries of the Educational Programs of CHOI, which are part of their responsabilities regarding their communities. It means that they must perform community projects in favour of neighborhoods less advantaged using knowledges acquired at their higher study centers.

It is a good combination of talent and support in behalf of students, CHOI and Chimbote Rotary Club. This is not only a collaborative effort of them but also of leaders of the city since the mayoress in behalf of PROVINCIAL MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA* collaborated as well with this planting project sending public cleaning workers and machinery to clean up the avenue just a few days before planting.

It is appropriate to highlight the union of residents, students, CHOI non-profit, Chimbote Rotary Club, and a local institution (Provincial Municipality of Santa) to perform this Trees Planting Project.

* SANTA is also the name of the Province that Chimbote belongs to.

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More Activities Before Planting

WHAT IS KNOWN BECAUSE OF PREVIOUS POSTS, is that around 35 students of higher educational institutions such as universities and technical schools (who are beneficiaries of the educational programs of CHOI) got involved in trees planting project on an avenue located among poor neighborhoods in Chimbote city. They not only receive support from Rotarians Clubs (like Rotary Club of Chanhassen-Minnesota-USA) for them to study a profesional career but that in compensation must design, implement and participate in social projects that benefit community that they belong to.

That's why they were involven in activities of this planting project. Now, they were all participating in the exhausting task of preparing fertilizer to fertilize the soil that will be used to plant. Also, they were selecting special soil for planting which was provided by Chimbote Rotary. It was possible to get a place where they could do this activity. If some of them could not come this place to accomplish his/her task the appointed day they could do it any day of the week.

After students finished to prepare fertilizer and soil, took these materials from the place they were working to the holes on "Camino real" avenue (that they have done previously) using wheelbarrows and tricycles. So, every hole was prepared conveniently for the big day of planting. This way they were accomplishing another project activity. Now, I'd like to share with all of you some pictures about this new activity students were doing.

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Getting ready to Catch Fishes

GOING TO THE NORTH OF CHIMBOTE ALONG PANAMERICANA NORTE HIGHWAY and around fifteen minutes away from downtown, you will find a place called Santa district which is a valley surrounded by many mountains. Santa district is divided in two parts: The first one is the rural zone where residents cultivate rice, corn, sweetpotato, yucca, beans, cotton, vegetables, etc The second one is a small town. These places are located both sides of Panamericana norte highway. Travelers can enjoy seeing beautiful landscapes around as they are traveling.

But, I want you to know that, in Santa district, also there is a place called Puerto Santa (Santa Port) located about twenty minutes away from downtown of Santa district. The car (or mototaxi) leaves the panamericana norte highway and goes perpendicularly to it toward the Pacific Ocean. After a while it is gotten the place: "Puerto Santa." It is a beautiful and quiet small port with not many families living around. There are many little boats on the sea shore whose owners use them to go into the sea to catch fishes but some other owners rent their boats. The main economic activity here is fishing.

Well, a married couple named Mr. Alonso and Mrs. Azucena, living in Santa district, sent to build a boat made of wood some time ago. Now the boat is finished and my brothers and me were invited by the owners for this great day when the boat is gonna be sent to the see for the very first time. The carpenter ended the last details of the boat as well as the painter. The pastor Carlos Beltrán (my brother) prayed to God for the boat. It is expected for fishermen to be able to catch several kind of fishes such as: Anchovy, mackerel, hake, silverside, etc.

Presently, fishes that fishermen catch are taken to market of Chimbote where are sold wholesale. This activity generates job posts for fishermen and their families, sellers at markets, drivers, ice plants, etc.

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Preparing Land To Plant

AFTER MAKING AWARE RESIDENTS of Camino Real avenue, house by house, about the need to plant trees to contribute to purify the air we breathe and thus to help to preserve the environment, the youth who are scholarship recipients of CHOI's educational programs Dollars For Scholars and Leaders For Tomorrow, were preparing the spots where trees are going to be planted by cleaning the area and making holes along the avenue.

They were also preparing fertilizer and then fertilized the soil in the holes. So everything is ready for them to plant trees on Sunday, September 06th, 2009. These young people were very willing and glad to be able to contrubute with community this way. On the other hand the mayoress of Chimbote city Mrs. Victoria Espinoza García, in behalf of municipality, committed to give away some of the trees that are needed.

The rest is going to be donated by Chimbote Rotary Club to beautify this avenue located among poor neighborhoods of Chimbote near fr. Jack Davis' parish. The mayoress also committed to put together and send public cleaning workers of Chimbote the day of the planting. Well, I must say that this was another more day of accomplished activity of Tree Planting Project. You were all doing a great job Guys!!

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Thoughts about Chimbote Mission Trip!!

IN MY PREVIOUS POST I have shared with you about Chimbote Mission Trip performed by sisters and brothers from Marietta and Atlanta - GA in the USA. Through this post I would like to share with you thoughts of some members of the team about their experiences as long as they were staying here in Chimbote.

Before you watch the video here are the names of team members: Forrest Cate, Brian McNair, Chuck Spivey, Dr. Gini Galvin, Dolores Wilkinsen, George Sherrer, Faith Robel, George Smith, Moc Ly, and Cecie Cate. My heartfelt thanks to all of you my dear American friends for leaving your country and your family for a while to be here in Chimbote to do a good work.

Mission Trip from Marietta-GA to Chimbote, Perú

THE LAST WEEK OF THE PAST JANUARY a Mission Team, comprised by 10 people among sisters and brothers from cities of Marietta and Atlanta - GA in the USA, came down here to Chimbote in Perú. They all belong to Marietta First United Methodist Church and were led by brothers Forrest Cate and Brian McNair. The team stayed in this city for about a week and during this time they were performing some activities in both spiritual and social area (with communities).

Among the activities they did were Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children in several neighborhoods such as: Villa María, Esperanza Alta, Pueblo Libre, etc. in which shared God's Word through Bible stories, dramas, crafts, songs, English classes, prayer, refreshments, cookies, etc. Also they were helping to keep building "Cristo Redentor" school (located in Primero de Mayo neighborhood in Nuevo Chimbote district) both financially and with their physical efforts.

Another goal of the Mission Team was to make contact with some leaders of Chimbote and Nuevo Chimbote cities to start sowing seeds of what is called ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ABCD) for Chimbote and Nuevo Chimbote, which is a strategy for sustainable community-driven development and that is concerned with how to link micro-assets to the macro-environment.

So, they were talking with the owner of a fish processing plant called "Estrella de David SAC" (and got to see steeps in processing to can filets). Then met with Mayor and Planning Director of Nuevo Chimbote to inquire on Social Programs of municipality. Also could meet with Chimbote Rotary Club leaders to get to know what the role is that it is playing in civil life in Chimbote and what problems are facing about.

It was held a meeting at Chimbote Chamber of Commerce with its leaders as well. On the other side, the mission team was proposed (by members of Rotary Club) to visit "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" parish and to meet its priest father Jack Davis (padre Juan) and his efforts to bring hope and dignity to the poor, living surrounding his parish, through his non-profit organization called "Los Amigos del Padre Juan."

At this point of the post we, the residents of Chimbote, want to thank all of the members of Marietta Mission Team for your special willing to work as catalysing elements for ABCD in Chimbote and Nuevo Chimbote. Many thanks also to Mission Team of United Methodist Church of Pender-VA in the USA who were here in Chimbote as well performing spiritual and social work. Click on the link to see more PICTURES (facebook album)

This is a video produced by Cecie Cate, brother Forrest cate's daughter on Chimbote Mission Trip. Enjoy it !!!

Yes, Your Personal Assets Count !

"...IN OUR IMAGE, IN OUR LIKENESS..." That is a scripture from the Bible in the book of Genesis 1:26. This statement contains a great truth in itself. It basically means that every human being has been equipped with gifts, abilities and skills (we may call them personal assets or resources) and dreams to pursue given by God so that can be used for his/her benefit and the surroundings to which he/she belongs, it means ... communities. So I believe that everyone has God-given talents and gifts.

Also as human beings we are all a combination of talents and inabilities, virtues and defects, strengths and weaknesses but it is wiser to focus on our strengths than our wicknesses. Unfortunatelly there are people that are not even aware that they have talents and strengths. Some of them did not have the chance to discover and develop their personal assets throughout their lifetime.

It is strange but also real that a great part of people only focus on their negative traits rather than their positive ones which in most cases come from their chilhood as a bad habit in thinking learned in their families which reinforced them as they were growing up. Knowing this it is very wise in order to think in appropiate strategies to discover, sthengthen and canalize these personal assets to put them in service of development.

Here in Chimbote some of the young people I talked to told me that they would like some leaders to help them in finding and mobilize their gifts and talents. Personally I believe that, in the beginning of a Asset-Based Community Development process, it is correct to discover untapped human potencial. Looking around here in my town Chimbote I see that there are a lot of untapped human potencial waiting for the chance to make it flow.