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 !!!