Micro-Lending Program

In previous posts I have written some information about a non-profit organization called "Los Amigos" which is working for the poorest of humble neighborhoods in Chimbote. One of the committees of "Los Amigos" is called "Economic Development Council" in which a program called "Micro-Lending Program" is found, that runs through CHOI, a Peruvian Civil Association. It provides micro-loans for people living in neighborhoods surrounding father Jack's Parish to start a small business or improve one existing. Here is some information about how this program has started; this is a letter from the administration of the Program to benefactors:

It is gratifying to greet and to send you a message of health, peace and social mission of the parochial community of the "Support Association to Small Businesses Perpetual Help" ("Asociación de Apoyo a Pequeños Negocios Perpetuo Socorro.")

Our association was founded with the aim of supporting and promoting creation and implementation of small businesses in our jurisdiction (neighborhoods surrounding the parish) thanks to support from the sister parish of San Miguel from Prior Lake - MN in the USA and thus improving our life quality and business vision.

All this is crystallized thanks to the huge heart of these wonderful people: Richard and Monica Roe, Dave and Mary Velishek, Frank and Sharon Velishek, Larry and Gerry Anderson, Kevin and Dawn Ranagan, Rick Altendorf, Tom and Micky Dolsin, Dick and Ann Miller, Earl and Carol Milbrath, Mike and Marlene Leonard, Tony and Dorothy Brama, and to the blessed kindness of our guides father Jack Davis and mother Peggy Byrne.

This beautiful goal started on July 24th, 2000. That was the day of our founding, providing our first micro-loan on October 25th of the same year. Since that date on we have treated 482 applications in total and we are glad to see that through our sand granite given, the beneficiary families have been able to develop their personal and business assets, thereby improving their socio-economic, educational, cultural and family level.

That was the letter. Well, I wanna say that despite they are helping some people in need but however still you can find many other people and families in many neighborhoods in Chimbote not surrounding the parish waiting that their assets are discovered.

Happy Mother's Day!

If you let me, on this day that is celebrated "Mother's Day" I would like to use this blog to honor and greet in a special way mothers all over the world and specially mothers from Chimbote - Perú and of course my mom.

All of us children are very grateful to that wonderful and blessed human being called MOM who, because of her bold efforts and sacrificed love for her family, deserve a just acknowledgement for the great work she does every single day at home and many times expecting nothing in exchange. We all know that all she does is only moved by love and certainly her love is unconditional.

Presently, many of them play the role of both father and mother because of father's absence. I personally think that father's physical and emotional presence in family is very important for complete health of children and even though mother does her best to play both roles (as dad and mom) and this way making up for his absence however dad and mom have unique and non-transferable roles given by God to play.

In south American countries such as ours, where money is not enough to keep the whole family, a lot of mothers have to go out to work to earn more money to support family budget besides they have to assist their children in doing their homeworks, take care of their health, provide food, clothes, etc many responsabilities and sometimes I think it is a burden for mothers but they assume it in a amazing way and with all of their love.

As you can see mothers use their personal assets for the benefit of their children and the entire family. I dare say that all of mothers are solitary heroines suffering in silence blows of life and in some cases those blows come from people she loves but despite all they take strength out of weaknesses when situations are unpleasant and overwhelming.

I believe that in every mother's heart God has poured out a special portion of His own love. That's the only explanation that I can find for such a sublime love like mother's for their children. Not only we have to honor mother once a year but all the time because it is God's will and He lets us know this through the following Scriptures: Exodus 20:13, 1Timothy 5:2 and Ephesians 6:1-3

Happy Mother's Day to you all dear moms for loving their children and family !!!. You all have a blessed heart. May God bless you all and their families.

More Social Programs

Now I would like to share with you about some proyects on Environmental Care that were performed here in Chimbote in 2008 through the unconditional support of American benefactors and Rotarian friends from Chanhassen - Minessota in the USA in coordination with Chimbote Rotary Club.

Even though several good people (specially from the USA) are supporting Social Programs however there is still too much to do for the poorest in Chimbote because so many people are still waiting for a chance in their lives. Here are some pictures on the performed proyects:

P R O J E C T S - 2 0 0 8

GROUP: I

Students and teachers doing a Recycling Project presentation.

Speech to students about recycling and its importance.

GROUP: II

Youth Leaders and Sensitizers at a recycling speech.

Educational class about environment.

GROUP: III

Fixture with students referent to Global Warming.

Delivery of garbage cylinders for non-organic materials.

GROUP: IV

Detailed presentation about the project of recycling.

Delivery of garbage cylinders for organic waste.

MANY THANKS ROTARIAN FRIENDS

(from the Board of Directors of Support Programs)

In name of all of participants of the program which comprise a special family we built throughout these dedicated years contributing to many people: Children, young people, parents and all of community members. It is for us a great happiness to give and help through you. For this reason we would like to thank you for the unconditional support, with no distinctions neither barriers through the passing of the 2008 year, and all the years before giving us your support to make of our city a better place to live in.

CHIMBOTE - ANCASH - PERÚ

Beneficiaries of Educational Programs (DFS & LFT)

It is encouraging to see here in Chimbote some young people from the poor neighborhoods around and with no resources but with personal assets, talent for study, and great motivation, accomplishing their goals of studying a professional career at a technical institute or university with support of benefactors of the CHOI's educational programs "Dollars For Scholars" and "Leaders For Tomorrow" (DFS & LFT.)

Today these young people are ready to get better their life style and their families', face challenges of life, contribute to change for better their community, city and country, be better people that they were born to be, etc. All of this is possible because there are benefactors in other countries that are willing to assist, by means of CHOI's programs, people in need who are looking for a little impulse to improve their quality of life that in this case is through education.

List of young people beneficiaries that got to study a professional career by help of "Dollar For Scholars" and "Leaders For Tomorrow" programs (DFS & LFT)

Click on the list to expand it

However there are still many other young people less advantaged who have no the chance for their dreams and life goals to come true. Most of them have talents and abilities but unfortunately don't have enough resources or motivation for promoting or develop them consequently these assets, talents, abilities, etc are lost and this way human elements for change that every society needs never emerge and this brings underdevelopment and poverty for the people.

"Dollars For Scholars" and "Leaders For Tomorrow" Programs (DFS & LFT)

Founders (promoters) of these Programs were the American friends: JOSE and TERESA ADAMS. Today the programs remain in place thanks to generosity of new American friends: EARL MILBRATH, MIKE LEONARD and Rotarians friends from Chanhassen, MN in the USA.

These programs are an agreement between Chanhassen-MN Rotary Club and Chimbote-Perú Rotary Club in order to seek the best young people in the parish of Chimbote (who have personal assets potentially, want to develop them and make them work out in academic area) and offer them support for their university or technical studies.

At the time I am writing this post the staff of the programs is as follows: Mr. Carlos Alayo Mecola is the Coordinator of the two programs. Mr. Rafael Armas Bardales is the Director of "Dollars For Scholars" Program and Mr. Orlando Bermudez García is the Director of "Leaders for Tomorrow" Program. Its offices are located in La Capilla "Sagrado Corazón de Jesús" ("Sacred Heart of Jesus" Chapel) at H-25, "Ramal Playa" Neighborhood in Chimbote, see the picture above.

Founders, Benefactors and Members of "Dollars For Scholars" and "Leaders For Tomorrow" Programs - DFS & LFT (↓)

Benefactors for "Dollars For Scholars" Program, the Team of "Leaders For Tomorrow" Program, Rotarian friends and young leaders. (↓)

Young Leaders receiving a certificate as graduated students of the Program from The Chimbote Club Rotary with the presence of Rotarian Benefeactor of Chanhassen-MN in the USA. (↓)

Rotarian Library: Giving its services to Young Leaders and community members of our "Corazón de Jesús" Chapel and bringing a great help for development of our university students. (↓)

Some young people of "Leaders For Tomorrow" Program who have successfully finished their studies. (↓)

Supporting The Poorest

Here in Chimbote there is an organization called "Los Amigos del Padre Juan" (The Father Jack's Friends) comprised by Christian people from The United States and Chimbote itself which is dedicated to work for the poorest of this city. But let me share with you a little more about it.

"Los Amigos del Padre Juan" is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Perú. Los amigos was formed in 1998 and, in 2002 received 501c3 status, allowing donations to be tax-deductible.

Los Amigos, are friends (from different places specially the US) of Fr. Jack Davis and Sr. Peggy Byrne, and the impoverished of Chimbote, Perú. They assist and support Fr. Jack in his life effort to bring hope and dignity to the poorest people of Chimbote. They do this because they believe in the Christian principle of social justice. To respond to the need as effectively as possible, they have organized under several different non-profit entities:

• Los Amigos Board of Directors.
• Los Amigos Foundation.
• ACAF (Asociación Civil Apoyo Familiar): A Peruvian civil association which distributes Los Amigos funds in Chimbote by performing its social programs.

Not only are they organized under different bodies but they draw support from several different donor bases, including parishes, individuals, foundations, Rotary Clubs and various other diverse organizations, all of which have provided money or volunteer time to advance the mission of Los Amigos.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF "LOS AMIGOS" ORGANIZATION

The needs of the residents of Chimbote are basic: Food to eat, shelter from the elements, care when they are sick, jobs to provide for their families, and access to education so their children can build a better future. To respond to these needs, Los Amigos provides the following programs:

• Social Programs: Soup kitchens, battered women's shelter, legal advocacy, wellness program, emergency assistance program.
• Infrastructure: Home building and repair, garden maintenance.
• Health Care: Medical, nursing, and dental appointments, medial support services, hospice, hospital partnerships, tuberculosis programs.
• Economic Development Council(*): "Dollars for scholars", micro-lending, Chimbote Computer Services.
• Education: Learning support/tutoring program, libraries, kindergartens and daycare, adult learning program.

(*) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (EDC)

The EDC is a committee operating under the direction of the "Los Amigos" to complement the services provided through ACAF: Creation of small business, employment, scholarship, mentoring and training.

Through Christian principles, the EDC mission is the transformation of individuals into independent and self-supporting members of their comunity. It has a strong partnership with Rotary Clubs in Minnesota - USA and Chimbote - Perú and with St. Michael's Parish in Prior Lake, MN. To learn more contact EDC chair Earl Milbrath.

Current "EDC" Operations In Chimbote:

Dollars For Scholars And Leaders For Tomorrow Programs (DFS & LFT): are administered by the Rotary Clubs of Chanhassen - MN and Chimbote - Perú to send young people from the poorest neighborhoods of Chimbote to universities and technical schools and to provide leadership training in the planning and execution of community service projects.

The program commenced in 2002 and has had 17 graduates, who all have found gainful employment. Currently there are several students in school. The community service projects have recently focused on recycling and envorinmental cleaning.

Micro-Lending Program: The EDC partners with the Small Business Development Committee of St. Michael's Parish in Prior Lake - MN to provide micro-loans to start and sustain small businesses in Fr. Jack's Parish. The business is conducted through a Peruvian organization called "ASOCIACIÓN DE APOYO A PEQUEÑOS NEGOCIOS PERPETUO SOCORRO." Under the EDC, its scope has been expanded to poor areas surrounding the parish and to include group lending as commonly found in micro-lending throughout the world.

Chimbote Healthy Port Program: This recycling business was started in 2007 in Fr. Jack's Parish and in 2008 began expansion to surrounding barrios. Efforts to promote recycling have been effective but also have spawned independent collectors who are buying the high plastic recyclables and collection programs in schools which sell the recyclables to competitors.

Chimbote Computer Services: This small internet café and computer training and repair service business is operated by a graduate of the Scholarship / Leadership Program. Computer training is provided to adults and students.

Chimbote Sewing Center: This sewing business launched in 2007 and has began making clothes for sale in Chimbote and in the US.

Love Beyond Death

On these days in which the whole Christian world celebrates "Holy Week" let me share with you all a few words of reflexion about what this means or, in the best of cases, should mean for everyone. Many holidays come and go and people celebrate it for some days just like they possibly do it in "Holy Week."

Perhaps for many this is just another holiday and opportunity to celebrate and spend a good time and nothing more but it is more than that. The real motive of "Holy Week" is to think about a great person, what he did for all of us and make a decision about it. But anyone may asks these questions:

What special work did He do for everyone? or even more why did He have to do anything for us? why do we all have to make a decision about this great man? did human being need for anybody to come to rescue from an unpleasant condition? and to rescue from what? Aren't we free? These questions seem to float on the air and apparently there's no answer for them.

Well, human being has a deep need in his heart and most of them don't realize on it. Everywhere there are people in need not only material but emotional and spiritual. For example many are slaves of selfishness, people who lives only for themselves, for money, lead by money, who doesn't care if they hurt others with the only purpose of feeding their uncontrollable human desires, betraying not only people (family, friends, etc ) but principles and value scale and in the worst of cases, like news show us, killing inocent people spiritually, emotionally and physically. Humanity is dealing with many others ways of slavery.

Perhaps this is overwhelming but is truth and speaks about a great need in man's heart. Even in Jesus' days there were people like that and this comes since the very beginning of humanity. But Jesus was an exceptional person as long as He lived like a human being.

He came along to demonstrate us it is possible to live rightly. Before He came down to the earth He was living in heaven since eternity and received glory and worship from heavenly creatures. He was the almighty God. However Jesus was also aware of evil condition of human heart.

So, before this fact, He decided to leave all His glory and majesty in heaven lo live as another human being here on earth. He was willing to experience human conditions to be able to help and save people from lost condition of their hearts, make a great difference and build a possibility and bring hope for humanity because He loves us very much. What an amazing decision He made !!!

His attitud makes me think a lot about if anybody else would do or leave what He did and left for the benefit of others. His decision implied that He was going to experience in His own life: pain, hunger, thirst, tiredness, sadness, betrayal, rejection, anxiety, agony, etc and finally death.

He did this to perfectly understand those experiencing suffering in their lives and save them. Well, to accomplish this goal first of all His human life had to start like everyone's. So, His humanity started in Virgen Mary's womb. His childhood, adolescence and youth were a time of preparation for the great mission He had to accomplish "Redemption of Man." He was only wainting for the perfect timing to show Himself like the Lord and Savior.

Unfortunately in His days, like today, most of people didn't understand His message of love He brought to the world. On the contrary people rejected Him and not only this but killed Him by nailing on a cross. The most amazing thing is that Jesus could avoid all His suffering even death but He did not.

Why? There was a reason stronger than pain caused by rejection, nails and a spear ripping His body. The reason is us and the great reality for our hearts to be touched by His divine love and this way people would change their hearts and wouldn't be slave of their evil hearts.

Before Jesus died on the cross He was bleeding and today, metaphoricly speaking, Jesus' blood still keeps flowing and has power to change people's heart. On the third day after His death Jesus rose from the dead. His genuine love for us all is a love beyond death. No one else defeated it but Him because He is God.

Jesus is alive and this brings us hope when situations in life seem to have no solutions. Let me finish this post saying that over the last few weeks I was talking to young people and they shared with me about their painful lives, some of them living in a great desperation because have been through so much pain caused specially by people who should love them.

It is amazing but also real that after patiently listening to them, sharing Jesus and praying for them the whole situation has a real hope beyon their pain and suffering because of Jesus and His fatherly love. The only thing I wanna say is thank you ever so much Jesus for coming down to the earth and being like one of us.

We have to learn from you. Now I know that you perfectly understand us like no one and are more than willing to change and save life of those who recognize their need for a Lord and Savior and call upon you. But, like everything, it's a matter of decision and it's up to us. May have a blessed Holy Weeek and be able to experience Jesus' love !!!