Hi Everyone,
Here is our March 2019 update;
Well for those of you who are paying attention, it is really our January, February and March update.
Our Christmas programs went very well. The youth from our church in El Terminal prepared a program for the children of the other CC churches here near Iquitos, we visited them, and our youth did a great job. Also the mothers at each location prepared the big pot of hot chocolate "Chocolatada" and we gave out the Italian bread called "Panetone", a tradition here in Peru.
And more good news, we raised more this year than any previous year for our Christmas program, we even had some left over to purchase 2 new pots, the older ones were on their last legs, one without a handle. And we will have some left over in that account for next year. Thank you for those who gave to the Children's Christmas Program, and thanks to my sister for raising the funds from family & friends. It really is a blessing to the children and they really look forward to it.
Thank you for all who contributed to the "Chocolatada" it was a big hit, a blessing for all the children of our 4 churches and the outreach at Ucayali street.
All the funds to cover the hospitalization of baby Junior came in within days of our last update. Thank you so much for concern of our children, (you know who you are).
And a big thank you for all who contribute to our children's programs all year long. We appreciate being able to bless the children with your generous donations.
Well another school year started on March 11th. And with the blessing from COTA (Children of the Amazon), and others we were able to purchase school uniforms and School supplies for 16 children so far.
In January we had our annual visit from CC Murrieta, led by Pastor Tony. They came totally prepared to do VBS for 5 days at 3 different locations. They also helped celebrate New Years Eve with our Youth Group, here at the chuch in El Terminal. They were a blessing to our children and to our young people as always.
Here we visited the church in San Lucas, where Pastor Javier is working, it was a wet day, but the team made the best of it. Many of the children from the town came to see what was happening with the team that was visiting.
 Julissa working with her group |
 Francisco working with the children |
 Joy working with her group |
 Very focused |
 Just in from the field with his boots |
 The children of San Lucas |
As we usually do we started the Escuelita for the children of our church and other neighborhood children. The 5 girls from our Youth Group who always help in everything and myself were the teachers. We helped the children mainly with math & grammar. Many are way behind and need a little one on one attention. which is hard to give since we start filling up after the first week when the word gets out. But we had a lot of fun getting to know some of our kids better, and a few new ones.
On a few days we moved some of the classes outside because of the heat.
 Nicole with the 3rd & 4th Graders |
 Ena with the 2nd Graders |
 Tatiana with the 1st graders |
 Loraina teaching the advanced class |
 Elizabeth Teaching Kindergarten |
 Albert's Class |
 Working outside in the garden |
 Ena appling a little first aid |
 Albert & his class |
 The girls side of the church |
 The Teachers = Nicole, Loraina, Elizabeth, Ena |
"Calvary Chapel Iquitos" (There are more pictures there than I can send in an update)
We hava a family that we helped build their house on a property that was in dispute, but know the case has been settled and the families living on that property have the option of purchasing their small plot of land, 5 meters by 22 meters. The cost for the down payment is about $400. If anyone would like to contribute towards this you can just put "General Fund" on the check and let me know by e-mail how you want that check used. The mother works as a cooks assitant, but makes about $15 a day, which is just enough to feed her family.
Here is a picture of the family, when we were still putting up the walls.
 Estefany, Roxanna (Mom), Emma |
Pastor Jose wants to build a house in Panguana, which will be used for them to sleep when they visit and for the Children's Ministry, so Lydia can keep the children busy during the church service. The cost is about $3000. If you would like to contribute towards this, you can put Constuction on the check and let me know by e-mail how you want this check used.
Prayer Requests:
If you would like to contribute to any of the following ministries\expenses:
Harvest Alliance International P.O. Box 4550 Oceanside, CA 92052 Memo: "62414 - XXX"
(62414 is our ministry number) (Where XXX = General Fund, Children's Ministry, etc...)
*Note: The dollar is currently at 3.28 or 328 soles for every $100 (U.S.).
Thank you all for your prayers and financial support.
and God Bless you
Albert Smith
Calvary Chapel Murrieta
24225 Monroe Avenue
Murrieta, CA 92562
Memo = Peru, Albert Smith
Or for Jose
Memo - Peru, Jose Garate
Pastor Javier & Pastor Raul's offerings go through Harvest Alliance International (above).