Encounter Group aims to help the people of Peru through several ministry outreaches in Lima and the surrounding areas as well as in the impoverished villages located high in the Andes mountains. Through a partnership with the First Lady of Peru, Mrs. Pilar Noris, Encounter Group has joined in a nation wide campaign called SOWING IN PERU. (For more details on SOWING IN PERU see Ministry details below.) Missionary teams may also participate in ministry to children orphaned by militant rebels at the turn of the century, as well as conduct Medical clinics and evangelistic ministry.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
The Encounter Group aims to not only change the lives of those we serve abroad but we also desire to meet the needs and desires of your mission team. One of the ways we do this is by allowing you to customize your trip in a way that will facilitate growth and excitement in those traveling on this trip. Several mission teams have chosen to participate in two or three different ministry opportunities throughout the week in order to allow their team different opportunities for ministry. (example: VBS in the morning and house repair in the afternoon.) Contact our office and let one of our Mission Facilitators help you customize your short term trip for the benefit of all involved. Below is a list of the ministry opportunities available for this specific mission encounter.
SOWING IN PERU:
A program aimed at improving the current living conditions of families trying to survive amidst the harsh elements and lack of economy in the Andes Mountains. The children within these families are our main focus, as the average lifespan of a child living in the Andes in approximately 13 years of age. We aim to reach our goals through a 5-point program:
1. Provide “healthy homes” by improving living conditions inside the homes of the very poor with clean burning stoves.
The open-flame wood fires that are currently used for cooking have become a health hazard. From birth, children are forced to breath the toxic and soot saturated air within their homes and as a result children are dying of Lung Disease before they even hit puberty.
2. The de-worming of children.
The other main threat to the children in the Andes Mountains is worms. Children are becoming so severely ill due to these parasites that they perish for a lack of clean drinking water.
3. Provide clean water for every home by using low cost water filtration.
A simple water filtration system built out of cement, gravel and sand can be constructed from around $75.00 us. The contaminated water that is filtered through this simple devise becomes safe to drink and is 99% pure; no more parasites, no more needless death.
4. Provide much-needed shoes for the children in order to limit exposure of infection through cuts and abrasions.
De-worming and safe drinking water isn’t enough. The same parasites that haunt the drinking water can infect the children through the bottom of their feet. By placing new shoes on the feet of the children that are treated, we ensure they stay free of parasites.
5. Present the gospel to every household we serve.
Everything that the Encounter Group and our mission teams accomplish is for the GLORY of GOD. The Lord is faithful to hear the cries of His people and we want to share His abundant love with the families that we serve.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS), Evangelistic mimes, dramas & puppets:
Children are often left home alone while Mom and Dad leave to find work or food. Hosting a VBS in a local church brings much needed love and attention to children who otherwise would sit at home and be left to their own devises. This is such a valuable ministry as it not only brings the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to the children but it also points an entire family to the local church for strength and counsel.
ORPHANAGE MINISTRY:
Around the turn of the century several of the jungle villages in Peru were ravaged by militant groups leaving death and destruction in their wake. The children housed in the orphanages in which we serve are a product of these horrible acts of violence. Most of the children are not adoptable because there is no government proof that their parents were killed; they were simply beaten and dragged into the jungles never to return. Your mission team can aid in bringing much desired and needed love to these children. Puppet shows, drama, dance, tutoring, story telling, etc. all can be used to minister to these precious little souls and for the Glory of God.
CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR OF CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY HOMES:
Encounter Group desires to restore and rebuild the communities in Peru where poverty has ravished families for so many years. Your mission team may participate in the repair of roof tops, interior and exterior walls, windows, stucco, etc. By ministering to the local people through house repair, you can point them to the local church for ongoing support and ultimately point them to God.
MEDICAL CLINICS:
Join Encounter Group for one of our Medical Campaigns or bring a group of nurses and doctors with your missionary team in order to distribute much needed pharmaceuticals and treat the ailments found in this region. For more details on purchasing low cost medical supplies for your mission trip click here.
FUN N FREE DAYS:
If your team desires to add a day of fun and extra curricular activities (see photos), Encounter Group is happy to help facilitate your free time. Here is a list of some of the available tourist activities in this region:
• Sightseeing tour and shopping in Lima.
• Travel to the heights of Machu Picchu and explore the ancient Incan ruins.
NOTE: Extra curricular activities are not covered in your mission trip tuition. Contact the Encounter Group office for more details and prices.
