Testimonials
A visit to the hills of Lima, Peru
It is easy to think that difficult living conditions are found only in the mountains or jungle of Peru. But this reality exists right here in Lima.
Many families live on the hills surrounding the city. Their children may have to leave home early in the morning, walk down the hills, catch a bus, and sometimes spend nearly an hour stuck in traffic. When the traffic becomes too heavy, they may get off the bus and continue walking so they can arrive at school on time.
For many families, simply getting to school is an everyday journey of perseverance.
Sometimes, the greatest testimony is found in a family that has so little—and yet has learned to be thankful for everything God provides.
I went to encourage a family.
Instead, God used that family to encourage me.
On a Saturday I went to visit a family in the hills of Lima, I expected to spend time encouraging them. Instead, I left feeling that they had encouraged me.
The journey to their home was not easy. After taking a bus for about an hour, we continued by moto taxi and then began walking up the steep hills. There were dirt roads, concrete steps, and even partially buried PVC pipes carrying water through the community.
After another walk, we finally reached the family's home.
The mother welcomed me into her home and offered me a glass of water. We sat and talked about her family and the challenges they face.
Their home had very little, and I could see small holes in the corrugated metal roof that made winter especially difficult. She works at whatever she can find to provide for her family, while encouraging her children to continue their education. Yet what struck me most was what she didn't talk about.
She didn't spend our conversation telling me everything she needed. Instead, she spoke about how everything she has received has come through God's blessings in different ways.
She was grateful!
I went to this family with the intention of getting to know them better and encouraging them.
But by the time I left, I realized that they were the ones who had encouraged me!
They face many challenges, but their home was filled with gratitude for God's provision. Their circumstances did not erase their faith, their joy, or their desire to see their children succeed.
Their story reminded me that God's blessings are not always measured by how much we have.
