How many children? Really?

In previous posts I wrote about the "reason" for the program but now its time to talk "details" of the program. I think we can all agree that a program like "Brighten Their Christmas" is needed for Peru. But what will the program consist of and who is really going to benefit? Let me give some details.

Just to clarify, I will be spending no time in the Bohemian Barranco this trip. My time is too precious, so once I arrive it will be a mad-dash to stay on schedule. The day after my 11:47 p.m. arrival in Lima, Peru, I will leave bright and early for Pisco, Peru. (Recall that Pisco was the town devastated most by the quake of 07, so it makes good sense that Pisco be the town where most of the funds be used.) The chance to serve in this community is a tremendous opportunity. I am sure the reality of how much this program is going tp help the community will only set in after the fact. The response of the program has already surpassed my personal expectations so its hard telling how big this will actually become.

As the project continues to grow, the ability to serve grows too. As of right now gift baskets will be given out to over 200 children in the city of Pisco on Christmas Day! Keep in mind that this number reflects the current excitement among the children. The goal is to raise enough funds to give each child a small gift basket filled with things they need and may want this Christmas. The number of items that will be given is again dependent on the amount of funds raised so the details are still speculative. But big or small, the Peruvian people are already feeling the excitement and tremendously thankful that Americans are willing to help their friends from south of the equator. Also note, that if there are resources available after the program, it may be likely that we could help the children for a lifetime by contributing to a local Church that is dedicated to helping children. With nearly the whole city wiped out from the quake, building materials are still in high demand yet the organizations designed to help are unable to rebuild the needed structures created to help the locals. But this hasn't caused the organizations to give up hope!

The "Brighten Their Christmas" program has already sparked interest from local Peruvian Churches, Churhces right here at home, and so many other family and friends it is almost unbelievable. The seasonal helping bell has been rung and the wave is still moving across the hearts of organizations and individuals in an unexplainable way. People from all over are wanting to get involved by helping to raise funds, spreading the news, giving even 1 or 5 dollars, telling others about the program and continueing the extremely important act of prayer! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

I had high hopes for the program from the start but nothing could prepare me for this. And the best is yet to come! I hope you are half as excited as I am to help those in need this Christmas. Please continue to be who you know you want to be this Christmas!

As always, I will be posting periodically so make sure to check back regularly!
Ivan