Update on Urgent Need
Last month we shared a need for three beautiful sisters (pictured above) who recently lost their mother. Their older brothers, Carlos and Jarry, are members of Casa de Reyes. We presented a need of $225 a month to provide for these girls as they navigate their new normal without their sweet mother. We are humbled this month to bring you an update!
Almost immediately after presenting this need, God used you to bring it to fruition in abundance. $225 in a monthly sponsorship for the girls was provided, allowing them to stay in their home (with a female guardian who is a family member) and meet essential needs such as food and school supplies.
Not only was the monthly support raised, but over $4200 in one-time donations! This money has been put in a separate fund to support the girls over the coming years, providing for one time or unexpected needs such as medical expenses, home repairs, and cost of living increases.
We are thankful for this provision so our ministry can go beyond providing only for our home. This extension of love you have shown to Carlos and Jarry by caring for their sisters will forever be a blessing to all of them: changing the trajectory of their lives, giving them a reason to hope in the midst of despair. We cannot thank you enough.
Carlos would personally like to express his thanks:
"My heart is very grateful for the blessings that God brings to the lives of my little sisters. I can only say thank you very much. I know that I am not alone. Thank you for all of your support. My little sisters are also very grateful for the great help they have received. Infinite thanks to you, and may God bless you always!"
Please continue praying for Carlos, Jarry, and their sisters as they grieve the loss of their mother.
*This personal story was shared with express permission of the family
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Community Outreach
We are thankful God has provided to bless the local community through the pandemic. This month, we provided free home fumigation services in over 50 homes. We are also continuing to provide food to 100 families who have struggled to find work in this time. The local community is seeing the love of Jesus at work!
COVID-19 Testimonies
The heartbreaking reality of struggle in Peru amidst the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic will continue for years to come. Although the quarantine is now targeted to the sick, elderly, and children under 14, and many Peruvians are attempting to return to work, the problem lies in a lack of job opportunities. Furthermore, the virus is picking up speed as more people are becoming infected. With over 17,500 deaths thus far, the pandemic has created devastation in Peru with the second-most cases of any country in Latin America with over 360,000 cases.
Sadly, we have been unable to conduct in-person fundraisers this year that typically cover our annual budget. With our social media fundraising this year, all proceeds are benefitting COVID-19 relief efforts.
Until now, we have been supporting needs using one-time donations given to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. In order to strategically serve as many as possible, we are now campaigning to raise monthly recurring donations to meet these needs.
Cesar and Harold
We met both Cesar (pictured top left with his family) and Harold (pictured above) ten years ago when we first began coming to Peru. We watched them grow up and have kept a close relationship over the years. After completing the program and their educational endeavors, both young men regularly visit our mission teams when we are in Peru.
Cesar works in a bakery and makes beautiful desserts. He lives with his wife and beautiful young daughter. He loves soccer!
Harold works in a retail store. He loves music and can play several instruments!
These young men have broken the cycles of poverty and abandonment. Seeing their success and the success of other young men like them over the years is one of the reasons we were inspired to continue supporting the men of our home through college or trade schools. We have seen the success of this process.
Though these two men have been financially independent, both have lost their jobs through the pandemic and would be blessed by extra support during this time. Until they are able to fully get back on their feet again, we are campaigning their sponsorship to assist in paying monthly expenses. We desire to serve them during this difficult time, trusting in God's provision.
A Message from Cesar:
"Hello, my name is Cesar Velasquez Mayanchi, and I am 23 years old. I met the leaders of King & Queens when I was a kid in an orphanage in the city of Iquitos and from there we formed a very good friendship. It was a friendship as if we were siblings of the same blood!
I currently live in Lima. I already have my family, including my two year old daughter. I was working normally before the coronavirus began and was able to keep our home. However, I lost my job in the middle of the pandemic. I have been praying for God to bless me with another job. Lately, I have been able to work again at my same job though I am working significantly less hours.
I have always stayed in contact with the ministry. leadership. They have helped my home during this time. Though they tell me I am not a nuisance and that it is the desire of the ministry to help others, I still feel indebted to them. When they come to Peru, I will be here to support them in whatever they need. I am thankful to you for helping me and my family in this hard time. We are praying things can get back to normal soon."
Cesar's Goal: $85/month
A Message from Harold:
"Hello, my name is Harold Wagner. I am 23 years old and currently live in Lima, the capital of Peru. I came here for many reasons, one of them being to improve myself as a person and to help the people around me. No matter what kind of person they are, my intention is to help my neighbor as there are people who help me, such as the organization of Kings and Queens International. I am very grateful for those people who give their support so we can have a happier life.
Everything mentioned and given is thanks to God! Without Him, we are nothing. Thanks to my God, I am in good health. God has done many things for me. From my very first memories, he has always helped me.
When I was young, I moved away from my family and lived in an orphanage, and that was hard for me. Then, I realized that it was for a purpose. I have met many people who have taken care of me since I left home as a child. I have experienced sadness and even hatred, but now I am happy. The people who took care of me taught me about life. Life is hard and it gives you many blows, but you can learn from your mistakes. I am grateful to know that God cares for me, and He is caring for me now! I thank him for all of you who support Kings and Queens International
Now the pandemic in Peru is very sad, but I am praying that it will come to an end. I pray for you and your family and your health. Thank you again for your support. I know God will multiply your blessings. God bless you."
Harold's Goal: $60/month
If you feel led to support either of these causes, you may set up a monthly recurring donation of any amount below.
These stories and messages were shared with the permission
of Cesar and Harold.
All About the Boys
Marcos was visiting family when the coronavirus began and got stuck in the strict quarantine. For over 112 days, he was away from Casa de Reyes and longed to come home. We missed him terribly! Finally, he was able to legally and safely return. He was given a welcome home party! We praise God for his return and health as he fully recovered from Dengue fever.
Rivaldo had a birthday this month and was celebrated in the home.
The young men of Casa de Reyes began a new school year in March and continue to learn virtually, finishing their entire school year online. They really miss going to school on campus. A tutor, Monica, has been helping with their studies from home.
Since the quarantine in Peru now only targets children under 14, the sick, and the elderly, the young men have enjoyed a little more freedom this month. They have been able to see some friends and help make deliveries of relief items in the community. Of course, masks, social distancing, and hand washing are still strongly encouraged!
We continue to pray you and your family are safe, healthy, and well. If we may offer any prayer for you personally, for physical, emotional or spiritual fervor, we would be honored to do so.