A Message From Our Sponsorship Coordinator
After COVID kept me away from Peru for over a year, I finally got to return to my favorite place and spend two weeks with our staff and the young men of Casa de Reyes.
During my time, I was privileged to help with our Saturday Bible School Program. Over 100 children and mothers in the community came with such excitement after COVID restrictions paused the program for a time. I was extremely impressed with the program organization by our Peruvian staff and volunteers. There was a time of bible teaching, music and dancing, performances, prayer, and snacks. I really love this program because it is the only time many of these children and mothers are presented with God's word.
One of my favorite parts of my trip was spending quality time with our Peruvian staff. Due to the pandemic, I had never met Juan Manuel and Scarlett in person before, even though I work with them on a daily basis. I was privileged to spend time with them in fellowship, sharing our hearts and vision for the ministry, serving together, and accomplishing many work-related tasks.
I also met with Mandy, the psychologist for Casa de Reyes, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with her and husband. It is obvious that Mandy is living out her calling in Christ and deeply loves the young men of Casa de Reyes. She has completed individual evaluations and counsels individually and as a group. In group sessions, she covers topics under the umbrellas of physical, spiritual, and emotional health. She also offered suggestions to care more holistically for the men in our program, and we are excited for growth through her leadership.
Finally, I loved spending my time with the young men of Casa de Reyes. I took them to visit an orphanage in the jungle where some of our boys have blood brothers. It was beautiful to see them reunited! We also had a special Easter meal, church service and time of worship. I was able to individually pray for each young man in the home. I enjoyed hanging out with them- cooking, cleaning, virtual school, and having fun around the home. We went on a special outing to a recreational center that had a natural swimming pool. I helped in running what seemed like a million errands- taking boys to doctor appointments, dropping them off at college entrance exams or their trade schools, submitting tax forms on their behalf. I also helped Alonso regularly with his virtual English class.
My biggest goal for this trip was to simply remind these men how loved and valued they are. I was able to encourage them in their studies and future careers. I am expectant for God to use these young men to break the cycles of poverty, abuse, and abandonment in their city. Please join me in claiming this over them and in praying for them to step into all God has for them!
While the work to be done in Iquitos is overwhelming, I am so thankful God allows me to help by being his vessel. I am honored and blessed to be a part of the work he is doing in the lives of these men and in the community I care so much for. I am passionate about this ministry and wholeheartedly love serving as the Sponsorship Coordinator of Kings and Queens!
Emily Reeves
All About the Boys
Harold, Carlos, and Jeygler all had birthdays this month and were celebrated in the home.
Harold, our intern, has been a huge help around the home and with construction projects on the property. He is adjusting to living in Casa de Reyes and is enjoying his time as an intern. He does miss the cooler weather in Lima!
The boys all have different interests. During their free time, Daviczon can be found helping with any construction job, Lexon works on the land, and Marcos likes to drink from the coconuts on the property. Waltahir draws any chance he can get. A few of the boys practice learning English.
The men have been studying A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren in their weekly Bible study.
Workshop for Casa de Reyes
Christian professionals from the community led a workshop. A lawyer and economist shared their fields of expertise. Three psychologists spoke on various topics including sexual education and spiritual health found in Jesus. It was a beneficial time of learning for all of the men of Casa de Reyes. We look forward to continuing to invest in them holistically through more workshops in the future.
Missionaries Nick and Caroline recently visited Casa de Reyes and led the boys in creating vision boards. They visualized their daily habits, places they want to go, things they want to learn, and future goals. Rogelio even completed his board in English! This served as a wonderful reminder for our boys to set goals for themselves and strive for God’s purpose in their lives.
Good Deed Goes Viral
Juan Manuel, our manager of Casa de Reyes, went viral on the Loreto Region news of Iqutios for a good deed! There was a ton of broken glass on the street that was damaging motorcycle and moto-taxi tires. Juan pulled over, borrowed a broom from a nearby home, and cleaned up the mess amidst the crazy traffic.
We know he never intended to be recognized an act of service, but we love his heart to serve!
