August 2020 Updates

A Word From Our Founder

Even amidst the pandemic and a tumultuous time in Peru, the Lord has been faithful to provide for our ministry and even has allowed it to thrive in this time. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate heavily with our team in Peru over the last couple months, mentoring them in leadership and organizational management with a biblical worldview. We’ve worked together to create a sustainable action plans for the work we are doing in Iquitos, focusing in on our vision and mission.

We have looked deeply into our monthly budget and savings to determine areas of adjustment to use the resources we have been blessed with as wisely as possible. As we have served the local community impacted by COVID-19, we have identified physical needs and opportunities for discipleship through our efforts.

In addition, we have advanced the security of the home by installing security cameras and completing the enclosure of our border wall. We also invested in a water purification system so we no longer have to purchase water. This is the starting point of our goal to establish a commercial water purification system to provide clean drinking water for the local community.

It has been humbling to see the excitement of our team for improving and growing our program with a goal to proclaim the gospel in Iquitos. This is done through being the body of Christ, doing life with the community, showing them who Christ is. We look forward to watching the Lord continue to work through these efforts!

In Christ, Titus Bowen

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!Psalm 144:15

All About the Boys

  • Waltahir had a birthday! He was celebrated in the home.

  • Alonso and Marcos took the initiative to clean the fish farm on their own! In the words of one of our Peruvian team members, "This was fabulous!" (Yes, we have two fish farming ponds on our property)!

  • The team in Peru surprised Kailee, one of the founders of Kings and Queens, with a birthday phone call from Peru. They sang "Happy Birthday" to her and celebrated her from thousands of miles away!

  • The boys participated in a week-long prayer focus. The prayers were focused on our organization, its leaders, and its sponsors!

Prayer Requests:

  • Churches in Iquitos remain closed. Please pray for the men of Casa de Reyes to continue to grow in love, knowledge, and devotion to the Lord. Please pray for the Church in Iquitos to remain steadfast and to be strengthened.

  • Pray for the lost, hurting people of Iquitos. Pray that they would recognize Jesus as their personal Savior, repent, and believe the Gospel. Pray for a revival among the city! Pray Christians in the city will be a source of hope to those in despair from this pandemic.

  • Pray for the health of the young men in our home and our Peruvian staff members- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

  • Pray for opportunities for the men of Casa de Reyes to be discipled by other believers around them. Pray for perseverance in their faith. Please pray against boredom and distractions as school is still not back to normal in Peru.

Why We Give

George and Brooke Barran have been serving Peru for nearly ten years. They are faithful supporters of Kings and Queens International and help sponsor two of the men of Casa de Reyes. Here is Brooke's reasoning for why they give:

Young boys, hungry and staring at us as we sat at a restaurant eating our dinner. Kids walking around without shoes, without parents. The sight of poverty. Walking over a hill of trash through a cloud of an unforgettable foul smell. Meeting young boys who had been abandoned, abused, heartbroken, and lost. These are some of the things that we saw on our very first trip to Peru in 2012. In the midst of the despair was our Lord and a group of people whom He was calling to do His will, to love and care for these boys. They said “yes” and are still being obedient to God’s call over their lives as the providers, protectors, and unconditional love they pour over and into these boy’s lives. They are Kings and Queens. We gratefully give to this ministry because of the hearts that they have to help these boys not only have a chance in life, but to break the cycle of sin and to help grow them into becoming Godly men....to be light in the darkness. Kings and Queens covers their boys with hope and we have personally seen the fruits of their labor and the transformation of young broken hearts turn into healing, loving, and Godly driven lives. Boys who were once weeping are now full of joy, hope, and a hunger for the gospel and for God’s guidance, restoration, and reformation. Thank you Kings and Queens!

COVID-19 Support

This month we were able to directly help our neighborhood with groceries and other basic needs. We were able to send monetary support to some of our closest friends in Lima and provide healthcare for Harold's sick mother (introduced in last month's newsletter).

We continued to support Isabel and her family (mentioned in previous newsletters and photographed above). In fact, our team went above and beyond for their family of seven. They went to their home and cleaned, organized, and delivered kitchen utensils and items to make their life somewhat easier. How beautiful it is to see their service to others! Furthermore, they brought the Bible and shared from it to Isabel and her family.

 

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.

July 2020 Updates

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.

June 2020 Updates

Urgent Need*

Members of Casa de Reyes, Carlos and Jarry (biological brothers, pictured above), have unexpectedly lost their mother this month, leaving behind their three younger sisters.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Carlos went to stay with his mother and sisters to help care for them, assisting with duties of the house and virtual schooling for his

sisters. This was a tremendous blessing and support to his mom, who was struggling with her health and unable to work. Now that she has passed away, another family member will come in to live with the girls. Carlos specifically desires to be a part of their care however possible and feels a responsibility to supporting them. For now, he and Jarry will continue to remain in our home and go to school. Please join us in praying for this entire family and for the Lord to provide fully for their needs.

To assist this family during this tumultuous time, sponsorship of $225 in monthly recurring donations will allow our ministry to financially support their sisters. If you feel led to set up a monthly recurring donation to support for any amount, you may do so at the button below. Your generous gift will support these sweet sisters with food, essential items, and school expenses.

*This urgent need and personal story is shared with express permission by the family

COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Peruvians have now spent over 100 days in a strict, mandatory quarantine due to the coronavirus. Peru was already home to widespread poverty before this unforgiving pandemic. Millions of people have lost their jobs, cannot work, and are facing hunger. Kings and Queens is now focusing on aiding individuals and families across Peru whom we have personal relationships with. We believe that during these unprecedented times, it is our duty to help those we can as long as we have the means to do so. 

Normally we have a big spring fundraiser (2018- gala, 2019- Top Golf). These fundraisers have brought in thousands of dollars to help us fulfill our purposes. This year because we were unable to do so, we are utilizing social media platforms as a new fundraiser for COVID-19 relief efforts. 

Until now, we have been supporting these families using one-time donations given to our COVID-19 relief fund. In order to strategically serve as many of our loved ones as possible until they are able to support themselves again, we are now campaigning to raise monthly recurring donations to meet these needs.

Support for Jair

We would like to continue to support Jair (pictured above) and his family. Jair previously lived in our home, Casa de Reyes. He now lives in a small village in a home with his dad, mom, and sister. They have been struggling to survive since they are unable to work. Here is a small glimpse into his current situation:

“Hello my name is Jair. We are fighting hard as a family to get ahead. Our lives have been very difficult this year. We are unable to work during this quarantine. Therefore, we are looking for any possible way to bring food into our home. We have sold everything we can to obtain money to buy food- like our television. Life is very sad, but despite that, I am very grateful to God for keeping my family safe and healthy. God is great and is merciful in everything and has kept us from bad things. I am very grateful to God for all of the things you do for my family.”
 

$150 a month provides:
food and essential items for Jair's family 
during the coronavirus pandemic

Community Outreach

We recently sent out an email sharing the story of one of our neighbors, Isabel, and her five children. Her husband works hard to support their family by collecting plastic bottles. They have no shoes, no beds, and the children are unable to pursue an education. God put it on our hearts to support this family. Our Peruvian team contacted their own local friends to collect donations of essential items and clothing for this family. Items were given in abundance!

From the U.S. side, we were able to generate $75 in monthly recurring donations and one time donations of $625! Donations are being used to buy a stove and a recent gift of new mattresses. We are so grateful for the generosity of supporters both near and far who together helped bring light and hope to a deserving family.

We still hope to raise $75 more in monthly recurring donations in order to fully support this family throughout the coronavirus pandemic. You may click the button below to donate. Please enjoy the photos below of the family joyfully receiving these gifts!

All About the Boys

  • Marcos had a birthday this month! Unfortunately, we were unable to celebrate with him since he was visiting his family when the coronavirus quarantine began and got stuck there. We have still continued to provide for him and his family through this difficult time. We were able to send Marcos extra goods for his birthday!

  • The boys are thrilled because as of July 1, Peru moved to a targeted quarantine. Children under 14, the elderly, and the sick must remain home, but others may venture out again as long as they follow certain safety measures (ex. masks are mandatory). Though we will continue to keep the safety and health of the men in our home a top priority, this change does allow them a little more freedom.

Urgent Prayer Requests

The present needs in Peru are overwhelming. We have several prayer requests specific to our boys (both past and present) that we need you to help us intercede for!

1. Please pray for Carlos and Jarry as they grieve the loss of their mother. Please also pray for their siblings who are also hurting.

2. Please pray for Marcos (pictured above) to make a full recovery. He is currently sick with dengue fever and is still with his family whom he was visiting when the quarantine began. He wishes to return to our home immediately (as do we!), but the government has not allowed him to travel back to us yet. Please pray for his swift and safe return!

3. Please pray for Alexander C., a young man previously in our program, who has suffered greatly the past few months from side effects of his tuberculosis diagnosis. We have been helping him get medical treatment and will continue to do so.

May 2020 Updates

Peru Has Second Highest Per Capita Infection Rate in the World

As time goes on and the quarantine in Peru continues to be extended, the reality of the coronavirus in Peru continues to worsen instead of making any progress toward flattening the curve. In Iquitos, the city our home is located in, over 1,300 people have died from coronavirus. TIME published an article on May 29 titled "Peru Locked Down Hard and Early. Why Is Its Coronavirus Outbreak So Bad?" Peru now has the second highest per capita infection rate in the world. As noted by TIME, here's why:

"Public health experts say living and working conditions in the country of 33 million—where a fifth of people live on only around $100 a month—has made it near impossible for many Peruvians to comply with quarantine measures."


"The government’s [quarantine] strategy works for the 30% of Peru that is employed in the formal sector, that’s been growing economically,” he says. “But there’s another 70% of Peru, which is informal, that doesn’t have access to basic services of health, education, nutrition, or to pensions and financial safety nets."


"Staying home for long periods of time is impossible for the 44% of households that do not have a refrigerator, according to a 2018 government survey, with families needing to leave the house regularly to access food. As a result, busy food markets have become a hub of infection."


The young men of Casa de Reyes are in a better condition than the majority of their countrymen. We are very thankful to have gated property where the young men of Casa de Reyes can stay safely quarantined. We are blessed to have every boy sponsored and to be able to take care of their needs during this time when so many other Peruvians are lacking. We are grateful for items we have in the home- such as computers and a refrigerator- luxuries for Peruvians. We do not take any of these things for granted.

Throughout this terrible time for the nation, we have been especially grateful for the way God has always provided for the young men entrusted to our care. Furthermore, we are in awe of how he continues to provide relief through COVID-19 donations for our ministry.

Without the hope of Christ, this situation in Peru seems unbearable. However, we are confident in the promise God makes to his children:

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Pictured above is a sweet boy who lives in the same neighborhood Casa de Reyes is located. Our team has grown a relationship with him and his family. Scarlet, Ministry Finance and Accounting Manager of Kings and Queens Peru, says she loves this photo because "his joy in the midst of turmoil within his community is an encouragement."

Community Outreach

We can never fully express our gratitude for the donations that have poured in specifically for our COVID-19 relief efforts.

As is it said, "A picture is worth a thousand words." See the photographs and descriptions below to see how your donations have blessed so many families who otherwise would be desperately lacking.

The Peruvian government began fumigating homes to aid in stopping the spread of coronavirus. However, due to overwhelming need, they are unable to do every home. With donations, we were able to have our home fumigated. We are in the process of purchasing a system to do this ourselves to our own home and to fumigate homes in the local community.

All About the Boys

  • The boys continue with their distance learning (pictured above).

  • A new tradition has started in the home during this time: every three nights, the boys and leadership all gather together to watch a movie. The boys eagerly look forward to movie nights!

  • Our team has been meeting with the young men of the home weekly on the topic of dating and relationships with a biblical worldview. This is something they really look forward to as a relevant topic in their lives!

  • Support staff member, Juan Manuel, has been very intentional about doing activities with the boys that bring joy. Recently he took them to a remote fishing spot. They didn't catch anything and the house dog almost drowned, but overall they had a fun day!

  • Marcos is a young man in our program who was visiting his family in another city on his summer break when the coronavirus quarantine began. Because he has been unable to leave and return to Casa de Reyes, we were successfully able to send him and his family supplies this month including food, cleaning supplies, and basic necessities. We were excited to also send extra essential supplies for his family to keep on giving and help other surrounding families.

Corporate Prayer

Thank you to all who joined us in prayer via Zoom call this month! It was a special time to come together corporately and plead on behalf of the country of Peru.

In true Peruvian fashion, our Peru family joined late, along with a friend from Lima, and several of our board members- we and the young men of Casa de Reyes sang together in worship and prayed for God's healing of this nation. From South Carolina to Alabama to Lima to Iquitos, we are grateful for technology and the Lord to connect us in prayer!

We 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 love to do so!

April 2020 Updates

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:40

Giving Hope in Uncertain Times

Thanks to generous donors, our staff and young men of Casa de Reyes have served their local community during an incredibly difficult time for Peruvians. Government intervention for the poor is very limited. Though the boys of Casa de Reyes remain quarantined on our gated property, our staff must leave to buy necessities. With COVID-19 relief donations, they have bought extra groceries and items to serve many in the local community. Bags were distributed by our staff to families in dire need of food. These acts of kindness give hope to struggling families, allowing them to see a glimpse of Jesus.

Furthermore, we have also monetarily supported individuals and families during this time. Because the majority of Peruvians work daily to survive, most of them do not have any type of savings. The quarantine orders do not allow them to work, which is leading to hunger. Two boys in our home have families who cannot survive during this time without aid. We have been able to send both families money for food. We have also supported two young men who were previously a part of Casa de Reyes. We were able to provide life-sustaining medicine for a brother during this time who suffers from liver disease. We have been able to help young men living in Lima that we have personal relationships with. Without these donations, many simply would be starving.

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank you for making donations that are literally saving lives and preventing hunger.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17

The Sweetest Act of Service

Recently on his own accord, Alexander asked Daviczon if he could clean his teeth. Daviczon is the newest member of Casa de Reyes, and was thrilled to be cared for in such a special way. It is inspiring to see how well the young men of Casa de Reyes take care of one another as brothers, with selfless acts of service. Surprisingly, Alexander is not going to school for dentistry, but for chemical engineering!

The Power of Prayer

We believe in the power of prayer. The weight of the current situation in Peru effects the work of our ministry in many ways. We would like to share some specific prayers requests with you to lift up alongside us:

We ask for your prayers specifically for God to open gateways for funds to easily reach Peru. As supplies dwindle, stores have closed and the prices of essential items are rapidly rising. A state of panic and chaos fills the city of Iquitos. Banks are closing because they are unable to provide funds. It has been very challenging for our staff to retrieve money, and they can only do small transactions at a time. Lines that lack any kind of social distancing, like the one pictured above, are very common during this time and operations are only open for a short time.

Our leadership carry much of this weight to continue operations. Recently our Account Manager, Scarlett, has been dealing with a severe eye infection. Please pray for her full and complete healing as she returns to a specialist on Monday.Pray for God’s protection over our team as they distribute essential items to the community.

The immune systems of several of the young men of Casa de Reyes are of high-risk for the virus. We are asking for God’s protection and strength for the bodies of these we love so much. One of our young men has a severe ear infection that has not been resolved- we ask for your prayers for complete healing and relief.

Another young man in our program went to visit his mother in a remote city before the quarantine was put into place. He is now stuck in this city with very limited resources and is having challenges with receiving funds from us. Please pray for his protection and for God’s provision in removing barriers to support him and his family.

While the magnitude of this crisis is so much bigger than ourselves, we serve a great God who holds our world in His hands & has the power to heal nations. View the document below for prayer and scripture prompts from Unite714: a worldwide Christian movement to unite "churches, pastors, leaders, and individuals, across the globe to pray for a miraculous healing of our lands from the coronavirus and a spiritual awakening among the nations." Join us in pleading on behalf of Peru, the USA, and our entire world.

Coronavirus Update

The quarantine and strict guidelines in regards to the coronavirus in Peru continue to be extended. As of today, there are over 31,000 cases of the coronavirus in Peru with 854 deaths. Hospital systems are already collapsing. The hunger the nation is facing is an even greater problem.

In a recent article, the reality of the crisis in Peru builds:

  • "Many poor Peruvians live in cramped, unsanitary dwellings. Nearly a million in Lima alone lack running water."

  • "So far, nearly 60,000 people have been arrested for violating the rules... But single mothers have also been detained, mainly for violating a controversial gender-based requirement for men and women to go out on alternate days."

  • "Peru’s upward trend could be a harbinger of things to come in other developing nations with poor sanitation, weak public institutions and frayed trust in authority."

  • “'There is a lot of hunger,' says Garrinzon González, who runs the Venezuelan Union in Peru, a self-help group for immigrants. 'I can hear the desperation in their voices when they call me. There are people getting by with boiling water with sugar. It is terrible.”' From the Washington Post

Though things are grim in Peru and the worst is far from over, we are thankful that as Christians our hope lies in Christ alone. He is worthy to be praised, and we believe He will work this out for the good of those who love Him. We believe He can heal, and He is bigger than any crisis we face.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

All About the Boys

  • Carlos (pictured left) and Jeygler (pictured right) celebrated their birthdays this month! Even in quarantine, they were able to receive special attention!

  • Summer break in Peru is December-February. The boys started a brand new school year in March, which was almost immediately altered due to the coronavirus. This month, they began virtual classes. Our ministry has been blessed with sponsors who have graciously provided several laptops for Casa de Reyes over the years that have become critical during this time.

  • Peru began a television program titled "I Learn at Home." It has different schedules for each grade level. Some of the boys in our home are following this television program for their distance learning.

March 2020 Updates

COVID-19 in Peru 

On March 15, Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra declared a national state of emergency. Under this declaration, citizens were called to mandatory self-quarantine for 15 days. On March 26, the President extended the national state of emergency and mandatory self-quarantine for 13 more days. It is scheduled to lift on April 12. All international travel both in and out of Peru has been banned. This left many tourists, including Americans, stuck in Peru and unable to return home. Different countries have begun sending for their citizens, though many are still trapped in Peru.

The military and police are working to protect the country's borders, to oversee the mandatory self-quarantine, and to provide assistance to the people during this difficult time. The quarantine greatly restricts all movement in Peru with the only exceptions being to travel to the hospital for emergencies, supermarkets, pharmacies, or banks. A curfew has been put in place. Over 36,000 Peruvians have been detained for breaking curfew.

It has been noted that Peru has taken some of the strongest measures to protect its citizens from the COVID-19 outbreak. There is no way the Peruvian healthcare system could stand such a pandemic. Though these measures are taken with great reasoning, it is providing an incredible strain on the majority of its people. Because there is already such a survival culture in Peru, many Peruvians worry they will die of hunger before dying of the coronavirus. The government is assisting in passing out food to the poorest of the poor and supplementing income as well. The President stated on March 26th that the government will pay 35% of all wages of any employee earning less than 1,500 soles a month (roughly $440 a month). However, over 8 million Peruvians live in poverty, and unemployment rates are high. The government is working to put more financial directives in place to help its people. It is offering 380 soles to Peruvians who were registered in 2002, but this does not cover all Peruvians and does not cover many people who are living in extreme poverty and in rural areas. Two hospitals have opened in Lima to help with COVID-19 cases.

As of today, March 31, 1,065 Peruvians are infected with COVID-19 with 24 deaths. Specifically, in Iquitos, there are 53 cases if COVID-19 with two reported deaths. Scarlet, Ministry Finance and Accounting Manager of Kings and Queens Peru, says, "What is despairing here is not the virus, but rather people not being able to go out and work. Many people here work day to day for their income. This is a big problem, on top of the fact that we have a very bad health care system. We are praying for God to take control."

Prayer Requests

With the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, there are numerous prayer requests we have for our ministry, the local community in Iquitos, and for Peru in general. Please join us in prayer for the following:

1. Pray God would have mercy on Peru, provide for the people, and bring peace to a desperate and hurting nation, specifically to Iquitos.

2. Pray God would bring healing to those suffering with COVID-19 and for the spread of the virus to stop.

3. Pray for President Martín Vizcarra to have wisdom and compassion.

4. Pray for Marcos, one of the young men of Casa de Reyes. He was visiting his family on the summer break when the quarantine began. He has been unable to return to our home, and his family has been desperate for food. We have been able to send them money to buy food and other needed supplies. Please pray for the well-being of Marcos and his family. He will return to Casa de Reyes as soon as he is able.

5. Pray for Kings and Queens employee, Juan Manuel. He stepped on a rusty nail and has not had a Tetanus shot, as he is unable to get one during this time. Please pray there would be no infection and for complete healing of his foot.

6. Pray for Alonso of Casa de Reyes. He needs to have a tooth pulled and cannot right now due to the quarantine. Please pray for his pain to subside and for his tooth to be taken care of as soon as possible.

7. Please pray for the local community we serve on a regular basis. Pray for the families and for the children we have come to know and love. Pray for God to meet their needs and show His love to them during this time.

We serve a mighty God who hears us when we pray! He is bigger than any problem we face!

Good News 

Even during a terrible time, there is still good news to be shared. Walter and Juan Manuel were able to go at 4:30 AM this morning to buy enough supplies to last through the rest of the quarantine. The boys are pictured above unloading the supplies.

Generous donors have given over $4,800 to go directly towards financial relief in helping the local community during this crisis. Kings and Queens employees and the young men of Casa de Reyes are continuing to safely serving their community during this time. One day, they passed out bread and drinks to the military and police in the area. They are also assembling baskets for the local community families that contain rice, sugar, milk and oil. We also are making efforts to financially help friends and some of the boys who no longer live in Casa de Reyes during this time. What a blessing!

Rivaldo, one of the young men of Casa de Reyes, recently became ill with Dengue fever. This is a disease carried by mosquitoes. There is a current health alert in Iquitos because of an outbreak of Dengue fever in Peru. There are currently over 3,000 cases throughout the jungle regions of Peru. It causes flu-like symptoms and even death. We are praising God that Rivaldo is recovering and doing so much better!

Summer Mission Trip Postponed

Unfortunately, with the current travel bans both in the United Sates and in Peru and the coronavirus pandemic, our summer mission team has been postponed. We have no way to determine when we will be able to return to Peru, but we plan to do so as soon as possible. The information for the postponed trip is to be determined.

All About the Boys

We are thankful that the boys of Case de Reyes are safe on our land during the quarantine. They are stocked with plenty of food. During this time, they have been resting at times and have been playing at times- soccer, ping pong, foosball. They are simply making the best of a difficult situation. Virtual school is beginning for some of them during this time since schools are closed across Peru. Waltahir has been able to use his time to work on an extended project for college (pictured above). See the above prayer request section for specific prayer requests for Marcos and Alonso during this time.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

February 2020 Updates

Meet Elio

Elio of Casa de Reyes loves to play soccer and is a top student at school. Read a piece of his story below. 

Personal Testimony: I am Elio. In my hometown, I attended elementary school until second grade. I could not continue my education because of family problems. My father was an alcoholic. He mistreated my mother every day when he came home drunk. One day my mother could not bear it anymore. We left home with all of my brothers to get away from our father. Mom decided to send one of my brothers and I to a home for abandoned boys so we could continue our studies and have more opportunities. We lived there for three years. Then we were transferred to an older boys home in Iquitos. I had the desire to serve Christ with all of my strength. I wanted to win souls for him. One day they told us that the house was closing due to economic problems. My brother and I were separated into two different homes. It was very terrible for me. My school performance dropped. I lost the desire to seek God. I did not eat. I could not sleep. It was as if I was going back to the past, like when I lived with my father. It was a life of sadness and loneliness. I decided to escape from the home. At dawn I left and walked down a long and very dangerous road. Thank God I arrived in Iquitos safe and sound. I did not know what to do. Meanwhile the police and many others had been searching for me. Kings and Queens employees found me that night. They brought me back to their home to be with my brother. They went to court for me; the judge approved me to live in their home. I am grateful to God for everything, and I am willing to continue fighting to have a good future and to serve Jesus Christ.

Update: Elio moved into Casa de Reyes in 2018. If he's not at school, you can find him next to his brother, Jhoan, at any given time. The two are inseparable. Elio is currently lacking $50 in his monthly sponsorship. Please pray he will once again be sponsored in full.

Prayer Request

Our church plant, Divine Grace, is devoting funds from tithing to offer tutoring to local children after school. Divine Grace is also working to create a plan to better invest in the parents of the community. Meetings to establish a plan will take place in March. Please pray God would allow the Church to reach these parents by helping to meet some of their physical needs, and, more importantly, by pointing them to Christ.

Soccer Event 

The young men of Casa de Reyes led a community outreach project this month. They decided to put their excellent skills to good use and mix two of their greatest passions together- children and soccer. They invited local children to attend a soccer clinic on our land. Many of these children already come to the land on Sundays to either watch or play soccer themselves on our beautiful field. The children who participated were between ages seven and eleven. In all, fourteen teams participated. There were three championship teams and two leading scorers who were all awarded. Many parents participated in this event with their children. Other siblings and neighbors came to watch the games take place. This event was successful in reaching all ages!

Not only did the boys of Casa de Reyes help organize the event, but they also helped referee the games, provided snacks for the children, and led the participants in devotions before games. It is wonderful to see the young men of Casa de Reyes pour into their community. Whether they realize it or not, they are serving as role models to the children in their community. We are grateful that they serve them with glad hearts.

Summer Mission Team

June 29-July 8, 2020

We will be taking a mission team to Iquitos June 29-July 8 and would love for you to join us in the jungle! We will serve the young men of Casa de Reyes, participate in community outreach, and serve a partnering orphanage in the jungle. Please email us here for an information packet if you are interested in joining this team. We would love for you to see firsthand all God is doing in Peru!

All About the Boys

  • Alonso (pictured in top photo above) recently requested to begin courses in English. Peruvians who are bilingual, and especially those who speak English, have many job opportunities available to them. Tourism is a huge industry in Iquitos because of the Amazon jungle. Alonso will begin his English studies this month and is very excited!

  • Alexander returned from his leadership training in Lima (hear of his experience below!)

  • This month, the boys in high school continued their school vacation. They spent time hanging out with their friends, playing soccer, ping-pong, and foosball, working some on the land, going to church, resting, and more!

Leadership Development

Alexander is a true leader of Casa de Reyes. Not only does he lead at the home, but he also joyfully serves in the church, loves to do community outreach- particularly serving children, and he leads in his college. He is involved in a variety of organizations at his university. In fact, he is the Regional Coordinator of the Christian Student Movement and is a member of the Association of Evangelical University Groups of Peru. We could not be more proud of his pursuit to love and serve the Lord!

In February, Alexander had the incredible opportunity to fly to Lima for a leadership conference. He says of his experience:

Attending this leadership conference was a time of personal formation where I learned much more about Jesus and the history of His life. I learned how He served people with their best interest in mind. He completed miracles, and He welcomed the excluded. I am very grateful for this training time that taught us how to lead as Jesus did. I am willing to work in my community with that same love that moved Jesus to walk through the villages and announce the good news!

January 2020 Updates

All Students Can Learn

 When I was in Peru in this winter, I was able to meet Daviczon, the newest member of Casa de Reyes, for the first time. He immediately greeted me with the warmest smile and the biggest hug! Daviczon radiates joy; he rarely stops smiling. It was very evident he loves being a part of Casa de Reyes. He genuinely enjoys the presence of the other young men in the home and is quick to offer his assistance to help with any task in the home. He is a giver! 

Aside from my work as Sponsorship Coordinator with Kings and Queens, I am also an English teacher. I have taught hundreds of students throughout the years and share the values of the American educational system, that all students can learn. I was saddened to find that this same belief is not shared by all in Iquitos. Prior to coming to Kings and Queens, Daviczon had never received received any type of education because of his learning challenges. One of my greatest joys when I was in Peru this time was meeting Daviczon and seeing how God is changing his life through our program. 

In the home, charts were posted on the wall of colors, the alphabet, and numbers. The other boys informed me that these charts are for Daviczon. Our tutor works diligently with him to teach him things he has never had the opportunity to learn before. For the first time in his entire life, the expectation is set: Daviczon can learn!  We at Kings and Queens believe in Daviczon. It is no accident he is in our home. While we know his educational journey is unique, we aim to teach him life skills that will help him become more self-sufficient.

I would like to leave you with the following sweet story. While in Peru, all the young men of Casa de Reyes were asked to each write a letter to their sponsor(s) by a certain date. On that date, immediately after arriving at the home, Daviczon brought me a stack of letters. He had taken it upon himself to collect the letters from every boy. He then, waving it profusely and smiling so proudly, handed me the letter that he wrote for his sponsors- the letter photographed above. This reminded me of the Bible story in Mark 12:41-44, where the poor widow gives all of the money she has to the Lord. Daviczon gave his sponsors all he could in that letter. His sponsors are providing him with invaluable opportunities-- to learn, to be encouraged, to be poured into and believed in, and to see and experience the love of God. What a blessing they are!

Welcoming Juan Manuel!

We are grateful to welcome a new support staff member at Casa de Reyes, Juan Manuel (pictured right with a few of the boys)! He is passionate about serving and discipleship. He and his wife Scarlett, along with their son, Mateo, are originally from Columbia. They have enjoyed volunteering for the ministry and church in the past, and are excited to continue being a part of the ministry of Kings & Queens!

Walter Perez (pictured above left) has been a part of our staff for many years. His heart for the young men of the house is deep and his years of wisdom are an invaluable part of our ministry. He has recently stepped into the position of house director and is thankful to continue doing what he believes the Lord has called him to. Please be in prayer for him as he takes on this new role!

Summer Mission Team Opportunity

June 29-July 8, 2020

We will be taking a summer mission team to Iquitos June 29-July 8 and would love for you to join us in the jungle! We will serve the young men of Casa de Reyes, participate in community outreach, and serve a partnering orphanage in the jungle.

All About the Boys

  • Elio, formerly known as Enrique, celebrated his 18th birthday, meaning we can now share his true identity with you! He was thrown a birthday celebration in the home.

  • The boys have been excited to help collect ripened fruit from the land. Recently, they have been enjoying the plantains!

  • This month, some of the boys traveled to visit family over their vacation from school, and are now back at Casa de Reyes. For many of them, their family is a huge motivation to complete school and pursue professional endeavors.

  • Marcos is training for the police academy and has been getting up at 5:00am daily to train. Please pray for him as he pursues this endeavor!

  • Alexander ("Chino") will travel to Lima in February for a leadership development conference. Please pray for him as he seeks to grow in his leadership skills!

Titus Takes on Peru

Titus, our president and founder, went to Peru this month, sharing some great quality time with our leadership and the young men of the home. He was also able to teach Juan Manuel a new skill: how to drive the Jumbo, our rather large bus! We are thankful to have this tool for mission teams, group outings, outreach, and more.

Titus was also able to bring some extra joy to Casa de Reyes too. The boys love the foosball table that they received for Christmas so much so that he purchased a ping pong table to go with it! They enjoyed competing against one another and hope to up their skills before Titus returns to Peru! A construction project was also begun with the boys: building a volleyball court. We are excited for the completion of the project. It has been a joy to see how excited the boys are to have new opportunities for fun to take place around the house!