Update on Canastas de Esperanza

As of today, June 23rd, Perú is officially reporting 257,447 cases of CoVID-19 with 8,223 deaths. They say there are hot spots throughout the country, which have been hit hard. The Peruvian government responded quickly to the crisis and put us under an enforced quarantine and martial law. Despite this, they are still reporting large daily increases in the number of cases. 

The team getting the baskets ready!

600 Canastas de Esperanza

We have seen an extension to our quarantine and martial law four times now. The new proposed date to end the main quarantine is this one week from today, on the 30th of June, but we are not holding our breath. We are being told that Peru might not open its borders for international travel until October or after. Some companies are slowly opening. Only a few restaurants that deliver food have been able to open. Additionally, some stores and mineral mines have been given the green light to open their doors. However, to open, they must comply with many restrictions. For their workers these restrictions include that they maintain a certain percent of Body Mass Index (BMI) and go through extensive screening by a medical professional. To enter some communities or companies, one must go through a disinfectant tunnel. To enter the grocery store, employees spray one’s hands with disinfectant and take people’s temperature as they enter. They turn away anyone that has a fever. 

 

Even as Peru potentially relaxes the quarantine over next the few weeks, many people will struggle to provide for their families. Those who live hand to mouth, which is estimated to be over 60% of the population, will continue to suffer deeply, as they are not allowed to sell things on the street. More than likely it will remain like this for some time. 

 

During this difficult time, we have been so blessed to be able to help some of the most vulnerable. Through our direct team we have been able to provide around 1,300 food “Baskets of Hope” (“Canastas de Esperanza”) to families facing desperate needs. As you may remember, Hope was the daughter we lost in the jungle in October of 2018. Since then, Hope has permeated our lives, as we seek to impart hope and HOPE to those with whom we come into contact. 

We have given out these baskets in six of the most devastated areas surrounding Lima. The goal is to go into the homes with a local pastor and give out the Gospel, as we are able, while obeying all of the quarantine restrictions. These restrictions include using masks (and at times gloves) and staying 1 ½ meters away from other people. Also, we include a Bible and tracts in each basket and encourage people to use this time to read and study God’s Word. We recently obtained some coloring books with Bible stories to give to families that have kids! 

 

 

The cost for one basket is only $20 and will provide the immediate needs for a family of four people for up to one month. Maybe you could provide the funds for one or two baskets, or maybe more! 

 

If you and your family feel burdened to provide the funds for one basket (or several), please send us a message with the number of baskets you would like to donate. Starting this month, your tax-deductible gift can be sent to: www.cmcmissions.org (Missionary Robert Bass). If you would like to send a check, please send me a message and I will provide a form to include with your gift! 

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR PERU!