The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) marked 60 years of continuous service in Peru with a two-day celebration on September 2–3, 2025.

The event included volunteer activities, a service of gratitude, and the inauguration of the agency’s renovated national headquarters in Lima.

The anniversary began with “Volunteer for a Day”, a hands-on initiative in the streets of Lima. Plinio Vergara, director of ADRA Peru, was joined by an international delegation that included Paulo Lopes, director of ADRA International; Charné Renou, vice president of finance for ADRA International; and Rodrigo Cárcamo, director of ADRA South America.

ADRA representatives from Uruguay, Ecuador, and the Czech Republic also participated, alongside leaders from the Southern Peruvian Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Together, volunteers collected food at the Unicachi wholesale market, later distributing it to the “La Candelaria” Community Kitchen in Villa María del Triunfo. They also helped renovate the community dining area, painting walls and providing a new kitchen set.

“With ADRA, we can help people improve their quality of life with faith and hope, so they can live as God desires. This meeting strengthened our strategies to achieve this change and fulfill Jesus’ mandate,” said Vergara, reflecting on the impact of volunteering in the region.

Thanksgiving Ceremony

That evening, more than 300 people attended a thanksgiving service at the Miraflores Adventist Church. The ceremony reflected on six decades of ADRA’s work, beginning with the creation of the Adventist Philanthropic Work of Social Assistance (OFASA) in 1965 and its later transition into ADRA Peru.

The event was attended by Adventist leaders, members of Congress, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (MIDIS), municipal representatives, and partners, including UNICEF, the World Food Program, Swisscontact, and the Wiese Foundation.

A commemorative book, In God We Will Do Great Things, was presented by Dr. Santos Guerrero, ADRA Peru’s disaster risk management manager, documenting the agency’s history through stories of service and resilience.

“With ADRA, we can help people improve their quality of life with faith and hope, so they can live as God desires. This meeting strengthened our strategies to achieve this change and fulfill Jesus' mandate,” said the director of the humanitarian agency in Peru, moved by the impact of volunteering in the region.

The commemorative book "In God We Will Do Great Things" was also presented , written by Dr. Santos Guerrero, Project and Services Manager for Disaster Risk Management at ADRA Peru. In addition to compiling historical data, the book portrays miracles, challenges, and testimonies that marked the agency's history in Peru.

Cárcamo commented that his experience participating in ADRA Peru's anniversary activities recently reaffirmed the great work they do for the community.

"It's a well-established agency that enjoys great prestige among its peers, being eligible for many projects because it has earned the trust of civil society. We thank God for the beautiful work they have done with such dedication over these 60 years," Cárcamo concluded.

Inauguration of New Facilities

On September 3, ADRA Peru inaugurated its remodeled national office. Renovations included the reception area, auditorium, multipurpose room, dining room, and management offices. Leaders said the updates represent an organization that is growing and forward-looking.

Leaders of the Adventist Church in Peru and ADRA in the new premises of the ADRA Peru National Office.

Photo: ADRA Peru

Leaders of the Adventist Church in Peru and ADRA during the inauguration of the new facilities of the ADRA Peru National Office.

Photo: ADRA Peru

“This change represents a renewed commitment to dream, plan, and execute projects that transform lives with dignity and hope,” organizers noted.

Looking Ahead

Over six decades, ADRA Peru has grown from a small philanthropic effort into a nationally respected humanitarian organization, connected to the global ADRA network while remaining rooted in local realities.

During the commemoration, agency and church leaders emphasized that ADRA’s mission continues.

“Everything achieved has been possible because God has guided every step, every volunteer, every prayer, and every action,” leaders affirmed. “As long as there are people in need, ADRA will continue to be there: with an open heart and hands ready to serve.”

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.