South American Division

Adventist Volunteers Improve Living Conditions in Japura

ADRA's Sheltering Houses project seeks to improve the living conditions of people who face extremely low temperatures.

July 22, 2024

Peru

Irene Strong, South American Division

Group of volunteers from the South American headquarters of the Adventist Church on their way to Peru

Photo: Volunteer team from the South American Adventist Division

In an act of generosity and commitment, a group of 38 members of the South American headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church embarked on a mission of solidarity to help the inhabitants of the community of Japura, located in a remote and cold corner in the mountains of the Cusco region, in southern Peru. This initiative was part of the Sheltering Houses project of ADRA, the humanitarian agency of the Adventist Church, whose objective is to improve the living conditions of people who face extremely low temperatures.

Japura is a small community located at an altitude of approximately 4,050 meters and is inhabited by around 200 people. The majority of the residents of Japura speak Quechua and have struggled for years against the harsh climate that characterizes the region.

ADRA’s Sheltering Homes project aims to provide safer, warmer homes for vulnerable communities in regions where extreme weather conditions can be devastating. The initiative includes the construction of brick stoves with a metal chimney, bathrooms, roof insulation, and adequate flooring – crucial elements to protect families from the cold and improve their quality of life.

The team of volunteers was divided into several groups, each in charge of different aspects of the reconstruction. The renovation activities were carried out for a whole week, on average six hours a day, at high altitudes, facing the challenges of climate and geography.

Building a fire pit in a rural house in the Japura community

Wilfredo Escobar, project coordinator for ADRA Peru's Cusco Region, said that the work was satisfactory and that he was very happy with all the help he received. "The work was done in an agile and unexpected way," said Escobar, who added: "And I hope that in the future other volunteers can come and have this experience of helping people in this area."

Miriam Oliveira, an official at the South American Division (SAD), said: "I am grateful for the privilege and opportunity to participate in this wonderful project. These were truly different moments that will remain in our memories and hearts for eternity. During these activities, we strengthened the friendships among the volunteers we came to help, and seeing the happy people was the best reward."

At the end of the week of reconstruction, the new facilities were officially opened, a moment full of emotion and gratitude. Residents expressed their deep gratitude to God for the opportunity to receive this much-needed help and were very satisfied with the results.

Director of ADRA Peru, on the left of the photo, and part of the volunteers at the inauguration of the renovated houses in the community of Japura

"In this mission, ADRA has been able to fulfill the first four fundamental points of Christ's method: Get to know people, show sympathy, attend to their needs, and gain their trust," said Javier Catalán, coordinator of ADRA Connections at the SAD.

Now, the local church of the Sicuani B missionary district will continue working with the community, providing material help, but above all, fulfilling the last step of Christ's method of presenting the message of salvation to them through the study of the Bible.

This mission not only improved living conditions in Japura, but also strengthened the bonds of solidarity and hope between volunteers and the community. The collaboration between Adventist Volunteer Service and ADRA once again demonstrates the transformative power of humanitarian aid and shared faith.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.