Dedicating their time and resources to assist in the construction of small churches in the most vulnerable communities are the acts of generosity of North American students who travel to different countries through Maranatha Volunteers International, a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which, thanks to donations, has been doing important work in the territory of the South Peru Union (UPS) of Seventh-day Adventists.
Recently, 22 young people between 18–28 years old came from the United States as volunteers to help in the construction process of the church in Izcuchaca, a Peruvian town in the capital of the district and province of Anta (Cusco region)—an area belonging to the administrative field of the UPS’ Southeast Peru Mission (MSOP).
Among their tasks, the volunteers placed cement blocks on walls, moved some materials for the construction of the church's sanctuary, and also, over the course of two days, attended to 333 patients with general medical check-ups, dental cleanings, eye exams, and pharmaceutical advice.
For Maranatha Volunteers International, this was its first successful mission trip of the year, under the campaign Catalyst Peru 2023, where the foreign volunteers had a closer experience with the members of the Adventist Church, worshiped together every day, and strengthened their faith and the gift of service, while living a unique period in their lives.
This ministry will again provide opportunities for more volunteers to visit and help in other small churches in the interior of southern Peru, with the purpose being that their efforts contribute to generating a significant impact of personal and spiritual growth in people and themselves.
See more images of the construction of the church, medical care, and spiritual development on site below:
(Photos: Maranatha Volunteers International)
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The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.