Over the past few months the church has been planning on a campaign to serve the community of Cusco. One of the best parts of the campaign is that it was completely planned by church members and executed by church members instead of having others come down to help. This was an exciting opportunity for our members to have the chance  not only to serve but have a voice in the vision of the campaign, who they were going to serve and how they were going to serve. During this past week the community of Cusco had the chance to see fellow countrymen serve and sacrifice for them.

The theme of the campaign was “Semana de Acciones de Bondad” where each day a different act of kindness was planned out based on different passages in the Bible. Not only were people in the community encouraged but our church members  learned that they are just as capable at serving others.

 “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

The church prepared gift baskets for moms in need with several essential items. Members went into the community ahead of time and handed out vouchers for moms to come to the church building to receive their baskets.

Day 2: 1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Members went to a local market to work with the men who load and carry large packages. These men are often looked down on and treated poorly so our church members gave a lesson on our worth and value in God’s eyes and provided lunch for the men.

Day 3: Matthew 18:5 &10

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me… See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”

The church went to a local girls school to paint over the inappropriate writing in the bathrooms and replace it with positive messages to encourage the girls.

 

Day 4: Galatians 6:10

 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

It is quite common for people to board a bus to sell something or ask passengers for money.  Members decided to be distinctive by preparing envelopes  with bus fare. They then went boarded several buses to surprise people by covering the bus fare and inviting them to our church.