The River Church Community

[As part of his onboarding process for his new role as Pastor of Missional Mobilization, Tony visited our friends at Paz y Esperanza in Peru and the River Peru ICE team this past week.  This is taken from an update to the staff that Tony sent out.]

I think there are three observations I'd like to share.  First, it was inspiring to see an organization as skilled and effective as Paz y Esperanza.  In my journeys overseas and  working with NGO's in the USA, I have come to realize that it is a rare treat to participate in an organization that  does its work exceptionally well.  Paz y Esperanza does its work so well that every gathering was full of local lawyers, doctors, police, and even high level government officials. 

Second, our church partnered with Paz y Esperanza in such a way that we significantly contributed to its ministry.  Mike Valentine, a retired police officer with a specification in DNA, spoke to the police and the chief of police.  He informed them about how the American system divides responsibilities and operates.  You should have seen how many questions they had and how interested they were in milking his experience.  Rumor has it that Mike was made an honorary captain when he met with the chief of police they hit it off so well.   Moreover, a forensic nurse accompanied our team and spoke to doctors and lawyers about gathering medical data after a possible crime (i.e., sexual abuse, rape etc).  It was incredible how much information she was able to share which none of those attending were  aware of.  Simply, the River significantly contributed to the establishment of Justice in Huanico in these ways and many others which for the sake of space I cannot detail here. 

Third, and more personally, I was able to meet the director of the Huanico branch of Paz y Esperanza and the national director in Lima.  I was able to ensure them that despite Jim's transition we are committed to partnering with them.  They drove me to the orphanage and showed me around their ecological farm (which i might add is ingenious and beautiful).  Personally, I was able to get a feel for the Peru ICE trip, meet many leaders in Paz y Esperanza and see how the River is tangibly aiding their ministry.

Overall, it was a very good trip which built relational bridges during a time of transition and convinced me that River ICE trips are worth every penny.  I should also add that if you are ever in Peru go to Pardo's Chicken.  The pollo y papas is to die for!