The Beginning - 2004

Our journey to Perú began in 2004. Joel and I (Giannina) founded a non-profit organization called “Friends of Perú”, created to help the most impoverish children and women of Andahuaylas, the second poorest city in Perú. By fully relying on God, and with the help of friends, family, and Wayzata Evangelical Free Church, we were blessed to help 17 children and 6 single-mothers by providing a home, nutritious meals, education, and most importantly God’s love.

Our program includes:

·       A strong faith-oriented education.

·       Public school enrollment.

·       Nutritious food, consistent shelter, and warm clothing.

·       After school tutoring

·       Participation in devotional services, worship, and teaching.

·       Skills and enrichment opportunities to become self-sufficient adults.

·       A place to experience love, safety, and compassion.

 In 2006 we found the perfect property where we could build our new Children's home! We began to pray and trust that God would provide the funds we needed to purchase the lot and begin construction.  Joel and I stepped in faith, taking out a second mortage on our house to purchase the lot. In 2007, we received a very generous donation of $50,000 in matching funds to pay off and continue the creation of the home center. We were closer than ever to realizing the dream of a new home center facility.

 Because of the generosity of friends, family, and many individuals, we began construction of our first family-style home center. This house accomodates 9 children and one house parent. This provides the children with the experience of what true family life should consist of by providing security, stability, and a sense of community. The intimacy of the family-style home is the ideal climate for character training and spiritual growth as we are enabled to disciple each child individually.

In 2009, after much prayer, we joined forces with the established Kids Alive International ministries in order to continue showing the love and care of Christ to children-at-risk in Andahuaylas. Kids Alive is an organization that shares the same vision and passion as Friends of Perú for the children of Peru.  Kids Alive provides care for thousands of children in countries like Sudan, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Guatemala, Haiti and Lebanon through their Children’s Homes, Care Centers and Schools.

Currently, we have two more homes at the center under construction. We also recently finished constructing a safety wall around the entire property. We are truly amazed at where God has brought this center in the last 7 years! It is truly only through His hand and the generosity and obedience of His children that this has taken place. Praise God!!

There aren't enough words to describe our joy and gratitude. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to YOU for being such an important part of this ministry and partnering with us to bring hope to one of the poorest cities: Andahuaylas, Perú.

The Posners