Matthew's 1st Christmas

Navidad - Children Ciudad Nueva

We were able to have a nice party with all the children from the church with some chocolate milk and "paneton", played some games, and remembered Christ. There were no gifts this year for Ciudad Nueva because we couldn't get enough donations, but the children enjoyed the time anyways. Then a few days later we took all the children to see a house that puts up different nativity scenes representing all the major cities in Peru. Afterwards we took them to the new water park in front of the downtown church. It was a fun time and blessing for all of us.

Pollada

Whenever we go somewhere in Latin America they always ask us, "What is a pollada?" Let me tell you all what a pollada is...it's like a kid selling lemonade or a football team having a car-wash...it is the main way Peruvians raise money for special events or needs.

If you have a family member who needs a surgery and you don't have the money...you plan a pollada.

If you get in a car accident and need to fix your car...you plan a pollada.

If you are planning a children's Christmas party in poor areas in Tacna...you plan a pollada.

We were able to sell 200 polladas and raise over $150. That is about 10% of the total we hope to raise. The Internet Cafe micro-business brings in on average an additional $25 a month just for the children's ministry and we are awaiting answers from some businesses in Tacna that are looking into possibly donating the gifts for the children. We are on our way to meeting the goal and we would appreciate your prayers and support in this cause. Also, we have recieved some responses from you about supporting and we thank you. As of now there is an additional $180 pledged and others praying about possible financial support. We are hoping to fully support the Christmas party with Peruvian fundraising so that any additional support can be used to provide $50 educational scholarships for a years worth education.

There will be plenty of polladas in the future so if you are ever in the Tacna area let us know and we will try to plan one around your visit so you can partake in this integral part of the Peruvian culture.

ps - the beer bottle in the photo was the beer used in the seasoning of the chicken...we weren't selling any beer (though beer selling would raise a lot of money!) j/k