5 strong backs, 2 wheel barrels, 3 shovels, a steep hill and a lot of sweat!!!
11 women, paint brushes, rollers, a broom and a lot of paint!!!
Footers dug, rebar assembled, cement poured, bricks and walls painted, and tons of laughter!!!
2 pharmacists, 1 nurse, 3 school teachers, 1 state policeman, 2 college students, 1 veterinarian, 1 dental assistant, 2 retiree's, 1 high school student, 1 pastor, and 2 Go International staff!!!
4 couples, a father and daughter, friends, and people that had never met before.
What did we have to offer? Not much in the big picture.
Our recent team to Lima, Peru was filled with talented people from Kentucky, Alabama, and Mexico. As our team set out on our journey, we were excited about the opportunity to minister to the people of Peru. I was especially excited to return to a place that was special to my heart and where God had opened my eyes to the mission field. It has been several years now since I first traveled to the Comas area of Lima to the Center for Women and Children that Wilma Grandez built, brick by brick. That first visit I will never forget: the scene of darkness and despair, not only outwardly but also in the eyes of the women and children on the side of that desolate mountain. I remember clearly the images of poverty and desperation. Is there hope? Is it possible? Can it be done? All of these were thoughts that went through my mind. Hundreds of little houses that were built with thatch, no water available and no electricity. Food was scarce and clothing was minimal, at best. You could literally feel the devastation. Standing there that day was overwhelming, to say the least. I was sure that Wilma's vision for transformation was impossible. I was sure that nothing was going to pierce the darkness and despair. I wasn't being critical of what she was trying to do, I was just being realistic, I thought. However, I was looking through my eyes. She was looking through the God's eyes. That was my first trip to the Center and since then I have visited there on a number of occasions as I traveled throughout Peru with Go International, still wondering, "Is it possible?"
On our first full day in Lima we were able to go the center. I was astonished at the progress, not only in the structures, but in the hearts. Instead of thatch buildings, they were wood and brick. Instead of desperation, there was hope. Instead of needs, there was provision. Instead of darkness, there was light. The images of sorrow had changed to images of joy. The sense of discontent had turned to a sense of community. I can honestly say that I was, again, overwhelmed.
Over the next nine days our team partnered with Wilma Grandez under the leadership of Larry Cochran to participate in a painting project, a concrete project, V.B.S., and outreaches throughout the Comas area. Our project were though not huge undertakings, were just part of the big picture. Through the partnership of Go International, Wilma has brick by brick, stone by stone, and one shovel of dirt at a time literally moved mountains for the Glory of God. Our team was amazed by the determination of Wilma. One team member made this observation "She does not see obstacles, she only see opportunity." This statement is a testament to the determination of a woman of God clearly living out the vision God has for her ministry. Obstacles may come but, they are only an opportunity to see God move. . Is there hope? Clearly. Is it possible? Truly with God all things are possible. Can it be done? Without a doubt.
Larry Montgomery
