During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families in Peru have lost their income. This has specifically affected immigrant or refugee families, including Venezuelan families who have been in Peru for years in order to escape the economic crisis in their own country.

A group of members from La Iglesia del Nazareno de El Porvenir in Trujillo, Peru, decided to help the families that have lost housing due to economic hardships they faced during the pandemic. They got together to take meals to the people living in the streets.

For 13 days, they took lunches to an average of 70 people. Along with lunch, they presented the gospel and invited them to connect with the Church of the Nazarene’s virtual services. The families receiving food were incredibly grateful for help in this time when they did not know how to continue providing for their families. 

“We are very thankful to God and the Church of the Nazarene for all they've done for us Venezuelans,” *Mayori said. 

Mayori and her family fled from Venezuela to Peru to escape the economic crisis taking place in their home country. She, her husband, and her two children were displaced yet again due to the crisis that arose from the pandemic. The church offered to let them live on the property until they could find a new place.

“The church didn't hesitate to give us a hand up,” Mayori said. “We also know some other friends who are living in church property because they were also evicted. Pastors and leaders have been taking care of us, and by doing so they have lifted Jesus' name high.”

Many Venezuelans are experiencing issues due to their immigration status, and a cultural divide between the Venezuelans and Peruvians has raised tensions during the pandemic. But according to Oswaldo Angulo, a Venezuelan immigrant, the church is continuing to embrace them and serve them.

“Even when others have singled us out, the Nazarene church has embraced us and has been like family to us,” he said. “They have looked at us through the eyes of Jesus. Me and my family are very thankful for the donations, the food, the physical care, the services through Zoom, etc.

“La Iglesia del Nazareno de El Porvenir is a church that works all the time, no matter what comes, rain or shine. Whether there's a pandemic or not, the church must continue to shine.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America