The IVIM (International Volunteers In  Mission) July/August 2010 Peru Mission trip was a great opportunity to serve people in Ica/Pisco. The Ica/Pisco area was devastated by a powerful earthquake in 2008 and there are still many things to do to help reconstruct this area. There are many homeless people without jobs and in need of the most everyday essentials.

There were 27 volunteers in our group. There were three Methodist pastors, 3 medical doctors, nurses, a laboratory technician and several teachers. Part of the group worked in the construction and addition to the Green Love Church for pastor's quarters and storage area (all done by hand) including digging the foundation and building three brick walls.

The medical group planned to hold free clinics at the different church locations:  Green Love Church and All Nations Church in Ica and San Andreas Disciple Church and San Clemente Church in Pisco. Every day, we set up an area for registration, triage, laboratory, doctor's consultation/treatment area, and pharmacy. We took along various medications to treat infections, respiratory problems, gastro-intestinal problems, and malnutrition. Thanks to the donations from the congregation of the OCCUMC we were able to buy multivitamins. All persons seen were given some. The daily average of persons seen was 100 to 110.  Many children were given vitamins and medication for intestinal parasites. The volunteers working in the pharmacy did a wonderful job in explaining to the patients how to use their medications. The teachers were very busy having Bible classes and playing with the kids. We prepared and donated cloth books relating Bible stories for children.

Each of the participating members worked very hard and each of us came to the realization that this is what God wants us to do and it was worth it. In quoting Jesus Christ’s command - Love your neighbor as yourself. Humbly we have to say we wish we could have done more. The impression left in the people we served was of love and caring and they were very appreciative and grateful. This was an experience that made our spiritual life grow and we are thankful for the Lord's guidance and blessings that we so bountiful receive every day.