Family to Family Program
This program pairs a
Family in the United States with a needy Family in Piura, Peru. A
relationship of faith and hope and prayer is established and occasional letters
and photos are interchanged. The U.S. Family offers a $25.00 a month food
package to the Peruvian Family and this commitment is usually for one year
($300) though it can be renewed if so desired. The most needy families are
sought out and it is understood that the relationship is mutual, that we need
one another in this journey of life, that our prayers for one another really do
make a difference. Most of the Peruvian Families voluntarily gather at
their neighborhood chapel once a week to pray for their "padrinos" - the U.S.
Family that has adopted them. This is especially significant since
Scripture proclaims, "The Lord hears the cry of the poor, Blessed be the Lord."
psalm 34
The monthly food package goes a long way to helping the family out but by no means undermines the need to work and make ends meet. It may last as long as two weeks depending upon the resourcefulness of the one cooking. But this charity provides more than bodily nourishment, it provides hope and affirmation that they are indeed loved and worthy of being cared for. Some U.S. Families eventually discover a particular need the Peruvian Family might have and offer help beyond the monthly food package. Still, the program itself consists of $25 per month for one year.
There are currently over 750 Peruvian Families participating in the Family to Family Program and there are thousands more who would benefit greatly from this opportunity. If you are interested in participating in the program send your name, address, email address and $25.00 (or $300.00 for the entire year) to the St. Joseph Peruvian Mission Fund stating you would like to be part of the Family to Family Program. This is a donation and is tax deductible.