In the coastal region of Peru, situated about 40 minutes north of Lima, lies Comas—a city that has had a significant impact on many FSM (Fellowship Student Ministry) students.
For over 18 years, Fellowship Student Ministry has brought teams of high school students to serve through the local church: IACyM Comas. On these trips, students build relationships, evangelize, and complete projects that support local ministries within the church. This summer’s trip was our first since the pandemic, and we knew things would look different, but we had no idea what to expect.
In 2020, international news reported that families in the hills of Comas were raising white flags out of desperation in the hope that someone would provide food. In response, the church in Comas stepped up in a significant manner. They built a community kitchen in the hills with one goal: to feed the people. After the overwhelming response and remarkable success of this kitchen, the church reached out to Fellowship and asked if we could help build more kitchens. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Fellowship, there are now eight kitchens serving the community and making a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
As we planned our FSM trip for this year, one of the church’s significant needs was establishing an additional kitchen. They had identified a small village high up in the remote hills where the demand for a kitchen was particularly urgent. The challenge was that the only viable location was on the face of a mountain. When we examined photos of the area, it seemed like an impossible task. We had no idea where to begin or how our team would contribute to making this a reality. Nevertheless, they had a plan, and we were eager to serve.
On July 24, wearing safety glasses and holding work gloves, our students walked a mile up the hillside to reach the future location of this kitchen. Our team of 35 members formed an assembly line, breaking apart chunks of rock and boulders, excavating the hillside and passing stones one by one further down the hill. There was something so beautiful about this moment. We worked for hours. The work was intense, it was hot, and the rocks were heavy. However, standing shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters, I could feel the tangible presence of the Spirit working within us. We knew our efforts that day were not in vain; we were preparing a place for transformation to happen. One day, this location was going to be used to provide physical and spiritual nourishment to families. What a remarkable gift it was to be a part of this moment.
I asked a few students to share their memories of this project. Here is what they had to say:
During my time in Peru, I was amazed at how uplifting and loving the community in Comas was. The church is in the process of building another community kitchen to feed the less fortunate families, and we were lucky enough to be a part of this amazing project. The church’s strong desire to serve their community showed me how to love the Lord, and how strong we are through him! It was incredible to watch the Lord work right in front of me and see the power behind a tightly knit Christian community. Returning home, I felt moved to help build up the Christian community we have here as well as continue to watch the Lord do beautiful works through me and others!”
Maya Rhoads
In that moment, God was teaching me how to be quiet and serve. It took a moment like that for me to stop and think about what service really means to me. There are so many times that I am processing service in the moment and enjoying it with my friends, but I do not take the time to truly experience the moment with God. In that moment, God made it so easy for me to just be in his presence as I worked and was quiet.”
Colsen Murray
Recently I have had the opportunity to connect with several adults at Fellowship who were some of the first students to serve with FSM in Peru. They shared how influential those trips were in their spiritual lives and the impact they still have on them today. We are hopeful this trip continues to encourage students in their relationship with Jesus and expands their worldview for years to come.
You may ask yourself, “Why should I give to Global Christmas?” It is because through your generosity, incredible things are happening across the world and locally. People are receiving food, hope, love, and, most importantly, the Gospel. Likewise, your generosity is also changing the lives of those within our church by helping students follow Jesus with their whole hearts.
This is what your support makes happen. Let’s do it together!
