COVID-19 has forced Peru into a state of emergency as the country basically comes to a standstill.
With a curfew and quarantine of all non-essential workers, the coronavirus has created a desperate situation for many Peruvians, especially for the thousands of Venezuelan refugees, who don’t have access to government help or family support.

These people normally make their living selling on the streets or cleaning windscreens, but since the crisis, the streets are empty and they have no source of income.

In order to support this most vulnerable group of people through this critical time, SIM Peru has launched a relief project to provide emergency food relief to these Venezuelans living in Arequipa, as well as some Peruvians in extreme need.

In the first week of the project, the team distributed 150 packages; in the second week 250 and in the third, 500. There are currently 800 families on its list and rising.

A food bag costs about 40 to 45 soles (nearly AU$20) and contains two kg potatoes, two kg rice, one kg spaghetti, one kg lentils, one kg oatmeal, 500 gr beans, 500 gr sugar, three cans of milk, two cans of tuna and a bar of soap.
 
The team also inserts a copy of John's Gospel, Christian literature and sometimes a handwritten note of encouragement. Where possible, workers look for conversations with the Venezuelans, many of whom are open to the gospel. SIM Peru is now planning how best to stay in contact with the refugees after the crisis.

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GIVE: Would you like to give to the COVID-19 Peru Emergency Relief fund? Click here.

PRAY:
• Pray that the SIM Peru team would show Christ's love to the people it serves with food.
• For God to provide the funds and faithful workers to serve in this ministry as long as it is needed.. 
• For wisdom as the SIM Peru team seeks to build on the contacts it has made beyond the coronavirus crisis.