The work of faith of a church community
Cieneguilla lies like a green oasis in the middle of bare mountains an hour’s drive from Lima. It’s Saturday morning and I’m eager to meet my audience. This time it’s not university students or members of a church congregation who will be listening to my talk. No, here in this former hotel complex, almost 30 women are finding shelter and security. They have all experienced sexual violence, abuse and disappointment. Their trust in men and family members has been trampled on a thousand times.
After breakfast it’s my turn. As some visitors from the capital are present, 40 Peruvians are now following an experiential journey with God called Diospi Suyana. Tense attention for a whole hour. The young girls (12 to 18 years old) are obviously gripped. They listen to experiences of today, which God has arranged from ancient times.
A group photo in front of the building. The girls are moved. A teenager gives me her teddy bear and others her costume jewelry. Why actually? They are simply touched. The love and reality of God – visible to everyone at Diospi Suyana – have made the strings of their hearts vibrate.
The Refugio itself was founded by the church community “Casa del Padre”. Without any help from the state, employees work here with passion and genuine compassion. After the tour of the premises, I am deeply impressed. God is at work everywhere. Often through people who make themselves available to HIM. No state institution can compete with what I see here. Because God stands for quality and authenticity. As we drive back to Lima, I feel blessed and privileged. Of the more than 3,500 talks I have given so far, this meeting in Cieneguilla was one of the most beautiful. /KDJ
