Each week Irene (15) and Eric (13) eagerly arrive at the La Campiña adolescents' group, run by SIMers Bill and Jean Williamson. "Please pray our dad won't come home drunk," they say. "He frightens us."

The Williamsons met Irene and Eric's mum four years ago, when they helped with an operation for her 17-year-old daughter's cataracts. There are six children in the family, and life is hard for the mother, especially with an alcoholic husband who rarely brings money home.

	The mums enjoy spending time together

'We met mum when she came to our 'Reaching Lima's Families' project with two of her youngest," says Bill. "When the children reached the age limit, we lost contact. Then we started the adolescent group, and her children were anxious to come. So we are seeing the long-term effects of this project, which caters to mums and their 0 to 5-year-olds."

Building up Mothers and Caring for Children

The 46 mums and approximately 90 small children who take part in Reaching Lima's Families meet together in a small local church twice a week. The children happily play with plasticine, jigsaws, scissors, paint, and tricycles, since they have none of these things at home. Meanwhile, their mums are taught about God's love, childrearing, hygiene and nutrition. And no one goes home until the group has enjoyed a good meal together.

	The children wash their hands before sitting down to enjoy a hot meal.

"Starting an adolescent group and ladies Bible study has been a good opportunity to follow up teaching given at the church," comments Jean. "Several of the mums say they understand the Christian life much better since coming to the study. Some are beginning to attend church more regularly. Others, such as Francisca, who has three small children in the project, are prevented from coming to church by their husbands."

Improving Sanitary Facilities

The Williamsons have found many opportunities to help the people of La Campiña. Recently they were able to help 20 families construct dry pit toilets—dry pit, since all water is delivered by lorry and must be paid for. Since starting their work in La Campiña, they have helped 43 families obtain better sanitary facilities.

Pray

Your prayers are vital to change lives in Lima. Visit the Williamson's website to learn how you can pray for this ministry.

Give

Your gift will help provide healthy meals and supplies for the activities. You may also give toward a fund used at the Williamson's discretion to help with medical needs. Give online

Go

Do you love children? Will you show the compassion of Christ to the disadvantaged? Learn how God could use you