Humanitarian Aid
More blessings come from giving
than from receiving.
Argentina
La Matanza - Buenos Aires
In March 2023, I traveled with my friend Denise from Alberta on a two weeks mission trip to Argentina. We have traveled together since 2003 through Canada, Europe, and Argentina. The purpose of the trip was to visit people in need, meet pastors from different denominations, and visit my brother Hugo in another area of Buenos Aires.
First, I would like to share with you our visits to different interdenominational organizations regulated by the Argentine government, local churches, and their ministries. The courts send young people in need to these places: homes for 13-16 year old abused girls, a center for addicted youth, two after-school care centers, and a home for children of incarcerated parents. These institutions receive partial financial support from the government and can freely present the love of God.
Secondly, we went to minister in some churches.
We went to:
Paradise’s Home for abused girls – In the town of Rafael Castillo
The young girls who live in this home are between 13 and 16 years old. They were mentally, sexually, or physically
abused by their parents, relatives, or friends. The judge sends them for some time to this home where they can have
a better life, learn to cook, have a safe place to live, and receive God’s love. Some of them live there for months,
others for years. The decision depends on the situation determined by the court. We prayed, talked, and spent time
with the girls and their caregivers. Two of them became born-again Christians.
Center for addicted youth – In the town of La Ferrere
When we arrived at this establishment, we observed that the building was in poor condition. The walls from the dining room, classroom, bathroom, and kitchen needed repair and paint. These people live in a place of great need. The volunteers demonstrated unconditional love by using what they had to help the broken-hearted. This building is located in a very humble neighbourhood. We prayed for the leaders and bought three 20-litre cans of paint to sow into such a needy place.
Two after school care centers – In the towns of Villa Madero and Villa Celina
A group of friends saw that the children of their neighborhood did not eat well at home, so they decided to open and after school center to provide them with food, milk, and the Word of God. The parents of the children were surprised by the love of those in charge. They began to ask questions, and today there is a church there. The parents start to know a loving Christ who cares for them. In Villa Celina, we ministered, and eight of the children accepted Jesus into their hearts.
Home for Children of incarcerated parents – In the town of Villa Luzuriaga
The children live here because their parents are in jail and they don’t have relatives who can care for them. This home is supported by local churches and the government. These children live here until the court can find someone who can care for them. Not everything they receive is enough, but they do the impossible to help those in need.
When we arrived at this home, our hearts filled with joy. We observed that despite all the family needs of the boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 10, they were happy. All of them were playing and laughing in the garden. There were two buildings, one for the boys and the other for the girls with twenty four hour caregivers. In this home, they have mattresses to sleep on, clothes to wear, food to eat, and the love of Christ through the people who care for and love them.
In conclusion, with our visit to these establishments, I observed the love of Christ in each person. They were helping those in need because they wanted to show God’s love with actions, not just words.
Thanks for reading this report. You can read about our visits with some pastors and their churches.
Please click here for more information.
Argentina
Lago Puelo, Chubut
In March 2021, when I watching news from Argentina, I saw the wildfires in Patagonia. I recognized it as an area where we as a group of Canadians previously had visited to help the local church. I remembered the warm hospitality of the people during our stay. Many homes were destroyed by these fires. I connected with Pastor Nico Ferreyra and the local church in Lago Puelo. Thanks to the donations from Canada and UK we raised $15,000.00. Families have been able to rebuild their homes.
Argentina
Rio Negro, Cinco Saltos and Allen
In 2020 my heart was saddened by the effect of Covid-19 in the southern area of la Patagonia, Argentina. In addition to the deaths of many friends, I learned of people who were quarantined for many days, who could not work, and who were hungry. The news touched my heart. I began to fast and pray for direction. Jesus, what should I do?
During my devotional, I received a vision. In the vision, the Lord led me to read 1 Kings 17. Suddenly, the words of verse 14 came to life; “For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: The jar of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil be emptied, until the day the Lord rains on the earth.” I said, “Lord, what should I do?” The answer was “Help the people!”
I called Pastor Pablo in General Roca and he told me that he needed help getting food to hungry people. I decided to email people I know and asked if they could help me. In response, we received $ 500.00. By planning and working alongside local leaders we were able to help many families with food for one month. Thank you for being part of this vision.
Tucumán, Tucuman Capital
Tucumán is a small province in northwestern Argentina. The capital is San Miguel de Tucumán, considered to be the birthplace of the nation. In April 2020, I was praying and my heart was touched by this city. In a vision, I heard a voice that told me, “Lily help the people of Tucumán!” My first reaction was, “Again? Lord, I just helped Río Negro!”
“Yes, again!”
I began to pray for confirmation and received a word from the Bible in 1 King 17. “The LORD the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not run out and the jar of oil will not dry up…” This part of the Bible talks about the widow of Zarephath and a prophet who needed help. I am also a widow and I think he was speaking directly to me. I said, “Okay, Lord, You spoke, I will obey.”
I contacted Walter Ferreyra, Pastor Nico’s younger brother, who pastors in Tucuman. They had received the same message from the Lord! While in prayer at a small group house meeting, a young girl started to cry in the sweet Presence of the Lord; in Spanish we call it the “ecstasy.”
“Pastor, we must help the hungry people.”
At that time, people were not allowed to work because of Covid-19 and they were starving. Pastor Walter told me: I must help 1000 families!
My God, I believe in you!
I responded to the pastor, “I will help with 700 families.”
My dear friends, once again you responded. Your partnership and generosity helped many people. Thank you for your donations of $ 3,500.00. You helped more than 2,800 people during that month. But that did not end there. Suddenly, the pastor started to receive more donations from business people in the city and they helped many more families.
My dear friends, remember you were there in spirit during the distribution of the food and in heaven you will be surprised when you meet many of these families.
