This year we celebrate a wonderful milestone. Against all odds, what began as personal conviction for a few—seeking to respond as Christians to violence, being ambassadors of peace and justice—has grown into a movement throughout the Americas. This year we celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past 30 years.
Underfunded and under resourced, yet God has used Peace and Hope (Paz y Esperanza) to carry out beautiful transformation in our world. Not only for the individuals and families who have been touched by this ministry, but also entire communities where God speaks clearly. Through the presence of Paz y Esperanza he says to those who are suffering: You are not forgotten!
Birthed in the agony of raging armed conflict, the story of Paz y Esperanza takes form in the 80s as Peru experienced massive human rights atrocities and some chose to put their lives on the line and their faith into action. From defending the innocent in court, to visiting jailed pastors, to ministering to the victims—helping survivors grieve and process the tragedies—even carrying out forensics on mass grave sites to identify loved ones. The stories of humble servants and their bravery are inspiring and built a foundation for what God was doing to bring something good out of so much evil and pain.
This led to Paz y Esperanza being established as a Peruvian organization in 1996, thirty years ago, with a commitment to walk alongside families and communities in poverty, inspired by Jesus of Nazareth, to work for a true peace that all may live in dignity, free from violence. Witnessing the power of that hope put into action, Paz y Esperanza spread throughout the region and continues to cultivate peace in a world full of violence.
We are so thankful for all of you who have joined on this journey in one way or another. Many of you have volunteered with a local team, others have faithfully supported from afar. Many of you are connected directly to someone working with Paz y Esperanza, others of you are drawn to the beauty of what God is doing as you learned of the transformation taking place. Whatever has connected you to this work, thank you for being a part of this special community. Celebrate these 30 years! And look forward to the future with great eagerness for what is yet to come.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied…
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
