“Thank God we have a place to be safe”

Yahayra lives with her mum and two brothers in the Chiclayito community of Piura, Peru. For the last four months, the community has been suffering from heavy rains, causing rivers to burst their banks. Like many in her city, Yahayra’s home was made of adobe bricks (earth mixed with straw or dung). When the drains overflowed, the house collapsed and is now uninhabitable. The roof caved in and the family lost their kitchen, beds, items of furniture and some clothes. 

“I feel very sad because we have always lived here and seeing my house destroyed, my bedroom, my bed destroyed, it breaks my heart but we must go on,” says Yahayra. “We can’t do anything now; I love my family and I prefer having my family safe. Thank God, we have a place to be safe for the moment and that’s my project.”

Yahayra’s mum adds, “Our lives are more important than material things; their health is my priority and I am thankful to the church for their support in this difficult time. We can’t work right now as the whole city is affected, but we are surviving with God’s favour and grace.”

Our partner church, the Nazarene Church of Chiclayito, has opened its doors to shelter affected families. Praise God that Yahayra and her family have a safe place to stay and vital provisions including food and safe water. When the weather improves, our Disaster Fund (Peru Disaster 2017) will enable the family to rebuild their home using better construction materials. Please join us in continuing to pray for all those who have lost homes and livelihoods in the Peru floods.