Project 5 - Creating Jobs for our Families in Peru:

A. Arts & Crafts:

Each time a team visits the churches in Peru, a strong effort is made to bring back home some of the crafts that they have made. The crafts consist of: jewelry, cards, crosses, purses, wall hangings, etc. Below is a photo of the women of Luz Divina Lutheran Church that make many of the items. All of the money obtain by selling the items here in the USA goes back to the families in Peru that so much need the financial help.

The Artisans of Luz Divina

B. Sewing Machines and a Professional Loom:

Recently, a fashion design firm in Dallas, Texas donated:

• 3 professional sewing machines,
• 1 professional loom and tables to use while making fabrics.

The equipment should be in Marquez by November of 2007. Two trained staff members of the firm that donated the equipment will go and install the equipment and train the (women shown above) how to use the it. They will also teach them to make items that will easily sell in the U.S.A.

C. Proposed New Restaurant:

In Marquez, Luz Divina Lutheran Church is proposing to convert a buliding near the church into a Mexican Food restaurant. This would provide jobs to the members and friends in the nearby town of Marquez. It would also provide a means of "payback" of loans for medicine. Loans could be repaided by work in the restaurant.

They would like to call the new restaurant "El Jarrito de Peru." Gil Leon, owner of the now famous El Jarrito Mexican Restaurant in Katy, Texas indicated that he will be happy to provide some of his recipes. He also gave permission to use his logo. Hopefully, when the restaurant opens, he will cut the ribbon! More information to come about this project soon. A photo of the idea is shown below: