New Directors, Same Heartbeat: Hope for Peru
Some stories are so divinely orchestrated, you can only call them a masterpiece.
That’s how Pablo and Rocío describe God’s call on their lives—a story written by two hands, in two countries, that would one day become one shared mission in Peru.
Pablo, originally from Colombia, felt the call to missions as a child. After working as a civil engineer, he found himself serving along the banks of the Amazon’s Putumayo River—on the border of Colombia and Peru—where God ignited a deep love for the Peruvian people.
Meanwhile, Rocío met Jesus at 21 in the bustling heart of Lima. God stirred in her a passion for the forgotten and marginalized. She began sharing Christ with friends and coworkers, not knowing that one day she would meet a Colombian missionary who shared her fire for transformation.
Their paths crossed. Their calling united. And now, after nearly a decade of
experience planting churches, training leaders, and serving together in Costa Rica, they’ve returned to Rocío’s homeland to lead Christ For the City International’s work in Peru.
“Our vision is clear,” they say. “To see communities transformed through living churches that reflect God’s love in concrete actions.”
From launching social projects in high-need neighborhoods to training pastors and mentoring university students, Pablo and Rocío are pouring themselves into raising up a generation of compassionate, Christ-centered leaders.
One of those stories is Pastor Noé Huamán. His rural church lacked electricity—until Pablo and Rocío helped install solar panels. That simple act became the spark for much more: snacks for kids, a youth discipleship program, and a revived congregation full of life and mission.
“I never imagined my small church could have such an impact,” Pastor Noé said with tears. “Today I understand that God has called us to something much greater.”
But the work isn’t easy.
“We need a local team. We need young leaders. We need a network of people walking with us—mentors, friends, prayer warriors,” Pablo says. “This is not a mission we can do alone.”
As new national directors, they’re dreaming big—but depending daily on the strength of their global family.
Though God was faithfully providing through His people, the challenges were relentless—and Nicolas didn’t have a peso to spare.
Diana suddenly remembered a violin that had been donated just days earlier and was sitting quietly in the storeroom. In that moment, she knew it wasn’t just a donation—it was a gift from heaven meant for this beautiful girl.
I want to share some important—and very personal—news with you. After 25 years serving as President of Christ For the City International, I will be retiring from my leadership role on June 30.
And all Jim could feel was hate.
Fifty years of bitterness, grief, and unprocessed trauma—gone in a moment.
“The students were surprised when we saw some of the same individuals at different missions,” Dawn reflected. “They were challenged to think beyond what they saw and consider what life might really be like for these families. Watching them jump in, serve, and interact with both the workers and those in need was a joy.”
For Trudie, 16, the experience was a powerful reminder of the joy in serving Jesus.
Jonathan, the Omaha Urban Plunge facilitator, saw a shift happen. “By the end of the trip, they truly became the hands and feet of Jesus—not just to the people they served in Omaha, but to each other,” he said. “I believe they will carry that attitude back to their school and community in Iowa.”
Adrian saw the power of prayer in a whole new way, understanding that hurt is real, but so is hope—and we’re meant to be part of that hope.
Now is your chance to experience the life-changing work of Christ For the City International in person! From June 26-30, we invite you to join us in El Salvador to witness firsthand the incredible transformation happening through our ministries. But hurry—
This is more than just a trip. It’s an invitation to see the vision and join the mission. Whether you go, give, or pray, there is a place for you in the story God is writing in El Salvador—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
“To hear an inmate sentenced for murder confess that he is forgiven in Christ—this has been one of the most powerful moments I have witnessed,” shares Mubaiwa Mangwende, CFCI Zimbabwe’s base director.
These marked Bibles are now being used in rural and urban communities—and even reaching Kenya and Zambia. With plans to impact over 4,000 inmates, the ministry needs continued prayer and support, especially for transportation to reach more prisons and remote villages.
After we prayed, he told me he finally felt happy and relieved, like he could wake up in peace instead of sadness,” Riley said. “It gave me so much joy knowing the Lord worked through me to comfort him.
“The work being done here is not only helpful but life-changing,” Riley said. “Many people have so little, but what we provide gives them a way out of physical and spiritual poverty. The joy on their faces makes every bit of effort worth it.”
“These women are fighting to rise above vulnerability and become independent,” said Amos, the CFCI Mali Director. “Seeing them work with joy and efficiency, knowing they are building a better future, is truly inspiring. We pray that this support continues so even more women in Mali can find hope and dignity through this program.”
