Throughout the Savior’s ministry, He served, loved and showed compassion for all He came across.
This last month, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peru have been serving others in the community in an effort to follow the example of the Savior. Members shined the shoes of people on the street, organized a youth activity that strengthened testimonies, and arranged an event to bless many with lifelong diseases.
Read more below.
‘Shine shoes for our neighbors’
With wash cloths and soap bottles in hand, over 30 members of La Libertad Ward in the Lima Peru Carabayllo Stake in Lima, Peru, shined the shoes of approximately 100 people in the streets of Comas district on Jan. 10, reported the Church’s Peru Newsroom.
Similar to the example demonstrated by the Savior in John 13 — when Christ washed the apostles’ feet — members of La Libertad Ward cleaned the shoes of all those willing to participate.
Their slogan was: “Just as Jesus Christ washed the feet of His disciples, we shine shoes for our neighbors.”
Participants of the activity sat on park benches and small stools, hunched over to reach the shoes of whoever participated. Several missionaries attended the event and shared gospel messages with recipients, and members even brought refreshments and signs to capture the attention of groups of people walking by.
The activity was organized and led by Nilda de Nolasco Alcedo, the ward Relief Society president, and Bishop Jesús Silvain of La Libertad Ward, and was supported by other organizations as well.
The idea for the project was inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. “In a class on charity, we were inspired to follow the example of the Savior. This activity benefited our children, husbands, and neighbors, making it a beautiful spiritual experience,” said Peggy Mina, one of the service organizers.
Moisés Rojas, a new member in the ward, printed T-shirts promoting the message and purpose of the activity.
This initiative, in addition to strengthening community ties, allowed Church members to find joy in serving those around them. As one participant put it: “When we serve our fellow human beings, we serve God.”
‘Selfless service can transform lives’
Church youth programs aim to help young people develop themselves socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually, as taught in Luke 2:52. Leaders of the Lima Peru Carabayllo Stake recognize the importance of those goals.
For a second consecutive year, leaders of the stake have put on a “vacation program” for youth in Comas, Peru, according to the Church’s Peru Newsroom.
This year, on Jan. 4, approximately 130 youth attended, both members and friends of the Church. The volunteer-led program promoted development through sports, fine arts and public speaking workshops. Rafael Tunque, stake activities coordinator, organized the event along with Shirley Ñique and Eduard Sánchez of the Carabayllo stake.
The various activities included: Football, volleyball, dance, modern dance, basketball and public speaking.
“Through volunteering, we demonstrate that selfless service can transform lives, unite communities and create opportunities for all,” said one of the organizers.
‘Strengthen their spirit’
Cercado Ward in the Lima Peru Rimac Stake organized a ward and community activity in association with Peru’s Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, known as ASESBIH Peru, on Dec. 7, 2024, reported the Church’s Peru Newsroom.
Spina bifida, a spinal chord birth defect, and hydrocephalus, an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, are two ailments that affect many around the world. The event by Church leaders focused on emotional strengthening, training and social integration of the attendees.
During the event, volunteers led activities that offered information on prevention and comprehensive care and also provided moments for recreation and socialization. Participating families were offered access to psychological support talks and specialized training.
“Our work not only seeks to address the physical needs of patients, but also to strengthen their spirit and provide them with tools for a full life,” said Dr. Abelardo Cavero Garay, neurosurgeon and association president.
In total, the activity served 90 attendees, including Church members, health care professionals and volunteers.
Andrea Salinas, director of economics at the association, expressed her gratitude to the Church: “Having the support of institutions like the Church of Jesus Christ is essential to carry out our mission. We feel deeply grateful for their willingness and solidarity.”
