Adventist Volunteers Restore Historic Streets in Cusco, Peru

More than 100 young volunteers from the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Caleb Mission initiative gathered in Cusco, Peru, to participate in the recovery of public spaces in the historic neighborhood of San Blas, in the capital of the old Inca Empire.

The neighborhood’s history dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when it was an indigenous settlement. After the Spanish conquest it became a center of crafts and commerce, and was inhabited by artisans, merchants, and other settlers.

On July 29, after previous coordination with the board of directors of the San Blas neighborhood, Caleb Mission Adventist volunteers cleaned and painted the walls of the houses in the iconic neighborhood. Those walls were covered with graffiti, but now look immaculately clean. Volunteers also painted the sidewalks of the nearby Manuel Prado Park.

The initiative’s goal was to increase the visibility of the historic houses and beautify one of the most important tourist attractions in Cusco. It was a team effort that contributed to cultural preservation, reflecting the values and commitment of Adventist youth to their community and history, organizers said.

Caleb Mission Evangelistic Caravan

Under the slogan “Serving Is Plan A,” organizers launched a big evangelistic Caleb Mission caravan within the territory. Joel Flores was the keynote speaker, bringing the message of God’s Word to the hundreds of people who attended the event. In Puerto Maldonado, the event was held at the James White Adventist Academy. More than 1,000 people attended, and many requested baptism.

Between July 27 and August 3, more Caleb Mission activities took place in the Southeast Peru Mission territory, which is part of the South Peru Union Mission. Projects included community outreach initiatives, preaching centers, and blood donation drives. “We hope these activities will inspire more people to follow Christ’s example of love for their neighbor and that more people will decide to give their lives to God,” organizers said.

About Caleb Mission

Caleb Mission Project is a voluntary social service and evangelism program that encourages Adventist youth to dedicate their vacations to strengthening small congregations and reaching new people. The goal is to mobilize thousands of young people in South America to evangelize in places where there is no Adventist presence.

This movement, the largest in recent times, engages youth in evangelism with a focus on engagement with God, the church, and the community. The program encourages, prepares, and motivates young people to live a life of “Salvation and Service.”

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.