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FoC Executive Director

Mike Smith

Tears streamed down Frank’s face as Bishop Folda blessed Frank and
his mother. We were standing in the dilapidated home on the side of
a sand dune in upper Coishco after delivering some basic food staples.
The temperature outside was hot. Inside their home the temperature
was sweltering. Having been in many houses in the areas we serve,
the despair and desperation in which they live never makes any sense,
this visit was no different. Emotions of anger, sadness coupled by hope
were palpable in all of us visitors. The sacredness of it being their
home, the space they dwelled in each day, contrasted with the reality
of dirt, heat and the clutter in which they lived settled heavily on all of
our group.
Months earlier their home had been destroyed by a fire and on an
earlier visit to the home ACAF had delivered beds, bedding and some
kitchen supplies. Frank, about 35 years old, works collecting plastics and other pieces of trash that he can sell. There is a
massive amount of hot and filthy work involved with very little profits to be made.

The blessing from Bishop Folda was one of a mutual faith encounter. In Frank’s culture, a blessing from a person like Bishop
Folda is very significant. For Bishop Folda, this and many other interactions with
the people of Chimbote, opened his eyes and in his words “broadened” his faith.
The tears in Bishop Folda’s eyes came quickly when Frank thanked the Bishop for
the blessing and was a concrete sign of how much this experience impacted Bishop
Folda.

We are not capable of relieving all of the suffering we encounter. With our work
we are, however, making a difference; bringing some hope and broadening our
own faith. The visit of a Church leader like Bishop Folda sends a powerful message
to ACAF and to the people in the areas we work. “You are not alone and you are
not forgotten.” Bishop Folda is a peaceful and humble person, who is not looking
for any outward thank yous, but FoC and ACAF are very grateful for his curiosity
and commitment to our work. We are appreciative of him taking the time to travel
to Peru to listen, learn, believe, and serve. Throughout our time together in Peru,
each time we met with a parish or community group, there was tangible joy in
their welcoming of Bishop Folda. The joy with which he was welcomed is truly a
reflection of all the good FoC and ACAF have done throughout the past 40+ years!

In this newsletter, you will read more about Bishop Folda’s
visit, learn about how FoC and ACAF continue to grow as
organizations, and most importantly learn about the impact
of our work. In particular, you will meet Josefina, a beautiful
soul with whom we are working in Upper Cambio Puente.
Her message about how our work impacts aging people
is powerful, as is the responsibility we bear for caring for
elders in all of our communities.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. FoC
and ACAF are improving and growing each day. The more
we strengthen, the more people and communities we can
support. Please know your support and prayers are making
a difference.
Blessings, Mike & Katie

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