History of Hearts for Peru
Beginnings
While in college, Joel was approached by a professor who challenged him to lead a medical mission trip to Peru. With the help of his professor and many others, Joel put together a team of nursing students, a dentist, and a Peruvian doctor, and led a trip to Peru. After the trip concluded, God called Joel to do it again. God was faithful and provided all that was needed to set up a following trip. It was on this second trip that Joel met two of the other leaders, and the organization was born.
Development
As these trips continued to happen, God connected the team with some wonderful people both in the USA and in Iquitos, Peru that would help develop these trips into what they are today. Rachel and Lauren joined the leadership team, and Ariel did the same a couple years later. Lucy and Kayleen also became key leaders on the Peruvian side. The leaders and all the members of each team contributed new ideas which have improved the flow of the team each year.
Looking to the future
As we continue to partner with our Peruvian brothers and sisters, we are excited to see new developments in Nauta, the town where Lucy lives. Since 2018, Esther Leininger has been working alongside Lucy while Kayleen continues to support as much as she is able. New leaders have developed, including a young pastor named Jerson Pinedo. As we look ahead, we are counting on God to lead the way!