Our ministry is called Inti Ayllu which means Community of the Sun in Quechua, an indigenous language spoken in Perú. We use the arts, in all forms, to create safe spaces for our neighbors in order to share God’s love with them. Our safe spaces include:
– A restaurant where we provide meaningful employment and mentorship for at-risk youth.
– A community arts center where we offer Christ-centered art activities for families.
–A monthly pediatric clinic where we offer pediatric services for vulnerable families.
The driving force behind our ministry is our faith. Our desire is to be a reflection of God’s love and work with our neighbors towards the abundant life that Jesus Christ desires for us. The Bible verse that inspires us comes from Matthew 5:14, 16 and says “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We live and work in Pamplona Alta, a hillside neighborhood located on the southern outskirts of Lima. This vast community is resilient, despite its challenging history. In the 1980s, almost 200,000 people abandoned their homes in the rural provinces of Perú and flocked to Lima. These migrants, mostly indigenous farmers, fled to escape the brutal armed conflict led by different terrorist groups, like the Shining Path.
Often arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs, these internally displaced refugees began to squat on the mountain-like dunes surrounding the center of Lima, including Pamplona Alta. They built their homes from whatever materials they could scavenge, like grass mats, sticks, and cardboard. Today, Pamplona Alta continues to be a difficult place to live and is one of the poorest sectors in Lima. Challenges include lack of access to water and sanitation, inconsistent income, family violence, and addiction.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to us at:
info@intiayllu.org