Chocolate lovers of the world UNITE - in Peru! Each year at Christmas time, Christmas parties, known as Chocolatadas for the rich, hot chocolate drink served, are held throughout Peru. In many places, the more fortunate in the village host and invite those who may not be able to afford Christmas for their family. In the city, many churches and organizations host a Chocolatada for the neighborhood children.
The ingredients for the chocolate caliente (hot chocolate) are purchased ahead of time and taken to the village. On the day of the Chocolatada, the women of the village begin preparing the drink in large cauldrens. First, water is boiled with cinnamon sticks, orange peel and cloves. Then chocolate and cocoa is added along with milk, sugar and other ingredients. We haven't gotten the full recipe yet, but we've been told that there may even be banana or grapes in the mix. When we make it at home, we use this recipe. The chocolate simmers over a fire all day allowing the lovely spices and flavors to meld. When it's time to celebrate, panetone (a traditional fruitcake) is brought out, sliced into huge hunks and slathered with margarine. Everyone then shares in the festivities of eating and drinking together. There is a time of organized game playing and other activities prepared by the hosts. Gifts are then given to each of the children. Depending on the family's financial situation, this may be the only gift the child receives for Christmas. As you can imagine, this is such an exciting day for the kids! |
THIS YEAR, on December 21, Making Disciples in the Amazon is hosting a Chocolatada in the village of Santa Maria de Ojeal, the village where our first pastor training was held. The main purpose of this Chocolatada is OUTREACH. You see, there are 300 people living in this village and about half of them are children. A small portion (maybe 1/6) of the children in the village attend church.
We plan to INVITE the ENTIRE VILLAGE, giving a gift to each child and Chocolate and Panetone to all who attend. Our Good Samaritan Mission Team is partnering with Pastor Raul Tote Monge of the Iglesia Bautista de Fe la Verdad to host this event. Paulo and Leili, two theology students on the Mission Team, are directing the performance of a Nativity Play based on the New Testament story of Christ's birth, complete with costumes and props, making this a memorable event. Every person in the village will see before them that God sent His only Son for THEM, and they will be given an opportunity to accept Him as Lord and Savior of their life. This could very well change the village of Santa Maria!
WOULD YOU PLEASE PUT THIS EVENT ON YOUR PRAYER LIST AND PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF MANY ON THIS DAY?
PLEASE JOIN US IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN?
A gift for one child is $5.00. Could you possibly purchase a gift for a child to show them the love of Christ? Maybe you could sponsor 2 children for $10.00 or 4 for $20? Maybe your Sunday School Class or Small Group would like to share in this event? All donations received will be sent directly to Manuel Lopez, our Field Director and Paulo and Leili will take the money and personally purchase gifts for the children based on the lists provided by the village school teachers, by age and gender.
Donations for the Panetone Bread and Hot Chocolate have already been received.
We need to raise $750 to make this a reality. We're not a big organization with supporters around the world. It's just us and you. This is something we feel is very important to share God's love with those who are not in a relationship with Him. The Chocolatada we hosted in Belen last year was so appreciated, and brought in many children to the local churches. PLEASE help us with this event if you are able to at all. Every dollar is appreciated and will be used specifically for this event.
We plan to INVITE the ENTIRE VILLAGE, giving a gift to each child and Chocolate and Panetone to all who attend. Our Good Samaritan Mission Team is partnering with Pastor Raul Tote Monge of the Iglesia Bautista de Fe la Verdad to host this event. Paulo and Leili, two theology students on the Mission Team, are directing the performance of a Nativity Play based on the New Testament story of Christ's birth, complete with costumes and props, making this a memorable event. Every person in the village will see before them that God sent His only Son for THEM, and they will be given an opportunity to accept Him as Lord and Savior of their life. This could very well change the village of Santa Maria!
WOULD YOU PLEASE PUT THIS EVENT ON YOUR PRAYER LIST AND PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF MANY ON THIS DAY?
PLEASE JOIN US IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN?
A gift for one child is $5.00. Could you possibly purchase a gift for a child to show them the love of Christ? Maybe you could sponsor 2 children for $10.00 or 4 for $20? Maybe your Sunday School Class or Small Group would like to share in this event? All donations received will be sent directly to Manuel Lopez, our Field Director and Paulo and Leili will take the money and personally purchase gifts for the children based on the lists provided by the village school teachers, by age and gender.
Donations for the Panetone Bread and Hot Chocolate have already been received.
We need to raise $750 to make this a reality. We're not a big organization with supporters around the world. It's just us and you. This is something we feel is very important to share God's love with those who are not in a relationship with Him. The Chocolatada we hosted in Belen last year was so appreciated, and brought in many children to the local churches. PLEASE help us with this event if you are able to at all. Every dollar is appreciated and will be used specifically for this event.
We are in the process of becoming affiliated with a Non-Profit Organization, but as of now, donations are not tax deductible. We will post an update once the process is complete.
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Checks can be made payable to:
Michael Pasterik and mailed to: Making Disciples in the Amazon c/o Mike and Vicki Pasterik 1456 Sample Flats Rd. Corry, PA 16407 |
Photo credits: Top Photo Strip: Becca Schweigert, Rebecca Marie Photography- Taken in the village of Santa Lucia in November 2013
All other photos by Manuel Lopez, taken in Belen in December 2014
All other photos by Manuel Lopez, taken in Belen in December 2014