Though a chilly, cloudy day in the coastal area of Peru may have been typical in June, God had something out of the ordinary in store for the people of Callao on Saturday, June 23, 2018. This was one of the days God set aside to collide hearts and visions to help provide for the children and families of Callao, Peru.
Statistics prove this impoverished city has been notorious for increasing criminal and gang activities through the years. BUT God had a different plan for this city and its people. Change was coming.
God put a seed in a man’s heart years ago. John, from the city of Callao, was a business man and property owner. He recognized the struggles around him and longed to see the needs met for the children in his city. At the time, it was a simple dream in his heart. As time went on, it was no coincidence John and his wife met the pastors of Cathedral of Faith Church in Lima, Peru. Upon initially meeting, the pastors talked with John about how great his name was. They went on to explain there was also another great man named John who is in the Bible. God used this moment and the pastors of Cathedral of Faith to lead John to Christ. John started attending church and never did forget about his dream to help his city. One day, he talked with the pastors about their interest in potentially buying one of his properties. He agreed to sell the property on the condition it would one day be used to help the children in Callao. With the same compassionate heart for the lost and struggling, the pastors purchased the property from John and agreed to one day use it to help the children. Their desire, building upon John’s dream, was to use the property to help children and families with some form of outreach ministry that would one day be the catalyst to start a church in Callao.
Around the same time frame in 2008, Carl Manis, a man well-known for his heart and love language to feed people, passed away in Monroe, Michigan. His family dreamed about creating a lasting legacy in his honor based on his generosity and compassion for the hungry. As the days quickly flew by holding so many busy moments of their own, the dream and vision stayed as a dormant seed—until God’s timing came to pass.
Knowing the 10th anniversary of Carl’s passing was approaching, the time had come to help make this dream a reality. With God’s prompting, a little research and a few phone calls the dream came alive! Pastor’s Steve and Shelly Hopkins of Latin Equip Ministries had the perfect opportunity for dreams to collide. With the collaboration of Latin Equip, Cathedral of Faith Church, Carl’s family and loved ones, Gateway church and so many amazing donors and prayer warriors, nearly one year later on June 23, 2018, Carl’s Kitchen officially opened the doors for the grand opening celebration.
Though a chilly, cloudy day in Callao, Peru, the laughter and anticipation made it feel like warm sunshine was smiling down from Heaven everywhere! Music was playing and flooding the streets. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Pluto were dancing their hearts out. Eager and curious faces peered through windows, around open doorways and from the roof tops. Something new was bringing life to the barren streets of Callao. Soon, children started coming from every direction and lining up to take part in the festivities. There was dancing, face painting, balloon animal creations, candy and a free, hot meal complete with rice, potatoes, chicken and lemonade—a classic Peruvian feast!
With over 100 children in addition to many curious parents and grandparents flooding into Carl’s Kitchen for the dedication, the day was perfect. The pastors of Cathedral of Faith Church, Steve and Shelly Hopkins of Latin Equip, Carl’s family, the Mayor of Callao and several other city officials and prominent men in the community attended the grand opening. Yes, there were tears, so many tears. Tears of joy everywhere. So many shared of their excitement about the impact Carl’s Kitchen will bring to their city. They explained that feeding these children and exposing them to a better value system has the potential to significantly improve crime rates, family dynamics and ultimately their city.
Each and every week since the opening, on Saturday mornings, children have waited at the door of Carl’s Kitchen for their hot meal and Bible lesson. Adults have been coming as well and are hearing about God’s love for them and choosing to give their life to Christ, in part because of the tangible love shown to them through you, Carl’s Kitchen and the local church.
Now, three months later, Church ministry leaders overseeing the kitchen have explained what a significant impact Carl’s Kitchen is having in Callao. They have said many people in the community are helping and can’t believe that Americans would come and do this in such a dangerous area. Local officials have offered to help with Carl’s Kitchen and neighbors on the street have been providing security. This area, which was known for their high crime, is being changed by the gospel! In addition, Latin Equip has developed relationships with a nearby school that has given them an open door for ministry.
Pastor Charlie of Cathedral of Faith Church says, “We want to be a church that has bread in one hand and the Bible in the other.” God is doing just that through the partnership with Cathedral of Faith, Latin Equip and Carl’s Kitchen.
To every person who has prayed and supported Carl’s Kitchen and the work in Callao, Peru and to all those that will one day be part in the future—THANK YOU! Lives are being changed because of your faithfulness! Only God can plant seeds in hearts around the world and make their dreams collide! It’s all for His glory!
