Peace Schools in Colombia, South America

Peace Schools are similar to Vacation Bible Schools in the states. They are held in 3 or 4 churches during the summer for about 2-4 weeks. The churches are located in some of the most dangerous parts of Cali. Places known for crime, drug use, and theft. The Peace Schools are designed to teach peace making skills to the children who attend. The classes are bible-centered and Christ-focused, the ultimate Peacemaker. In addition to peace-making classes, the children have opportunities to go swimming in clean water (swimming pools), visit the zoo or museums, and other field trips that they would never have the chance to do if it were not for the peace schools. At the conclusion of the school, there is a closing program in which the parents are invited (and most come). The family makes a covenant to continue their efforts toward becoming peacemakers in a violent world.

An Update from Boyce and Beth Wallace:

Dear Christian Friends,
Either your church, or some group in the church, sent an offering for the Peace Bible Schools this year and we want to thank you for this act of generosity. Children from high risk barrios near five of our churches in Cali benefited from your gifts. Two other churches prepared their schools around Peace.

We would like to share with you excerpts from the report from the pastor of Bethel Church. "We want to thank you for the opportunity to participate again in the Peace Bible Schools. They are making an impact on our community. This year 230 children attended and 150 parents came for the graduation. These parents made a promise to be more responsible parents with their children and prayed that they would not fall into drugs or juvenile delinquency but grow in the fear of the Lord." From this report we can appreciate the effect that these peace efforts are now having.

As other churches report in, we expect them to also be encouraging. This is a small effort, but an important one, for the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Colombia to make a contribution towards peace. In a small way this helps to connect us with the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount and the phrase, "Blessed are the peacemakers." So on behalf of our children and their parents, let us say again how much we appreciate your contributions.

Contact the Board of Missions if you would like to be part of this life-changing ministry in Colombia.