Peru's New Horizon

It is our pleasure to announce our # 1 Priority Project for 2005 is to expand our joint venture with Go Ye Ministries (GYM) in Pacasmayo, Peru to start a microfinance project. Horizons Foundation has committed to raising at least $42,000 during 2005 for this microlending program for the former refugees to become entrepreneurs. Our ultimate goal for this project is $200,000.

An individual receiving a loan must agree to three requirements before the loan is granted: 1) 10% of their profit is to be donated to the church of their choice, 2) another 10% of their profit is be donated to support the orphanage and 3) a small percentage of their profit is to be saved in their account at the new 'Association Horizons' (AN). AN is the new non-profit program being officially organized in Peru. Not only will these entrepreneurs' self-esteem rise, but also their support for the orphanage will cause it to eventually become self sufficient financially.

Mrs. Avis Goodhart started GYM in 1997. She felt called to go to Peru and "help the helpless, starting with their spiritual needs." Since she was an 'unsponsored missionary' by any church, she and her husband mortgaged their house and took the proceeds to Peru. She landed in Pacasmayo, right on the Pacific Ocean. This city is widely known in world-class surfing circles for its excellent surf and is about 11 hours North of Lima by bus. The city dump on the outskirts of town was where the poorest of the poor searched thru the trash and garbage looking for something to sell and something to eat. This city dump is where Avis Goodhart settled to "help the helpless, starting with their spiritual needs." She now alternates the supervisory duties at GYM in Peru, with her brother and his wife as they alternate 3 month tours there. Avis began by building a beautiful church and acquired the nickname, "loco gringo", for building such a quality building on the edge of the city dump.

In 2004, Horizons Foundation partnered with GYM to build a large earthquake resistant building adjacent to the church for an orphanage. This building has 3500 square feet per floor with an internet café and multiple meeting rooms on the 1st floor. Higher floors are for apartment homes for the orphans. We plan to add a 3rd story to this multi-story orphanage. Each apartment will provide a new home for 12 abandoned children along with their 'new' parents. Each apartment has approximately 1750 square foot.

A nearby hospital is anxiously awaiting this orphanage's final licensure, so they can begin to send abandoned newborns here. In January 2005, Charlotte and Al visited this hospital with several other Americans. While there the hospital administrator stated that during the first two weeks of 2005, he already had to process at least 3 newborns into temporary shelter as there was no long term home available for them. He wished the Peruvian government had completely approved the orphanage and was very excited when he saw the official approval of the building. The next step is for a 'plan of operation' to be written by the GYM staff, then the last step will be for the Peruvian government to review and accept this plan. Many babies will be placed in this orphanage by this hospital.

It became obvious in January 2005 that much more green space, playground space and parking space for orphanage vehicles will be needed within the compound as additional floors are added to the property. Adjacent land has been identified and its estimated cost of purchase and redevelopment is approximately $11,000. To insure an adequate water supply to the GYM compound, a deep water well also needs to be drilled on this new land at an approximate cost of $15,000.

A bright horizon is coming to Pacasmayo, Peru.