FSSP Mission Trip to Piura, Peru

Hi!

My name is Brandon Sims. I am the oldest of 4 children and attend the FSSP's apostolate in Atlanta, Ga., St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

I am raising money to go on the St. Francis Xavier Mission Trip to Piura, Peru from July 27th to August 11th.

I was blessed to be able to go on this mission trip last year and was blown away as I watched the abundant graces that were being poured out upon us - the 4 priests, 3 seminarians, 3 nuns, 2 chaperones, 36 missionaries - and the people of Piura. I am really looking forward to going again this year and being part of, and helping, this great endeavor!!

Group Picture from last year.

Here is a little bit of information about the mission trip, where and how your money will be used, and facts about the mission trip last year.

Buliding of a house in progress...

Finished!! Just one of the many houses we built!

A portion of the total amount I need will go to traveling expenses, food, and accomodations during the trip, but a much larger portion will be used for purchasing the food and clothing that we will give to the very poor people of Piura.  It will also provide the supplies we need to repair and build over 15 bamboo houses for the especially poor families whose houses are deteriorating or falling apart. These are just a few of the things we will be able to accomplish in Peru with your help.

At least 3 priests will be going on the mission this year, so we will also be able to bring the most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacraments to these people who rarely have the privilege of receiving them. 
Why rarely? Because in Piura, a city of over 60,000 Catholics, there is only 1 priest.  Yes, only 1 priest! On Sundays, he sometimes has to offer more than 10 Masses at his own parish, and is therefore unable to go to the more than 40 chapels in the large Piura area.

This is the place we called home for 2 weeks.

This is the chapel in the church we stayed at, where the 1 priest serves his parish with great devotion.

On Saturdays he administers baptisms, sometimes over 35 in 1 day. While we were there last year, he baptized an almost record breaking 40 people in 1 day!!

By donating to this cause, you not only help me get to Peru, but, more importantly, you are helping the poor people of Piura. Because of that help, they are able to receive the food and clothing they need for their body, and most importantly, food and nourishment for their souls.

Picture of me serving at one of the High Masses our mission offered.

This is the average size of their bamboo chapels. Mass was offered in more than 40 chapels in our two week stay!!

Aside from work, we also had fun playing Volleyball and Kiwi (a popular game in Peru) with the 50 or so girls at the Hogar (meaning "House" in Spanish).  It's a place where Peruvian girls, aging about 12-18, are educated by Nuns and learn the essentials of housekeeping.

Half-way through each day's work, we were given time to rest, pray, and get to know the other missionaries. It was a time enjoyed by all!

Please consider donating any amount that you can, large or small, towards this worthy cause. I need to reach my goal of $800 per month for the next 3 months to acheieve the total amount needed - $2400 - by May 1st, in addition to travel expenses to and from Miami. Any money received over that amount will be given as a bonus donation to the Mission to help other missionaries reach their goal. Gofundme donations are unfortunately not tax deductable, welcome and appreciated as they are! If you would like your donation to be tax deductable, your donation must be given in the form of a check made out to Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary. In addition, my name can not appear anywhere on the check otherwise it will not be tax deductable. Please contact me so I can give you my mailing address.

I am very grateful for any donation you can contribute. With any donation you make, please message/email me with any special intention or prayer request and I will be sure to offer up a rosary each day of the mission for your requested intention.

Also, see below for the special offers I am running for donors!!

Also, the SFX Missionairies will be journaling and posting pictures and stories of our days down in Piura, while on the Mission. I encourage and invite you to follow our journey!

They will be posted on the Mission website: http://sfxmission.com/. 
Here is a direct link to the Journal:
http://sfxmission.com/category/journal/

The journal, of course, will not be updated until we begin the mission! :)

May God reward you for your donation!

St. Francis Xavier, Pray For Us!

In Christ,
Brandon Sims, age 20

P.S. Please pass this on to your family and friends!