Christian looks out over the streets he used to run as a gang member.

VENTANILLA, Peru – Like most teenagers, Christian struggled with a sense of identity. He desperately wanted to figure out where he belonged and know he had a place in the world.

So, at the age of 15, Christian joined a gang on the streets of Peru. Almost immediately, his grades began to drop and his parents were worried.

“I didn’t know what to do,” his mother Iris said. “Christian started to get home late, and he was always in trouble, in fights or running away from the police.”

Then Iris found out about a sewing class offered by Operation Blessing. Without hesitation she registered herself and her son for the class.

“I wanted him to spend his time doing something productive,” Iris explained.

Turns out it was exactly what Christian needed.

Christian and his mother Iris proudly display a shirt he made.

Although he was the only young man in a class of 10 women learning how to sew clothes, Christian thrived in the environment and his behavior changed drastically for the better.

“It’s true that I was doing bad things,” Christian admitted, “but now I’m never late to class and I’m away from those bad friendships.”

In fact, Christian’s entire outlook on life has transformed.
“At the beginning, the guys in my neighborhood made fun of me because they couldn’t accept that I left the gang to take sewing classes, but what really embarrasses me is that people used to look at me like a thief or a drug addict.”

From gang member to tailor, Christian’s passion for sewing has now become a family affair. His father also wants to take the classes and they plan to start their own sewing business out of their home.

“We are very thankful to Operation Blessing for this work tool they have given us,” said Iris. “Thanks to you, my son is away from gangs and my family has a great opportunity to have a better life.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.

 

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