The Small Group Kickoff

June and July appeared to be hopeful months for Peru. A number of the COVID-related restrictions that had been in place for months were finally being relieved. Although the international borders were still closed, life was slowly starting to feel like normal again within the borders. Similar to here in the states, people could go pretty freely, book flights, travel from city to city, all the while still attempting to practice best social distance parameters.

Consequentially, Calvary Cajabamba felt it was time to begin planning small gatherings, or small groups, that would still abide by the limited capacity protocols as well as the social distance practices. So, the staff planned a small group kickoff for the start of of August. Weekly meetings for three separate groups—of no more than 10 people each—were scheduled: men's, women's, and parents'. But there was a unique component to these groups that would exceed the capacity limit as well as the geographic location of participants. A Zoom option that would livestream the in-person small group would also be offered.

Lanzamiento means kickoff in Spanish. This was our small group kickoff campaign.

So, last weekend we had kicked off our three small groups, averaging about 10 in-person participants and 15 Zoom participants joining in from various sites in Peru as well as the United States. It was a spark of fresh energy to me to re-connect my Peruvian family as well as meet some new people.

Going along with my current general media and communications responsibilities for the church, I have been managing the small group registrations and communications, getting participants signed up oriented with how to join via Zoom, sharing the class/group resources with them, and communicating with them about updates, reminders, etc.

A view of the in-person small group at the church.

Like I said, our first week was quite exciting and enjoyable for many to re-connect in Christian fellowship. The parents' group is following a study that teaches how about how important it is to leave a legacy for the next generation; the women are reading through a book that is teaching women the value and worth God has placed on the woman; and the men are learning how to be men of truth and valor.

Unfortunately, due to a spike in COVID cases for Peru, they have had to re-implement some restrictions, including prohibiting social gatherings. Therefore, the church is temporarily discontinuing the in-person component of the small groups. But, those who joined in person will now join the rest of us via Zoom, and thankfully our small groups will continue.

One of the couples during our parents' small group.

If you'd like to know more about our small groups, feel free to contact me!