From Starving to Thriving!

10-year-old Mateo knows what it’s like to go hungry. It happens a lot. “One time my mom told me that there was nothing to eat. I felt sad and I began to pray to God. Then I fell asleep without eating anything,” Mateo told us.  
 
Mateo lives with his parents in Iquitos Peru. When he can find work, Mateo’s dad works as a farm laborer. His mom, Julia, runs a sewing business from home. Their combined income is less than $5 a day; not enough to cover their household expenses. “When it’s time to pay for electricity and water we usually don’t have enough money for those bills,” said Julia. “Due to lack of money, my parents have not been able to buy my school supplies, uniform or shoes,” added Mateo.  
 
“We only can afford to eat two times a day,” said Julia. “For breakfast we eat bread with a cup of tea. When my husband doesn't have a job, we don't even have money for rice.”
 
On the worst days they only ate one meal a day.  

So Operation Blessing invited Mateo and his parents to be part of a poultry workshop at their church. We provided training and gave families building materials for a chicken coop, along with baby chickens, feed and medicines.    
 
“In the workshops we are learning about caring for chickens and cleaning,” said Julia. 
 
We then helped Mateo and his family navigate through a second cycle of raising chickens and now they have a steady income and plenty to eat. “Thank God, with the help of the chickens, I can now feed my son Mateo three times a day!” declared Julia.  

The family not only sells mature broiler hens but started selling prepared chicken as well.  
 
“I eat very well and my mom tells me that I am growing taller!” said Mateo. “I thank God and Operation Blessing for the chickens! They are helping with the things we need most! Thank you!”