I had the life-changing honor of being a part of People of Peru in it's infancy. Back in 2005, we were a group working out of a little Iquitos hotel with Mr. Opp as he showed us what selflessness looked like by caring for as many people in need as he could as though they were his own family. It thrills me to see what People of Peru has grown into and I pray that the heart it started with so many years ago continues to be the heart that now has the broad hands to protect more people of Peru than ever.
Amazing operation that works with poverished communities and orphans, by allowing opportunities through connections with different organizations.
I went to the people of Peru project when I was 16 I believe. It actually changed my life, I was having a very dark time and I went to Peru anyway. The people I met along the way are still in my life now, I'm still in contact with some of my girls that I met. When we were there I felt like nothing mattered here in the states, all that mattered was that we were doing good and doing God's work. We got to go out to the four different districts, we did Medical, Dental, food distribution, and construction. I was part of the food distribution team. We went out each day and delivered food that we packed the night before to families, then we got to sit with them and get to know them. While I was there I noticed that there were a bunch of hungry dogs, and so I bought a few bags of dog food divided them up, and I started bringing them with me everywhere I went. The people there we're so grateful for the basic needs, it was definitely humbling. And on our way back to the States we all realized what we actually had. And we became more grateful for the basic things we had in the States, like toilet paper, toothpaste, a toilet that actually flushes, being able to open or Pantry knowing that there is food in it, being able to feed my animals daily without having to choose between them eating or me eating and being able to feed my family. As well as being able to drive whenever we wanted to go somewhere, or being able to eat chicken that we didn't have to kill, and even the clothes on our backs. I've wanted to go back ever since, so many people that went with me on that trip from the Cloverdale Seventh Day Adventist Church. We still talk about it all the time! At some point we will come back!
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The People of Peru Project has changed my life. I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I learned that God works in mysterious ways. He hears even the smallest of prayers. Being down their on my mission was the most important thing I've done in my life. We helped so many people, and we couldn't have done it without Jesus. We prayed every day, multiple times a day and God answered our prayers. Going to the people of Peru project changed my life and opened my eyes. I've learned to be thankful for the little things, I learned that even when life knocks you down, you get back up. The girls down at the compound taught me more than they'll ever know, with out them, the staff, and Papa Paul, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I became closer with God. And I became really close with one of the girls, Angelica. I love her with all my heart. I know she will grow up to do amazing things, and iij m going to be their to see it. I miss her and everyone their everyday. And I will be back, there is somthing God has planed for me to do and I know I havnt finished it yet. Papa Paul taught me to love myself, even though I've made mistakes in my life. We all have. And I will never forget my trip to Peru, I will continue to go back, and I will work and save up until I can make it back. The compounds atmosphere is surrounded with love, and acceptance. I will never forget, and I will return. I love you guys with all my heart.
Fantastic organization and leadership focusing on the women and children of Peru in abject poverty. God has a special place in heaven for these workers. After fully vetting the People of Peru Project, I am confident in taking our school there next year to begin an ongoing relationship.
People of Peru Project is a phenomenal organization dedicated to meeting the needs of families and girls experiencing crisis and need in life. Their compassionate work is focused on individualized care and meeting needs, whether that be a child’s medical situation, domestic needs of a family, or long term care and support of at risk youth. Each staff member is excellent in their role and this organization operates smoothly to provide so much generous help to their community! I’m proud to support this nonprofit organization.
I was a volunteer with a church group that worked at the young girls school and residence and in the community in 2019. People of Peru Project does everything they say they are doing - giving homeless and abused girls a safe place to live and providing them with everything they need to grow up into physically and spiritually healthy young adults even through a college education if that is their choice. In addition, PoPP serves the larger community around them by providing food giveaways to the poor, water filter buckets that last 5 years so they can have clean water in their homes, free medical and dental services, bibles and bible studies, and vacation bible schools. The staff is dedicated and caring, and the girls love to interact with the volunteers, in spite of the language barriers. While the needs of this severely impoverished area are far greater than any one organization can provide, PoPP is clearly making a positive difference in the lives of thousands now and for years to come. God's love clearly shines through PoPP, and I continue to send donations as I am able because I know every dollar will make a positive difference in the life of someone in need.
People of Peru Project is one of the most genuine nonprofit organizations we have ever volunteered alongside. Paul was welcoming, kind, and always willing to stay up late and share stories with us about his time in Peru. The kids were eager to learn from us, happy to help, and very loving. Poppy's House was definitely a favorite, and we loved walking the younger kids to school and practicing our Spanish with them. We will definitely be back!
I have been on two medical mission trips with People of Peru Project and planning my third in 23. The work they do truly helps those in need. They do the most with the least amount of money. Their ability to connect to medical programs in the US has given them the ability to provide care that makes life changing experiences for both the people they serve and those who are able to volunteer. People of Peru Project is where my money and time goes to and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
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The Union College PA students have the opportunity to visit the People of Peru Project every June and volunteer. As a PA faculty member, I was able to attend for the first time this past June. I can not tell enough people about the incredible nonprofit, People of Peru Project. They are changing lives in Iquitos and I am forever thankful that I was able to be a small part of that. I can’t wait to return next June!
The People of Peru project was a life changing experience for me. I went to Peru hoping to influence others, which definitely happened, but God worked so much more in my heart than I expected. This experience opened my eyes and fueled my passion for helping others.
I was in Peru about 8 months ago, it was an amazing life changing experience. I volunteered at Popies house! The girls were so sweet, I loved learning from them everyday. I miss them so much and think about them often. I hope I can come visit again soon! Keep up the good work! Helping those beautiful girls ❤️
I had the pleasure of being a part of a few of the first groups that ever went down. This was over 15 years ago and it had a huge impact on my life. The individuals I had a chance to work with and the things we got to be a part of changed my young high school mind. We did clinics, vacation bible school, and at times we just played with the kids. Now that I am becoming a nurse I hope to use these skills in the future to return and offer up even more care to the wonderful people in Peru.
My fiance and I spent a little time down in Iquitos this summer and had a wonderful experience seeing all the children with smiling faces, no matter if it was raining or shining. To see so much joy in such an impoverished part of the world is beyond heart warming. It's very obvious that the systems, leadership and love poured into these children is having a massive affect on their lives and will ultimately help lift the community up as they grow into adults and make an impact.
People of Peru is an amazing organization. I went to Iquitos with a group from my high school for our mission trip that year. I will never forget the week we spent helping to build the women’s shelter and do a VBS. The people are amazing and it was a great opportunity to expand my awareness.
The People of Peru Project is a hardworking and amazing organization! I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Iquitos through my nursing school with fellow nursing and pharmacy students. I am so thankful for my time there, as my heart was touched by the struggles and generosity of the people in Iquitos. I learned so much about myself and about the Peruvian culture and I am so thankful for the experience. The POPP team continuously put their heart and soul into serving the community. Their passion is inspiring!
I’ve had the opportunity to visit People of Peru project in Iquitos many times. One of my favorite memories is helping purchase, bundle and deliver Christmas meals to families in poor parts of the city. I was able to volunteer for this program during the holidays for several years in a row and always looked forward to it. I’ve also gone on medical clinics, jungle adventures and worked in the crisis center for young women and children. No matter your interests or background I’m confident Paul can match you with a project or group that will utilize your skill set. These visits are some of my best memories.
About 10 years ago I took my 3 children and we spent Christmas with People of Peru in Iquitos. What a blessing, my kids will still tell you this was the best Christmas ever. We got to help with kids programing and medical dental clinics. We took young girls shopping for Christmas and New years. We took food bags to the village that they work with in the Jungle and saw what it was like to have nothing but still be happy. Unforgettable.
I served with People of Peru Project in 2017 in conjunction with my medical school. The time I spent serving the people of Iquitos, learning about their culture and beginning to understand the needs of the community lead me to pursue my career in pediatrics and child advocacy.
People of Peru project is a well organized nonprofit who has seriously considered the needs, medical, spiritual and cultural, of their community and transformed to best serve Iquitos and the larger community. I would go back in a heartbeat!
The People of Peru Project and Poppy’s House changed our lives. We were so blessed by those we met and were able to help. Paul and his staff provide a safe way for groups to visit Iquitos and make a meaningful, lasting impact. We hope to make it back soon to visit Paul, his amazing staff and the smiling faces of those in the community of Iquitos that welcomed us into their lives.
POPP is a wonderful healing ministry to the community of Iquitos. I was privileged to work alongside community leaders, medical students, physician assistant students and nurses. Having been on other similar missions to the area, it is nice to see how they try to fill gaps in care that still exist in Iquitos. Paul Opp is committed to the cause, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!
I loved my time working with POPP and it was a life changing experience that I will never forget! This organization was amazing to work with and the people involved are dedicated and selfless in what they do. I got to work along side my fellow nursing and pharmacy students to help various communities within Iquitos and provide education and care to these communities. I hope in the future to come back as an RN and continue to help this organization in their aid to help the People Of Peru!! Thank you for giving me an opportunity to make an impact big and small in your organzation!!
