"Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness and captivity would without this comfort, be insupportable." With this single quote, Samuel Johnson accurately described human nature. Christians should be making the lives of others more bearable by spreading hope.

A group of 21 Glendale Adventist Academy students, faculty and parents delivered a glimmer of hope to the people of Peru in March 2007.

The group arrived in Iquitos, Peru, not knowing what to expect. In a five-day stay filled with activities and memorable moments, the group held vacation Bible school for the children. They seemed amused by stories of David and Goliath, Noah's ark and Daniel in the lion's den. As the group taught the children about God, the children, in turn, gave lessons of simplicity and contentment. The students also had the opportunity to spend the night in the jungle, and to be witnesses to the village children.

"Being in Peru opened my eyes to how easy it is to witness for Christ," Melissa Radlein said. "People there were surprised by our actions in small things that we did, like playing a soccer game with the local kids. Everyone said they could see a difference in our actions because we were Adventists. My experience in Peru helped me to realize that no matter what I do, I can use my actions to let God's light shine through."

The GAA group also helped People of Peru, an Adventist organization. They dug trenches, scraped paint, and did a little housekeeping around the organization's headquarters. In addition, students helped at a medical and dental clinic.

After five days in Iquitos, the group had an opportunity to sightsee in Cuzco. This amazing history lesson came via Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Learning about new cultures and seeing what is outside one's community broadened their picture of God.

"What I learned was something more valuable than any treasure found," said Marc Vizurraga. "It is to love my family like there's no tomorrow, and to not take everything that I have for granted. The families in Peru didn't have that much to provide for their kids, but they still had a lot of love for each other. That is the one characteristic that I learned, and I want to go back to Peru in the future."