Peru has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Peru's poverty rate has been decreasing every year and some estimates believe the poverty rate will drop to less than 20 percent by 2025. Unfortunately more than 50 percent of Peruvians still live below the poverty line today. With the fast growing economy banks and businesses are begining to offer credit cards and loans. People with very low incomes are able to get credit equal to 10 times their monthly salary. The banks are charging unbelievably high rates and some families are already feeling the "credit crunch."
We recently received an advertisement in the mail. (You can see the front cover above.) It basically says "It's time to make your dreams come true!" The clock seems to be showing all of the things people are dreaming to accomplish or acquire in life. When I opened up this advertisement and read the banking offer I was saddened. How many people are looking for happiness in life by searching for the items shown on that clock: A big screen television, a new computer, an education, or an exotic trip. Because of Peru's growing economy materialistic possessions are increasingly easier to get here. Yet, they offer no happiness, no contentment, no peace in the hearts of Peru's people.
Thankfully, as Christians, God allows us to have our "dreams come true!" God gives us happiness as we serve Him! God has personally blessed our family with opportunities far greater than those offered by a credit-card company. Psalm 37:4 is a favorite verse for our family: "Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." That's an offer you can't refuse!
