Character-Building through Movies, the secular sermons of our society

Having worked with teenagers for some years now, we at Casa Cumbre are always looking for innovative ways to relate to kids during their important and often turbulent teen years. Our approach with our Video Watch Program is to watch and then conduct group discussions of modern movies with a message. Like the Apostle Paul, who used the idols of the Athenian culture to communicate the truths of the gospel, we use modern movies --sometimes called the secular sermons of our society-- to help young people understand truths about our modern age.

In a couple of the orphanages that we work in, this program has become so popular that the management welcomes our presentations as an addition to catechism class for the young boys interned there, since the character-building results have been so impressive.

For example, we may watch a movie, where the moral of the story has to do with how one lives his life and/or regrets regarding the past. Resultant discussions broaden and enrich the participants’ concept of reality, and allow for new ideals and expectations, creating a more positive outlook on the present and future.

Or we may change pace and discuss the visual impact and influence of blockbuster action movies which satisfies teens’ desire for action and pretty girls, etc. and at the same time we address the subjects brought out in the plot, including being able to see through the allure and glamour to discern what’s real and/or relevant or not to their lives.

A war movie allows us to draw out the great price one pays to give of self, the sacrifice and leadership role expected even though followers may not show much appreciation.

We are constantly amazed at how the young people in our care recall the various lessons that they’ve participated in, which proves to us the impact potential of video visual. Thank God for this medium that allows us to stimulate fertile young minds for good, contributing to the formation of high ideals, noble aspirations and better members of society.

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A Dog is a Boy's Best Friend

There are about 90 boys living in CIMA (Center of Integral Attention for Minors) that we've been helping for some two years now. Of all the areas of interest that one learns about while helping out at an institution such as this, one aspect stands out. The dogs that these kids have adopted are a more integral part of life here than what one might immediately think. Their mascots, namely the dogs that the boys have adopted are a major part of all that goes on and part of their way of life. An interview with some of the boys gave us an inside look into what having the pets around means for them.

As Clara, the Social Director at the institution, explained to us; the kids' need for affection and to be able to give affection is made more manifest with the dogs. As orphans and children that come to CIMA in an abandoned state, sometimes it is the first affection they even receive. The dogs love the boys and play with them and follow them everywhere with an unconditional love in response to their attention. Likewise the boys give of themselves sometimes for the first time with greater confidence - loving and being loved in return without regard for whom or what they are.

The boys consider the dogs part of their family. They are company and someone to play with and they watch out for each other. Blanca, Negra, Carachita and others accompany them to school and to church along the tree-lined, dusty, old roads and wait until they all return safely together. The dogs bark at any strangers.

The Social Director recognizes that often the boys have lived on the streets very much like the animals they befriend. Their pets at the orphanage are a link allowing the boys to express sometimes incredible tenderness in their care and attention for the dogs – in contrast to the lack of love and often violent home and street life they know.

At the orphanage they rush to care for the pregnant dogs and the newly born puppies and frequently take the little ones into their own beds. It brings out something naturally good in the boys. It’s important for them to know they can be responsible to nurture and cherish and care for the puppies. They willingly do unto the least of these as they would have others do unto them. They learn about the cycles and phases of life. They see the animals grow, develop and even die. It’s learning at a personal cost because they feel that the pets are actually "theirs". Sometimes they are allowed to take them home because they help to fill the void in their visits at home when parents, aunts and uncles, brothers or sisters are distant in their love and interest – the dog is there to fill in the gap.

Finally often the kids are free to fulfill or relive some of their own infancy through a relationship with their pets, liberating themselves of tensions and burdens of their past. One thing is certain – dogs are these boys' best friends!

Other facets of CCP’s Missionary Work

Other facets of CCP’s missionary work include providing assistance to other organizations such as the Children’s Hospital in Lima. Numerous puppet and kids musical shows have been given by CCP volunteers in the Children’s Burn Ward there.