We work with the children in the PEPE programs to teach them the importance of caring for the nature God has given us, so that the world may be better and more beautiful. We teach sustainability in a practical way, involving not only the children but also their families in living out and fulfilling this purpose. That is why, this month, I want to share how PEPE has made a difference by caring for the world the Lord has entrusted to us — as Psalm 24:1 reminds us: “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
In a place marked by faith and commitment, the PEPE Pampanitos de Jesús unit in the city of San Juan Nonualco, El Salvador, has become a living symbol of love for creation. Thanks to a valuable partnership with the Ministry of the Interior, 600 fruit, timber, and ornamental trees reached the community, giving life to a vibrant reforestation campaign. The initiative brought together leaders, volunteers, and church members who, with tools in their hands and willing hearts, transported and planted each seedling as an act of love and responsibility toward caring for God’s creation. Each tree planted is more than decoration: it provides shade for the future, clean air for all, and represents a firm step toward restoring the local ecosystem.
The initiative not only beautifies the environment but also inspires us to care for the Earth as a divine gift. Seeing the children carry seedlings, dig holes, and get their hands dirty with soil — leaving their mark in a world where forests are destroyed by human ambition — deeply moved us. They are planting something that will grow along with them. Because where there is unity, purpose, and faith, fruit always appears!
We also have other PEPE units in several countries with gardens cared for specifically by the children. They plant and harvest vegetables for their own meals. Among the produce they are growing and harvesting are cucumbers, radishes, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and squash. The children learn to eat healthily and to value their food.
In PEPE Colombia, the campaign “Clean Hands, Healthy Hearts” was implemented, in which the children learned — through games and songs — the importance of washing their hands before eating and after playing. Drinking clean water and eating healthy snacks were also emphasized. These activities helped develop hygiene and nutrition habits that strengthen the children’s physical health.
At PEPE, we work with education, evangelism, emotional and physical health, and we also teach children to make a difference by caring for the nature God created! May we, like the children, as the church of Christ, put our hands in the soil to care for the world today and provide a better future. Even while living in “cities of stone,” we can each do our part to transform our surroundings into a tropical forest!
Do not stop praying for the children reached in the 44 countries where we have PEPE.
And let us continue together, because there is still much work to be done to complete our mission!
