LizLakeMiriamTorresPeru540
Norfolk chance to hear of Peruvian ministry 

Church groups across Norfolk are being offered the opportunity to hear the inspirational story of Peruvian prison minister Miriam Breña Torres who will be visiting England over the summer.

Norwich couple Liz and Andy Lake will be hosting Miriam who has been a friend ever since Liz responded to an advert asking for penfriends for recently released political prisoners in Lima, Peru.  Back in 2001 neither of them imagined what that initial introduction would lead to.
 
Miriam has been returning to Santa Monica prison, where she herself was held for three years, every week, to encourage the Christians there and offer practical and emotional support.
 
First Liz came on board to help out and soon after Christians in Norwich were joining in and all these years later Hope and Song to Freedom was established as a project which carries on this important work.
 
Liz said: “This will be Miriam's fourth time in Norwich and she is very excited about the possibility of catching up with old friends, as well as hopefully making some new contacts!  She will be in England from June 20 to August 9 and meetings outside the county have already been arranged.”
 
Miriam will be sharing her testimony as part of a Peruvian cultural evening which will be held at St Thomas' Church Hall on Earlham Road, Norwich, at 7.30pm on Saturday July 4.  Everyone is welcome - entry is free, but donations to cover food costs on the night are greatly appreciated.  Peruvian crafts made by the ladies in prison will also be on sale. To help with catering, please email Liz at info@hopesongfreedom.org.uk if you intend going.
 
Liz said: “Myself and Andy would welcome the opportunity to talk about the work of Hope and Song to Freedom in any church group, whether ladies meetings or house groups etc. The next few months will be a great chance to arrange something as Miriam will be here to tell her own story, so please do get in touch.
 
“Hope and Song to Freedom exists to encourage those who are in prison and help provide for their physical and spiritual needs.  It also exists to support the ladies who are released and help them get re-adjusted to the outside world,” said Liz. 
 
Hope and Song to Freedom is a project of the Grassroots Trust, registered Charity: 1060034 (and more information can be found on their website: www.grassroots.org.uk/projects/peru or www.hopesongfreedom.org.uk
 
If you would like to know more about the work, or wish to be involved in this ministry through prayer or practical support, you can also email Liz at info@hopesongfreedom.org.uk
 
Pictured above is Liz Lake, left, with one of the ladies HSF supports, on her balcony in a shanty town outside Lima, Peru.