Thank you. Whether you gave, prayed, attended a dinner, shared our story, or helped in another way, you played a real part in this campaign. Bethany and I are deeply grateful.

Because of your generosity, we expect the two fundraising dinners alone to bring in more than $54,000. Once all current pledges are received, total support for this season of growth will be approximately $223,000.

The campaign also added more than $4,300 in annual student sponsorships, fully supporting every student currently in our sponsorship program. That is worth celebrating.

What comes next?

Our original hope was to purchase El Niño Investigador and expand Cusco Christian School beyond the preschool into a K–12 school at that location. We set a $300,000 goal so we could make the purchase while maintaining responsible reserves and cash flow. After carefully reviewing the costs and the margin we would have left, we do not believe buying the school at its current price would be wise.

We are not discouraged. We are grateful for what God has provided and encouraged by the position we are now in.

Our next steps are clear: we will explore whether the current school may be available at a more financially responsible price, continue looking for other schools and expansion opportunities, and keep strengthening the preschool God has already given us. In the meantime, our Board will evaluate responsible savings or investment options for the funds until the right opportunity arises.

Every dollar raised through this campaign will remain dedicated to the growth and expansion of Cusco Christian School. These funds will help strengthen the school today and prepare us to act when the right opportunity opens.

If you have been considering giving, there is still time to participate before the end of August. Every gift helps us build wisely for what comes next.

Ways to Give

Thank you again for walking alongside us. We are excited to see where God leads next.

Pete

I really struggle to fully realize what God has done through our family for His mission. I often pinch myself when I walk in the school and see real kids learning. We are grateful and humbled by this daily.

Over the past year, God has opened doors we could not have opened ourselves.

In March, Cusco Christian School officially opened its doors with a preschool.

What began as a vision is now a real school filled with children who are learning, growing in English, and hearing about the love of Jesus. We have watched God provide a building, an incredible Peruvian leadership team, official recognition from the Ministry of Education, and a growing community of families.

We would be honored to have you in person with us to hear more about what God has done, is doing, and look forward to what He will do.

Two Opportunities to Join Us

We will be hosting two fundraising dinners while our family is back in Michigan this summer.

Kalamazoo Fundraising Dinner

Tuesday, July 28, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo

Saline Fundraising Dinner

Thursday, August 6, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Saline

These evenings will include dinner, stories from our first months of operating the school, an update on what God is doing in Cusco, and a look at where we believe He is leading us next.

More Than a School

Cusco Christian School exists because many families in Cusco face a difficult choice.

They want a safe school. They want strong academics. They want their children to learn English. Many also want a school that reinforces the Christian faith they are teaching at home.

~students loaded in our van ready for the Huatia (a Peruvian Earthen Oven Tradition)

But for many families, those opportunities are financially out of reach. For some perspective, good schools can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 dollars a month!!! – Crazy right?

Our goal is to build a school where a family’s income does not determine whether their child can receive an excellent, Christ-centered education.

Through a sliding tuition model and the generosity of sponsors (thank you to the many who have already sponsored) and ministry partners, we are working to make that possible.

Every child who walks through our doors is known, loved, and taught that they were created by God for a purpose.

Come Hear What God Has Done

These dinners are not simply presentations about a future dream.

We now have students in classrooms.

We have teachers faithfully serving.

We have families who have trusted us with their children.

~ Enjoying time in the country (el campo) for the Huatia.

We have seen God provide at every step, often in ways that were far beyond what we could have planned.

During the evening, we will share some of those stories, introduce you to the people behind the school, explain the challenges and opportunities ahead, and share practical ways you can help us continue building.

Whether you have supported our family for years, recently learned about the school, or simply want to understand more about what God is doing in Cusco, we would love to have you join us.

There is no pressure and no obligation. Come enjoy dinner, hear the story, ask questions, and learn how you can pray for and partner with this ministry.

Reserve Your Seat

Please RSVP- admittedly I am nervous about having enough food and would like to plan accordingly. Yes, I have a bunch of kids and none of it will go to waset. But, I’d like not to eat the same meal for a month before I leave– we still haven’t hit up Taco Bell..

~ Tio Josh (uncle Josh to our children) and our Director of Marketing and Evangelism making the earthen oven for the Huatia.

Space may be limited, so please RSVP for the dinner you plan to attend.

RSVP for Saline - August 6th at 6pm

RSVP for Kalamazoo - July 28th at 6pm

We are grateful for every person, family, church, and organization that has prayed for us, encouraged us, supported our family, sponsored a student, or helped move this vision forward.

We would be honored to spend an evening with you and share what God is doing through Cusco Christian School.

We hope to see you in Kalamazoo on July 28 or Saline on August 6.

Follow along on Social for a closer look into family life and the mission in Cusco:

Website:

https://www.cuscochristianschool.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575435044208

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campbellsincusco/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campbellsincusco

Newsletter:

Mission Escuela- The Campbells on a Mission

We share stories right from the heart of God's incredible and breathtaking mission, woven through us.

By Pete Campbell

Click here to learn more about student sponsorships: Sponsor a Child

We’re no longer an idea. The school is alive with laughter, kids learning about God and English. This began with Pastor Victor’s prayers 30 years ago, and now we’re living it.

Want to help shape the next step? Join us at Table for Cusco: July 28 at 6pm in Kalamazoo or August 6 at 6pm in Saline. RSVP here: Saline Dinner; Kalamazoo Dinner

Huge thanks to Melissa Martin for loaning us her Suburban—we’re grateful for wheels while back in the States!

P.S. Have gently used books (English or Spanish) ages 3-5, toys (no batteries), or extra tech (MacBooks, iPhones, iPads)? Drop them at Christ Our King by June 15, Centerpoint Kalamazoo or Converge Community Church by June 18.

We were told getting our 501(c)(3) might take 190 days, but in just one month, we got it! Thanks to the angels God placed in the IRS, we are officially a 501(c)(3), ready to receive tax-deductible donations. This blessing came faster than expected—and it sets us up for what’s next!

As always, thank you for your continued support and prayers. God is moving and it’s a privilege to see it.

~We share stories right from the heart of God's incredible and breathtaking mission, woven through us~

For daily glimpses of this journey, follow us:
Instagram: CampbellsinCusco

TikTok: @campbellsincusco

Facebook: Cusco Christian School Foundation

LinkedIn: Cusco Christian School Foundation

Website: Cusco Christian School

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.

Not in a big, flashy way—just in the normal, everyday stuff.

Kids showing up.
Learning.
Getting more comfortable.

Some of them are starting to come out of their shell. Others are still quiet—but they’re here, and that matters.

But there’s more to it than that.

👉 Please click through to see the full update and photos:

Read the full article!

🎥 A Story You Need to Hear

We want you to hear directly from one of the parents whose child is part of Cusco Christian School.

This is why sponsorship matters.
Not as a concept.
Not as a program.
But as something deeply personal.

Because sponsorship is not just financial support—it’s access.
Access to education.
Access to care.
Access to hearing about Jesus daily.

And across the world, child sponsorship models have consistently shown that ongoing support helps provide education, care, and long-term transformation in a child’s life.

🙏 The Invitation

Right now, there are children in Cusco who are ready to learn…
but need someone to step in.

That’s where you come in.

👉 Sponsor a child today

When you sponsor a child, you are not just helping a student attend school—
You are stepping into their story.

You will receive updates, get to follow their journey, and see firsthand how your generosity is making an impact.

A Doorway Opening to our Non-Profit

There are moments in ministry that feel like quiet steps of obedience…
and then there are moments that feel like a doorway opening.

This is one of those moments.

Over the past months, we have been walking through prayer, counsel, and confirmation—and today we are excited to share:

Cusco Christian School is now officially its own nonprofit organization.

This step is not about separation—it’s about growth, stewardship, and sustainability.

From the very beginning, this school has been built through faith, through community, and through people like you who believed in something that didn’t yet exist.

And now… it exists.

Children are learning.
Families are being impacted.
The Gospel is being lived out daily in classrooms in Cusco, Peru.

Why This Matters

This new structure allows the school to:

• Grow with greater clarity and accountability

• Expand opportunities for students and families

• Build long-term sustainability for what God is doing here

But most importantly…

It allows more children to be reached.

Because behind every classroom…
is a story.

Centerpoint Sent - Built Together

This mission has never belonged to just one church, one family, or one place.

While the project has been conceived, birthed, and launched by Centerpoint Church, it has always been something God is building through His people—together.

Some of you have prayed.
Some of you have given.
Some of you are just now discovering this story.

Wherever you find yourself…

There is a place for you here.

What Comes Next

We are just getting started.

More students.
More families.
More stories like the one you just watched.

And with this new nonprofit foundation in place, we are believing for something even bigger:

A generation of children in Cusco raised in truth, education, and the love of Christ.

If you’ve been following along for a while—thank you.
If you’re new here—welcome.

And if you feel even a small nudge…

👉 Sponsor a child

👉 Share this story

👉 Pray for these families

Because what God is doing here…
is only just beginning.

With gratitude,
The Campbells

~We share stories right from the heart of God’s incredible and breathtaking mission, woven through us~

Cusco Christian School has applied for recognition as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Pending approval, contributions are expected to be recognized as tax-deductible retroactive to the date of application. Donors will receive appropriate documentation upon final determination.

Follow us on you Social Media Platform:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cuscochristianschool

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575435044208

X: https://x.com/campbell_pete

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@campbellsincusco

This moment has been in our hearts since October 2022 (and the hearts of Pastor Victor, his church, and family for a much longer time). What began as a calling and a conviction has now become a living, breathing reality; of classrooms with children. There were many moments along the way when the vision felt far off — but the Lord has been faithful at every step.

He provided the space.
He provided the team.
He provided the resources.
And now, He has provided the students.

The first day was filled with excitement, nervous smiles, laughter, and the sweet sound of English and Spanish learning side by side. It was not just the start of a school year — it was the fulfillment of years of prayer.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3

A Step of Faith

We are beginning this year with 13 students.

When we lost the Isiah Bowman school, it would have been easy to pull back or shrink our commitments. Instead, we chose to move forward in faith. We had already committed to our staff that they would have employment for at least one year, and we believe that honoring our word matters deeply.

One of the cultural shifts we are intentionally teaching here — to our students, our families, and even modeling as leaders — is this: be true to your word and finish what you say you will do.

Because of that commitment, we will be dipping into start-up funds more than we would prefer. We will reevaluate at the end of the school year. But for now, we are choosing integrity over fear.

We believe faithfulness is more important than comfort.

Praying for Growth

We ask you to pray with us for continued enrollment.

Here in Peru, it is very common for families to register well into the school year. Because of this, we are not anxious — we are hopeful. We trust that the same God who has brought us this far will continue to provide the students who belong here.

Please pray:

• That families would hear about the school.

• That doors would open in the right neighborhoods.

• That the Lord would bring exactly the students He intends for this season.

We are grateful. We are expectant. And we are just getting started.

Thank you for standing with us.

Cusco Christian School

~We share stories right from the heart of God’s incredible and breathtaking mission, woven through us~

A Time Set Apart for Prayer

Recently, we welcomed a prayer team from Centerpoint Church to walk with us through this season. Together, we prayed over the city, over families, over children we haven’t met yet, and over a school that still feels fragile and full of promise all at once.

And in the middle of those ordinary, faithful prayers, God answered one in a very tangible way: while the team was here, we received the keys to the preschool.

It wasn’t loud or flashy—but it was deeply meaningful. A reminder that God often moves through quiet obedience and patient waiting, opening doors at just the right time. Those prayers mattered. They still do.

Grateful for Centerpoint Church

We also want to pause and express deep gratitude for Centerpoint Church, our sending church and spiritual home.

From the very beginning—before plans were clear, before timelines made sense, before there were keys, classrooms, or students—Centerpoint believed, prayed, and sent us out with love and trust. Their leadership, encouragement, and faithful support have been a steady covering through every season of this journey.

We are thankful for the way Centerpoint has walked with us—not just in moments of celebration, but also in seasons of waiting and uncertainty. This work in Cusco exists because of a foundation laid through prayer, relationship, and obedience that started there.

We are deeply grateful to be sent, supported, and cared for by a church that continues to stand with us as God unfolds this story.

Updates from the School

On the practical side, the school continues to move forward—slowly, imperfectly, but steadily.

• Construction & preparation: Work is ongoing as we prepare the space to receive children. There’s still plenty to do, but each step brings the vision closer to reality.
  

• Student recruitment: We are actively connecting with families, sharing our heart for early childhood education rooted in love, dignity, and care. Some days feel hopeful, others feel uncertain—but we are trusting God with the timing and the outcome.

This stage requires patience. It also requires faith that obedience matters, even before results are visible.

BEFORE (more photos coming from inside soon!)

AFTER

Looking Ahead to March

As we look ahead, our hearts are especially full as we prepare to welcome students this March, when the school year starts in Peru. It’s a moment we’ve prayed toward for a long time—imagining children filling the space with laughter, curiosity, and the simple joy of learning.

March represents more than a start date. It represents answered prayers, courageous families taking a step of faith with us, and the beginning of daily, faithful work—showing up, loving children well, and creating a place where each child is known, valued, and nurtured.

We know the beginning may feel small. But we also know that God delights in small beginnings, and we are trusting Him with each child who walks through our doors. We are expectant—not because everything is finished, but because He is faithful.

Thank You for Walking With Us

If you’ve prayed, encouraged, asked questions, or quietly followed along—thank you. This journey is not flashy. It’s marked by waiting, faith, and small steps forward. And yet, we believe God is at work in every part of it.

As always, we ask you to continue praying:

• for wisdom in leadership

• for families who are discerning where to send their children that they would choose Cusco Christian School

• for provision, peace, and perseverance

More updates soon. We’re grateful you’re here with us.

I officially have keys to a preschool! I’ll be honest, I don’t really want to share this news. We have been here before, twice, signing a contract and planning for next steps. We have shared and celebrated the news with you, only to be left hanging in the coming weeks. As I thought about when/if to share, I was quickly reminded that I am not alone in this roller coaster ride– you all have been with us and are a part of God’s team. You have been cheering us on through your comments, texts, and calls. Many of you have been praying for opportunities like this and for the courage to continue through adversity– reminding us that God’s plans are perfect and he’s been with us through all the ups and downs.

With that said we ask that you join us in prayer for this next opportunity. We submit paperwork next week to change the name to Cusco Christian School, with our littles (ages 3, 4, and 5) entering in March.

We long to have prayer be at the root of this project, petitioning our Father to guide and direct us to His well. With great excitement I can say that our current prayer team has boots on the ground here in Cusco. We humbly ask that you join us as we aim to cover the city of Cusco in prayer throughout this week. Please visit this link to find our prayer guide for the week. Pray is our connection to The Father and we need your help to lay the foundation for this mission.

Prayer Guide

As always, thank you for reading, praying, and following along on this journey, woven through us ALL.

With gratitude,

The Cusco Mission Team

The past several weeks have brought unexpected challenges, and today I want to share honestly where we are, what has taken place, and how God is carrying us through it.

Since my last update, we’ve experienced a significant setback: the school contract we were counting on for next year — one we fully believed we had secured — has unexpectedly fallen through. What happened has been complicated, surprising, and completely out of our control.

A new inheritance dispute has surfaced involving the property owners. A sister has stepped in to contest the will and testament left by the parents of the brothers from whom we were renting. Under Peruvian law, until the will is opened and fully settled, she is considered a co-owner of the property. She has expressed clearly and openly that she does not agree with renting the property for a school. In fact, she has stated her intent to cause difficulties, for us and her brothers, simply to ensure the school cannot continue there.

To complicate matters further, the legal process to open the will and testament requires scheduling three meetings — meetings she has already said she will deliberately avoid in order to delay the process. Only after those attempts can a judge compel her to appear. This slow legal pathway could stretch on for up to two years.

Because of this, the brothers — who feel embarrassed and heartbroken by the situation — have returned our security deposit.

When we first received the news, it brought real tears and real discouragement. We felt the weight of everything we had prayed over, planned for, and hoped for suddenly closing in front of us. It has been a moment of grieving what could have been. And yet, in the midst of the disappointment, there has been an even louder truth anchoring us:

Our Heavenly Father is still leading this project.
None of this surprised Him. None of this is outside His timing. And none of this is beyond His ability to redeem.

Scripture reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Even when the path ahead looks blocked, God promises to make it straight in His timing.

In many ways, this season has reminded us of the Israelites standing before the Red Sea. They had followed God faithfully, only to find themselves pressed up against an impossible barrier with the Egyptian army closing in behind them. From their perspective, the path forward had disappeared — all they could see was a closed door and a dead end. But what looked like an obstacle was actually the very place where God would reveal His power and direction. He opened a way no one could have imagined, not by removing the sea but by parting it. In the same way, we believe that even though this situation feels like a firm and unexpected stop, God is preparing to open a path we cannot yet see. What feels like a setback may be the exact place where God intends to show His faithfulness, His timing, and His provision in a way that leads us somewhere far better than where we thought we were heading.

As a team, we have felt the loss deeply. But we have also experienced a strong, unshakable sense that God has firmly and securely closed this door — and when He does that, He is protecting us, preparing us, and guiding us toward something better.

That belief has given us renewed hope.

Our team has been remarkable in this season. Instead of folding in discouragement, we’ve shifted immediately into action:

• searching diligently for new school options

• using all our available networks and contacts

• re-evaluating short-term and long-term plans

• praying together for God’s direction

• and encouraging one another to stay rooted in faith

We don’t have a single dramatic moment to highlight, no lightning-bolt revelation — instead, we have something deeper: a quiet, steady peace that God is with us. We’ve felt it in our meetings, in our prayers, and in our conversations. We’ve felt it IN THE UNITY THAT WE SHARE. WE’VE FELT IT as we process the loss and as we look ahead to what God might be doing.

One scripture has especially strengthened us in this time:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

This promise has carried us.

We don’t yet know where God will lead us next year. But we know He will lead us. And we know His provision has never failed.

As you read this update, I hope you walk away with a sense of clarity about our situation, but also with the hope and faith that is sustaining us. We are asking for your prayers — for guidance, for the right doors to open, for wisdom in every decision, and for our team to continue walking forward with courage and unity.

God is good.

God is faithful.

And even in this unexpected detour, we know He is writing a better story than the one we imagined.

The door behind us is closed — firmly.
But the One who closed it is the same One who goes before us.

And so we walk forward in faith.

The Campbells

This verse has been echoing in our hearts a lot lately. Over the past year, we’ve had doors open that we thought were the one—only to have them close again. It’s been a year of waiting, hoping, and at times, wondering what God was up to. There were moments when discouragement crept in, but we kept returning to this truth: God’s timing is always perfect, even when we can’t see the full picture.

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And now, we finally get to share some exciting news — we’ve officially signed a contract with Isaiah Bowman School, and we’ll begin there in March 2026! It feels like one of those “proper time” moments Paul wrote about in Galatians — a reminder that perseverance in Christ is never wasted. Every “not yet” has led us here, and we’re so grateful for how God continues to write this story.

We returned to Cusco in August refreshed and equipped with the funds God provided for the work ahead. Our deadline for finding a school was the end of September, and we certainly felt the pressure. We spent a solid couple of months searching for a preschool to take over and begin renting for the next school year. We advertised and reached out through our social networks to spread the word that we were looking for a preschool in transition. However, nothing viable came up.

Then, in September, Bethany suggested I reach out to Isiah Bowman, with whom we had been negotiating a rental-purchase option last winter, but due to demands we couldn’t agree to, had to walk away from. After about two months of renewed negotiations and lots of conversation and prayer, we have officially signed a contract to rent their beautiful property and take over administration of their school.

Isaiah Bowman School was founded in 2008 by the parents of Roger and Javier Solis. The school sits on 6,300 square meters—about 1.5 acres, which is quite large for Cusco. They currently have around 200 students enrolled for this school year, ending in December. The property is already beautiful and holds even more potential for growth.

On-site, there is a house and two apartments that will serve as excellent spaces to host short-term mission teams. The large auditorium, with a capacity of 300, will become the new home of La Roca, our home church, which was founded by Pastor Victor over twenty years ago. The campus also includes volleyball and basketball courts and a turfed soccer field. We are only limited by our imagination when it comes to how this space can serve both our students and the surrounding community. Overall, it feels like a slam dunk!

As we move forward, we are reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:9–10:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

In light of this, we’re excited to announce that we’ve presented a contract to our administrative assistant. Furthermore, in the coming days, we’ll be in conversation to hire two additional key leaders to round out our team. Please pray that these leaders — who have already been informally working toward this vision — would consider stepping into official roles. Our goal is to have our team in place by the end of the week so we can shift our focus to student recruitment and planning for the next school year.

October is a crucial window here in Cusco, as much of the documentation for both public and private schools is due during this time. We will operate under the Isaiah Bowman name for the next year while working to establish our own resolution (permission to operate as a school). Our plan is to reopen in March 2027 under our new name.

Throughout this process, we will continue to work diligently toward the vision God has given us for the school and the city of Cusco. Please join us in prayer — that God would be glorified through this work, that our efforts would remain in the background, and that His power, greatness, and sacrificial love would be made known through it all.

As always, we are deeply grateful that you continue to stay connected to the mission God has placed on our hearts. Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, and your growing love for our brothers and sisters here in Cusco. While we’ve been on this journey for over two years, this truly feels like the beginning of something wonderful.

Stay tuned — we’re just getting started!

Join Us on One of Our Two Cusco Mission Trips This Winter!

Would you prayerfully consider joining us January 8–16 as we visit and pray over the mission and the city? May God prepare future leaders to transform Cusco for His glory — and may He use our prayers powerfully toward that end.

A second trip will take place February 22 – March 3. Consider joining this team as they roll up their sleeves to help refresh classrooms and spruce up the campus! Whole families are welcome.

If you’re interested in either opportunity, please contact Pastor Markus at this email mjeromin@centerpoint.faith, or by calling/texting 269-808-4287.

WATCH: Second Cusco Prayer Trip Devotional Invite Video

We are excited to announce our upcoming trips to Cusco, Peru in support of the mission God has put on our hearts to start a Christian School for the glory of God. It seemed very clear that we should start all things depending on and in communion with our Heavenly Father. As such, our first official mission trip will be a prayer trip. We aim to cover the mission and the city in prayer, seeking the Father’s wisdom, discernment, provision and blessing.

We humbly ask you to prayerfully consider joining us from January 8th - January 16th in Cusco as we pray for the mission there. We will also be asking those to stay behind to offer focused prayers in a whole-church, coordinated effort.

A second trip will take place on February 22nd - March 3rd. We expect to have the rental of a large school on contract very soon, so will you also pray about coming and laboring alongside our Cusqueñan brothers and sisters as we help get the facilities ready? The next school year is set to start on March 2nd, 2026, so consider joining us with sleeves rolled up and ready to work! Whole families welcomed.

If interested in either of these opportunities please contact Pastor Markus Jeromin, at mjeromin@centerpoint.faith or by calling or texting 269-808-4287.

We can’t wait to hear from you and to labor with you!

In Christ’s fellowship,
Markus Jeromin & Pete Campbell

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We met our mark of 100k and have returned with a new enthusiasm to do the work put on our hearts for Cusco. We commit these funds to The Lord and promise to be faithful stewards of what He has provided. Over the last few weeks we have continued to search for opportunities that would allow us to get started next March when the 2026 school year begins.

Just this week I had the privilege to meet with our state-side leadership team made up of some incredibly talented individuals, of which I am very grateful for their time and expertise. We took time to discuss our available options here in Cusco. This is where we need your help in prayer. As it stands now, we have submitted two offers. Both of these schools would be incredible opportunities to start our ministry here. Each has its pros and cons but the pros outweigh the cons with each. Please pray for:

• Wisdom and discernment during negotiations

• Hearts to be opened to reach fair agreements

• Thanksgiving to God for meeting the needs of our ministry

• Ultimately, we would reach an agreement with at least one of the schools, so that we can begin serving the needs of those in Cusco.

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A huge thank you to all who continued to pray for Cusco, our family, and God’s ministry here. We are grateful for your financial support and look forward to what He has next for us here.

In Christ’s grace,

The Campbells

~We share stories right from the heart of God's incredible and breathtaking mission, woven through us~

As many of you know, we’ve been blessed with a generous $50,000 matching gift—every dollar given up to that amount will be doubled, allowing us to take huge strides forward in launching the preschool in Cusco. We’re excited to share that we’re making meaningful progress toward this goal thanks to the generosity of so many of you. We have received $34,000 in gifts as of this morning!

To those who have already given—thank you. Your willingness to respond, sacrifice, and partner with what God is doing through this mission is deeply encouraging. Your support isn’t just financial—it’s a powerful reminder that we’re not walking this road alone.

With the August 5th deadline approaching, there’s still time to join us. If you’ve been praying about whether to give, or if this is the first time you're hearing about it, we invite you to consider coming alongside us. Every gift—big or small—is matched and multiplied for the Kingdom.

We believe God is building something beautiful, and we’re humbled to be a part of it. Would you help us reach this $50,000 match and take the next faithful step forward?

With gratitude and hope,
The Campbells

HOW TO DONATE:

1. Go to: https://centerpointchurch.mywell.org/give

2. Enter amount

3. Select Cusco School - Construction/Start-up

4. Select your donation method

   

WATCH: The Need for Christian Education

A Preschool, A Promise, and a Powerful Summer

When we first said “yes” to God’s call to serve in Cusco, Peru, we had big dreams of a school that would shape the next generation—not just academically, but spiritually. And while that vision remains, we’ve recently felt God guiding us to start smaller and sooner.

We are launching with a preschool.
Why a preschool? Because it’s a way to begin building relationships and creating spiritual impact now. With less logistical and financial overhead, we can get this ministry off the ground more quickly (by obtaining the permission to operate from the Ministry of Education)—without compromising our long-term vision. It’s a faithful step forward. We hope to return in August with funds to rent a space, renovate it if necessary, get our documents in order and then, open the doors of a pre-school.

In Cusco, many children start school already behind—especially in lower-income areas where families have few resources. A Christ-centered preschool will not only give kids a strong educational foundation, but it will also nurture their hearts with the love and truth of Jesus from day one.

Here’s where you come in:

We’ve been blessed with an incredibly generous donor who believes in this mission. Between now and August 5th, every dollar given will be matched up to $50,000. That means your gift is leveraged toward making this preschool a reality.

We cannot do this without you. Will you prayerfully consider giving?
Together, we can create a space in Cusco where little ones will be loved, equipped, and introduced to the light of Christ.

HOW TO DONATE:

1. Go to: https://centerpointchurch.mywell.org/give

2. Enter amount

3. Select Cusco School - Construction/Start-up

4. Select your donation method

Also—if you’re local to Kalamazoo or watching from afar—we’d love to have you join us at Centerpoint Church this Sunday at 10am. I (Pete) will be preaching and sharing more of what God is doing through this mission. Whether you join in person or online, it would be an honor to worship with you.

WATCH Live!

Further, on July 27th I will be speaking at Christ Our King Church in Saline, MI from 9:45-10:45. For all the east-siders, if you would like to hear more and connect in person we look forward to seeing you there.

FAMILY, FAITH, AND FORWARD MOMENTUM

This summer has been full—overflowing, really—with the kind of moments that remind us just how generous God is.

We spent rich time with our families, soaking up laughter, memories, and milestones. We spent several days at Crystal Lake with loved ones, sharing slow mornings, joyful reunions, and a surprise 70th birthday party for Bethany’s dad. Later, we visited my parents in Dundee, where we celebrated my dad’s surprise 70th birthday surrounded by all my siblings and their children (the first time together in at least 8 years). We also celebrated the wedding of my cousin Honor, and gathered with family to honor the life of my grandmother Lucille, who went home to be with the Lord last October. Her legacy of faith continues to shape us.

Even with all the celebrations, this season has also been rich in ministry work. I’ve spent time meeting with supporters, donors, educational institutions, churches and other nonprofit leaders, sharing the vision for the preschool and inviting others to join in. I’ve been preparing my sermon for this Sunday and working on forming our leadership team that will help carry this mission forward in Peru.

Our hope is to forge partnerships with educational institutions to engage in an exchange of students, teachers, and professional learning — God is working with budding partnerships forming. The leadership team is forming too. We aim to have members serving with varying backgrounds from education, business, missions, and clergy represented. This leadership team will be crucial to direct the mission and vision of Cusco Christian Academy. We still have a couple openings to fill.

We continue to see God’s hand—opening doors, providing resources, and surrounding us with people who care deeply about what He’s doing in Cusco. Every day feels like another small confirmation that He is going ahead of us and building something beautiful.

Thank you for walking this road with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity are making a real difference—not just in our lives, but in the lives of children and families we haven’t even met yet.

Let’s keep walking forward together, eyes fixed on Jesus.

With love and expectancy,

The Campbells

As you may know, we are right around the corner from our fundraising trip back to the US (June/July). We are excited yet equally anxious about what’s to come in this ministry. We look forward to reconnecting with family, friends, and future ministry partners. Our goal isn’t just to raise financial support for the school but also to share the needs of our new home and the vision God has placed on our hearts. We cannot do it alone, nor do we want to. So, we humbly ask for your help.

How can you help? We are seeking connections with like-minded individuals, churches, and nonprofit/for-profit organizations that share a calling to impact the world through education. If you have any in mind, please reach out to me via email at pcampbell@centerpoint.faith. I would love to set up a time to meet with them when I’m back to share what God has done, is doing, and the vision He has for Cusco.

Prayer Requests:

• That we accurately share God’s vision for Cusco.

• Safe travels back to the US.

• That God provides all that is needed for His mission to succeed in Cusco.

• That doors would be opened for us to share the vision for Cusco.

Other Support Opportunity:

We have created a booklet (see a small sample below) that shares what God is doing in Cusco. These booklets, beautifully designed and well-crafted by Seratonic Marketing, will serve as a take-away as we continue to share God’s vision for Cusco. However, they are not free, as you can imagine. If you feel called to help offset the cost of this investment, we would greatly appreciate it. Please visit MyWell Giving and select: Cusco School - General Operations. Thank you for prayerfully considering.

MyWell Giving

Feel like joining God’s mission woven through us? Join us in prayer and through supporting our family directly with a one-time or reoccurring donation. Click the link below, and select Campbell Mission Fund.

Join the team!

Since we first began preparing to move to the mission field and pursue God’s plan for Cusco, one prayer has remained constant: God, please send help!

Bethany and I deeply understand the value of working as part of a strong team. When the right people come together, the work becomes more enjoyable, progress feels effortless, and each individual becomes more effective. While our team will continue to grow in the coming years, we are already in awe of how God has provided in our time here.

Our non-profit association is officially registered, and our initial team is in place. I couldn’t be more thankful. In addition to those highlighted below, we are surrounded by countless others—church family and their extended networks—who stand ready to help at a moment’s notice. My greatest hope is that one day, we will have a fully functioning school where they can serve.

Meet the Team

Damaris
Damaris brings over a decade of experience as the director of a private school here in Cusco. Her knowledge of Peru’s Ministry of Education and its requirements has already proven invaluable. She is diligent, highly organized, and has an incredible ability to anticipate challenges and navigate regulations.

Doris
Without Doris, I’d be lost! She serves as our secretary and scheduling mastermind. With over 20 years of experience working in an organization that facilitates partnerships between Peru and the U.S., she brings a wealth of experience to our team. Doris is meticulous, takes excellent notes, and—perhaps most importantly—isn’t afraid to tell me when I’m wrong. Please pray for her… because that happens a lot!

Josh
With a background in psychology, Josh brings an incredible energy and street-smart leadership to our team. He is a key leader in our church, heads our church association, and leads worship. Despite his demanding six- to seven-day work schedule, he always finds time to help wherever needed. A bonus? He speaks English, too!

School Update: Searching for the Right Space

Have you ever seen House Hunters? If not, you’re missing out! It’s a show where couples tour a few houses before deciding on the one that best fits their needs. In many ways, the past few weeks have felt like a Cusco version of House Hunters—School Edition.

We’ve explored a variety of options:

• A house with an attached three-room preschool—selling for a staggering $750,000 USD!

• Large 8-bedroom homes that would require extensive renovations to meet preschool regulations.

• Santa Bernardita, a Catholic school that initially seemed promising. It would have allowed us to begin operations as early as March 2026—but the owner insisted it remain Catholic.

We’ve also been shown plots of land on the outskirts of Cusco. While these areas are beautiful and more affordable, they present logistical challenges due to the terrain. If other options don’t work out, purchasing land and building from scratch is still on the table—but that would push our earliest start date to 2027.

The Best Option (So Far…)

The most promising opportunity was with Isaiah Bowman School, named after an American geologist known for discoveries in Peru. This sprawling 6,000-square-meter (1.5-acre) campus features:

✅ Three athletic fields
✅ Capacity for 500 students with room to expand
✅ A large auditorium for school and church use
✅ A pool for swimming lessons
✅ Existing housing and an industrial kitchen—perfect for hosting mission teams!

We spent five weeks negotiating with the two brothers who own the property. Our plan was to rent the school for four years while fundraising for the full purchase. Unfortunately, negotiations fell apart over their requirement for a financial guarantee. After much prayer, we decided to stand firm—committing to a large financial risk without certainty felt unwise. So, we continue our search, trusting that God will provide the right space in His timing.

Next Steps: Building Financial Partnerships

While we have learned so much and feel far better equipped for the work ahead, one critical need remains: financial partnerships. Having startup funds “in the bank” will allow us to negotiate property purchases with confidence.

To that end, we will be returning to the U.S. from June to July to raise funds and build partnerships. Our prayer is to return in August ready to purchase or break ground.

Urgent Prayer Requests & Needs

• Speaking Opportunities: Our plan while in the U.S. is to share this vision for Cusco as widely as possible. If you have connections with churches, businesses, non-profits, Bible studies, or organizations like Lions Club or Knights of Columbus, we would love the opportunity to speak. Please connect with me at pcampbell@centerpoint.faith.
  

• Vehicle Needed: While we are stateside (June 4 – August 3), we need an 8+ passenger vehicle. If you know someone willing to rent or lend one at a low cost, please reach out.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We trust that God is leading this mission, and we are excited to see how He continues to provide!

But it won’t happen, not just yet.

Not because we lacked passion. Not because we lacked faith. But because the documentation wasn’t in order as we had thought. The document missing detailed the plans for admission. It was required to be filed in October and the school missed this deadline. By continuing we would have faced a heavy fine and a poor first impression on the Ministry of Education here in Cusco. And by the time we realized it, there just wasn’t enough time to fix it before the school year began.

We were devastated.

If there is anything that I've tried to learn, it's to not follow up one poor decision with another. Fortunately, we included a clause in the contract that allowed us to terminate the contract in the event we couldn't operate. Thus, we terminated the contract. Further, the owners bank account was blocked preventing us from making payment of 1st/last month's rent and the security deposit- thank you Lord!

So many prayers had gone into this. So many conversations. So much excitement. And now, we had to step back, take a breath, and accept that it just wasn’t going to happen right now.

That was hard.

But in the midst of the disappointment, God has been teaching us something powerful: His plan is always better than ours.

This roadblock has reminded us to trust in His timing, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations. We are learning that in this culture—perhaps in any culture—rushing things is never wise. We came in with a sense of urgency, eager to get things moving, but we now see that slowing down and ensuring everything is done properly will serve us far better in the long run. Certainly a humbling experience and a lesson I am grateful to have learned now instead of later.

And as difficult as this setback has been, there is an unexpected blessing in it: we are now ahead of our previous plan - remember the one shared in November? Now we have done a lot of groundwork. We have wrestled with the challenges. We have learned valuable lessons. And when the time comes, we will be far more prepared than we ever would have been.

Moving Forward: Our Next Steps

As we look ahead, we have two main options for moving forward. The first option is to buy an existing school that already includes both the license and location. Think of it like buying a business. I recently toured one on Thursday, and it presents an interesting possibility as it includes preschool through high school. An option like this could mean impacting around 200 students next year! Please pray God would open this door or provide another opportunity for sale.

The second option is to find a suitable location or building (buy/rent) and then go through the process of buying an existing license to operate. Each path has its own advantages and challenges, and we are prayerfully considering which direction God is leading us.

We are seeking wisdom, guidance, and continued support as we navigate this next phase. No matter which route we take, we remain committed to seeing this vision through and trusting in God’s perfect plan.

So, while we are incredibly disappointed, we are also incredibly hopeful. God is still leading this mission. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match our own.

We are trusting. We are learning. And we are ready for what He has next.

Thank you for your prayers and support. They mean more than you know. For those of you who donated generously to God’s mission, we are so incredibly grateful for your generosity and for your trust in His plan. You should have received an email from me separately but if you haven’t or have any questions how your donation might be used please feel free to contact me at pcampbell@centerpoint.faith

Thank you for joining in God’s mission, woven through us,

The Campbells

1. Click on this link: MyWell Giving

2. Enter your phone number and enter you pin

3. Enter amount

4. Select: Cusco School - Construction/Start-Up

5. Follow the on-screen directions to finalize your donation.

Mission Trip Details:

What: Painting, fixing odds and ends, arranging classrooms, fixing furniture, more painting

Where: Cusco!

When: February 21st-March 1st

How: Contact Markus Jeromin- mjeromin@centerpoint.faith

Have a gently used Macbook/iPhone:

Contact me at pcampbell@centerpoint.faith

I’d say I would consider PC's/Androids but as of now I am also “tech support” so I am rolling with what I know!

How to create an account:

1. Click on this link: MyWell Giving

2. If you have an account skip to “how to give”. If not click create account

3. Enter Name and phone number

4. Type in the pin from your text message

5. Create a new pin for future log in

6. Enter your information

7. Go to your email and click on the link to verify your account

How to give:

1. Click on this link: MyWell Giving

2. Enter your phone number and enter you pin

3. Enter amount

4. Select: Cusco School - Construction/Start-Up

5. Follow the on-screen directions to finalize your donation.

Picture of the pre-school!

While adjusting to a new culture in Mexico, we studied Spanish, made lifelong friends, created new routines and traditions as a family, had a BABY, and made two flights to Mexico City with our newborn, James, to get his passport. As our time in Mexico ended, we packed up again and spent two months back in the States organizing our remaining belongings—selling some and storing others. Packing was a bit different this time around since it was for a much longer haul. Furthermore, we were moving to a very different climate here in Cusco, where we needed summer, fall, and winter-ish wardrobes.  

Since arriving in Cusco, we’ve continued our cultural and language learning—not without its scars. We’ve navigated the legal system to obtain our residency and settled into another new routine. And this is all with a newborn, who frankly has been a pain in the rear when it comes to sleeping! I can’t give Bethany enough praise—the multiple transitions she’s managed with a newborn are enough to make anyone’s head spin, but she continues to be tough and adaptable.  

We should be a wreck—but we’re not, thankfully. This is a continued testament to God’s amazing grace in our lives and this mission. He continues to show up in the moment, has gone before us to pave the way, and His work is clear when we look back and reflect. He never ceases to amaze us, and for that, we are truly grateful and our faith grows.  

Family Updates  

Since the beginning of October, I’ve been volunteering at the kids’ school. This is a great opportunity to see a working Christian school, follow their daily schedule and learn Spanish  educational vocabulary. It’s been far too long since I worked with and around children. I’ve been assisting the English teacher with his classes for grades K-12. Needless to say, I’m much more helpful with pronunciation than with grammar. At one point, the teacher asked me to review the three forms of the verb *“to be.”* I racked my brain before realizing—oh, *am, is, are*!  

Despite minor hiccups like that, I’m re-learning the rules and hopefully making Nana Betty (Beth’s grandmother) proud as we teach the proper way to speak and write to our local Peruvians. Being in the school also gives me the chance to spy on the kids. I even get to teach in Trey and Grant’s classes!  

The kids are progressing well in school. Their Spanish schoolwork is becoming easier to understand and complete. They’re making friends and becoming more immersed in the culture here. Their language development is a testament to full immersion. For example, we listened to Ellie play with her dolls yesterday, speaking fully in Spanish for over an hour—and with no apparent effort. It was amazing!  

In October, Trey was invited to a classmate’s birthday party, and what an event it was! I’ve never seen anything like it. Every classmate was there, along with their parents and siblings. There was endless food and snacks, two clowns, two costumed clown helpers, and a master of ceremonies. I haven’t smiled that much in a long time—it was such a fun time!  

Penny continues to enjoy her one-on-one time glued (to a fault) to Mom’s hip while her older siblings are at school. She loves getting to be the “big sister” while they’re away, helping Mom with James and playing with him. James, now sitting up and babbling, is growing fast. Mom and Dad are savoring this short time before he starts getting into everything. Having been through this before, we’re not rushing any milestones!  

Mission Update  

A few weeks ago, we had our first visit from a mission team- from Centerpoint Church! It was incredibly encouraging, heartwarming, and helpful. The team spent about a week giving a conference to local Christians on *Emotionally Healthy Spirituality* (based on the book by Peter Scazzero). At the conference we were also able to forge connections with other pastors, parents, and educators that expressed interest in helping. The team also visited the potential site for the school and represented Centerpoint during a meeting with the landowners. Further,  Markus and I had Carson (our film guy) running all over town grabbing wonderful footage (to be released soon). On top of that, Bethany and I even got out for a date night—thank you, Jeff and Cathy!  

We are inching closer to securing the land for the mission. Progress isn’t as fast as I’d like, but I’m continuing to learn and practice heavenly patience (it’s hard, though!). With the help from Pastor Victor and his strong connections to the community here in Cusco, we’re in negotiations for a long term lease with a local church that owns the land. They’re on board with us using it, but they need to address a few matters before they can commit. Please pray that this process continues to move forward and that the land is secured soon.  

In the meantime, I’m continuing to network with people here in Cusco. I’ve connected with multiple individuals willing to help with this mission, including lawyers, teachers, directors, parents, architects, and pastors, many of whom I met at the aforementioned conference. I’m not short on support for this school, which is a tremendous blessing.  

Below is an abbreviated timeline for the project - subject to change! Your prayers for smooth progress along this timeline would be greatly appreciated.  

• Create the Centerpoint non-profit organization in Peru (December 2024) 

• Secure land (January/February 2025) 

• Hire architect (end February 2025) 

• Creating the Educational Institution (a series of documents that guide the school) this is the bulk of the work and involves developing guiding documents for the school; i.e. how its funded, curriculum, hiring procedures, working hours, qualifications, registering in all the government offices, etc (full year of 2025) 

• Permitting and permissions for land (January through May 2025)

• Obtain building designs and quote for project (by May 2025)

  • Phase 1 (initial classrooms- preschool and offices/rec spaces) 

  • Phase 2 (primary classrooms- grades 1-6, auxiliary spaces)

  • Phase 3 (secondary classrooms- grades 7+)

• Hire contractor (end of May 2025) 

• Return to US to fundraise for project phase 1 (June through July 2025)

• Break ground (August 2025) 

• Construction (August 2025- February 2026)

• Doors open on preschool (March 2026) 

Again, we want to say thank you for joining us on God’s mission. We couldn’t do it without your support. Your prayers are heard by our Heavenly Father, and they are being answered. Thank you for reading and for sharing in God’s incredible mission woven through us.