In efforts to positively impact both the spiritual and physical needs of the Peruvian people, Richard Daigle, Southeastern alumnus, started the non-profit ministry, “Face to Face Missions,” as well as the supporting company, “TruPeru.”
“I think people want to help and do something significant in their life, but we get so busy in life that life gets in the way of us fulfilling our dreams and doing something important,” said Daigle.
Daigle graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts journalism. From 1975 to 1977 Daigle worked for Student Publications as both a staff reporter and an editor.
Face to Face Missions is a ministry created to give people the opportunity to share the gospel through practical and spiritual means in Peru as well as other countries. The mission teams feed children, conduct medical clinics, perform construction projects and minister to the people.
“When you go to a country like that and see how people live, meet them, talk to them and find out where they are, it really changes you and gives you a completely different perspective,” said Daigle. “Even with the economic times we’re in now, we’re so blessed.”
Daigle and his wife Jan, breast cancer survivor and neonatal intensive care nurse, began their ministry in Peru over 10 years ago. The idea to create TruPeru was struck after the couple returned from a Peruvian mission trip.
“We started bringing back finger puppets and other things to give to people who were supporting us,” said Daigle. “People started saying they would buy some of this stuff. We started realizing we could turn this into a company.”
With both Daigle and his wife working full time jobs, the company became a focused side project. Daigle’s inspiration for TruPeru came partly from TOMS Shoes, a company that donates shoes to needy children around the world.
“It’s more of a passion to do this,” said Daigle. “We looked at TOMS Shoes and how they do it. Once we started selling products it began snowballing.”
TruPeru sells a variety of
authentic South American goods such as Peruvian scarves, Alpaca sweaters, Tagua bracelets, Chullo hats, dolls, stools, Peruvian burlap and cotton purses. The company is run with the motto: “Joy for you, hope for others.” A portion of the company’s profits go directly to benefit “Hope House,” a home for troubled girls outside of Lima, Peru.
“Sexual abuse and child abuse in other nations is off the chart,” said Daigle. “Hope House really makes a difference in these people’s lives. We try to get across the message to people that when they buy the product, they really are helping people out.”
Hope House effectively saves homeless girls from a life of petty crime, prostitution or drugs. Bridget Bonner, previously a missionary in another part of South America, and her husband Greg Bonner run Hope House. Face to Face Missions helps support the house. Mission teams of around 20 people are typically sent for 10-12 days once or twice a year. Those who wish to participate in the mission trips are required to pay for their airfare.
“Basically, the way our trips work, we have a charge that covers all your expenses in Peru; it’s just a matter of getting the money for the airfare,” said Daigle. “We go to Hope House every time we go to Peru. Our trips are about sharing the love of the Lord and sharing the gospel.”