Pancho & Alexis

Pancho & Alexis are the 2 oldest of 5 siblings that have lived at Casa Hogar Douglas for 3 years now. Pancho is 15 and Alexis is 13. The last grade in school that they have completed is second grade. They were far behind in school when they came to Douglas in 2007 and the home has not had the resources to help them get caught up.

But, this past week, Pancho & Alexis started classes in a special school that we found for them. Their teacher said that they are intelligent and that Pancho will be able to finish 6th grade this year and Alexis will finish the year after. Then we will be able to enroll them in a secondary school to further their education. This is something that both of them want very much and I have been promising them we would make it happen. 

The truth is though, that I don't think we could have done it without the help of our Shelter Program. Currently, we have over 25 kids, from Casa Hogar Douglas, sponsored in our child sponsorship program. This enables us to have the funds to help kids in special ways that we couldn't before. We can help buy better food for the kids to eat, pay for gas to run hot water heaters and take care of special education needs like this one.

I've been picking Pancho & Alexis up after school most days. Each day, they tell me how excited they are to be having this opportunity. I wish those of you who give sacrificially so that things like this can happen, would be able to witness the hope you are bringing to these kids' lives! That is why I want to share this good news with you.

Your giving is changing the future for many lives! THANK YOU!!!

What are we going to do about it?

As many of you know, I read The Hole in Our Gospel earlier this year. I have been called back to re-read portions of it from time to time. I believe it is an excellent book!

A thought that I've had lately is what do non-christians really think of the American Christian Church? With so many poor and hungry people in the world today, what does the world think of the church's response? I know many want to help the poor and feed the hungry. Do non-christians see the church as hypocritical or judgemental towards people who are not like them? Sadly, I'm afraid that's exactly what they see in us to often.

I'm reminded by something someone shared with me recently. God has provided the resources in this world so that NO ONE would be poor or hungry. He just didn't distribute the resources EVENLY. He left that job for us to do! What are we going to do about it?

A special party for Alondra

Alondra is a young girl that lives at Casa Hogar Douglas. When a young girl turns 15 here, it is the custom to throw a special party for her. What we are celebrating is that this young girl is now becoming a woman. Alondra turned 15 in August and we celebrated her special day on Sept. 4. The thought that I had during Alondra's special day was that there is probably not another girl that is more loved at this home than Alondra. She also has many from the U.S. who love her also. At 15, Alondra is already a young lady who is living her life with dignity and compassion for others. I'm excited for what God has in store in the future for this young lady!