1. Where is the orphanage located?
The Lord has provided us with a beautiful half-acre property in Chaclacayo, nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains about 30 miles east of Lima. The town is clean and safe, and enjoys clear air and springtime weather most of the year. It is an ideal location to raise healthy children.
2. How many children are you able to care for?
When the first building opens, we will have room for 20 children, plus orphanage staff. As the Lord leads, we have room on the property to build. At first we will be accepting children ages 2 years and up with the goal of accomodating older children as things progress.
3. Who is overseeing the orphanage?
Mario and Patty Davila have served in ministry in Lima for many years and have a deeop love of children.
4. Where will the children come from?
There are many children whose mother's are in prison. When they reach 3 years of age they are no longer allowed to remain with their mothers. If she hasn't found a place for them the government takes them away and places them in government homes. Often the mother has no way to find her children later. Mario and Patty have arranged to be able to form private contracts with these mothers to care for their children in Chaclacayo. This way they will not lose their children. This also opens the door to provide the children with a loving god-centered environment to grow under christian influence.
There is tremendous need in Peru because of so many abandoned children. In many regions of the country, women will have as many as six children, each with a different father. Alone and without assistance, these women simply send their young children out to fend for themselves. As they grow, these street kids learn from the older kids and often turn to a life of crime, prostitution and substance abuse to get by. In short, these children will come from throughout Peru, and the need is enormous.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27
5. Are there currently any children?
Not yet. We hope to be able to open our doors in May of 2010.
6. Will you eventually offer the children for international adoption?
No. Current Peruvian government restrictions make adopting very difficult. Additionally, our vision is to care for children and raise-up godly leaders through this orphanage ministry. We hope to place future school teachers and university professors, lawyers, homemakers and politicians with character and conviction in the workforce to make an impact in society to see Peru won for Jesus.
7. Who provides for the children?
God does! We know He has a special place in his heart for orphaned and abandoned children, and are assured He will faithfully provide for each one. Those the Lord leads to send financial support can find out how in the support section. We are grateful for the generous ones who invest in this vital ministry.
8. Are there other ways I can help?
Many people are donating new and semi-used clothing, while others are donating school supplies which we will use in our future Christian school the children will be attending. Some come and help us with our construction and maintenance needs, and others help set up coffee ministries in their churches to make available our Granos del Cielo coffee.
9. Tell me about the Granos del Cielo Coffee you have:
A successful local coffee manufacturer is making his premium Andean blend Peruvian coffee available to the orphanage at cost that we might resell it as a source of income for the orphanage. This gourmet coffee is comparable to, or even better than, popular name brands with dubious agendas, and the money goes toward a very worthy cause. The coffee comes either ground or whole bean, and it is a favorite at Christian café bookstores and church hospitality ministries.
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