Our Friends and Family in Christ,

I spent some time this week trying to come up with a way to ask for your help. I considered different photos, different ways of telling the story, and different appeals Diana and I could make in seeking your help. Finally, as it always happens, the simple truth and a humble request will do.

I have just returned from filming in Guatemala for a brother in Christ and Missionary, Shawn Smith. Shawn is doing some tremendous work with the indigenous Maya people south of Antigua and we have been blessed to be a small part of it. During this trip I spent two days filming at an orphanage called Hogar Miguel Magone. It is an orphanage run by an angel of a woman, Karen, who along with her husband provides 24/7 care for some 60 orphans, nearly all boys 3-18, who have been horribly sexually and physically abused by a parent or caregiver. The courts have placed them with Karen but she receives nothing in government assistance. What she does she does for Christ with faith. There are some needs in this place that I know we can solve, not help, but solve.

When we look at hierarchy of physical needs at mission sites, water is always number one. Number two is generally protein. Without protein, normal physical development is impossible. The orphanage is rich in water but poor in protein. Providing the kids with protein rich foods is simply beyond Karen’s means. And so…the solution.

Karen and I have worked out the essentials and arrived at a practical, culturally relevant, self-sustaining solution, chickens. Chickens fair well in this environment and provide an ongoing source of protein in eggs. By purchasing 100 laying hens and a rooster or two, as well as constructing an appropriate chicken coup, Karen can provide the boys with daily protein. As a bonus, the boys will be able to set up a small business to sell surplus eggs to neighboring communities in an effort to fund more of their own needs. Karen has arranged for a local builder who works with Shawn on many projects to construct a building and fencing for the birds. Additionally, Karen’s husband will be working with boys to teach them how to properly care for the animals and thus become owners of their own solution.

All of this can occur almost immediately as soon as we raise the funds: $1600 U.S. This amount will pay for the entire project and make a definite, immediate, real world change in the life of the boys there now and in the future. We have an opportunity to truly contribute to the lifetime well being of many kids who desperately need a hand. What a gift!

So Diana and I are back once again humbly asking you to partner with us in this work. We are very aware that times are tough and that we are all struggling to make ends meet. Still, our struggles here pale in comparison to the struggles of children in places like Hogar Miguel Magone. We are asking that you might prayerfully consider donating to this cause and make this dream a reality. Diana and I are going to be investing our time and treasures in this area, particularly in programs for children and families as Shawn has asked us to head up some new work. We really need your help in resources and in prayers.

If you would like to contribute, please send checks to our address listed above as we will be collecting funds and sending a single payment to Karen. If you have questions, concerns, suggestions, whatever…please call or write. We value your thoughts. Thank you for listening, we realize this was a long piece. We believe the kids are worth the effort. Please check our website frequently as updates on Guatemala and a new link to Shawn’s site are coming.

May God Bless and Keep You

Dan and Diana