Bogota is nestled high in the Andes Mountains. A bustling metropolis with over 8,000,000 people. A world ranked city. It is a place of curiosity, trade influx and shared culture. It is known as the Athens of South America for its many libraries and universities.
Sadly, there is another world of Bogota, a world racked by the strife of poverty. And unfortunately, this world is heavily populated. 38% of the people live in extreme poverty (under $2/day). Besides industrialization, this is due mainly to migration from rural areas where violence and exploitation frequently occur (an expedient result of the cocaine trade).
The people are stacked on top of each other in slum houses. There are many children without basic amenities, much less the schooling needed for upward mobility.
Change from a society standpoint is a word of fantasy. The hope of Christ and His love is their only way out. We are trying to be the hands and feet of this love. As children of the Father ourselves, we try to identify, knowing full well we have been given much to give much.
Meeting kids where they are at, giving them hot chocolate, bread and water, we develop relationships with them. In time, we bring them in to day care centers, where we provide basic schooling to try to get them caught up on public education standards. In time, we invite them to a 24 hour care center. We live with them. They become family. Out of this, more schooling occurs, growth, laughter, deeper teachings about Jesus and His great love. And adoption.
The light and love of Christ is beautiful. We work to this end--that these kids can see His beauty and worship their Maker. We covet your prayers and your support. We trust...
