Praise the Lord for a very successful mission’s trip to Casa Angelina in Teluche, Guatemala. I want to express my appreciation to everyone’s tremendous demonstration of prayers, support and generosity. It is truly amazing to see the incredible progress that has been made on the orphanage grounds and it was so fun to purchase and prepare the children’s Christmas gifts. Currently, there are 58 children living in 4 completed homes (with 2 additional homes that are almost complete), a beautiful cafeteria, medical clinic and playground areas that are in constant use. The school building is still under construction. One section, which is very near completion, will be the school for the orphanage which is scheduled to begin this January, with the Lord's help. The overall vision of What Matter’s Ministry for the orphanage is to add approximately 300 more children, build 24 more homes, and complete the entire school building.

It was such a blessing to see the growth in the lives of the children. We have watched so many of them grow up and mature. There were new faces on this trip including a beautiful 12 month-old baby girl. All of these children are so very precious and each one is destined to have a wonderful future because God’s love for them is so great. We also love them and appreciate the opportunity to pour into their lives.

We are also thankful for the many, answered prayers. There were no serious injuries or illness within our team during this trip. Everyone worked so hard and gave their all. The students were amazing as they worked like grown-ups. Our team freely and generously gave of their love and attention to these children. Thanks to the VFCA students, faculty, parents, supporters, Valley church members and to the Idaho team for a job well done.

During our visit, on Saturday, our team broke into three groups. One group visited the Casa Del Destinio Orphanage that is directed by Jay Ranton. Our students and staff were able to take Christmas to these children as well and spend the day interacting with them. Another team went to a center that treats malnourished children. This group spent the day with 40 children, sharing the love of Jesus. They provided a VBS program, gifts, clothes, medications and food. They also helped to feed, diaper, and nurture approximately 20 bed babies. The third group assisted a local church with relocation and remodeling projects. During the entire trip, ministry opportunities varied from demolition to shopping, painting to playing soccer, and building to decorating. Everyone’s gifts were used and were so deeply appreciated.

There were so many stories to share, but two stood out above the rest. At the Casa Del Destinio Orphanage, one of the little girls had an amazing story. She is about two years old and was brought to the orphanage because her mother had tried to sell her for body parts. After extensive testing, the doctors said she would be severely, mentally challenged all of her life. However, since her time in this Christ-centered, loving environment, she has begun to make progress and improvement. Who knows how God will raise her up, heal her and use her for His purposes? Another child at the malnutrition center was found thrown away in a trash can. His mother had placed him there just minutes after birth and left him to die. Someone rescued him and brought him to the malnutrition center. He is now a beautiful, healthy and smart little two year-old. How could anyone throw away someone so valuable? Our students are learning so much through these mission trips, like how to let the Love of God flow through them, how to be a Godly leader and how to live their lives with Kingdom purpose.

The Love of God is so powerful. It can rescue, heal and give new life. The love of God has no limits and no boundaries. It is so encouraging to see the love of God demonstrated through our school family. During this upcoming Christmas season, I would like to challenge everyone to ask God to enlarge your capacity for giving and receiving His love. May the Lord bless you and your family and may the Lord continue to bless Valley Fellowship Christian Academy.