In one day we saw an increase of 5 children. It was one of the most incredible days I have seen. A van came to the orphanage in the afternoon from social services. When it parked I heard a lot of crying and screaming. A gentleman and lady exited the van and asked me if I wanted to house 14 children immediately. The request knocked me off my feet.

What happened was that the police department decided in the morning to clear some of the streets of children’s gangs. They did not inform us of their intentions before they started rounding up the children. I asked them how many children there were that were 7 and younger, and they said five. So, I said I would take them into the orphanage, however, the children would not get out of the van, and a 13 year old boy, who was their leader defended the boys. So there we were, the young boys screaming and crying, holding on to the 13 year old boy. One of the social workers grabbed one of the 5 year olds and was then in a tug of war with the other children. The social worker had the child’s two arms, and the rest of the children grabbed the child’s two legs. The child was suspended in mid air crying and yelling. What a scene! This went on for several minutes. Finally, the social workers prevailed and wrestled the child away. To get the 5 children out of the van took 20 minutes. We took the children to their dormitory and gave them new clothing, a bed, and a good meal. The next day they were calmed down and enjoyed the orphanage. We found out later the reason the children were so upset was that they thought we were going to take them and beat them like their parents.

In March, we had an eye clinic for 550 persons over the age of 55. We wanted older adults to come so we could also identify if they had cataracts or other diseases. We are working with the Trujillo Lions Club’s program of cataract removal. Trujillo Lions Club donates 100,000 dollars a year to the local University to do 1000 cataract operations. I am working with the Lions International to get a grant to buy up-to-date equipment, so with 100,000 dollars from Trujillo Lions Club as a possibility, next year we will be able to do 2000 cataract operations.

Our children started school in March. We started a special school at the orphanage for children that are slow learners and are way behind. We have 5 in that school and one Peruvian teacher that conducts the program. We also have one student who is gifted, and a family from Canada has sponsored her to go to a private school. The other children go to public school.

We started construction on the second floor of the Ranch. This will increase our capacity to 30 young boys. Also, we started planting crops around the ranch so we will be self sufficient in food and milk. This program gives the boys work and responsibility and develops good character. Our goal is to develop Godly leaders for Peru.

I would like to encourage all our supporters to pray for Hogar de Esperanza and maybe plan some day to come and help. Thanks so much for your support.

David Miller