The last two weeks of October, Vickie and I have been at the orphanage. It is always great to see and hug the children. This month’s update is focusing on the Ranch (a home for boys ages 12-17). This ministry is a real challenge with a lot of ups and downs. We have been developing a program over the last year whereby the boys grow spiritually, mentally and physically. The spiritual part involves asking pastors from the city of Trujillo to come to the orphanage and give courses in Biblical study. We also take them to church Sunday morning and evening.

Educating the boys is accomplished by sending them to special schools during the week. These schools teach basic education in which after completion a student can earn an equivalent high school diploma. Some of the boys are taking special technical training courses to develop a skill for future employment.

The physical part is doing various tasks around the Ranch, such as putting up fences, building the stall, feeding the horse, and harvesting the corn and the alfalfa. Some of the boys have been so physically tired that they have to take naps during the day. For the last two weeks I have been working with them and feel physically beat up.

The long term goal of the program is to prepare them to be responsible men who can break the cycle in Peru of being abusive and irresponsible to their family.

Thanks for your prayers for the orphanage and the Ranch.

God bless you.

Chau,

Dave