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On the outskirts of Lima, Peru sprawls a vast shantytown of huts and shacks held up with not much more than a few pieces of wood. In the midst of this poverty is the Hogar Sagrada Familia -- the Sacred Family Home. Founder Miguel Rodriguez has built this place as a response to tragedy. In 1967 he lost a son who was born with a heart defect. In his loss, Miguel became acutely aware of the pain and suffering of the many children of Lima who did not have a home. He took in four children from the streets, and before long, he had hundreds of kids. He, his wife, and a group of volunteers slowly built up a place to house all the children they could.

These children have been orphaned, or abandoned. They seek out Miguel and his home, or the Police or courts refer them to the home. These are the children who have been lost by society. They have no home, until they find Miguel.

Today 275 kids ranging from infant to 16 are able to say that they have a home, and a family. The staff has a constant struggle to simply provide the basics -- food, shelter, and clothing for this many children. Their diet is primarily beans and rice, cooked over an open fire. The children go to school, and have activities such as ceramics, woodworking, gardening, and other skill based activities.

In spite of all the pain which these children have endured during their short lives, they are happy. In fact, it's hard to find an unhappy face in the home. They have a profound faith in God, perhaps because they see his providence more clearly than most. Miguel has a very personal relationship with Jesus, who he considers to be his best friend. It is not possible to talk to Miguel for more than a few sentences without him referring to Jesus in a very personal way.

Olive Branch Ministries supports the work here at the Children's Home. Through your generous donations, we can continue to see the work here grow. While nearly 300 children reside here today, the need is much greater. Lima is a city of over 6 million people, many in extreme poverty. The number of lost children is not known. Miguel can only house and feed so many. There are days when they don't know where the evening meal is going to come from because they are out of rice. But God provides through the hands of His people.

Your contribution of a few dollars can make a huge difference in the lives of many children. Please contact us today and help the children.

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