Many, if not all, of you have probably heard about the tragedy that happened at the orphanage Virgen de la Asunción, not too far from our base of operations in Villa Nueva, Guatemala (about 45 minutes away).  This horrible incident, while it has caused the loss of the lives of over 40 children, is being used by God to highlight the necessity of a better system to handle at-risk families.

The Serving At Risk Families ministry is focused on keeping the family unit together, so that orphanages become the absolute last option, not the first, for families that are struggling to support their way of life.  SARF was started with this vision in mind.

The country needs baby steps: Government employees who know about working with children. A functioning foster care system with support systems in place. Orphanages that look more like homes than warehouses. And support for families so they don’t have to give up their children in the first place.

We wanted to share a pertinent article with you (quoted above) to reveal how God is working through this terrible event to change things in the government of Guatemala to better serve families.  We believe God has us here just at the right time.  Please join us in prayer not only for the families that lost children and everyone else involved in this incident, but also for the policy makers and their advisors.  We ask God to continue guiding us with His wisdom in how to best serve the families in our area of influence so that everyone has the chance to grow up in a loving family environment instead of overcrowded orphanages.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/march-web-only/40-girls-die-orphanage-fire-guatemala-asks-evangelicals.html?start=3