Here’s an update on what’s been keeping us busy!
Presence
- We continued to visit the brothels in El Alto, where our friends work, on a weekly basis. There were two specific requests for psychological care, which we were able to follow up on.
- We helped cover the medical costs of more than 50 women this quarter.
- We also helped cover the cost of a variety of medical purchases, including medications, a pair of glasses and a harness for a baby with hip dysplasia.
- The week of Christmas, as is our yearly tradition, we went caroling in every brothel. With a chorus in Santa hats, simple instruments, hot chocolate, homemade cookies, cakes and a card from the House of Hope, we proudly sang of the Hope we find in Emmanuel (www.wordmadeflesh.org/updates/on-christmas-darkest-night-of-the-year).
House of Hope Drop-in Center
- This quarter, to accommodate the boost in weekly visitors, we increased the number of lunches by 15%, serving 40 meals twice a week.
- Yesmi Loza provided care and Bible teaching during the lunch hour to 8-12 children per week. Three children received the Lord as their Savior.
- Dr. Gabriela Loza provided weekly health care to over 100 women & children. In seeing the need for some medications we lack, Dr. Loza sent letters to a number of businesses asking for donations; however, there was little response.
- On October 31, we held a special bread-making party, enjoying each other’s fellowship.
- We held a joint baby shower for Ely, a single mother of 4 now expecting twins, and coworker, Cara, expecting her first. It was a sweet celebration.
- On December 14 we held a closing “graduation” ceremony, presenting certificates to 12 women who completed the series of macramé classes.
- For our closing lunch of the year, we prepared a special dish for 100 visitors. We celebrated Christmas with games, songs & reflections focusing on the Peace, Love and Joy we find in Christ.
- On December 17, we hosted a Children´s Christmas party with games, contests, cake, hot chocolate and a message on the Love of Christ. We handed out school supplies to more than 60 children.
Suti Sana Program
- This quarter, 5 women finished the 2nd stage of the Suti Sana program, participating in discipleship, group therapy, budgeting, health and nutrition classes, as well as perfecting their sewing skills. They learned healthy eating habits and consulted with medical professionals in the area of general medicine, nutrition and dental care.
- All the girls in the program (10 in all) worked very consistently, meeting schedules and learning to be responsible with their work.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.