Costa Rica
Why a children's home in Costa Rica?
Many believe that Costa Rica is a rich country and does not have the needs that other Central American countries do. That is true in part; but even in the U.S.A. there are abandoned and abused children.
We discovered that there are children abandoned in hospitals who need to be placed in children's homes. Some are abuse cases and the children are in need of recuperation from physical abuse. Those cases are investigated and sometimes the parents disappear. These children then recover but have nowhere to go. We receive many of our children this way. It is a sad story, but we are doing what we can to give these kids love and acceptance.
Who?
The Home of Life for the Children houses between 20 and 25 children, though that number sometimes varies daily. The children range in age from birth to 10 years. Overseeing and working in the home are Tim & Dena Stromstad; house parent Olga Campos, office manager Frannia Campos and five other part time or full-time staff members.
Where?
The Home of Joy is located in Atenas, Costa Rica. Atenas, in what is dubbed "The best climate in the world," is about an hour’s drive outside of San José, the capital. Atenas is a town of 3000 people, and the Home of For Children is located 3 miles outside of town in the country. Learn more about Costa Rica as a short-term volunteer worker.
When?
The ministry began in the summer of 1995. The home and land were purchased in 1994, but no one was able to begin the work. Then Dena and Tim were asked to come and “check it out.” They were called to establish this home, and so moved here in January 1995. They received their first child five months later.
What?
The home is for abandoned and abused children of Costa Rica. For some, it is a temporary home until there is a permanent home to which they can return when they are healthy and strong. For others, it is their only home. The basic needs of the children are met: a home, clothing, nutrition, education, parental figures, and most importantly, an opportunity to know Jesus and receive His love.
How?
Individuals or churches send donations to Children of Promise International, which then sends it to help fund the home. We try to have a sponsor for each child and a worker that will give a monthly offering and will provide prayer support for him or her. God uses human vessels but He, indeed, is the provider of all that is needed!
Learn more about how you can become involved.