Why now?
- Our lease is ending in November, and the house we are in is being sold for much more money than we can afford to pay to buy it.
- We have two young men waiting to join our community, as well as two young women who would like to live with us if we had an appropriate facility.
- While we have been looking at properties for over a year, this is the first that would meet our unique needs almost perfectly.
- This house is $30, 000 less than any comparable construction.
- We believe that God has opened the door for us to purchase this house and we are confident that he will continue to provide what we need to follow in obedience.
Why leave Antigua?
- Antigua is not by any stretch of the imagination a typical Guatemalan city. The life style here is more European than anywhere else in the country, and many of the activities here do not promote the Christian values we want to encourage for our young people.
- The cost of living in Antigua is the highest in the entire country. We can save a considerable amount just moving 2 miles outside the city.
- The area in which we live is more affluent, and has led our young men to have ever increasing expectations of the life-style they would like to live. Again, in no way is this what most Guatemalans would expect.
Why San Pedro Las Huertas?
- This is a smaller community located only two miles outside Antigua, but which has a more traditional Guatemalan atmosphere. The services of Antigua would still be available, but the rhythm of daily life would be much different here.
- We have been working with a number of families in this town over the years, and have relationships which would facilitate our transition to living here.
- While a small town, San Pedro has small businesses, a beautiful central park, a number of good evangelical churches, and activities in which our young people could participate in as part of the local community.
- There are a number of private schools in the area in which our young people could study, or, if need be because of their area of study, they could easily be transported to Antigua for classes.
- This village is within easy driving distance of Santa Maria de Jesus, and Pat could continue her work at New Life School.
- In an adjoining village, only about a six block walk from the house, there is a residential institution for children with disabilities. While the majority of the residents are severely handicapped, there are a few young people who have the potential to be educated. We could partner with this home, and perhaps even find opportunities for our residents to mentor and tutor these young people.
Stay tuned for more answers to your questions.
Do you have a question about this purchase, or anything else to do with our ministry?
Email Pat and ask her. She'll be glad to fill you in.
