The vision for Una Esperanza

One vision God gave Pastor Damian was for a shelter and outreach center where families can be ministered to for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. This encludes the neglected families of the prisoners. He already ministers to the inmates at the Pochutla Federal prison.

There are about 450 inmates here. Families are allowed to visit or spend the weekend. The families are expected to provide their food, personal hygiene, clothing,etc. The family doesn't have food for themselves let alone the inmate. They may be from another town or village, without means to support the children.

There is a stigma for the children because their parent is in jail. Most of these children do not attend school because they don't have the money for the uniforms, shoes, or books they must buy. (We are looking into a means to help them with their education.)

The plan is to start a feeding program and some housing for those who need it. We already have a source for new clothing. We have some medical and dental teams who have volunteered to come down.

We already have Bible studies every Tuesday night. We want to start a Bible Club for children to teach them of God's love. There will be many activities and fiestas for them.

For the daily operation we are looking for ways for the center to be self-supporting. We have talked with friends who want to donate seeds for producing their own food, taco stands and a store to sell things that the prisoners and families produce. A retail mini-market may be donated by an American university, etc.