When Crisis Comes, We Walk Together

Thank you for the faithful way you walk alongside the children and families of Esperanza de Ana. Your prayers and giving sustain more than our daily programs. They help make it possible for a trusted, caring Community to remain present when a family’s life changes without warning.

During the final week of August, our Community experienced two painful crises.

In one family, a father was killed in violence connected to extortion. Our staff cried with his children and extended family, accompanied them through the first days of loss, and continue to remain close as they grieve.

Only a few days later, another group of siblings was suddenly left without stable care following a serious family crisis and police intervention at their home. The children had to be separated as immediate arrangements were made for their safety. Our team is now helping coordinate their care with extended family and local child-protection authorities while the necessary health evaluations and legal processes are completed.

These are complicated situations without quick or easy solutions. They require wisdom, patience, advocacy, and many careful decisions. Because our staff live and serve within this same community—and have known and loved these children for years—they are not responding from a distance.

These tragedies are also affecting our staff personally. Eddy told us, “I know what it is like to lose both my mom and dad. The loss of one or both parents weighs heavily on my heart as we walk with these families.” Vanessa, who has also lost both parents, shared that because both tragedies happened right within their community, they have stirred memories of her own loss and tempted her toward fear—fear of the violence and of those causing harm so near to the children and families they love.

Even while carrying their own grief and fear, Irma says, “We continue walking hand in hand with the children.”

This is one of the most important things your partnership makes possible. Much of the ministry of Esperanza de Ana happens in moments that could never be placed on a calendar—when a child needs someone trustworthy to draw near, remain calm, and keep walking with them. In these moments, we see the presence and compassion of Christ expressed through our Community.

Please pray for comfort and protection for the affected children and families, wisdom as our staff navigate difficult decisions, and strength and peace for the entire EA Community as they carry these families through grief and uncertainty.

Thank you for helping ensure that these children do not have to walk through these days alone.

With gratitude,

Jim and TKay