Tim and Dena are superbly equipped to confront these obstacles on both fronts.  Having immersed themselves in the Latin culture for a quarter century, they understand the negative cultural cycles trapping many of these parents.  Good parenting skills are simply beyond their realm of experience, and, unless and until they are educated otherwise, the unhealthy, hurtful cycle is repeated and perpetuated.  And, of course, it is only with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in lives surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, that redemption and purposeful living can be achieved for time and eternity.

Please understand that Tim and Dena's first responsibility in ministry is to protect the children.  Beyond that, however, comes the opportunity to reach out to those parents who wish to get their children back, and to provide a safe, wholesome, nurturing family environment for them to return to.  While their style may differ as they minister to parents (an imperfect characterization might be "good cop, bad cop") their complementary approach brings amazing results.  Dena's focus tends to be on positive reinforcement of Christ like character qualities, while Tim's modus operandi is more confrontational, challenging parents respectfully, yet forcefully, to plead their cause before government social agency officials. 

For those parents who are granted visitation privileges (usually once a week for local residents), a window of opportunity presents itself for Tim and Dena to see their ministry of reconciliation bearing fruit in the lives of children, yes, but impacting and transforming the lives of parents as well.  To God be the glory!    

Dave Lorenz

Dena's dad  

A gentleman once told me, "When your children are young, the days and nights are long but the years are short. Enjoy each moment." We are living that reality today. Ben and Josh are formally juniors at college and home with us for the summer to work at Hogar de Vida. What a gift from our heavenly Father to have our sons home. They have matured so much in the two and a half years since they left to start life in the U.S. Both are studying criminal justice and love those classes although all the extras, like English, are tedious and "boring." They both continue to have their sights on the The Marine Corps. Time will tell.

Maria is in her last year of high school since Costa Rica only has five years after 6^th grade. She is very diligent in her studies and is preparing for college entrance exams, because she wants to get into Costa Rica's best university to study engineering or architecture. Maria enjoys her friends, is a good influence on them, is a great help here at Hogar de Vida in a pinch (since studies come first,) and is a beautiful young woman.

As parents we are very proud of our children and continue to pray that they have a passion for Jesus, an active pursuit to know Him more, and to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him; understanding that He is their source and vital necessity and to live that out daily. All the rest is extra.

That prayer is also one that Tim and I have for the staff and children and many visitors that are a part of Hogar de Vida both in Atenas and San Andres. The opportunity to live a life worthy of the calling on our lives is big. The responsibility and challenge is HUGE! Personally, it makes me run to the throne of grace. I need help all the time and am learning to depend more on Jesus and not to be self-sufficient.  Self-sufficiency can be an idol - subtle and unconscious. The Lord God says, "Have no other gods before Me." We strive to be an example of sharing our relationship with Jesus with others. We appreciate your prayers for us and the ministries that the Lord has asked us to start and oversee!

May the Lord continue to show you that when you need direction - HE IS THE WAY!

Thanks to all that actively remember us in prayer!

Dena