Looking at the balloons and the celebration, there is no way you would know. You don't see the expectant years of building.  You don't see single mothers chipping away at the mountain to form the base of a school for their children.  You don't see Wilma Grandez Hilario working slowly and carefully to help women free themselves from poverty and abuse.  But, it's all there.

Wilma celebrated the fourth anniversary of her school for children in September.  However, the work leading to this began 12 years ago. Sometimes, miracles are slow taking shape.

With the help of GO and other supporters, Wilma first began providing feeding centers in a poor suburb of Lima, because so many children and their families had nothing to eat. This quickly grew to four separate feeding centers and places where children could hear Bible stories and experience Vacation Bible School.  As word quickly spread and participation increased, Wilma taught sewing classes so mothers could make clothes for themselves and their families.

Wilma had a heart for helping single abused mothers, and this led to her vision and commitment to building a school.  "They had no where else to go," she explains. The first year, she had 53 students; then 103; then 130.  This year 160 children between the ages of five and 15 get spiritual, physical, and intellectual nurturing at her school.  More than 90% come from single-parent homes.

Today, when you visit the school, you will hear students reciting Psalm 23 and other verses.  The smiles and joy of self esteem fill the building.  Music lifts your spirit as children in native costumes sing and dance and praise God. 

Much still needs to be done; and Christian psychiatrists are needed in some serious family cases.  But, thanks to Wilma and the support of GO, God is transforming lives.  We are eternally grateful for the many friends who have volunteered their time, gifts, finances, and prayers on behalf of this worthy cause.

Director of Communications