In most families or organizations, there are people behind the scenes who are crucial to the smooth functioning of the organization. At Hogar de Vida in Guatemala, there are many people who are seldom seen or publicly appreciated, who work together to make the home a safe place for at-risk children. Amilcar is one of those people. His title is Administrator, but he does so much more.
Amilcar and Betty, his wife of 31 years, have 3 children and 2 grandchildren and live in San Andres. It was through Betty's prayers that Amilcar came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior 20 years ago. Since then, they have been whole heartedly serving the Lord together, and are very involved in their church. Amilcar is a retired elementary school teacher, having worked in the San Andres area for 23 years - 13 years as a classroom teacher and 10 years as the Director of an elementary school. Betty, owns and operates a restaurant and catering business, helping the Home by catering lunches for the teams who come to serve.
Twelve years ago Amilcar retired from teaching. It was a loss for the school system, but a gain for Hogar de Vida as he accepted the part-time position of Administrator of the home. His official duties are to manage the finances and to serve as the Home's legal representative, but he does so much more. Monday through Friday, he is a Godly Grandfather figure in the home, something most of the kids have never experienced. He comes to work on the books, but often arrives with a bag of candy to share with the kids. The little ones hear him coming and run to greet him with a big hug. The kids love and trust him. In addition, Amilcar is well known and respected in the community, which enables teams that come to serve to go into schools to share the Gospel.
Amilcar feels that God has called him to Hogar de Vida for a purpose. He knows he is here not only to give administrative support, but also to share life and the love of God with the children. He knows that God has called him to serve Him, to share the love of God and to be an example to the people of San Andres and the children of Hogar de Vida. We are thankful for Amilcar and glad that God led him here to serve.
Amilcar does not receive a salary from Hogar de Vida. He is a faith missionary trusting God to bring in the money needed to supplement his meager retirement funds and support his family. If you feel led to support Amilcar either monthly or with a one-time donation, you may do so by check, credit card or electronic funds transfer. Just click the appropriate link under Donate Here on the sidebar above. Designate your gift to "Amilcar-Home of Life Guatemala ."
Thank you.
The kids are enjoying looking through or reading the new books. Many afternoons there are toddlers through teenagers all in the TV room, surrounded by the baskets of new books, each with a book in hand, devouring the content. It literally has opened a new world to them.