No doubt you’ve heard the saying, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” The truth is that the only sustainable way to make long-lasting change is through a combination of short-term impact combined with long-term focused efforts. More importantly, we have experienced the transformational power of teaching people about their personal value and helping them find a positive relationship with God. When people transform their identity in Christ, regardless of their circumstances, they learn they’re identity is not one of victims of poverty but rather as soldiers of progress.
At Danilo’s Cares, we are committed to this long-term investment in Honduran children and our local community. We are committed to the long-term well-being of Honduras because it is “our” Honduras. Most of our board members are either from Honduras or spent substantial parts of their lives living in Honduras.
Our work goes beyond the dental brigades or Christmas projects. I’d like to share one of those ongoing efforts. Danilo’s Cares has been working with a local public school in San Pedro Sula, Raissa Vanessa Castro, where we have been providing the kids with dental care and education. During a past dental brigade, Danilo’s Cares President, Judith Martinez Gore met with the school Principal, and identified a significant need for positive influence and role models for the young 6th and 7th grade female students. These young girls are between the age of 11-13, and many have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse and go home to no guidance or role models. This isn’t a challenge to be solved with one visit.
Magda Martinez, our Community Relations Director and Johanna Ocampo, our Community Relations Coordinator, have committed to monthly visits to the school to spend time with young female students and invest in their lives. They will be spending time with these young ladies, answering questions and giving a short lecture on topics like personal values, self-esteem, healthy God-designed sexuality, spiritual growth and character development.
The first monthly session happened this week, and early indications are very positive. Several young ladies expressed need for spiritual salvation and indicated accepting a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The conversations are like water in a desert to many of these young girls. The team is excited about the opportunities to positively influence these young ladies.
It is hard to calculate a monetary “cost” of an effort like this—this is just part of who we are and what we do. But it will not be difficult to see the long term value of the transforming message of salvation of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for your prayers, your ongoing faithful support, and your financial contributions that allow us to do what we do. One person at a time, it is making a difference. If in reading this, you are learning about us for the first time, join us!! All it takes is one person to make a difference in this world!
Josue Sierra,
Marketing Director
