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Colombia Update:
Niños Para Dios Blesses Us!

Little did we know that when we met Julian and Carolina four years ago, it would mark the beginning of not only a beautiful ministry to children and parents but also a deep and lasting friendship. Aside from missing the people at Niños para Dios, we haven’t had a reason to travel to Colombia since last April—and that’s because the team continues to demonstrate incredible integrity!

Early on in our venture with Java Relief, we were warned—and saw firsthand—how financial support to even a trusted ministry leader can sometimes change a heart for the worse. We were advised to enter ministry with a mindset that people might not be trustworthy, especially when long periods pass without seeing each other in person. But Julian and Carolina, the founders of Niños para Dios, continue to prove their trustworthiness, and we’ve been truly blessed to partner with them since the beginning of their ministry.

They reach out to us often via messaging and are consistently transparent and vulnerable during our quarterly Zoom calls. We are included in—and asked to pray for—all of their major decisions, and even the minor ones. They openly share their financial information, staffing concerns, and personal struggles with us. We also message just for fun—they’ve even been invited to our son’s wedding this June (though the travel cost is a bit steep for them). They are truly special people, committed to faith and to helping others.

Julian and Carolina, Mendoza

Latest Updates

Thanks to your donations, last year we were able to fund the restructuring of the wood flooring in the upper level of the childcare building. It was previously unsafe, and the goal was to make it livable for staff leaders Wall and Cenet so someone would always be present at the center in case of emergencies. We’re thrilled to share that the new floor looks fantastic!

Last June, Niños para Dios was selected as the international recipient of a $12,000 donation from the Stop the Trafficking 5K, held each spring in Minnesota. That generous gift helped cover essential monthly expenses, including providing healthy meals for the children, blessing the staff—many of whom volunteer their time—and allowing the center to serve over 80 families!

Even more good news: the Colombian government has officially recognized Niños para Dios as a certified childcare center. This gives them access to vital resources such as food programs, legal childcare approvals, and connections to children’s events. They are now equipped to serve 40 children daily!

Last March, a large team from a church in Florida made their first trip to serve at Niños para Dios. They accomplished so much—painting, fixing floor tiles, restoring and building a new ceiling in a large classroom, and organizing VBS and other activities with the children. It’s exciting to see new people come alongside the team, and this church plans to continue supporting the ministry!

We're also thrilled to share that a psychologist has recently joined the staff. Julian shared, “This has been fundamental, and now the pedagogical planning process for children and mothers is more structured and focused on healing hearts and restoring lives.”

How You’re Making a Difference

Thanks to your ongoing generosity, Java Relief has continued supporting Niños para Dios with $500 per month. This consistent funding is a lifeline for them and forms the foundation of their monthly budget. Thank you!

Current Needs

During our last Zoom meeting, we asked what their most urgent needs are beyond their regular operations. Their biggest hope is to purchase a van—estimated at $10,000—to provide transportation for the children. These kids are often Venezuelan refugees, not enrolled in school, and living with their mothers in temporary hotels. When those families are asked to move, they’re often no longer within walking distance of the center. Many of these mothers work on the streets, making it unsafe for their children to be left alone or accompany them. Tragically, we know of children who were taken by the government under the assumption that they were abandoned.

In addition, Julian and Carolina shared the need for some kitchen upgrades to ensure the facility remains up to code.
 

How You Can Help

The U.S. dollar stretches far in Colombia, and any donation—large or small—makes a meaningful impact. If you feel led to give, please be sure to note that your gift is for Colombia.

Thank you so much for your continued support of Java Relief. We are grateful for every coffee order, every donation, and every prayer. We couldn’t partner with ministries doing such amazing work without you!