Tesoros de Dios needs to grow. This isn't a want or a desire or a dream. . .it is a need! 100 children and their families are being served each week through Tesoros' unique education/therapy programs. . .which is awesome. Praise God for the lives touched! I know I'm blessed by my weekly interactions with 15 of the 100. But the waiting list to get into Tesoros de Dios stands at around fifty. 50 kids. . .the vast majority not receiving any type of therapy or education while they wait. . .and wait. . .and wait. There just aren't many feasible, free options for the typical Nicaraguan family. And so, yes, we need to grow, for the need is here.
The last few board meetings have been exciting and scary, outlining proposals of growth. . .new land for building expansion, new satellite site in Matagalpa, new teachers and therapists. That is the exciting part. The scary part is that is takes money to grow! And so the second part of our "visioning" is always tethered and grounded by Tesoros' complete dependence on generous donors and churches who share our vision for supporting children with disabilities in Nicaragua. We need money to grow.
How are we growing or hoping to grow?
New Land and Buildings: Our buildings are full! Every space in every building is well-used. We are dreaming of expanding our buildings, and of covering our horse therapy area to enable kids to ride even in the rain (May-November) or the horrible heat and blowing dust (right now!). We're also landlocked. I was able to meet with the owner of the surrounding land, along with staff from Tesoros, to continue an ongoing and fairly tense conversation about purchasing land, which would enable future growth. Land is EXPENSIVE in Nicaragua, and we're kind of talking about in the middle of nowhere!
Outreach Ministries: A few years ago, Tesoros recognized the huge need for education and training outside of our walls. We now have a few dedicated positions with the goal of training church leaders, school teachers and administrators, and university students. This team also seeks to facilitate good special education practices in the schools that some of our students attend (not all attend school, but some do) and help ensure that our students' churches are accessible. These outreach ministries are now an essential part of Tesoros. I get to benefit from these outreach programs at NCA International through the SOAAR program. We have utilized the services of the speech and language teams that visit Tesoros. A physical therapist works with an NCA student twice a month in my classroom, training me and the assistant as well. I've participated in multiple trainings offered by Tesoros for professional development.
Increasing Nicaraguan Support: For a few years, Marvin Solis worked as the office accountant at Tesoros de Dios. But he had dreams and abilities that have allowed him to shift into a new role. . .connecting with people and resources right here in Nicaragua. Nearly all of our support comes from the US. Nearly all of that US support from a handful of churches and very generous individuals. Marvin's role will help us become more sustainable. . .and will hopefully connect Nicaraguans and their resources to the work that is happening in this local ministry.
Will you take a minute to pray for Tesoros? Please pray for our fundraising efforts. For careful, well-planned, and sustainable growth. For an increased number of children, families, schools, and churches reached. For the children on the waiting list. For the director, Michelle.
Consider joining the Tesoros de Dios support team. You can sponsor a child. . .and I assure you, your ministry support will be well-used, an enabler of growth in ministry. We don't want a waiting list! Click here if you feel called to support Tesoros through general donation, child sponsorship, or the purchase of yummy coffee.
