Closing a chapter

After 4 and a half years of keeping our friends and family updated on our ministry at Casa Shalom via this blog, we feel that it's time to make a change.  Technology has advanced and we have found new ways to tell about all that the Lord is doing...so it is time to say goodbye to blogspot.  We are NOT leaving Casa Shalom.  We are just using different avenues to keep you updated about our work.  In the future, to learn more about our work at Casa Shalom, please visit the Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/CasaShalom) or the orphanage's website (www.CasaShalom.net)

Blessings!

Josh, Jessica and Sophia Hanson

This week at Casa Shalom!

Baptism

On Sunday, we at Casa Shalom had the great privilege of seeing 7 of our young men baptized in water in the name of the Father, the,Son and the Holy Spirit. The young man being baptized in this video is Martin, age 16. Martin is an indigenous Mayan Indian. His grandfather was the Mayan priest/shaman for their village, and as a small boy, Martin was being groomed to be the next village shaman. He participated in many pagan rituals, including animal sacrifices to the Mayan gods. After coming to Casa Shalom as a boy, Martin accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and renounced his Mayan religion. Today, Martin stood in front of the church and publicly declared that he is a follower of Christ. From a future pagan priest to a baptized Christ-follower! Praise the Lord! Watch for more info about the baptism in the coming days.

Princess Yuliza

We think that Yuliza, age 8, is a true princess! She came to Casa Shalom nearly 3 years ago after her own mother attempted to murder her and her 2 siblings. She came to us a scarred, broken little girl. But she's now a loving, happy and cheerful child. Thank you, Jesus, for sending Yuliza our way, and for the transformation in her life!

Welcome back, Domingo

Casa Shalom took in a new child today. Domingo, age 6, is actually on his 2nd stay at Casa Shalom. He came to us for the first time last year, after being removed from his parents' home because of their extreme alcoholism. He was returned to his parents' home after a few short weeks at Casa Shalom, but today he returned to us because his parents have separated and his mother's alcohol addiction is worse than ever. While we are very saddened by the choices Domingo's mother has made, we are happy to once again be able to provide a safe place for Domingo and we are glad for the chance to minister to this sweet child.

January's newsletter

January's newsletter is now live, and it's full of information and updates about Casa Shalom. Check it out at this link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs143/1112278362632/archive/1112295551810.html

Welcome, Mauricio!

Mauricio, age 9, is another one of the new children that Casa Shalom welcomed this week. Mauricio has come to Casa Shalom after his father was convicted of killing his mother and incarcerated, and he was physically abused by his aunt. We welcome Mauricio with open arms, and are so glad to be able to provide a safe place for him!

Welcome, Ariel and Yamileth

Last night, we took in 3 new children. 2 of them are siblings Ariel, age 11, and Yamileth, 13. The children were sent to live on the streets by their mother, who is a prostitute. They're very malnourished, have never been to the doctor, have never been to school and are completely illiterate. But today, they are attending school for the very first time! Yamileth has shown us bruises from beatings her mother gave her, but she says she's so happy to be in a place where she's safe. This is why Casa Shalom exists - to care for these precious children who need a place to call home.

Child of the Week

Meet Esteban, Casa Shalom's child of the week!  To see Esteban's story, visit Casa Shalom's website: www.CasaShalom.net

Josue David's transformation

What a smile! When Josue David came to Casa Shalom 3 years ago, he came to us a frightened and abused little boy. It was well over a month before we saw him smile. Now, joy just radiates from him. We thank Jesus for bringing physical, mental, and spiritual healing to our precious children!