Since 1994 the Central Methodist mission team connection to an orphanage is still going on. Started originally by Larry Cotton from Silver Creek UMC it grew to include over 14 churches sending teams and many more sending down donations of all sorts. Larry passed away several years ago, but the connection he established to the La Familia Home still exists today. There are still mission trips offered each year from two of the original churches, Lighthouse and Acton.
 
La Familia was started as a Mennonite orphanage, then Methodist, and is now operated by Groupo Amor, headquartered in Colima Mexico. They have 11 children’s homes under the direction of Robert Sawyer. He’s originally from Bedford UMC. He went down on a mission trip in 1985, then went back again. He answered the call and has been there ever since. La familia, once in Serdan, is now located in the mountains of central Mexico. It’s about 160 miles south of Mexico City and is in the town of Palamerito. There haven’t been any of the crime problems you hear about in other parts of Mexico.

The new home is on about two acres and presently houses 30 children, a director couple and four volunteers. It was finished last August. The second phase of the construction, which we hope to start this winter, will allow for approximately 15 to 20 more children. The older location would not allow for that many kids.

Teams are needed for the construction on a regular basis. Presently teams come from Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Michigan and Canada. Any time of year, the weather is nice. year round due to the altitude.

One of the best things is the long established connection to one mission project. Each of us who have been involved have been able to see God at work in making things happen. He has also allowed us to see the development of the children over time as well. Those who go regularly call the names of the children as their second family and can’t wait to get the hugs each year. It’s a special thing when God allows you to see and be close to what he is doing year after year.

For More Information

To participate or learn how you can help Lighthouse Fellowship's efforts in supporting this mission, please contact:

Marshall Sansbury at us at 817-236-7087 or mogusto@aol.com.
Lighthouse Fellowship offices at 817-237-2758 or info@lighthouse-church.org.