Our Mission Philosophy

Based upon the premise that charitable support without active participation from the program recipients will lead to dependence rather than independence, we ask all mission visitors to support these principles:

• First – listen to the poor and learn what they have identified as their needs to help themselves overcome poverty. Recognize that your priorities may differ greatly from theirs.

• Observe the mission staff members who work with the program recipients every day who know best the needs of the people they serve. Seek their advice before offering help to people you meet to avoid misunderstanding and charity that may inadvertently hinder rather than help.

• Be aware of your own desire to quickly fix situations and instead recognize that sustainable change takes time and dedicated investment from the local community.

• Encourage and welcome participation from the families that you serve. Work side by side with the local people and embrace their talents, skills, and abilities.

• Respect the cultural differences and have an open mind; embrace the many beautiful lessons to be learned from the local people.

• Have fun; play with the children, practice your Spanish and share hugs, tears, and laughter. You will leave the mission with warm memories that will far outweigh the material goods that you arrived with.