Hacienda Of Hope

The Hacienda of Hope would like to thank you for your financial, spiritual, and emotional support as we continue to develop our ministry to the children of Ecuador. It is amazing to see how much God has accomplished through you since our initial steps in 2001. Funds that were contributed in 2001 and 2003 allowed us to purchase the initial property, develop the land, and complete the first casa and corner apartment.

With generous gifts for the 2005-2007 period, new opportunities have opened up that we did not immediately anticipate. As we look to the future and envision many more children coming into the Hacienda of Hope, the need for additional land has become apparent, particularly as we look to incorporate elements that will serve a dual role: first to provide training, responsibility, and life skills for the children, and second to help the Hacienda of Hope to become at least partially self-sustained in the coming years.

Jerry and Patricia have been interested in the property to the north of our existing land for some time. In fact, several of us walked this property during the summer of 2003 and began praying that God would deliver it to us in the future. Over the past three years, we have discussed this property and what we might do to obtain it.

Several months ago, Jerry contacted the owner and found that there was some interest in selling the property. As we considered our commitment to complete the first Hacienda, we began analyzing our budget, while prayerfully discussing the feasibility of acquiring the land. Initially, our construction plans had expanded based upon the funds contributed and pledged in 2005 (adding a large shop/life skills building, tractor, and two more vans). However, with this new opportunity at hand, the construction budget was scaled back to the original plan (i.e. completion of the first Hacienda in addition to some staff housing) as we negotiated with the landowner and worked with the budget in hopes of completing the purchase of the property.

Earlier this month, the landowner reduced the price of the land to a level that fit into our modified budget, and we agreed to purchase 34 acres. This acquisition more than triples our original land area and completes the property that will comprise the Hacienda of Hope.

While the construction progress and land acquisition are exciting, it is critical that we remember our purpose: sharing Jesus with the children that God brings to us and training them to be His disciples.
As we look toward the future, we see God doing great things for the children and eventually through the children at the Hacienda of Hope! Please continue to keep this ministry, including the missionaries, the children, and the Hacienda of Hope staff in your prayers on a daily basis.