On Saturday, December 1, 2012, Darrin, Kevin, and Randy made a one day trip to the orphanage.  We delivered a drum set that was purchased for the orphanage music program.  We arrived around 10:15am and enjoyed the last 45 minutes of the Saturday morning music class.  The children were singing and playing their instruments in preparation for their performance on December 21^st at a local factory’s employee appreciation day/holiday party.  We were all amazed at how well they were playing their instruments.  The music teacher has done a fabulous job!

(As you will see in the photos, the music class was being held in the dining area rather than the normal “meeting” room due to work being done in that room.)

 

    After the music lesson we had some of the boys help us unload and setup the drum set.  Two of the boys then showed us that they are already familiar with playing the drums.  We believe the drum set will be a nice compliment to the other instruments they have.  Next we want to get them an amplifier for the bass guitar.

 

    We spoke with Misael, the Orphanage Director, for over an hour discussing how we can best support the orphanage.  We also discussed their interaction with other orphanages in the area.  Misael informed us that the El Monte, CA School District has provided them with a mobile classroom and a second one is scheduled to arrive before the end of the year.  Initial plans for the classrooms are to use them for music and Bible study.

    Overall it was a great trip!

 

To view the photos click on 1 December 2012 Trip.

Music Videos:

 

 

    During a trip to Tecate on August 24-26 several members of LCGS (Darrin, Charlie, Greg, Kevin, and Randy) visited the RSJB orphanage on Saturday, August 24.  The Saturday morning music lesson was being conducted during the visit.  (Your donations are helping fund music lessons on Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00am for children 13 and older and on Saturdays from 9:00-11:00am for children under 13)  When the music teacher, Martin, arrived the children quickly went to greet him.  They were very excited for the lesson to begin.  After taking attendance, Martin provided instruction on the guitar to 8 children.  

    Misael, the orphanage director, told us a Minnesota church supporting the orphanage heard of the music program and donated additional instruments.  Misael also informed us that in May a professional, classical guitarist (Rafael Elizondo) played at the orphanage for an hour.  He had played at the orphanage 25 years ago for his first public performance.  He wanted to come back and play for the children.  Also, Eva Chavez, a professional pianist in Tecate, invited the children to attend a concert in June.  She has volunteered to give piano lessons to four children at the orphanage. The lessons will begin on Wednesday, August 29.

    We are still in need of additional guitars and continued donations for the music lessons.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

    The music program has become a huge success and is a great blessing for the children!!!!  Please keep them in your prayers.

 

To view the music lesson photos click on August 24, 2012 photo album.

 

      A one day trip was made to Tecate, Mexico on June 29^th to visit the Rancho San Juan Bosco orphanage, an elementary school east of Tecate, and a medical clinic near the school.  We met with the orphanage director, Misael, and discussed starting a music program at the orphanage.  We told him we have a piano, two guitars, and several other instruments that have been donated.  We plan to pay for a local music teacher to come to the orphanage twice a week for a couple hours to teach the children.  Misael was very excited about the program.  We also discussed our continued support to ensure the orphanage has sufficient food. 

The orphanage does not receive any Government funding.  It is supported only through donations.

I just returned from Tecate, Mexico, where I participated with our church in building a house for a family of six.  I also had the opportunity to visit San Juan Bosco Orphanage.  I am very grateful to God for letting us live in America.  Many people have asked me why I feel the calling to do mission work in Mexico rather than the U.S.  It has also crossed my mind.  I have a very good answer.  In the U.S., our government aid is so great that most people do not need to go hungry or sleep in shack homes.  This, of course, is just my observation.  So, hopefully, it will grab your spirit and donate to our cause.  C. Alexovics

Family's previous home

Newly built home

January 28, 2012 Trip

Darrin Potter, Kevin Crowley, and Randy Spilde drove to Tecate, Mexico on Saturday, January 28, 2012, to buy food and supplies for the Rancho San Juan Bosco orphanage.  It was a windy day so very few children were outside when we arrived.  After a short visit with Misael Quezada, the orphanage director, we departed for the store with Israel (staff member) and the shopping list.  The first store we stopped at, Soriana Super, was to buy fresh produce.  We next went to El Florido to purchase the rest of the food.  While at El Florido we met the owner of the store.  When we explained we were buying food for the orphanage, he graciously donated a box of chicken meat.  We returned to the orphanage and unloaded all of the food, which filled multiple tables extending the length of the dining area.  All of the children were in a bus waiting to depart for a birthday party, but four of the young girls came out to thank us and bid us farewell.

To view photos from the trip click on January 28, 2012 photo album.

With the help of continued donations we plan to visit the orphanage every other month.  If you would like to provide a donation please see the Donation Information at the bottom of the blog page.  If you would like to participate in a trip to the orphanage please contact Charlie Alexovics at 310-793-7972 or Darrin Potter at 310-430-6235.  Thank you again for your support and prayers.

December 3, 2011 Trip

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is continuing to support the Rancho San Juan Bosco orphanage in Tecate, Mexico.  The latest trip to buy food and supplies for the orphanage was on December 3, 2011.  We had the privilege of having Pastor Chris and his father (in the U.S. visiting from England) joining us on this trip.  When we arrived at the orphanage the children were busy with their Saturday cleaning activities.  After giving Pastor Chris and his father a tour of the orphanage, we went to a local grocery store and purchased multiple cart loads of food items.  We were accompanied by one of the older children, Hector, who brought along the shopping list. Upon returning to the orphanage, the older children gladly helped unload the van. You could tell the children are very grateful and appreciative of what is being provided for them. 

God’s blessing to everyone for supporting the orphanage.  Please continue to keep the children in your prayers.