A FATHER'S STORY – 2022

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103: 13 (NIV)

Happy Father’s Day! If you’re a father or a father figure to any child, this is your day to celebrate. It’s also a day to thank our heavenly Father for placing children in your life to love, protect and help grow into all God intends for them.

However, those responsibilities can be tough for many dads, especially those living in the poorest areas of Guatemala. Here’s the story of one dad, and how God is working through Hope Renewed International (HRI) to help him become the father he strives to be.

Providing for a child with autism

Camila with Dad, Duglas and Mom, Lourdes

Duglas was born into poverty in Zone 3 of Guatemala City. He’s a man who has a heart for Jesus and who is always looking for work so he can provide for his family. In fact, he and his brother rent a house together so that both families can afford shelter and food for their children. There is little money left over for toys or even school supplies.

So when Duglas’s daughter, Camila, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), he had no choice but to send her to the free public school. (Guatemala provides free public education only through the 6th grade and has no special education curriculum.) Duglas simply didn’t have the monthly amount required for his daughter to attend the city’s special needs program.

But Camila couldn’t talk or interact like the other school children. Kids at the public school made fun of her and even kicked and punched her when the teacher wasn’t looking. Every day Camila came home from school crying and traumatized from the physical and emotional abuse. It was obvious that Camila would not be able learn in that environment, so Duglas removed her from school.

For several years, Camila struggled without the benefit of services that would help her improve her language skills, learn to play with kids her own age and live a happy life.

Last year, friends told Duglas about the HRI scholarship program, and he reached out for help paying for autism services for 8-year-old Camila. This was an unusual request for HRI, especially considering our current struggles with finding adequate scholarship funding.

Camila thrives thanks to her HRI scholarship

But we trusted that God brought this family to us in His timing and that He would provide. We welcomed Camila into our scholarship program, and as you can see by the photos, today she is able to draw, paint and play happily. She has friends like any other child and is learning to speak. She even whispered a shy “hello” and “thank you” to two of our board members during their recent visit to Guatemala City. You can read about their visit HERE

Thanks to Camila’s involvement in our scholarship program, her dad is growing too. Duglas is actively involved in Camila’s studies and school activities. He stays on top of everything related to the scholarship, including attending meetings and making timely requests for supplies that Camila needs. Most importantly, he is grateful to God for His provision through HRI.

Here’s what two of our board members had to say:

“Duglas’s love for his little girl and his appreciation for the support for her through the HRI program were intense. His eyes were so filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunity that it touched my heart deeply.

“I feel privileged to be a part of helping Camila’s family know that just as they love Camila, God loves them perfectly. He sees them, loves them and will support them in unexpected ways - like providing the first ever autism scholarship through HRI.”

About the HRI scholarship program

At HRI, we believe education is a vital step in the journey out of poverty for all Guatemalans. That’s why we developed a two-pronged scholarship program, focusing on the educational needs of children and adults.

First, we support elementary school kids by providing uniforms, books and school supplies. Second, we help adults seeking to return to school and adolescents wishing to continue their education past the 6th grade, with books, tuition and other school or training supplies.

Students must maintain a “B” average and attend scholarship meetings to show completion of their work and grade status, as well as to request and receive supplies. Currently, 50 scholars need financial help, which is more than our current funding can sustain.

Help support fathers (and their children) this Father’s Day

We believe that God calls all Christians to create a legacy that ensures the next generation has the chance to develop its God-given abilities. We hope, as a child of Christ, you will honor your father and our Heavenly Father with a gift in any amount to our scholarship program.