You have been faithful! We are so thankful! 2002 was another great year in the ministry to the children of Latin America and the Caribbean. Children have had the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and have been provided the tools they need to break the chains of poverty. You have been a blessing to the children, their families and their communities. Many of you have sacrificed to sponsor your child.

Last year, over 13,000 sponsors did their part in reaching the needy children in 20 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. Needy children received a quality education and things like nutritious meals, medical and dental attention, and school uniforms. Your commitment to the children was evident as we saw a 3% increase in giving to the ministry — even in a year of financial challenges. God is faithful!

The year, 2003, is a special year in the ministry of Latin America ChildCare. 40 years ago, missionaries John and Lois Bueno, moved with compassion for the needs of the children, started a school. This ministry of compassion was the beginning of what became LACC, which provides hope for children in Latin America and the Caribbean. In El Salvador alone, over 406,000 children have attended the LACC-sponsored schools. Juan Carlos Gonzales was one of the children that attended those early classes. Today, he and his family are missionaries in Japan. This one story represents literally thousands of similar stories —from El Salvador and other countries.

This summer a children’s choir from El Salvador will be coming to the States for a six-week tour of churches on the East Coast, to help us celebrate the 40th anniversary. We look forward to meeting many of our sponsors during that tour.

The ministry of LACC is a partnership! We thank the missionaries who dedicate their time to oversee the ministry on the field. We thank the teachers and administrators of the schools — who make tremendous sacrifices in their ministry to children. We thank the office staff that is committed to linking caring sponsors and the needy children. We thank you, the sponsors, who give and pray for your children.

Ken Dahlager, Director
Steve Alsup, Director