Bringing Hope Home

At Cadaniño, ministry doesn't stop at the doors of our community centers; it begins there and continues into the homes and hearts of the families we serve.

In Guatemala, inviting someone into your home is a deeply personal and meaningful gesture and an act of trust. For the families we serve, who often live in incredibly humble conditions and may feel ashamed of their living circumstances, it takes even more courage. That they excitedly welcome us into their homes speaks volumes about the depth of the relationship and trust our team has built with them over the years.

Home visits are a vital part of our work to strengthen families. By stepping into the lives of our students and their families, we can better understand their needs, offer prayer and encouragement, and walk with them through the joys and struggles they face.

Every Thursday, teams of teachers and Youth Pastors from both Cadaniño centers head out to visit the families of our students. However, these visits are more than just check-ins; they are moments of personal connection where hope is renewed, dignity is restored, and struggling families are reminded that they are not alone.

Here are just a few stories from recent visits that show why we do this:

To Show Families They Are Not Alone

When we visited Donna and her daughter Cynthia, we could see that she was carrying a heavy weight. In talking to her, she opened up about her husband's drinking problems, her feelings of being trapped, and the fears she had about her future. We were able to remind her that she wasn't alone, that we were here for her, and, more importantly, that God is with her and watching over her. Before leaving, she hugged us and whispered, "Thank you for seeing me."

On another home visit, we met Renee, the mother of Héctor, a student of ours who is battling with an undiagnosed illness. She shared how hard it had been to see her son's discouragement and to hear him say he didn't want to go on. Just us sitting with her, listening to her, and praying for her was a reminder that God has put people in her life to support her and that she was not carrying this burden alone, but that we were there for her supporting her in prayer.

To Understand Their Real Needs

When we visited Jose and his mother, she shared about his potential upcoming surgery to correct a deformity he was born with, her fears about how it would go, and the struggles she has due to the bullying he faces in school because of his physical differences. It was something we hadn't realized before, as Jose is such a joyful child who inspires everyone when he comes to Cadaniño and gave us a deeper understanding of the challenges he faces and helped us better understand how to support him.

Also, when visiting Esters family, we discovered their father was recovering from an accident that left him partially blind after a recent injury, something no one had mentioned before. We also learned about their ongoing financial struggles and broken family ties, and we were able to pray specifically for those burdens.

To Build Deeper Relationships

During a visit with the Vasquez family, the mother shared how she used to be very harsh with her children, but how God has softened her heart. She spoke about how, thanks to Cadaniño, she was learning to discipline with love and dignity, rather than anger. We laughed and cried together as she talked about how her family has grown closer and more joyful.

At another home, Daria shared how attending church had transformed her perspective as a mother. She spoke about resisting the temptation to leave her children behind and emigrate for economic reasons because she realized how much her children needed her to be present in their lives. Moments like this, of true trust and vulnerability only come when we sit down, without rushing, and truly listen to those we serve in a place they feel safe.

To Provide Support and Resources

When we visited Mona and her son Abel, she admitted she was overwhelmed. Abel had failed several subjects in school, and she was struggling with health issues herself: gallstones, joint pain, and more. She hadn't been able to afford a doctor yet. We discussed ways to help Abel improve his grades, and prayed for her health. Her eyes filled with tears as she said, "I feel so much lighter just having someone to talk to."

During another visit, Oscars family shared their struggles after being forced to relocate to a place with unreliable access to water. The grandmother explained the exhausting trips they have to make every day to wash clothes at a public water tank and how challenges with the mother's unpredictable work schedule make it hard to provide for their family. We took time to pray for provision and that God would give them the strength to keep going.

To Reflect God's Love

Visiting the family of Omar was such a joy. The children ran to tell us how much they love learning about God at Cadaniño, and their mother said they even beg to go to church now. She told us, "When you come to our home and pray with us, it feels like God Himself is visiting."

During a visit to the Soto family. The mother tearfully told us her testimony of how her faith helped her to overcome depression after her daughter was born without part of her arm. During our devotional time together, she said she felt God's presence restoring her hope and filling her with gratitude for all He had done for her.

Why It Matters

Home visits allow us to see what no report or classroom interaction could reveal. They remind families that they are seen, known, and loved, not just by us, but by a God who loves them.

When we sit with them in their homes, we don't just assess their needs or offer help...we share life...we share faith...and we share hope.

Thank you for being part of this ministry. Your prayers and support make these visits possible, enabling us to share the love of Christ in homes across our community, one family at a time.

Would you consider partnering with us to continue strengthening families? Together, we can bring hope home.

Sincerely, Timothy Martiny

Partner with Cadaniño today and impact lives for eternity!

---

Did you know?

Everything we do at Cadaniño...feeding children, providing safe spaces, helping students excel in school, and equipping teachers to disciple the next generation depends...entirely on the support of donors?

It’s made possible by individual believers like you, answering Christ’s call to serve the vulnerable, feed the hungry, preach the Gospel, and make disciples.

And here’s something remarkable: 100% of your gift goes directly to our community centers in Guatemala.

Cadaniño has a proven track record of lasting, measurable impact: transforming children, families, and communities through faith, education, and love.

Would you prayerfully consider giving or becoming a monthly partner to help us continue our work empowering vulnerable children to discover their gifts and abilities and be empowered to use them to their greatest potential in a way that glorifies God.

Together, we can keep changing lives...one child, one family, one community at a time.

DONATE