The Bellflower Church had the opportunity to hand carry the church’s donations for the Door of Faith (DOF) orphanage when four carloads of members volunteered for this year’s drive to Mexico.

D.J. and Lynette Schuetze, an American couple, direct the Door of Faith orphanage, which currently houses a little over 100 children varying in age from newborns to college students. Administrators try to maintain a family atmosphere—eating meals together, saying their prayers, attending a local church (DOF children and youth make up over a third of the congregation) and try to raise their children to be well rounded, positive citizens.

The orphanage is funded by donations and receives help from volunteers and church groups. Without the help of people such as the Bellflower volunteers, Door of Faith could not care for so many of Mexico’s lost children. Bellflower members report that they are always welcomed with open arms.

The following is an account of the trip by volunteer Hilary Ledbetter (pictured below):

"This year was my first chance to go on the trip and my first time out of the United States. It was an experience I will never forget, and something I look forward to doing again. When we spent time with many of the younger children, it was amazing to see how happy the children could be just to sit on your lap, or to be spun like crazy on the carousel-like playground equipment by young adult males in our church.

"Of course, our tour of the orphanage ended in the nursery, where everyone could not help but fall in love with Christ’s new additions to the world. Due to the high cost involved in raising children from infancy, Door of Faith is one of only a handful of orphanages in Mexico that is licensed to house infants. They are very thankful for every helping hand and continue to work every day to keep their home happy and safe for their children, which seems like a daunting task.

"One administrator estimated that they prepare approximately 2,450 meals, wash 420 loads of laundry and use 150 rolls of toilet paper each week. With all of these expenses, they are still able to keep everything clean and orderly for the children. It warmed my heart to see how God works in their lives and ours.

"Our trip to Mexico was well worth the time it took to get there, and the many toll booths we encountered. I was so touched to be able to join fellow members in sharing what God has given us to help the children. We not only shared money and goods that we had packed like sardines into our cars, but also our love and prayers that we continue to carry with us every day.

"Sometimes we may feel like we are going through hard times here in the U.S., but there are people all over the world who have it much worse than we do. Maybe we need to realize how blessed we are with the love, patience and guidance of our Savior, Jesus Christ."

For information about Door of Faith orphanage, visit www.dofo.org.