Los Guido Kids' Club

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Since early 2007 it has been our joy to be involved with the children of Los Guido, a shantytown southeast of San José. Los Guido is a community with many social problems, especially drug and gang activity. Many children there are in need of safe spaces to play and just "be kids," as well as to hear a message of God's love that counters the negative messages they receive each day. Because of this, and at the invitation of the local Methodist pastor, in March 2007 we began meeting each week with 50-70 children from the neighborhood, to sing, dance, play games, learn lessons, make crafts, and enjoy a snack. Ella designed lessons and crafts that teach the children about how special they are, about God's love for them in Jesus, about how to work together and respect one another, and other appropriate topics. Our goal with the kids' club was always not just to help children now, but also to plant seeds that may sprout later in life, creating a better life for them and their community.
Since 2013 and the change in our family situation, we were no longer able to visit Los Guido each week. However, we stay connected to children's ministry there through frequent visits, financial help for school supplies and uniforms for certain children, and with material aid for the church's own Sunday School department. Even though our season of regular work there has drawn to a close for now, we always thank the Lord for the lessons we learned and continue to learn from this place, which is so fertile despite its outward appearance and where the Lord is working in every child's heart.
Please enjoy the following photos of this project, and especially be in prayer for these children and their families, the local Methodist church, and the work God is doing in all of their lives.
Since early 2007 it has been our joy to be involved with the children of Los Guido, a shantytown southeast of San José. Los Guido is a community with many social problems, especially drug and gang activity. Many children there are in need of safe spaces to play and just "be kids," as well as to hear a message of God's love that counters the negative messages they receive each day. Because of this, and at the invitation of the local Methodist pastor, in March 2007 we began meeting each week with 50-70 children from the neighborhood, to sing, dance, play games, learn lessons, make crafts, and enjoy a snack. Ella designed lessons and crafts that teach the children about how special they are, about God's love for them in Jesus, about how to work together and respect one another, and other appropriate topics. Our goal with the kids' club was always not just to help children now, but also to plant seeds that may sprout later in life, creating a better life for them and their community.
Since 2013 and the change in our family situation, we were no longer able to visit Los Guido each week. However, we stay connected to children's ministry there through frequent visits, financial help for school supplies and uniforms for certain children, and with material aid for the church's own Sunday School department. Even though our season of regular work there has drawn to a close for now, we always thank the Lord for the lessons we learned and continue to learn from this place, which is so fertile despite its outward appearance and where the Lord is working in every child's heart.
Please enjoy the following photos of this project, and especially be in prayer for these children and their families, the local Methodist church, and the work God is doing in all of their lives.
Photos of the Los Guido Kids' Club
2013 Christmas party
Celebrating the Christmas season with the children of Los Guido is always one of the highlights of our year-end activities. Even though the adoption of our girls has kept us from being in Los Guido as regularly as in years past, we didn't want to miss this special opportunity to serve, celebrate, and just have fun! A local woman had donated gifts and snacks for the children, and we brought crafts, a Bible lesson, and cupcakes. Below are some photos of the wonderful afternoon we shared. A special blessing for us was to see our girls playing alongside these children who we've known for years, and also helping serve them as well. Merry Christmas from Los Guido!
2012 - During the year
This year in Los Guido began with a series of lessons around Valentine's Day focusing on God's love for us and the love we can show each other. Also, it was a special treat to have Will's parents with us to start off the series.
2012 - Christmas season
Each year Ella works to develop a series of lessons around the Christmas story, ones that will be fun for the kids but also teach the importance of Christ's coming to dwell among us in very humble circumstances. We enjoyed bringing this past year to a close with fun activities such as Nativity crafts, Christmas bingo, and even bean-bag snowmen. Approaching the Christmas season with these wonderful kids is always a reminder to us of how important children are to God's plans.
Special bonus video!
This short video shows one of Will's major contribution to the Kids' Club is: acting silly and getting the kids to laugh. Here they're playing a "Simon Says"-type game that involves imitating Jello, bananas, pineapples, and....well, see for yourself!