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No Small Sacrifice:
The Beginnings of Ceracaif Orphanage
By Ruth Babel
Late in 2009, Orphan Outreach began partnering with Ceracaif, a privately run orphanage located thirty-minutes outside of Xela, Guatemala’s second-largest city. Ceracaif is the fruit of sacrifice—the result of one man, Ciro Murguia, and his willingness to die to his own comfort and security for the sake of children who needed a home.
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When recurring business trips took Murguia from his home in Mexico to Guatemala, he was moved by the plight of homeless children who fended for themselves by roaming and scavenging. “He saw all of these forgotten children,” explains Mike Douris, president of Orphan Outreach, “and realized how vulnerable they were to exploitation.”
After Murguia retired, the former businessman and his wife, Maria Teresa sold their possessions and moved to Guatemala’s western highlands, a coffee-growing region. They bought land, built a building, and took in abandoned children who had nowhere else to go. He became, at age 70, something of a modern-day George Mueller—a father to the fatherless.
Today the couple’s two daughters, Lourdes and Teresa carry on the work of caring for 60 to 70 children, ages 3 and up. Serving Christ in countless acts of service, the two women are model multi-taskers. On a typical day they might teach reading or math, prepare a supper of spicy frijoles and rice, and dole out loving correction or a motherly hug.
Ceracaif, known locally as Casa Hogar mi Pequeno Refugio (Home of Refuge), is surrounded by acres of land, so there is ample space for play and future development. “The buildings are fairly new,” says Douris, “but they need work.” The orphanage needs general construction labor as well as skilled electricians to help rewire buildings.
Orphan Outreach is working to provide funding for two additional teachers, computers, printers, and school supplies. Ongoing needs include food staples, vitamins, and clothing. “We are looking for churches or individuals who want to come alongside and serve these children with us,” adds Douris.
To learn how you or your church can bless the Ceracaif family, contact Amy Norton, Director of Programs, at anorton@orphanoutreach.org.
| Current Needs in Ceracaif |
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| Two New Teachers for 1 full school year |
$6,000 |
| New Electrical Wiring for the orphanage |
$5,000 |
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| Additional Needs |
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| Construction of a New Playground |
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| Construction of a Soccer Field |
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| Computers |
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| Appliances |
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