About Casa de la Esperanza
Our Story
Our goal at Casa is to develop the talents and abilities of each child through a strong foundation in God’s word and an excellent educational program.
In recent years, the Mayfare Church of Christ in Oklahoma City has made a significant commitment to Casa’s mission, becoming our sponsoring church. Since then, Casa has experienced continuous and transformative changes in its facilities, operations, and childcare practices.
Casa de la Esperanza, literally translated, means “house of hope”, and that is exactly what it is for many children in northern Mexico–a safe haven. Upon first arriving at Casa, children are sometimes traumatized due to the conditions from which they were rescued and are generally hungry, tired, and scared. The scene is sad yet hopeful in that for the first time in their lives, the children find a clean, safe, and loving Christian environment where they can begin to heal and recover from their experiences.
When first entering Casa, children are usually withdrawn, hesitant, and mistrusting; however, after a few days or weeks, children can be seen playing, smiling, and learning about many things. They quickly become accustomed to daily routines of healthy meals, a year-round Christian school, chores, playtime, devotionals, and a constant dose of Christ-like love. In time, an undernourished and abused child, without hope, becomes a healthy, active, and loving part of our Casa family.
Summer months are busy with youth and adult groups visiting from the United States to work on a wide range of construction projects around Casa, as well as to spend the afternoons engaging in a variety of activities with the children.
The children begin to grow in knowledge, experience, and security as their basic needs are being met, usually for the first time. All of the children are shown godly examples of how to live and are encouraged to live their lives for God. In some cases, children are reunited with their families. The other children can look forward to higher educational prospects while here at Casa. Children may stay for the amount of time needed to receive training for their future, whether that is in a trade school, college, or university. Our commitment to each child extends as far as covering all their educational expenses until they are able to conduct independent, productive Christian lives. While receiving a college, trade, or university education, children will work flexible hours at Casa, receive a wage, and live as supporting members of the Casa household.
Our goal at Casa is to develop the talents and abilities of each child through a strong foundation in God’s word and an excellent educational program. All school-age children attend school, many for the very first time. After school, the children study and do their homework in an organized, supportive setting. This is followed by time for play and various other activities. In order to teach the children a good work ethic, part of the daily schedule also includes responsibilities and chores. Evening devotions close the day with singing, prayer, and study in the Word, to encourage the children to grow in their individual relationships with love for Christ.
God’s love is evident through the children here. For the children at Casa de la Esperanza, it truly is a “house of hope”.
Meet Our Directors
Gil and Becky Sanchez
Gil and Becky served for 30 years at the Southwest Church of Christ in Pueblo, Colorado, prior to coming to serve as Directors at Casa de la Esperanza in 1998. During their last four years at Southwest, Gil served as Deacon of Missions. Gil has extensive career experience in economic development, as well as business planning, development, and management. He completed his Ph.D. class work in Human Resource Management at Colorado State University in 1997. He holds an M.A. in Social Science and a double major/double minor from USC in Psychology and Education with a specialization in Elementary Special Education. Becky had her own very successful private business in childcare for 18 years. Prior to going into business, Becky served as a doctor’s assistant for four years. Becky also holds a degree in nursing. They have two lovely Christian daughters and five grandchildren. Gil and Becky are originally from Colorado and hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico.
