If you’ve been around Amor for even the shortest length of time, you’ve likely learned that our passion is not simply about building houses.  We desire to impact the future of the Church.  It’s one of our core values, and something we take seriously.

As part of Casa de Amor program, our hope is that we not only provide a home to a family in need, but that the local church becomes a trusted face for the Mexican people to seek compassion and comfort.

Pastor Fausto recently followed-up with the Felix Guardado family to see how they were doing.  Mr. Guardado had suffered two heart attacks, and his employer fired him because they did not want to cover the cost of bypass surgery.  On the day that he was fired, the family learned they were to receive a new home from Amor.  It was a bitter-sweet day.

“I wanted to see Mr. and Mrs. Felix Guardado because I had heard from an Amor representative that the family was struggling,” shared Pastor Fausto.  “We always make it a point to follow-up with these families, and I felt directed by the Lord to visit them.”

When Pastor Fausto arrived at the home, he learned Mr. and Mrs. Guardado faced many challenges.  Mrs. Guardado shared how she desperately needed someone to talk to.

“This has been a hard time of my life,” she said.  “I received a new home from Amor Ministries, and I am so thankful.  But my husband has been very sick with a heart condition, and he has felt rejected because he cannot provide for us.  I have become the sole provider for our family.”

“I felt so overwhelmed at the gift we received that I started going to church more.  I experienced a revival in my faith.  But my husband felt left out and his pride was hurt.  He has moved out of our new home,” she offered, sadly.

“I didn’t know what to do.  I was frustrated at him, and I wished he would accept this gift and come to church.  I lost my temper, and I was not respectful.  And I pushed him away in his shame,” said Mrs. Guardado.

Pastor Fausto offered counsel and advice for what she should do next.  “Stay strong and committed.  Pray for your husband.  And keep coming to church.”    Later that week he followed up with a visit to Mr. Guardado.

“It is very difficult for these families,” shared Pastor Fausto.  While a new home is a wonderful gift, there are so many struggles that can get in the way of our relationship with God.  This is why Amor makes sure to do more than build a house.  We want to build a relationship.”

“I hope and pray that God will soften his heart and hers so that their marriage can be repaired and that God can be glorified.  Ramon has now been able to find a job, even with his heart condition, which is a huge blessing,” Pastor Fausto noted.

“In many communities, families may live together on one street, but that is not the case for Mrs. Guardado and her family.  She does not have the support from her neighbors or from family that lives near by.  It is the church that she is going to for support.”

“It is amazing to see the change in Angela, how her face lights up when she talks of how God has blessed her,” offered Pastor Fausto.  “She has a hope that she didn’t have before, even amidst these trying times with her husband, his health, and their family income.”

“I am grateful that you still visit me and my husband,” Mrs. Guardado said to Pastor Fausto. ”There are many times that I feel alone in this and cannot see how things will change.  Then God brings me hope through a visit from you, or from a blessing like this house.”

Please continue to pray for the Felix Guardado family, that their marriage would be restored and God would be glorified.  And pray for our local pastors in Mexico, like Pastor Fausto, who continue the work of ministering to these families long after a home has been built.