Sharon's Casa de Ninos

In 2000, Sharon Nelson began opening her door to the Mexicali children in her neighborhood in need of food, safety and love. Most of these children are growing up in homes where their parents are either drug addicts or in prison, and are therefore largely left to fend for themselves.  Sharon ministers to nearly 50 neighborhood children in all, ranging in ages from 3 to 15 years old.  She provides them with a safe environment, food, and instruction in God's word. She teaches the children memory verses and counsels some of their mothers through a Bible study.

The next project at Sharon's Casa de Niños is to have an art school built for the children.  She desires the art building to also contain dorms for children, so that children from all over Mexicali would be allowed to come and stay. Sharon's always had a vision of caring for children forced to sell items on city streets in order to feed their parent's drug habits. These children often sleep on the pavement because they have nowhere else to go.

In August 2005, Sharon was joined by Jen Barlage who has come to serve and work with the children at Sharon's Casa de Niños.  Sharon is looking forward the many changes that God will bring about during the next two years of Jen's ministry.

The Children (Los Niños)
For the children who live at Sharon's Casa de Niños, they are fed God's word every morning before breakfast. After reading, they have a discussion on how they can apply the lessons during the day. All of the children have their own set of daily chores. They are learning to trust, to be responsible and to care about each other. The only requirement for staying at Sharon's Casa de Niños is that they go to church. 

It's amazing to see the difference Christ is making in the lives of these children. Here are a few examples from the children in their own words:

A 13 year old boy used to walk past the house all the time, "I didn't know anything about Jesus or who He was, but I stopped here one day and you showed me the Jesus film for children. That was when my life changed. I wanted this Man in my life. I love coming here because I know Jesus is here and I love going to the church because I know He's there."

"You know, Sharon, my parents asked me the other day what I wanted to be when I grew up. I thought for a long time, but couldn't think of anything."  Sharon replied, "Maybe God wants you to be a pastor or teacher or even an evangelist?" He looked up with wide eyes and said, "Yes, I would like to do that. I would like to tell the people all over Mexico about Jesus."

When Sharon asked an 11 year old what lesson he was going to apply, he responded, "Today I will not lie or steal."  He had been reading in the Bible and was shocked to see "steal no more" and "liars will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven" - for he was raised to do these things, having no idea it was wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Building (La Casa)

In 2004, an additional house was built on Sharon's land in order to accommodate the number of children needing a place to stay.

So many groups participated in this new building effort; thank you for your service and support!