Dear Friends, Mission Partners, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My heart draws me to share about a recent visit to Piedra Gorda, a place
etched deeply in my memories. Years ago, in 2008, as a pastor’s translator, I served this community alongside the beloved brothers and sisters there. I eventually moved to the mission field full time in 2012. Even after settling in Esperanza, I continued to share preaching, teaching, and evangelism responsibilities there and in two other churches in two different towns.
Throughout the years, Piedra Gorda held a special place in my heart, especially during the early years of my arrival in the mission field. I participated in projects with visiting teams, witnessed times of hardship like Yeison’s grandmother’s passing and Yera’s
struggles, and experienced the dwindling visits from foreigners who at one time came to help. Yet, the connections remained, and the people continued to be dear to me.
This recent trip held a deeper purpose. My son, Yeison, who is almost ten years old, very bright and very aware, desired to visit his biological mother Yera and wanted to offer help to her and her caretaker Brunilda. Their needs weighed heavily on our hearts, knowing the challenges they face. So that morning, we sent a surprise video message from Yeison to Yera which brought tears to her eyes, reminding her of the son she dearly loves. It was a beautiful reunion filled with joy and tears when we arrived just a few hours later.
Yera, burdened by a mental disability, gave birth to Yeison when she was 20. Although aware of him and expressing affection, she is unable to care for herself, let alone a child. By God’s grace, Yeison has been with me since infancy, a constant reminder of God’s love and the Gospel. However, a growing concern weighs heavily on me: what will happen to Yera if Brunilda, her dedicated caretaker with her own health issues, is no longer able to care for her?
Brunilda has been an extraordinary blessing to Yera, transforming her life from a state of neglect to a safer and more comfortable existence. Beyond Yera, she opened her heart and home to vulnerable children, shielding them from exploitation and harm. This community lacks safe havens for individuals like Yera, and the thought of her falling into the wrong hands is terrifying.
Seeking solutions with prayer and guidance, I envisioned building a small and affordable home for Yera near Brunilda’s home. This would ensure her safety and provide continuity of care even if unforeseen circumstances arose. Brother Freddy, a trustworthy leader in the community, has built similar homes and would be instrumental in this project.
While exploring alternative options, visiting facilities for disabled individuals left me furious and at the same time, heartbroken. Witnessing the lack of
proper care and potential for abuse solidified my conviction: Yera deserves better.
Thankfully, a small plot of land in Piedra Gorda has been graciously donated, paving the way for this project. My hope is that Yeison, who already expresses concern for his mother, will be able to support her in the future when he is an adult. Building this home will offer him the opportunity to fulfill that desire and ensure Yera’s well-being, especially when needed most.
Please join me in prayer for Yera, Brunilda, and the entire community of Piedra Gorda. Pray for wisdom and guidance as we move forward with this project.
Consider partnering with us through a commitment to making this vision a reality. Your support will not only benefit Yera and Brunilda but also open doors for further ministry opportunities in this precious community.
As you can see, Yera and Brunilda face a desperate situation. Building a safe haven for Yera is crucial, not only for her well-being, but also to honor Brunilda’s years of selfless care. With your generous support of $18,000, we can make this a reality. This is the price of a church van in this country. Yet for the same amount you can help us provide a home, a long term solution for Yera. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal.
With your generous support of $18,000, we can make this a reality. This is the price of a church van in this country. Yet for the same amount you can help us provide a long term solution for Yera. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal.
Together, we can offer Yera the security and care she needs. This wouldn’t be just any house; it will be a small, yet well-built structure designed to last for
many years, ensuring comfort and safety for Yera well into the future. By contributing, you’re not just providing temporary relief, but investing in a long term solution.
Remember, Brunilda has dedicated years to caring for Yera, and ensuring her well-being even if unforeseen circumstances arise is paramount. Please consider joining us in this meaningful endeavor. Your compassion could change the course of their lives. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generosity.
In Christ,
Antonio Salgado
I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.– Philippians 1:3-5
“Those who pray for, and give to missions, play a crucial role just as important as the missionary on the field. We really believe that. Thank you for holding the rope for us.”
We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field.
If the Lord so lies on your heart to give back to Him by supporting this ministry or contributing to the aforementioned project:
You can donate to this ministry online with PayPal. Click the donate button below to send support of any amount directly to the ministry. This is the fastest option to get funds to us. Click the link below for that option. To donate specifically for this project, please add a note with donation that says “Project PG”.
Also,
CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
Houston, Texas 77218-9228
1-800-CMC-PRAY (1-800-262-7729)
Office: 281-599-7411
Fax: 281-599-7511
The ministry of (CMC) serves hundreds of missionaries, but they ONLY receive the funds for us and in no way have control over how the funds are to be spent or what we are to do as a ministry, which gives room to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and some liberty in making needed adjustments and attending emergencies.
You may begin sending your support to the BCMS (Antonio Salgado) at any time at the address above. (Checks should be made payable to Central Missionary Clearinghouse or C.M.C.)
You can also now give to the ministry here in the DR online through the new giving solution called “click and give” at the CMC website.
To get started, you just need to click on the link below and register the first time. Just a simple click on the donate button on their page (see link below), and then click the “click and give icon/button”.
https://www.cmcmissions.org/donate
For tax exemption, you must send your donation through Central Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) at the address above. But the PayPal option is the fastest way to get funds directly to the field.
We do not use a sending agency that gets a percentage of the money donated, so you can be sure that your gift goes directly to the mission field.
Whatever you decide, thank you so much for praying for us and helping this ministry. God Bless You!