Lazaro and Carmen's Family Home

Click Here to watch a short video about this family!

Family: Lazaro and Carmen Ramos Gomez

Sponsor:  UNF - Students Converge on Campus

Lasaro and Carmen's home is being sponsored by Converge on Campus, a ministry of college students based out of Jacksonville, FL.

When we first met Carmen, and saw her living conditions, we immediately wanted to help.  As we got to know her and the kids better, visiting frequently, Carmen told me her husband's name was Lasaro.  "Is there more than one Lasaro in Buena Vista?" was my response.  She said no...  Turns out, I had been working with Lasaro numerous times on different projects in the past year and a half.  He has always been quick to want to help in whatever he sees us doing, and has never asked me for a thing.  In fact, I refer to him to my wife as the "cowboy hat guy that is always smiliing."  It was such a joy to find out that Carmen's husband was Lasaro!!

A mission team from Students Converge on Campus came to Guatemala and surprised me with a presentation of the money to sponsor a 12x12 home!  While they were here, they met Carmen and the kids, visited their home, and prayed with them.  Not long after they left, construction had begun! 

About Lazaro:

Lazaro grew up right here in Buena Vista.  His dad died when he was a baby.  At 4 years old his mother died and he was left with his grandmother, his only known relative.  At 7 years old, his grandmother died and he was literally left to fend for himself.  He spent the next 8 years an orphan, living on the street.

At age 15 he married Carmen.  They now have 9 children and a new home.

On Saturday, Feb 27 2010, we welcomed them into their new home.  The home is beautifully set into the side of a mountain overlooking the valleys and Guatemala City.  It is as beautiful a setting as you can imagine.

It was a wonderful celebration.  My prayer is that, for Lazaro, this home represents the fact that God has not forgotten about him.  That God loves him and sent his son Jesus for him.

What a blessing to know Lazaro and Carmen and their family…  and to be used by God to bring this blessing for them.  Thank you to the students at Converge on Campus for following the heart of God and giving your money to make this happen.  Please continue to pray for this family.