Dennis and Nora Suisse run an orphanage for girls near Puerto Cortez, Honduras. At the time I was there, there were about 20 girls living there between the ages of five and about 13.
Dennis took me on a tour of Puerto Cortez, a major seaport with much of the life-style that sailors are noted for. He explained how the average life expectancy of a "street" boy was a matter of weeks or months. Most were abducted. Girls had it far worse. We saw children sleeping in trees, atop walls, and in markets to avoid being alone, easy prey for those who would use them.
The orphanage was a different story. The girls were neat, clean, and happy, going to school and doing those things little girls the world over all enjoy. Love and care were there in abundance.
You don't have to speak Spanish to understand a little girl singing "Jesus Loves Me." You only have to watch and listen to see how these children are being cared for, and how much they appreciate the care, education, and Christian training they receive.
I use a part of the video I shot there to show the power of God working through dedicated men and women, and the power video has to show it. I show a two minute segment of girls introducing themselves in front of the camera. Thirteen girls from five to eleven give their names and ages. I stop the tape and hold a quiz, asking what the audience has noticed. They know nothing of the girls, but always respond with statements about how cute they are, how nice they look, and how happy they seem. I have never received a negative reply.
I then run the next 32 seconds of tape. It says "Sweet, normal little girls. You probably wouldn't guess that seven were orphaned and six were abandoned. All but two have been abused. Most have been raped. Some have even been sold. Now they are all little girls again, at the Caribbean Christian Orphanage."
Nothing but the power of God working through dedicated people can accomplish that. Unless you are there, nothing but video can convince you that it really happens.
There are Christian-ran orphanages in many countries, ran by many different organizations. If you can, visit one. You will be seeing a ministry that can never take a day off and can never relax. This particular orphanage had to always guard against abductions, for the girls would have brought a considerable sum. I did a certain amount of lip-biting while I shot this film, so be prepared emotionally if you can visit. It WILL be worth your time.
(I visited the Orphanage in 1994 and only have a two year old video about it. It has grown, but I have no new information.)
Paola's introduction.
