BRIDGE OF LOVE HOME FOR CHILDREN... YUCATAN, MEXICO: BRIDGE OF LOVE HOME BROCHURE

Bridge of Love Home for Children

Dzan, Yucatan, Mexico

HISTORY

Bridge of Love Home for Children has been functioning since 2004, run by missionary Steve Fletcher, from Minnesota, and his wife, Martha, who is a Yucatan native of Mayan descent. In 2004, as they were seeking property to build their orphanage, there were seven children from one family who needed a home, as both parents had been incarcerated. Seeing that it would be quite some time before their orphanage property would be ready (they were purchasing the land at this same time), Steve and Martha, along with their three biological children, Melissa, Steve Jr., and Michael, decided to take these seven children into their own home. This transition was coordinated through the Mexican government defense of the family offices (DIF).

In 2004, these seven kids ranged in ages from newborn to 13 years old. In the process of raising these kids in their own home, the work on the new 20 acre property began. Through the help of mission teams, churches, and donations, the property began taking shape. Between 2004 and 2012 there were more than 40 mission teams and 500 people who came to visit and serve at Bridge of Love Home.

This is the Dining Hall / Auditorium

Kitchen

4 Dormitory Rooms Ready

Interior of dorm rooms

Ball Court / Activities Area

Family picture from 2015

PRESENT SITUATION

In 2011, Bridge of Love Home was legally Registered with the Mexican Government and Authorized to function on a larger scale on the property.

But there was too much riding on too few major donors, and in 2012 funding was lost to finish the project. At that time it was thought that Bridge of Love had come to an end, before it even got officially started.

In the middle of 2016, things began moving again. Doors began opening with government agencies here, that are committed to helping Public Service Organizations to get up and rolling. Part of this is from the administration standpoint, and another part is from government funding that is available for non profit organizations that are committed to serving the public and the communities.

Now, once again, as we are considering this new phase of the Bridge of Love Home, new kids have come into our lives. 4 kids from one family arrived December 22, 2016.

From left to right,

Valentin (4), our son Michael, Marcos (8), Romulo (6), Steve and Martha, and Luis (10)

These kids are coming from an extremely violent situation, and also need much patience as they learn to adapt in a new, loving and respect filled environment.

From the original 7 children, 3 still remain in our home, two of which are still minors. Then we have the 4 new kids that just came... so there are 6 minor orphans under our care and completely dependent upon us. In our home at this time... Steve and Martha, Our children, Melissa, Steve Jr, and Michael, Three of the original orphan kids that have been with us since 2004, Adriana, Erik, and Edwin, and the 4 new kids, Valentin, Romulo, Marcos, and Luis. 12 persons total.

PRESENT FINANCIAL SITUATION

The long term goals of construction and getting the project back on track is on hold until we can get through this new phase of raising consistent monthly funding for the daily needs of the home with 6 underage orphans, 12 total living in our home.

At this time we are not receiving any consistent budgeted monthly support, just periodic donations that come in sporadically. And although the government here is working to get us financial assistance, none has come in yet, so we are at zero budgetable monthly support.

We have a monthly budget of approximately $2000. This would cover the very basics of food, gas for the vehicles and the stove, education expenses, and all daily needs that arise. This will also cover the paid help that are brought in for cleaning, washing clothes, and caretakers of the children. The new process with the government is also costing us more at this time with all the trips we have to make to seek the government helps and file paperwork (gas recently went up to over $3.50 USD per gallon).

For complete coverage of all expenses including clothing, shoes, extra gas for outings and expenses involved, $1000 more per month would be excellent.

$2000 p/month / 30 = 67 dollars per day

6 orphans @ $11 per orphan per day

$3000 p/month (full coverage) / 30 = 100 dollars per day

6 orphans @ $16 per orphan per day (full coverage)

Both Martha and I are full time missionaries, and beyond the work with orphans we visit local communities weekly sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. The love of God is the heart behind what we have committed our lives to doing, serving others even in the midst of great personal sacrifice. The amounts shared above will be a great service and relief to our complete missionary work and will ease the burden and allow us to continue on serving wherever the Lord shows us the needs around us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information and considering support of this ministry.

God bless you!

GIVING OPTIONS

1. $11... Covers one child for one day under basic coverage

2. $16... Covers one child for one day under complete coverage

3. $67... Covers all costs at the home for one day, basic coverage

4. $100... Covers all costs at the home for one day, complete coverage

5. $462... Covers all costs at the home for ONE WEEK, basic coverage

6. $700... Covers all costs at the home for ONE WEEK, complete coverage

7. $2000... Covers the costs at the home for ONE MONTH, basic coverage

8. $3000... Covers all costs at the home for ONE MONTH, complete coverage

There is a donation button on the website, or paypal can be used directly to email address: