United Presbyterian Church of Sterling, Kansas

Project CASA in Copan, Honduras

Introducing Manuel

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Manuel at age 12 (1997)
 

Manuel today (2007)

Manuel was small at age 12 when we first met. Ten years later, he had put on weight. He had a job at a restaurant and commented, “Now I have food to eat.”

His full name is Manuel de Jesus Guerra. Guerra means “war.” At age 13, when asked “Which one do you want to be like, Jesus or war?” he responded, “What do you want me to be like?” He would do anything for a handout.

In 2001, we left money for Manuel to go to school. He had only completed 6th grade. He spent the money on shoes and clothing, attending school only 3 weeks. When he asked for more money in 2006, he heard the story from Matthew 25 about the servants who received talents from their master. Manuel recognized that he had wasted the opportunities that had earlier been provided.

On seeing him again in 2007, Manuel had a job and was attending 7th grade. He carried major financial responsibilities for his family. He was regularly involved in church, having been baptized during the prior year. When asked why he was different, he said, “Remember that story you told me?” When reminded of his response to which of his names he would be like, he held up his Bible and said, “This is my sword!”

Current Situation

Manuel lives with his mother, Petrona, father, Lazaro, brothers, Antonio and Josue, and sister, Erika, in an adobe house along a dirt lane.

The adjacent property owner has built large concrete block walls around two sides of the house, and the Guerra family has incorporated these walls into their house.

A single faucet on the outside front of the house provides water for cooking, laundry, and showering for the family. A crude combination of sheet tin and sheets provides minimal privacy.


The “bathroom” is a small interior “outhouse” with a clay tube over a hole in the floor.

Manuel's family home

 

"Showering" facilities

Manuel and his mother, Petrona, in their dining area

Current "bathroom"

 

The Plan
When Manuel told us about his dream of some day building a decent house for his mother, we asked him to work on plans. Manuel has worked with a contractor to develop plans for a concrete block house that has a cement floor, 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, dining, and sitting area. The estimated cost for this set of plans is just over $30,000.

 

Progress

Sterling United Presbyterian Church is sponsoring this project. The church has a connection with a consultant in Honduras, Mr. Ovidio Flores, who is working with Manuel on issues related to the new house. Those issues include:

  • Acquiring land on which to build the house
  • Preparing for utilities
  • Preparing Manuel to understand maintenance costs for the house (taxes and utilities)
  • Determining what aspects of the plan are necessary for the family’s needs

Your Participation

We are committed to providing a new house for Manuel. Expenses include the following:

  • Land on which to construct the house
  • Labor and materials
  • Rental and living expenses while the house is being constructed
  • Furnishings for the house
  • Consulting expenses in Honduras to ensure appropriate fund expenditures

 
We invite you to consider contributions to this project. You may send them to:
  
Project CASA
United Presbyterian Church of Sterling
307 N Broadway Ave
PO Box 292
Sterling, Kansas 67579
 
All gifts are tax deductible and will be entirely spent on this designated project.

 
Please contact us: 
 
 
United Presbyterian Church
Phone: 620.278.3217
Fax: 620.278.3114
Email: churchoffice@supc.kscoxmail.com