About the Ministry
Eleven years of ministry in Azacualpa, Honduras
The Children’s Home Today
The Children’s Home currently houses five children, ages 6-18. They attend the Christian School on campus, share in the chores around the grounds, and participate in daily Bible stories.
We have a number of buildings on the property and God blessed us with our own church building, which was finished in January 2008. The building is used for worship and fellowship, as a cafeteria for the people who live here as well as for the feeding program. It also serves as a clinic for our annual medical/dental team visits. The school building, which doubles as Sunday school classrooms, was completed in 2012, the addition was completed in 2023. We are able to provide education to children in pre-school through ninth grade. Lastly, we have our own water well. The well system stretches 195 feet underground and has an output of 50 gallons of water per minute.
The Children
None of the children here are orphans and most are here with siblings. For all of them, their parents (or single parent) are unable to raise them due to financial need. Many end up at the Ministry due to governmental referrals from San Pedro Sula. Some parents or other relatives also hear about the Ministry and ask to bring their children (or grandchildren) here.
Bayron, Jaykon, and Paula
Bayron (10), Jaykon (8) and Paula (6) are siblings that entered the children’s home program in January of 2024. They lived in Ocotepeque, Honduras and entered the program at Ministries of Faith from due to the critical economic condition of their parents. Their stepfather suffered an accident damaging his spine so could not work as before.
They did not have a safe home, did not attend school, nor could they cover their basic needs. They are now enrolled in third grade, first grade, and kindergarden
Alcides
Alcides (8) is from Quimistan, Santa Bárbara. He lived with his grandfather and his older brothers, but he does not have parents. He entered the program due to his grandfather’s economic condition. Alcides’s grandfather could not take care of him because of his job.
Alcides had no one to take care of him and was homeless and did not attend school. He is now enrolled in second grade.
Yeimi Domitila
Yeimi Domitila (18), pronounced Gem-ni, was eight years old when her grandmother’s health severely declined and could no longer provide for Yeimi. She been with us since 2013
Yeimi graduated high school in 2023. She is now studying computer engineering online and is working at Ministries of Faith school as the computer teacher.
The Staff
God has been so faithful to this ministry! We wouldn’t have been able to get this far without the powerful hand of our living and loving God. He has provided every necessity, no matter the size, and has protected every boy and girl – including providing incredible staff with faith at the center of their support of the ministry.
Dilia Zelaya
The Director at Ministerios de Fe Vida Nueva — Ministries of Faith (and) New Life — Dilia overseas the children who live at the Home, daily activities and programs as well as the Christian school. Through out the year Dilia works closely with mission groups that come to the Home from the United States.
Alex and Mariana Mendez
In 2004, they were hired on as houseparents at the Home. After 20 years of being house parents Alex and Mariana continue to work at the Home. Alex is the pastor of Ministries of Faith church and Marian continues to work in the kitchen and teaches Sunday school. Their children are Lisbeth (23) and Alexandra (18) Johanan (7 years).
Keren Terry
Keren works with groups or individuals who want to take their own mission group to Ministries of Faith. She works closely with team leaders as they plan their project for their time at the Ministry.
A little background
In 2003, Dago and Dilia Zelaya started the Ministry along side FBC in Marshalltown. Brenda, Alex and Mariana served as houseparents to 23 children. Most of these children have graduated from our Ministry. Some are in college now and others have found jobs and live with family members in nearby cities or towns. Today, there are 5 children that live at the Ministry.
The purpose of the Ministry is not to find new homes for any of these children but to raise them to lead productive and self-sufficient lives by the time they reach age 18 and leave the Home. All of the children help out with chores as any family member would. They help out with laundry, dishes, cleaning and helping with the cooking for the “family”.
In early 2016 Dago decided to step down as the Director of Ministries of Faith. Dilia has taken up the director position and all other responsibilities that come with the Ministry.